Residential Camps at LT Ranch

By Jill Beatty Program Director, LT Ranch

This summer, Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) hosted a series of one-week residential camps at LT Ranch, welcoming kamaliʻi from across the pae ʻāina. These immersive camps offered a wonderful opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian culture and heritage, interact with our ranch animals, and focus on healing and social-emotional development.

Witnessing children come together at LT Ranch was a testament to the trust’s mission to care for Native Hawaiian children, especially the most vulnerable. The pilina they established with one another, and the life skills they gained, confirmed the trust’s commitment to the wellbeing of kamaliʻi.

Nestled in Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island, LT Ranch is stewarded by the trust. The ranch provides a sanctuary of open pastures and clean air, naturally embraced by the queen’s children. Beyond residential camps during school breaks, LT Ranch also provides after-school activities and specialized programs for students in alternative learning environments.

Our programs focus on three pathways — the arts, ʻāina, and animal-assisted therapy. The pathways help the children develop social-emotional skills and learn valuable life lessons applicable to their homes, schools, and communities.

Animal-assisted therapy is an integral part of our approach. Our animal companions – rescued and retired horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and Silkie chickens – enrich the lives of children, teaching them essential values like kuleana, aloha, and respect (hōʻihi).

Horses, especially, inspire and guide our ʻōpio. As prey animals, they are highly attuned to their surroundings, teaching ʻōpio to stay connected to their physical presence instead of being distracted by their thoughts. This connection between horse and ʻōpio enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation, leading to better understanding and managing of their own feelings.

At the ranch, ʻāina activities include planting and harvesting in our mala and hydroponic gardens, which nurture pilina with oneself, others and the ʻāina. Art activities provide opportunities for self-reflection and expression as ʻōpio practice hoʻomalu by taking time to ground themselves before diving into their projects. This mindful approach is especially valuable when handling delicate pottery and glazes.

Throughout their stay, campers are guided by Aloha Agreements — principles of aloha, onipaʻa, ʻimi ʻike, kuleana, and kūpono. Aloha Agreements, developed by ranch teammates and unique to LT, encourage campers to strive toward positive interactions within themselves, one another, and the environment.

We are deeply grateful to Queen Liliʻuokalani, whose trust she established in 1909 continues to support Hawaiian kamaliʻi. Her vision for thriving children is realized at LT Ranch, a place where healing and growth are nurtured and encouraged.

Jill Beatty is the Program Director for LT Ranch, maintained by Liliʻuokalani Trust. To learn more about the Ranch or LT, please contact the Mālama Line (808) 466-8080 or visit onipaa.org/malama-line.