The goal of the recreation component at Ponca Pines Academy is to help students develop an understanding of how and why recreation is important to an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle. Students at PPA will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities to expand their interests and skills.

Leisure Recreation offers an opportunity for students to identify and incorporate healthy choices into their daily life. At Ponca Pines Academy we assist students in exploring new ways to fill their personal free time. This encourages students to develop the skills needed to avoid the pitfalls created by boredom or unstructured time.

Leisure recreation activities may include, but are not limited to, scrapbooking, cooking, knitting, board games, yoga, and outdoor activities.

Active Recreation is designed to improve overall individual health and well being through a combination of activities. Active recreation focuses on individual fitness, as well as teambuilding exercises.

Active Recreation includes many of the following opportunities, located both on our campus and in the community: Soccer, basketball, circuit training, zumba, dance, Pilates, hot yoga, adventure-based teambuilding activities and games.

Individual Assessments & Planning is facilitated for each student upon enrollment by our licensed Recreational Therapist. Included in the assessment is a detailed review of personal interests and overall fitness. Following the assessment, the therapist and student develop a trackable, measurable, individual fitness plan. Our Recreation Therapist meets with students monthly to review their progress and update their fitness plan.

Retreats for Ponca Pines Academy students are built into our program to allow time to experience outdoor opportunities offered in the Nebraska area. Students are encouraged to participate in the selection and planning of both single and multi-day retreats.

Local and regional areas of interest include camping, hiking, bicycling trails, canoeing, geological digs, water sports, and more.