Rawhide Youth Services believes in teaching troubled youth that they have options—options in their life direction and fun, healthy options for filling idle time. We introduce our students to a broad range of sports and physical education activities to equip them with hands-on knowledge of those options. Thanks to generous donors, our youth are able to learn new pastimes and interests that are important to their well-being and chance for a better life. Rawhide offers them: Physical education or “gym class” Organized sports Free-time athletic activities Athletic Programs for At-Risk Youth Athletic programs at Rawhide are designed to teach the guys values outside of the sport itself, like teamwork and respect for others. “I try to focus on playing games that teach them how to get along with each other and encourage teamwork even after they leave Rawhide.” – Jeff Schillinger, Phy. Ed. Instructor Jeff Schillinger, physical education instructor at Rawhide’s Starr Academy, focuses on two kinds of sports: “Regular sports,” such as football, basketball, and softball “Lifetime sports,” such as bocce ball and badminton Jeff’s goal is to expand their interests, too. “All the guys come in thinking they’re basketball players and are surprised when they discover a passion for something totally different like badminton.” Organized Sports Programs Outside of traditional gym class, Rawhide guys can compete against area schools in track and field and basketball. Track and Field Through 15 years of competition in Track and Field, Rawhide guys have set numerous school records for Starr Academy, but three jumping records stand out: Long Jump: 20’ 4.75” Triple Jump: 41’ 6” High Jump: 6’ 0” All three records above were set by the same guy in 2002. Had he been eligible to compete in the Wisconsin State Track and Field Championship that year, his long jump and triple jump records would have placed him in the top five in any of the divisions. Basketball Rawhide guys may play basketball for the Starr Academy All-Stars team during their time on the ranch. The team plays from late November to mid-February and competes against schools in the Fox Valley and Green Bay area. They also take an annual trip to play on Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Free-time Athletic Activities Free time activities vary by season since the ranch is located in Wisconsin. During warm weather, Rawhide students may play disc golf during leisure time, often enjoying a fun competition with youth care workers after school hours. Rawhide guys can also use a zip line course, ropes and nets course, and weight machines donated by Planet Fitness, and can go on a week-long winter adventure. Along with staff, the guys experience: Rock climbing Snow tubing Snowshoeing Floor hockey Snow volleyball Cross-country skiing Ice fishing 21 Benefits of Athletic Programs for At-Risk Youth Physical education and athletic activities offer improved health, in addition to these other benefits for our guys: Increases motor skills Fosters self-discipline Teaches teamwork Creates leadership skills Teaches necessity of cooperating with others Strengthens peer relationships Teaches respect for fellow peers Encourages goal setting Creates healthy habits for the future Lowers risk for depression Enhances memory Generates multitasking skills Improves sleep patterns Expands learning capacity Increases ability to handle stress Balances mood Offers variety of activities to stave off boredom Creates a sense of accomplishment Hones problem-solving skills Improves muscle tone Lessens odds of long-term health issues Our guys enjoy the variety of physical activity at the ranch. They burn excess energy, learn healthy pastimes, and experience real, honest-to-goodness fun. Give At-Risk Youth a Second Chance All of these athletic activities are possible because of our generous donors. Please consider making a donation to help fund Rawhide’s programs. Every bit helps give at-risk youth a second chance. Share: