Monday, September 27, 2010

Ranch Benefit

Mark your calendars for Chip's annual charity benefit.
It will be again at the Berkley Front in Berkley Michigan; Saturday, November 6th at 7:00 p.m. He has three bands on the schedule. Should be a great time. We are trying to raise money for food and gas for our Young Travelers program.
Twice a week we go to Jackson to pick up kids to bring them to the ranch for the program and we feed them dinner. They really like having a family meal together. It is one of the most important things we do as a mentoring group.

If you cannot make the benefit, please consider donating gift cards to purchase food or gas. That would be a great help! Call the ranch at 517-592-4252 to see how you can help the Young Travelers program.

Kids Explosion - Boys 9/25/10


This weekend was our last overnight campout for the year. We hosted Kids Explosion boys and a great time. It was pretty cold and windy Saturday, but that did not deter the kids from having fun. No complaints. This time archery was the favorite thing to do. All the boys really enjoyed it and did very well. The games were also a big hit. I spent time with the boys encouraging them and I did a lot of cheering. As a matter of fact, my voice is a little off today from all the cheering! Chris made apple cobbler over the fire and wow was it good. Sunday morning was pretty cold; about 48 degrees. The sun came out and and got a little warmer. We had breakfast, and Brian lead worship with the boys. Jan spoke about being who God created them to be and not copy others. The only person to copy is Jesus. It was a great weekend to end the summer season. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right Kids Explosion Boys.

Young Travelers - Decided Heart 9/20/10


Today we worked again with the horses. Bill and Sharon set up an obstacle course in the arena and the boys had to lead their horses around the course. If the horse had any problems with anything the boys were encouraging their horses to move forward and trust them. It was a good exercise for tonight's lesson; Having a Decided Heart. Chris made a great pot of Chile (no leftovers), and we discussed making decisions and sticking to them; not wavering if they get opposition from other people . The example in the book is Christopher Columbus. Everyone one told him he was crazy; the world is flat. What would have happened if he decided in his heart to listen to everyone else??? Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right called Young Travelers 9/20/10. This is a great group of boys and we are all having a wonderful time.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Young Travelers - Action 9/13/10


Monday was a beautiful day! It was warm but not too hot. Just perfect. The boys are still working on their belts. They dyed them this week and are getting ready for buckles to be put on. Sharon did a demonstration in the round pen with Hilbilly. She showed a lot of action to get him to do what she wanted him to do!
It was a lesson for both horse and the boys. She had to take action.
During dinner and discussion we talked a lot about what the boys want to do in the future. And what they need to do to take action to accomplish their goals.
It was a great discussion and we are really enjoying spending time with these young men. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right called: Young Travelers 9-13-10.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Kids Explosion - Girls


This past weekend we had a group of girls from the Kids Explosion program in Jackson. During the summer, the kids were working on memorizing Bible verses and after the program was over, their names were drawn to win a trip to the ranch for an overnight camp out. Kids Explosion is a great program for kids who may or may not have a home church and go to Sunday School. They play games, sing songs, and listen to a Bible story. They learn about God's love and forgiveness.
It rained most of the day Saturday and it was a little cold and damp. But the girls took it all in stride and never complained. They were still able to do all the things we do with the exception of archery. Sunday was a beautiful day and they were able to take the trail ride. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right called: Kids Explosion Girls 9-11-10.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Young Travelers Week 3 - Wisdom


It was a hot Monday, so we decided to use "wisdom" and not saddle horses. The temp was 90 degrees with 80% humidity. I am sure the horses appreciated our "wisdom".
The boys started to tool their leather belts. They are looking pretty good.
Brian and Janet invited us all over to their lake house to finish the evening with a little swimming and our dinner/discussion time. The water felt really nice.
We talked mostly about our decisions and how it affects us and the people around us. We all had a great time. Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link to the right called Young Travelers 8-30-10