The Summit Ranch

01/08/2026

Morning light in the barn. Because not every kid does their best thinking in an office or at a desk.

Visit www.summitranch.org to learn more about what we do.

01/07/2026

100 acres. Barns, trails, quiet rooms.

Not because it's pretty, because some kids can't access their own thoughts in a beige office.
They need space to move, room to breathe, and somewhere that doesn't feel like school.

That's what donor support makes possible.

See our work: summitranch.org

01/04/2026

Your kid was fine over break. Now they're melting down before the bus even arrives.

Here's what's happening: For the past two weeks, their nervous system got to relax. No alarms. No demands to switch tasks every 45 minutes. No sensory gauntlet of hallways and cafeterias.

Now they're being asked to jump back into a system that requires: sustained attention for hours, constant transitions, social navigation, and emotional regulation — all before their brain has fully woken up.

The meltdowns aren't defiance. They're a nervous system that got a taste of rest and is now being asked to perform again.

What helps: Lower expectations for the first week. Build in extra transition time. Expect the after-school crash to be worse than usual. And remember: this is temporary. Their system will recalibrate.

12/18/2025

"Summit Ranch has actually become a second home for my family."

That's what one parent told us. It's why we do this work.

This year-end, your gift helps more kids find calm, confidence, and connection on our 100-acre ranch. Every dollar goes directly to therapy scholarships, program supplies, and animal care.

Link in bio to give before December 31. www.summitranch.org/donate

12/17/2025

It's 6:45pm on Christmas Eve. Your kid seemed "fine" all day. But now they're in the car sobbing. Or screaming. Or completely shut down.

Here's what "fine" actually looked like from inside their head:

Lights too bright. TV too loud. Someone's perfume burning their nose. Sitting on a scratchy couch while everyone watched them open gifts. Making their face do the "grateful" thing. Smiling through "how's school" when their brain was screaming to talk about axolotls instead.
By the time they got to the car? Nothing left.

That meltdown isn't bad behavior. It's a nervous system that held on as long as it could.
New on the blog: why holidays are so hard for neurodivergent kids, and what's actually happening in their brain when they "fall apart."

Read the blog here: summitranch.org/blog/why-the-holidays-can-feel-so-hard-for-neurodivergent-kids-and-what-actually-helps

11/06/2025

It's 4:15pm and your kid just screamed at you about snacks.

This is the cortisol crash.

Your kid held it together all day at school. Followed rules. Stayed quiet. Managed transitions. Kept their body regulated.

Then they walk in the door and completely fall apart over something tiny.

Here's what's happening:
Cortisol (your body's stress hormone) builds all day. Masking, socializing, sitting still, following instructions — all of it requires regulation energy.

When they get home, that cortisol drops fast. And the crash feels awful. Irritable, emotional, exhausted, hungry, overstimulated, ready to explode.

They're not trying to ruin your afternoon. Their nervous system just spent 7 hours in overdrive.

What actually helps:

Buffer time. Don't ask about their day or start homework right away.
Protein snack. Blood sugar + cortisol crash = meltdown fuel.
Low-demand activities. Screen time, quiet space, movement, whatever helps them decompress.
Your calm. They're borrowing your regulation right now.

What doesn't help:

"Did you have a good day?"
Jumping straight into demands (homework, chores, activities)
"Why are you acting like this?"

The after-school crash is biology, not attitude.
Your kid isn't broken. The world just isn't built for their nervous system.

11/04/2025

Meet our three new kittens (and help us name them)!!

Last month we lost Brad, one of our program cats. He was spunky, loved attention, and connected with a lot of kids over the past two years.

These three are still learning the ropes, but they're already doing important work — teaching kids about gentle hands, patience, and how animals respond when you're calm vs. when you're worked up.

They need names. Drop your suggestions in the comments

11/04/2025

🍂 Want to know the secret to getting kids excited about vegetables?
Let them cook with you.

Summit Ranch is partnering with K-State Research and Extension to bring you Harvest Bites—a family cooking class designed to make seasonal cooking fun, educational, and totally doable.
No cooking experience needed. Just bring curiosity and an appetite!

What makes this class special:
✨ Research-backed recipes and techniques from K-State
✨ Age-appropriate tasks so everyone contributes
✨ Simple seasonal recipes you'll actually make at home
✨ Expert tips for less-stressful cooking time
✨ Fresh, local Kansas ingredients

Details:
📅 Friday, November 15th
⏰ 1.5 hours of hands-on learning
📍 Summit Ranch, 18555 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
💵 $35 per adult/child pair (ages 8+)
🎓 Presented by K-State Research and Extension + Summit Ranch

You'll leave with new skills and maybe even a kid who asks to help with dinner. 😊

Limited spots available! Register now:

Give your child the tools to thrive with hands-on classes at Summit Ranch. From life skills and executive function to mindfulness and creative expression, our engaging, nature-based classes help kids and teens build confidence, focus, and independence—all while having fun in a supportive environme...

11/03/2025

10/11/2025

Changing how we talk about dyslexia starts in classrooms, at home, and in everyday moments 📚 Join our Dyslexia Support Group on October 14 at 5PM to see how small encouragements make a big impact.

10/09/2025

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. This month, we’re shining a light on dyslexia and how understanding makes a difference 💜 Join our next Dyslexia Support Group on October 14 at 5pm to start that conversation!

10/02/2025

Summit Ranch is looking for a dependable, animal-loving person to step in when our Barn Manager or weekend staff are unavailable. This is an on-call, as-needed role—perfect for someone with animal care experience who’s flexible and values meaningful work.

Hours & Pay
• Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (holiday pay included)
• Weekday evenings: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (some flexibility available)
• $19/hour
• You’ll be contacted at least 3 days in advance if your help is needed

Responsibilities
• Feed animals and refresh water
• Clean stalls, pens, and surrounding barn areas
• Maintain barn cleanliness and safety
• Perform other upkeep tasks as needed

Requirements
• 18 years or older
• Experience working with or around animals, including large animals (horses)
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds
• Reliable, communicative, and attentive
• Genuine love of animals and commitment to their care

How to Apply
Please contact Jordanne Ehrhart at info@summitranch.org and include your resume.