Volunteering at the Ranch
From its inception in 1995, the Ranch session program has been completely free of charge.
In part, this has been made possible through the hands of those who volunteer. By giving of ourselves, we can each become a unique portion of the solution we seek in the world around us. The Ranch offers daily opportunities to learn the profound value of how one person can make a difference by choosing to serve others.
Volunteering at the Beginning
Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch experienced its humble beginnings in 1995 when Troy and Kim Meeder chose to pour their lives into an idea. They freely gave their time, finances, property and many long days of backbreaking work to help this ranch get on its feet. Never asking for anything in return, their volunteer heart is the reason Crystal Peaks exists today.
The first children who were ministered to at the Ranch came as volunteers. They were not coming for what they could get, as the horses were in such terrible shape they couldn’t be ridden. They were coming to give. It was within the selfless and beautiful relationships between broken children and broken horses that we witnessed our first miracles here.
Volunteering Today
Love in Action
The volunteer program at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is at the very heart of what we do. Every act of service here embodies the spirit of Christ: love in action. By giving the gift of their time, our volunteers free up the staff to pour into the children and families we serve. The generosity of our volunteers has far greater implications than the obvious completion of ranch tasks. Their acts of love trickle down to shower the kids who visit here with the very love of Christ.
The beauty of Crystal Peaks is a ministry all its own. Many visitors ask for nothing more than the chance to sit for a while and bask in the peaceful environment. Our volunteer force (Local, Short-Term, Group and Interns) have been invaluable in creating and maintaining this environment.
A trip to the Ranch will prove this, as so much of the Ranch has been built by the hands of those who freely give their time. From the wind shelters built as an Eagle Scout project, to the bed of flowers planted by a child’s grandmother, most everything here has been blessed by the touch of a volunteer. Volunteers have been building, cleaning, fixing, and improving this Ranch ever since it began, all without expecting anything in return.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Building Relationships
Volunteering at Crystal Peaks is always all about people. Building relationships is central to our mission – both with our session families and with our volunteers. The tasks we undertake together are secondary to the hands and hearts who bless us with their time. In working shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers, we seek to know the people who are freely giving of themselves – and to glorify God together in the process. Miracles can happen here.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25
A Variety of Tasks
Our volunteers join us to work on a variety of different Ranch projects. During the application and orientation process, we do our best to match the interests of our volunteers with the various tasks we have available. We offer projects tailored to everyone: construction work, gardening, weeding, assisting with our horse herd, scooping paddocks and everything in-between. We get the tasks done together….and we have fun doing it!
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’“ Isaiah 6:8