Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center

The OWL Center is a program of the Louisiana United Methodist Children’s and Family Services, Inc. 

Our program consists of an 800 acre wilderness facility located in the rolling hills of northeast Louisiana. Our goal is to be recreational, educational, or therapeutic with our services.

Our purpose is to create opportunities for personal growth and development through experiential learning activities and use of our facilities. We strive to provide programming that is challenging, beneficial, and financially accessible, in a peaceful environment that is conducive to learning and healing. 

​​​​​Ho Ho Ho! What do you know?

This is a great way to kick off the Holiday Season with this family-friendly event! Join us anytime between 10 am and 3 pm on December 7th, 2024, for our annual Christmas on the Farm fundraiser! All proceeds go towards our Equine Therapeutic Riding Program! Click here to check out all the fun from last year’s event!

There will be pony rides, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, crafts, face painting, games, and much MORE! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting from the North Pole. Feeling adventurous? The rock wall and zip line will also be available!

There will be a $20/vehicle entry fee. (CASH ONLY) This covers everything except the ropes courses and food. Pony Rides: 10-minute rides on OWL’s horses; and will run from 10-3. We will have hay rides transporting visitors all across our beautiful property. And the Maze is open all day to explore! Parking is free; shuttles/hay rides will run from the parking area to the conference center.

The OWL Center is a non-profit, community-based program of the Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, and our programs and facilities are open to the public. We work with schools, churches, families, and individuals, providing opportunities for therapeutic recreation and personal and group development.

Our therapeutic riding program serves children and adults with special needs, veterans, and at-risk youth, providing life-changing services to over 1000 individual clients each year.

For any groups interested in volunteering or sponsoring this event, please get in touch with Samantha Luttrell at 318-548-3395. Christmas at the Farm—The most wonderful time of the year! Come out and support this great program!

Mission Statement

Our mission is to utilize nature and outdoor adventure experiences in a manner consistent with Christian principles to provide an opportunity for family strengthening, personal growth, and group development.   We strive to enhance the relationships of participants by utilizing the OWL’s various facilities and programs.

Vision statement

Our vision is to provide quality outdoor experiences and facilities that enhance the lives of participants.

 

Where the Adventure is Worthwhile!

The Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL) Center is 800 acres of rolling hills, beautiful facilities, and programs designed to encourage teamwork, family bonds, character development, education, and fun!

 

We seek to:
  1. Enrich the lives and relationships of families and various groups.
  2. Provide an atmosphere consistent with building confidence, self-respect, leadership skills, and character.
  3. Educate through experiential processes and outdoor activities.
  4. Encourage bonds within the community.
  5. Provide programs and facilities that can be utilized to positively impact people’s lives.

OWL On Facebook

Originally designed to benefit the youth of the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home with therapeutic and recreational programs, the OWL Center also serves churches, schools, businesses, community groups, and families.

Dynamic activities, including team building, self-esteem skills, and family strengthening experiences help accomplish the overall mission of the OWL Center, which is Building Relationships.

The Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center is a ministry of Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services, Inc.


Business Hours:

Monday through Friday:
8:00 am–5:00 pm.
Call 1 (318) 777-3460

Saturday and Sunday:
Call 1 (318) 548-4247

Book Your Group Today

Interested in booking one of our cabins or hosting an event or program at the Owl Center? Contact us online to get started!

Learn More

Our Kids Love the OWL Center!

Children love to visit the OWL center. See what they have to say about their time here!

“The staff at the Owl are some of the most caring people I’ve met. They encouraged my students to try new things and helped them learn how to face their fears. Some rode horse for the first time or zip lined through the woods. I enjoyed the 6 week program my students went through. I look forward to bringing my grandchildren to the OWL and hope that we will be able to go through the program again next year.”

T.S.

“The staff at the OWL Center are so Patient and accommodating besides knowledgeable! Thanks so much for this experience.”

J.O.

“It’s a beautiful place, my son loved it! It was beautiful, and the people were nice, my son said he loved the horses, the little pigs, and the goats.”

W.A.

“The OWL Center has a world class ropes course operated by a world class team. We have utilized the course many times through the years training organizations how to optimize talent and maximize team performance. The OWL Center staff always receives 5 stars! From kids to Fortune 500 executives, the OWL Center has something for all!”

Thomas Evans
CEO Training Logic, Inc.

“Loving staff, happy healthy horse, excited goats, beauty and the glory of God’s touch!”

L.H.

“What an amazing place! Cindy and the staff at the OWL do an amazing job! The OWL is a great resource for our community! I hope more people come to know about all the fun things that can be done at the OWL Center!!! Great place for families, church groups, schools, and businesses to have a team building in the wilderness!! Love the OWL Center!!!”

A.G.

OWL On The Blog

Military Family Day Hosted by Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Family Counseling Center and Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center

December 10, 2015, Ruston, LA – Soldiers from Louisiana National Guard’s 528th Engineer Battalion were honored with a Military Family… Read More

Louisiana Tech University’s Freedom by Design Architecture Members Construct, Donate New Wheelchair Ramp at OWL’s WildHorse Arena

December 17, 2014, Ruston, LA –    Louisiana Tech University’s chapter of Freedom by Design consists of architecture student members who… Read More

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