About us

Who We Serve

The Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children occupies about 170 acres on the Lampasas River in Central Texas scenic Hill Country. Established in 1984 by Daurice and Jim Bowmer in memory of their grandson, Charles Bowmer Schreiner, V, who died of a heart ailment at 11 months and three diabetic grandchildren, it was originally a fishing day retreat for chronically ill children Baby Charlie's Fishing Camp. The retreat was operated at that time as a program of the Peaceable Kingdom Baptist Church, which is located on the Bowmer Ranch. Response to the camp from the children, their families and from the staff of Scott and White Memorial Hospital was overwhelmingly positive and requests for visits soon overwhelmed the existing facilities. In 1990, the retreat was enhanced by the addition of a building designed to allow overnight stays; these stays soon evolved into week-long retreats involving children with chronic illnesses, their families, and their treatment providers. In 1993, after several more expansions, the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children incorporated as a separate non-profit entity; at that time, the church deeded the land and facilities to the retreat

Today, Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children provides programs for more than 6,000 children and their families throughout the year. The Retreat operates 3 separate programs:

  • The Environmental Education Program - Provides adaptive outdoor education programming and learning activities for special education classes from user school districts.
  • The Weekend Program - Operates September through May and allows hospitals, family groups, children support along side businesses in the local community to visit the retreat.
  • The Summer Program - Allows children with chronic illnesses and special needs to participate in diagnosis specific week-long sessions by arrangement with their treating hospital or professional organization.

 

Who We Serve

Who We Serve

Peaceable Kingdom serves 6,000+ children with chronic illnesses and special needs between the ages of 3 and 22, along with their families annually. These children come free of charge and without regard to race, religion or ability to pay. The retreat serves children whose abilities and disabilities vary. Some are very verbal, social, and independent; others are non-verbal, non-ambulatory and/or incontinent. In spite of their differences, they share a common love for fun and friendships.

PKRC Map

 

Looking for a sneak preview of some of the fun that Peaceable Kingdom has to offer? Head on over to our map page and point your mouse over different areas of the map for a picture pop-up. Be sure to check out: the Putt Putt course, the theater, the climbing wall, the main house, and a few other surprise areas! There are thirteen preview pictures in total so try to find them all!

 

 

 

Partners

Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children works with many different partners to make sure that we provide the best possible facilities and services. Click here to see a list of some of the partners we work with!