Past, Present and Future Staff

This summer will be Teen Ranch‘s 45th year of operation. Throughout the years, we have had the privilege of serving literally thousands upon thousands of guests and staff. We hope that you are or will soon be one of them!

A sign on the left side of the lane greets you as you drive in and it reads, ―Drive Slowly—Future World Leaders Being Trained Here.‖ What do we mean by that? We‘d love you to know!

To help develop ―Future World Leaders‖ our goal is to aid in an individual‘s growth in four ways—

physically, mentally, socially and spiritually—and we are very intentional in doing this. This goal

directs everything we do, from running excellent programs to the process whereby people come

to volunteer on weekends summer staff or serve on full-time staff. Serving God by serving our guests, campers and fellow staff the absolute best that we can is priority....and we have an amazing, dedicated, full-time staff who exemplify and work hard to achieve this.

Frequently, we are encouraged that God is changing lives when people write and tell us how God has used Teen Ranch to impact their lives. Not only does the personal growth they experience affect them, but all in the bundle of life with them – and that‘s exciting!

This work couldn‘t be accomplished without people who are committed to give of their time, expertise or finances. A hearty thank you is due to all of you who have helped out in these ways.

Are you interested in investing some time here at the Ranch to help aid in people‘s growth? For those who want to help on week- ends, please write Sharon at TRhostess@hotmail.com. If you believe God may be pleased to have you here this summer, there is no time to lose. Email me at ann@teenranch.on.ca to find out about applying for a summer position.

May God richly bless each and everyone of you!

-Ann Stevens

Merry Christmas

In the Christmas story, we hear about travelers; wise men from the East, who traveled a great distance to see the new King who was born in Israel. This was not an easy trip for these wise men as it probably took many weeks and covered a great distance, riding on camels through some very harsh country. They did it because they believed what the Scriptures foretold about God‘s plan for the world, and about the gift (the birth of Jesus) that He would give, that would be the Saviour of the world.

Their story and efforts should be an example to us. They didn‘t just believe; they acted on their belief; and because they did, they got to see the baby Jesus; the King of kings and Saviour of the world with their very own eyes. Just imagine that for the rest of their lives, they could say ―we saw the King, we met the Saviour‖. It changed them.

It‘s nice and comforting and gives us warm feelings to know about Jesus and to celebrate His birth at Christmas, but if we don‘t act on our beliefs, if it doesn‘t affect us. If it doesn‘t make us search Jesus out, it doesn‘t do us much good. If we truly meet Jesus, it will affect everything in our lives and everything we do.

This year at the Ranch, we have visitors that have traveled a great distance to spend Christmas and New Year‘s with us. We have four visiting Russian hockey teams who will stay at the Ranch and attend tourna- ments while they are here. Hopefully, some will be able to return and attend a hockey academy here at the Ranch. They are coming from a country where for almost a century they have been told by their leaders that there is no God. It is our pleasure and privilege to share Christmas and the love of Jesus with them. Our hope and prayer is that they too will see the King and meet the Saviour.

This is also our prayer for you. That as you celebrate Christmas with family and friends, you will see the birth of Jesus in a new and fresh way and you will experience the awesome love of God demonstrated to us in His gift, the giving of His Son, the birth of Jesus. Blessings to you all from Teen Ranch and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 - Tim Stevens

The COST of Christmas

We arrived back home in Australia to the business that is Christmas...choosing gifts, wrapping gifts, finding car parks, grocery shopping and preparing food.

Through it all we heard com- ments on how much everything costs these days, the great expense that is Christmas.

But, we wondered....do we ever stop, in this crazy time, to con- sider what it cost God to send His Son to earth? Do we stop and wonder at the mystery and God's sacrifice for us?

Does it move us, this cost?

John 3:16 (The Message) says: ―This is how MUCH God loved the World. He gave us His Son, his one and only Son. And this is why, so that no one need be destroyed by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.‖

So as we prepare for Christmas day, may we all take time to set our hearts on how much God loves us and sacrificed for us.

JESUS is still the sacrifice. JESUS is still the restoration for a broken world. JESUS is still the answer.

Darryl and Kirsten Schenk, along with their lovely daughters, Adele and Milly hail from Australia. We are thrilled that they will continue to make the Ranch their home, returning after Christmas :)

Christmas Day Camp

Christmas day camps have been a blast this week!

In crafts we made paper snowflakes, gingerbread houses and garland.
We played hockey and went horseback riding.
We have also played games, had snacks and gone on walks and even hay rides!

Day Camp goes on tomorrow and next week, December 29 - 30.

Also, keep your eyes open for announcements for March Break day camps!

The Russians are Coming!

Most of the baby boomer generation will remember exactly where they were for the Canada – Russia series of ’72. But where will you be for the Ontario – Russia series of 2010? Teen Ranch is the answer!

Next week, starting December 21^st the Russians are coming to Teen Ranch. Four teams of 85 players total, ages 10 through 16 will be staying and playing in Southern Ontario until early in the New Year. Though their home base will be at the Ranch, each team will be travelling around to various holiday tournaments throughout the GTA.

The teams are equivalent to Ontario AAA standards and are said to be the best of the best in their age groups. In between tournaments the Russian teams will be playing exhibition games in Caledon at Teen Ranch. These games will be free admission and open to the public, so come out and see some international competition! Doors open half an hour before each game, refreshments are available at the Ice Corral.

On December 22 at 12:30 Team Kazakhstan plays the Toronto Red Wings. December 24^th at 9 AM is game two when Magnitogorsk Metallurg (Russia) faces off with our own Orangeville Flyers. The same day, at 10:30 AM Team Kazakhstan plays the North York Rangers. Teams take a break for a few days over Christmas, travelling to other tournaments as far away as Sudbury but are back at the Ranch on New Years Day for Team Kazakhstan to play the Owen Sound Greys at 4:30 PM. The last exhibition game to take place at Teen Ranch is January 3^rd at 3 PM when Team Kazakhstan plays their last game against the Central Ontario Wolves

Teams Kazakhstan, Magnitogorsk Metallurg and the Moscow Wings from all around the former Soviet Union found Teen Ranch through their General Manager, John McIntosh. McIntosh has been working in Russia for 17 years with these hockey teams through an organization called Athletes in Action. Athletes in Action works with young sports fanatics all over the globe training them in their sport of choice as well as mentoring them emotionally and spiritually. McIntosh hopes that this tournament will spark an interest in the Russia teams to build a hockey school at Teen Ranch, which will start in the Fall of 2011.

For more information check out the Teen Ranch website at www.teenranch.on.ca or call 519 941 4501. 

Xbox 360 for Christmas

Teen Ranch is doing a website blitz until January and we want to hear from you!

What keeps you coming back to Teen Ranch?
What are you favourite programs?
How did you hear about us?
Are you connected to us through social media?

Fill out our questionnaire on the Teen Ranch website for a chance to win a brand new Xbox 360!

Enter to Win HERE!

We Appreciate You

Friday evening at Teen Ranch was bustling with friends new and old as we concluded another year with our annual Appreciation Dinner.
This is an opportunity for us as a staff to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated of their time, prayers and money to make possible what happens every day on the property.
Two of our new staff, Joshua Menzies (Summer Programs Coordinator) and Britt Stevens (Events) filled the night with fun as donors and friends heard the stories about past and present campers and how Teen Ranch has touched their lives.
Attendees sat and conversed with staff and also heard about many of our new ventures this year including a marksmanship range, new water slide, building renovations and the brand new Carriage House. Though the carriage house isn't finished yet, it's well on its way to housing guests, hockey teams and many campers (hopefully) in the next year.

So thanks to all who attended, we wish you a wonderfully Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas at the Ranch!

We love Christmas around here! It’s so beautiful and festive with all the sparkly twinkling lights, garland and our many Christmas trees! The offices are full of Christmas music and it's so nice to come inside after exploring our winter wonderland. We are truly blessed here and it's so evident at Christmas!

Especially when it comes to our annual Appreciation Dinner. This week we look forward to hosting some of our donors, sponsors and volunteers from this past year. We will enjoy Christmas dinner and hear about what God has been doing in and around the Ranch in 2010. We will also let them in to some little secrets, plans for 2011. So exciting!

Christmas break week we host two separate day camp weeks. Here the campers will do crafts, play games, ice skate and pony ride. We have a number of fun Christmas crafts ready for campers, parents.... get ready to be amazed! This season we will also be having a number of groups come in to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. We enjoy being able to meet all these new faces and have fun with old friends. 

Keep in touch or stop by to say hi any time during the holidays; we would love to see you!

Overnight Camps

Came across an article from City Parent's website today about the advantages of overnight camp.
It talks about how overnight camps "build independence and social skills."

Here at Teen Ranch our campers develop mentally, physically, socially and spiritually to become independent kids. They have time to bond with friends and mentors both in and outside their cabins. Games during evening hours strengthen their experience with team work and connection with peers. Their bunk house leaders will give them tips about growing up and teach them valuable Biblical lessons.

Check out the article on cityparent.com for more information about choosing a camp. http://www.cityparent.com/article/15997

We hope to see your kids next summer!

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

It was such a blast and a total blessing to be able to catch up with many of you at this year's Royal Winter Fair. Our booth, complete with Horse Life Adventures for Wii and a touch screen featuring our latest programs, was a hit!

We enjoyed visits from new friends and old friends alike and really loved the opportunity to meet so many different people who have come to visit us over the last 40 years.

It was also fun for many of our international staff, who have never visited the Royal, to experience Canada's finest in equestrian and farm life. They came back on property with stories of discovering new booths every day!

This week we will be having our draw for the Free Week of Camp and Trail Ride for TEN and winners will be notified shortly.

Thanks again for all of you that visited us this year at the Royal.
We hope to see you again next season!

An Interesting Read

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/features/23335-does-community-really-matter

Relevant Magazine article about the value of community.

Read it.

And have a wonderful day!

Warm up with Summer fun!

Teen Ranch Camp Experience

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVs1DbXvLak

New videos on Teen Ranch youtube channel!

Hockey

Horses 

and CAMP!

Winter Events

One of my favourite parts of winter is being able to ice skate!
And Teen Ranch's Saturday night public skating has started!!

Come by the Ice Corral every Saturday between now and March at 6:30 PM to go skating. Bring family and friends and rock out to the latest songs on your skates. And while you're here, feel free to walk (or drive) across the tracks to explore the rest of what we have to offer.
During winter months guests can enjoy our tubing hill, snowshoeing, hiking and much more.

Let it snow!

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Teen Ranch will be at the Royal for the full two weeks of the event.

Come check out the table and see all that Teen Ranch has to offer in the next few months.

We're currently working on developing program for Summer 2011.
Stay tuned!!

Fall Fest Pumpkin Painting!

Autumn Time

As Fall continues on the Ranch has been full of fun and excitement!

The Fall Fest was a HUGE success, great fun for both the staff and the community as we opened the gates and had a day full of pumpkin painting, bull riding and giant swing-ing. Many first time visitors were very excited about what they saw on the other side of the tracks. And it was a huge blessing to us to be able to share our thankfulness with friends and family.

Last week we were able to put new carpet into our dining hall that came to us as a very generous donation from a good friend of the Ranch. It looks great!

This week we are hosts to another TCDSB group. It's always wonderful to see these kids bonding, learning more about each other and their Saviour. They are also very helpful to our staff during their activities and meal times. Our baby Zoey is an exciting draw for the school kids who live in the city.

Friday is our Horse Show Banquet where riders who participated in the shows throughout the year can gather and celebrate each other's accomplishments in the season past. Friends, prizes and great food! Happy Horse Show Year!

Barn Staff

We've been so busy the last few weeks I have neglected posting on the blog.
So here it goes again!!

The Real Deal had an excellent turn out from camps and youth groups all across Ontario! We hope that these kids were blessed in some way by the opportunity to learn and worship with hundreds of other youth.

The Teen Ranch Fall Fest was also a hit! We had a couple hundred show up on Saturday and have fun around the property with pony rides, games and even a mechanical bull! Staff and visitors alike shared what they were Thankful for this year and everyone had a wonderful time in the beautiful sunshine!

As we look to the rest of the year we're excited about the upcoming Hunter-Jumper Banquet, the Royal Winter Fair and having the Australian National Hockey Team here in December.

Keep posted!


We are also looking for a full time person to come on to work with us in the barn as of Nov 1.
If you are interested please contact Teen Ranch attn Corrie Ensom at corrie@teenranch.on.ca

Thanks!

The Real Deal

http://argonauts.ca/realdeal

Life of a Bunk House Leader

I really enjoy bunk house leading at Teen Ranch, though it can be draining at times. Any- one who has done it for an extended period of

time can tell you that it's not easy - not if you do it well. Spending time with the kids when you would rather be with your friends and dealing with things like homesickness and lack of respect can be draining for sure.

Why do I enjoy it? There are some shallow reasons to be sure, the time that you do get to spend with other staff is amazing, and the Ranch is a great place to be in general, but the real reason that I love being a bunk house leader is that I get to share the gospel with kids over and over again! I get to discuss it. I get to explain it. I get to tell it to some people for the first time! It's truly amazing!

Josh Menzies, son of former camper Rob Menzies, has been involved most sum- mers his whole life. We are pleased to have him start this month as Teen Ranch’s year round Program Coordinator

Cory Boyd and the Argos

Come out to the REAL DEAL.
Argos vs Roughriders. Oct 2, 2010.
Tickets available through Teen Ranch as low as $20!
http://www.teenranch.on.ca

Check out this clip on Cory Boyd
http://watch.tsn.ca/cfl-news-and-highlights/clip344628#clip344628

Upcoming Events.

Saturday, October 2 is the Real Deal—Come sit with Teen Ranch Staff and watch the Toronto Argos vs. Saskatchewan Rough Riders, hear Pinball Clemons and enjoy Christian band Building 429. Contact us for tickets.

October 9, you, your family and friend are invited to take part in our first-ever Fall Festival. Pony rides, pumpkin painting, carnival games and more are all taking place right here.

For details and more of our upcoming events check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/ teenranch or on Twitter: twitter.com/teenranchcanada. Hope to see you soon!!

Shannon Hicks has been involved with Teen Ranch since 1991 and is blazing the trail as the first-ever Teen Ranch Sales and Marketing Coordinator.

What Keeps You Coming Back to Teen Ranch Val?

I have been a volunteer at Teen Ranch since March, 2001 initially on weekend staff and eventually moved to helping each summer for about four weeks.

Why do I do this? Most teachers look forward to a long break to recuperate from what is often an exhausting year. Teen Ranch IS a place of rest and refreshment for me, in spite of long days in the    kitchen, snack bar, painting, weeding or whatever else I‘m asked to do! Great friends, a chance to work with children, and a fantastic oppor- tunity to serve God keep me ener- gized. I have and continue to learn so much about God through both the full time and summer staff as I interact with them. Selfishly, I come back to Teen Ranch because I am always blessed. More importantly, and my central reason for       volunteering at Teen Ranch is the impact I have seen in the lives of campers, retreat guests and staff. There is something about Teen Ranch that cannot be put into words. God is clearly in this place. People immedi- ately feel loved, accepted and safe. I consider it a privilege to be one of the smiling faces that make this possible.

Valerie Moreton has been a Music Teacher since 1999 with the Toronto District School Board.

Top Ten Summer Highlights

1. People that were here last year came back— AWESOME!!

2. New staff members and they were all amazing.

3. Super Hero week was amazing. Why? Flame Boy was back in action that‘s why!

4. ALL the games we played—Gauntlet was fantastic

5. There were more gin- gers (red heads) than I‘ve ever seen in my life. I felt peace knowing that I am not the last one.

6. I got to spend the summer in the hotel with the coolest roommate.

7. Alka-Seltzer Explosion— don‘t need to say anything more except—thanks Jared :)

8. Seeing campers from last year and witness how they have grown.

9. Being at the Ranch...there is a peace here which I don‘t get in the city of Glasgow.

10. Last, but not least, Extreme Skipping. Thank you Stefan and Mike— also known as Coach and Aviator.

 - Graeme Sharp

SUMMER and FALL STAFF 2010

What a summer. What a staff. Thank you Lord! And to you summer staff,  ̳thanks‘ is not enough to express our deep appreciation for encouraging, challenging and inspiring us as you passionately invested your time, energy and talent to make a difference in the lives of the campers God sent to Teen Ranch this summer. We trust that God, who is no man‘s debtor, will come through on His promise to refresh you just as you have allowed Him to use you to refresh others—and that He will bring you back soon :)!

This month we are very saddened to say good bye to long term staff that are family to us. Kayla Schenk has served here as a bunkhouse leader, kitchen staff and crafts guru and goes back to Australia to work and study. Luke Rettie has served as a bunkhouse leader, in the dish pit and as grounds maintenance boss. He is going home to Scotland to find work and then? A couple of lessons he‘s learned include, ―Be a self starter‖ and ―It‘s better to be five minutes early than to be one minute late. :) Lee Stevens is beginning a brand new adventure undertaking the running of her own stable in Shelburne. Thank you to each of you for allowing God to work powerfully in and through your lives here.

We have several summer 2010 campers applying to fill volunteer hours here and we are glad :) Some will become next summer‘s staff. Applying to do so requires each one to complete a nine part Bible Study Discipleship course. Here‘s some feedback from this summer‘s studies:

―The most meaningful part (of this study) to me is God‘s solution to our sin because when you are willing to confess your sin‘s and ask for forgiveness you are able to live a satisfying life and eternal life. I am going to keep trying to live by God‘s word so I can live a better life.

-Ann Stevens

From Our Director

What‘s the mission of those of us on staff at Teen Ranch?

―To love Christ and radiate His love.

Many times bunkhouse leaders have commented on the spiritual hunger of campers this past summer and we know that some of them have put their trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord of their lives.

In answer to the question, "What is one thing you have learned from your stay at Teen Ranch this week?" Here are some camper quotes:

―New things and not to swear

―A lot about God

―How to clean my room

 ―A lot about God and the Bible

―That you have to stick together as a team

―God is always with us in whatever we do

 ―You can do anything if you put your mind to it 

―To be myself

―A lot of new hockey skills and techniques

―Have fun and don‘t give up

―A lot about God and friendship. I also feel I have grown as a rider

―A lot of different skating moves

―God is loving, forgiving and awesome

―Cantering over a jump

―How to talk to God

 ―A lot. To pray to God more and to trust Him with everything.

What an incredible responsibility and privilege we have to be involved in God‘s eternal work here. It has been an amazing summer and we thank God.

-Tim Stevens (Director)

Hockey Training

Hockey is a constantly growing and evolving sport, and since the rule changes in 2004, the sport has gradually changed from favoring bulky, strong players to players emphasizing speed and agility. With a new season upon us, here are five tips to improve that on-ice speed, off the ice.

1.     Improve your leg strength: Basic concept that lower body strength translate to on-ice speed. A variety of off-ice exercises are recommended to build this strength such as one and two leg squats and dead lifts.

2.    

      Emphasize Power: A fundamental component of improving your on-ice speed is improving your lower body power. One of the most common exercises for improving this is the hang clean exercise (it’s a tricky technique I recommend looking it up on youtube). For younger athletes explosive lunges are recommended. The main focus in these exercises are explosive power which relate to explosive power on the ice.

3.     Hockey Specific Strengthening: While it’s important to gain a fundamental general strength, there’s importance in strengthening the lower body muscles through hockey movements. Our summer campers from our elite hockey program will be familiar with the penguin hill sprints we often put them through. Exercises like this mimic the skating movement and strengthen the muscles used when skating.

4.     Improve Your Flexibility: Improving your flexibility will allow you to maximize your stride and give you a greater range of motion. This will also allow you to reduce injuries throughout the season. Hockey players should try and stretch before and after each workout to improve flexibility and decrease chance of injury.

Similar to the Teen Ranch Elite Hockey Program’s dry land, lower body exercises should be integrated to a workout plan 2-3 days per week.  These tips will allow for you to maximize your speed, and make you an overall better hockey player.  An average NCAA hockey player can skate from goal-line to blue-line in 2.8 seconds, better start training!

-Kyle Kokotailo (summer hockey staff)

It's ALL About Jesus

The message of the Gospel has gotten a little foggy these days with the myriad

of issues facing people in the new millennium. Ask the average person on the street what a Christian is and it may be a while before you hear anything about Jesus or the cross. As Christians our message is simply Jesus – who he was, what he said, and what he did.

Our mission is to share that person with the world. God made us to belong to Him, but we wandered away... Jesus is the way back. More than forty years ago Mel founded Teen Ranch on that message, and the heart of it has never changed.

I have delivered the essence of

this message at countless camp- fires. It‘s a personal message. It‘s non- threatening. It‘s all about a meaningful relationship with God though Jesus.

Our opportunity to deliver the message is certainly more fo- cused during our time at the Ranch, but most of us live our lives away from the barn, the Ice Corral and Dining Room. More often than not, the good news of a relationship with Jesus comes to a person from someone they already have a relationship with. God has blessed us all with the ability to share that message. There may be people in your lives who may never hear it un- less it comes from you...

Over the years Mel has taught me many things, but one of my first summers at the Ranch he

said something that I never lost sight of. Quoting St. Francis of Assisi, he said: ―Preach the Gospel at all times... when necessary use words.‖

Jesus came to save us, unite us and teach us. Question: What can YOU do to spread the message?

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3:11

- John Clarke

John Clarke, his wife Velvet, son Ben and daughter Kayla have been a huge blessing to each of us for the past 13 summers.

Hockey Posts

Stay tuned for our new Hockey posts.
We're hoping to encourage young players in their development and invite them out to play with us at the Ice Corral during all seasons.

Our year round Hockey program director Jim Ensom and summer staff member Kyle Kokotailo will be updating regularly with the wild world of hockey.

New Filly

She's not named yet.... ideas?

21st Annual Golf Classic

The 21^st annual Teen Ranch charity golf tournament will tee off at the Caledon Country Club on September 13, 2010.

The Teen Ranch Fall Classic is a day of great golf, terrific food and lots of fun. But most importantly it is an opportunity for you to make it possible to help families in financial need send their kids to Teen Ranch summer camp. Money raised will also help upgrade sports equipment and support our volunteer staff.

The 21st Annual Teen Ranch Fall Classic Golf Tournament gives individuals and companies an opportunity to participate in building tomorrow’s leaders.

This summer more than forty kids were sponsored by the golf tournament, able to spend a week enjoying camp, making friends and building memories. Some campers this year came from Toronto others as far away as Harlem, New York. Shaena, a camper from week six says “[Teen Ranch] is a great environment and the people are amazing!” Week five camper Sakeenah says “[camp] is the funnest part of life”

Teen Ranch is a non profit Christian camp that was founded in 1967; it is an independent, non-denominational sports camp specializing in English and Western Horsemanship, Hockey and Outdoor X-treme Adventure camps. The goal of Teen Ranch programs are to help kids make positive decisions for their lives, building them up to be the best they can be. All programs promote a balance in the physical, social, mental and spiritual dimensions of life, based on solid Biblical principles.

Many local sponsors come out to the tournament annually as well as friends of Teen Ranch, hockey greats such as Paul Henderson, Ron Ellis and Mike Gartner. This year NHL Hall of Famer Ray Scapinello will be golfing and sharing stories through lunch about his years in the League.

To sponsor or play in the tournament please call 519 941 4508 or email registrar@teenranch.on.ca. For more information please visit our website at http://www.teenranch.on.ca .

Teen Ranch is the Place for YOU!

Check out this week's Caledon Citizen for an overview of Teen Ranch's horse program.

Latest information on Hunter/Jumper shows on ranch website.

http://www.teenranch.on.ca

Yesterday's Activities

Horse Mania Games in the Rodeo Ring!

BOOT CAMP

Teen Ranch in the summer runs weeks in a variety of themes.
This year we've been taken over by pirates, mad hatters, super heros and more as week by week more characters make their homes in the bunkhouses.
This week its time to shape up and get fit as the once-kind super heros trade their capes for fatigues.
Its ARMY WEEK!

Campers will participate in a variety of games and dinners based on the boot camp theme.
Josh Marshall is our campfire this week and will share with campers about the strong men in the Bible who fought for what they believe is right.

Come by the Ranch this week and see the training in action.

http://www.teenranch.on.ca

Foundation Golf Tournament

Monday September 13, 2010 is our annual golf tournament.
Each year money is raised through the tournament to send kids to camp who would not otherwise be able to participate.
This year's tournament will be held at Caledon Golf Club.
Tee off is at 8 AM
Lunch and prizes will follow at the Ranch.

For more information please visit http://www.teenranch.on.ca

Moving On....

Wow. Where to begin for my experience at Teen Ranch. It has been a part of my life since I was 14 years old. I‘m now 28 and have always considered Teen Ranch to be my second home. My family has had the privilege of being involved with the Ranch for many years.

Teen Ranch has taught me a lot as I have worked in the barn— as a bunkhouse leader— Snack Bar manager and finally the Registrar and Bookings Coor- dinator. I feel privileged to have been a part of so many areas of the Ranch throughout the years.

I am now starting a new chap- ter of my life and am writing you from Guadalajara, Mexico. This is my home for the next 6 months. I got married June 1, 2010 to a wonderful man name Joshua Boateng (JB). We are in Mexico because he is a profes- sional soccer player. Who knows where God will take us next!

Even though I am in Mexico I will still be able to be a part of Teen Ranch. At this time I am still working part-time as the Booking Coordinator for Re- treat Groups and Hockey Teams. I hope you all have a great summer and that you take in all that God has in store for you!

Jody Robinson is family to all here and dearly missed. Sarah Atkinson has competently stepped in as Summer Camp Registrar.

The Carriage House

Steady progress is being made on the Carriage House and every step brings new excitement!

Last week a large load of timber was delivered from Terry Kell's own bush. It has been kiln dried and will be used to build the framework for the porches and decks. It will also be turned into beautiful trim for the Great Room by our very skilled contractor, John Hayward. The Great Room is a large meeting room on the upper level. It has a cathedral ceiling and a lovely stonework fireplace.

The stone work on the outside of the building has been completed by C and S Masonry. The plumbing is being completed as we go by Ladder‘s Plumbing of which Dane Stevens has been employee for almost 3 years. The siding has arrived being generously donated by Ross Mitchell‘s company, Gemthane. John and the crew have been diligently milling, sanding and assembling a beautiful solid maple door and window trim at the workshop here at the Ranch.

Much of the upper level has been primed and painting continues by Mel's daughter Michele. The Carriage House is a great demonstration of the greatness of God and the goodness of His people!

Nico Koeslag is responsible for Building Maintenance and has lived on-site as full-time staff with his lovely wife, Sharon since 2003. They are parents, grandparents and adopted family to many!

http://www.teenranch.on.ca

From our GM

Why are we doing what we are doing?

I asked the same question be- fore I accepted the position of new General Manager of Teen Ranch about three months ago. Why would I take such a posi- tion at Teen Ranch?

I am here to assist Teen Ranch in achieving its purpose, which is to develop kids of all ages in four different areas – physical, mental, social and spiritual using Biblical, Judeo-Christian values.

Why Biblical, Judeo-Christian v a l u e s ? ......... T h e y work........ as evidenced by a 42 year history. Simply put, Teen Ranch is here to change lives in a way that much of the world is not providing.

Kids need to get a solid foun- dation at a young age and have it continue into their adult years. Programs and activities at Teen Ranch provide tools

and use methods to ensure that great life principles are learned. People also have lots of fun and build great relation- ships doing it.

I trust that you will all be moved to support and help Teen Ranch at every possible opportunity starting with your prayers, participation and in- volvement in its various activi- ties and events. Join our Face- book network and tell your friends. There is a lot to be done. Thanks for being there.

Fred Dyke has been with the Ranch as a part-time consult- ant since 2000. He has over 35 years of management experience in various industries including banking, printing and charities. Fred has given semi- nars in management related topics in hundreds of cities across North America as well as Europe. We are thankful to have Fred on board full-time

http://www.teenranch.on.ca

Top TEN Reasons to Camp at Teen Ranch This Summer!

1. It‘s summer in Canada and soooo much warmer than Australia right now!!

2. We have amazing games and themes to keep you en- tertained alllllll summer long!!!

3. International staff....enough said.

4. Super fun new activities including a frolf course (frisbee golf), rifle range and Iceberg!!!

5. Seriously...where else can you dress up every night with more make-up than you‘d normally wear in a year and have people tell you that you look awesome?!?!

6. Where else in life will you make friends like you do here?!?!

7. This amazing group of staff only gets together once a year and you don‘t want to miss out on that!

8. Nothing beats a good campfire in the hills while the sun sets over Orange- Day Camp ville.

9. Riding, Hockey, Adventure X-treme and Day Camp programs are AMAZING - just read camp- er comments above!

10. Memories to last a life time.

Lynda Thoms is a teacher in Australia and is investing her fifth summer here at Teen Ranch to bring you a terrific summer of programming fun :)!!

Summer Staff - Transformers

WOW – God ALWAYS provides just what is needed – no more and no less. Each summer, He proves over and over again that He knows the end from the beginning and everything in between. He miraculously fits together the puzzle pieces of staff members to meet the needs of the campers and guests that He also orchestrates to be here. Not only this, but He provides great encouragement along the way.

One of our staff writes, “...although I have been a Christian my whole life, as I start my journey at the Ranch, I feel like I am really starting to become the true Christian and really give my life to the Lord. I am excited to keep my relationship growing with the Lord this summer and for the rest of my life. I am so thankful for the people at the Ranch for the way they have impacted my life.”

Another staff member writes, Throughout this past year, I‟ve continued visiting the Ranch on weekends. I learned so much about God with every single visit. One night, while I was at home doing a (Ranch) Bible study, I came across a verse „From the horns of the wild oxen, you have rescued me.‟ – Psalm 22:21-22...It hit me really hard all at once and it encouraged me to take that final step and accept God into my life completely...If I hadn‟t attended camp that week, I would probably would not have found my way back to Christ. I‟m so thankful and I feel so honoured and blessed to be able to say that I am a part of the Teen Ranch community. Teen Ranch really is a special place and there is something here that just can‟t be ex- plained. It‟s the most heartwarming place and it‟s so full of love. It‟s the perfect place to heal and I‟m so happy to have found it.”

We know and thank God that it is His Holy Spirit who is at work in people‘s lives here. God IS love and when we allow Him to have His way with us, His love shines in and through us.

Ann Stevens is the wife of Tim. Together, they have been blessed with six children. Ann is responsible for Staff Development and is thankful to have been involved with Teen Ranch for 39 years as camper, summer and full time staff

Teen Ranch Round Up

A word from our director.

Hi Everyone,

Summer camp has rushed upon us again for another

year. It seems to just be over and BAM, it‘s here again.

It‘s really exciting to see the kids here having so much fun and to consider what God is going to do in the lives of many of them. Let‘s keep praying for lots more kids to sign up this summer.

It is amazing to see the ma- turing, development and spir- itual growth that takes place in our young staff as they commit themselves to service this summer.

Doesn‘t how God works give you a sense of awe?

Thanks for your interest as we continue to move ahead in God‘s work here at the Ranch. It‘s sometimes hard, frustrating, and even a little overwhelming, but we contin- ue to strive together as we

work towards what God has in store for us and the Ranch‘s future. Please pray that He‘ll give us all the wis- dom we need to accomplish His will for us.

With thankfulness and love to all, Tim

Tim Stevens, son of Mel, grew up here at the Ranch. He lives on site with his wife Ann and six children. Having work experi- ence in each area of the Ranch, God has well equipped Tim for his role as Executive Director.

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