At Los-Soul Ranch, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years. One of the ways we do this is by teaching the next generation hands-on skills that connect them to the land, to history, and to each other. Through our youth program, children have the chance to step away from screens and discover the value of working with their hands. They learn timeless practices like churning butter, making cheese, creating homemade ice cream, and even crafting leather from hides.

These experiences aren’t just fun activities—they are powerful lessons in patience, responsibility, and tradition. Every churn of butter or stretch of leather teaches children how much effort goes into the things we often take for granted. By learning how food is made and how resources are used, they gain a deeper respect for where their meals and everyday goods come from.

At the heart of this program is the belief that knowledge should be shared, not lost. Many of these practices were once part of everyday life, and we want to ensure they live on for future generations. It’s about more than food or crafts—it’s about building pride, self-reliance, and a stronger connection between young people and their community. When kids leave Los-Soul Ranch, they don’t just walk away with new skills; they carry with them a piece of tradition that will stay for a lifetime.

Children learn how to transform fresh cream into butter the old-fashioned way. This hands-on activity helps them see the process from start to finish, showing how simple ingredients and steady work can produce something delicious. Along the way, they also gain an appreciation for the effort behind everyday foods we often take for granted.

Our cheese-making lessons teach kids how milk can be turned into one of the world’s oldest and most loved foods. From heating the milk to separating curds and whey, the children participate in each step. Not only do they get to taste the final product, but they also learn about the science and tradition that makes cheese-making such a valuable skill.

Through this activity, children discover how hides can be repurposed into durable leather. We introduce them to the basics of tanning and the craft of leathersmithing, showing them how people have relied on these skills for centuries. It gives them a respect for resourcefulness and creativity, while also showing the importance of not letting anything go to waste.

Making ice cream by hand is always a favorite among kids. They learn how simple ingredients like milk, sugar, and cream can come together to create something special. They mix, churn, and freeze their own batches—turning learning into a fun, tasty reward. It’s a sweet way to connect kids to the joy of homemade traditions.