Young Travelers 1/25/2010 - Wisdom

Tonight the boys continued working on their belts. The adult volunteers are learning a lot too. They are coming along nicely. We talked about wisdom and discussed the difference between knowledge and wisdom. The boys are staring to get engaged in conversation. We are getting to know each other more and having fun together.
Take a look at the pictures by clicking the link: Making Belts.

Young Travelers

This week the boys got a chance to play in the hay! The weather did not permit us to ride, but we got to spend time in the barn. Tonight we talked about forgiving others. It was a really good discussion. These boys really are engaged and very intelligent when it comes to things of the heart. Miss Donna lead the discussion. The boys really respect her, being the elder of the group!
Take a look at the pictures, click on the link: Playing in the hay

Young Travelers-Saddle Up

Monday was our last Young Travelers class. The boys finished up their belts and they really turned out nice. Jalen's brother wanted to wear it, so he gave him a few bucks! We finished our discusion of the Young Travelers Gift Book with persistence. Somehow the conversation ended up about trusting people and who do we trust. It seems trust is a pretty big deal and it really gives us as leaders and volunteers a lesson, that if we want to help the teenage generation, we need to be trustworthy. It was an eye opener for me. We need to do what we say we are going to do, nothing more, nothing less. It gave me something to pray about and ask God, am I trustworthy???
Anyway, we had a great time and the kids are very engaged in conversatin with us. I believe we have formed lasting relationships with these boys, and they will be coming back to the ranch for other activities. This was the first time they got to saddle up and ride. Take a look at the pictures with the boys on their horses. They are pretty proud of these pictures. Please click the link to the right: Young Travelers Saddle Up

March Benefit

Bill started going to area business to help with our silent auction. So far, they have been very receptive and helpful, so I think we are going to have a great selection of items for the auction.
If any of our readers have anything to donate to the auction, please let us know. It doesn't have to be new, but gently used. You can bring them to the ranch anytime. You can also help by getting the word out to your family and friends about the benefit. It should be a great time! There will be good food, good "stuff to buy" and good music! See ya there! If you have any questions please call us at
517-592-4252

Date: March 27, 2010
Time: 5:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M
Bidding Ends: 7:00 P.M.
Place: New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship
14977 Harper Road
Somerset, MI 49233

Summer Overnight Schedule

We are scheduling groups for this summer for our overnight trips and only have one available weekend! Wow, things are really moving along here at the ranch.

June 5th-6th Available August 7th-8th Taken
June 19th-20th Taken August 28th-29th Taken
July 10th-11th Taken September 11th-12th Taken
July 24th-25th Taken September 25th-26th Taken

We will be scheduling a horse clinic in case there are any new volunteers that would like to work with the horses. I'll let you know when that will take place. It seems funny to start working on summer activities, but time moves so quickly summer will be here before you know it.

Spring Cleaning?? Yet??

Well, I don't know about you, but I am getting tired of snow and cold and ready for Spring. We are gearing up at the ranch, and we could use your help! Before you throw away all those used basketballs, baseballs, baseball gloves, soccer balls, board games,crafts, etc., consider donating them to the Lazy B's Ranch token redemption store. A lot of our friends kids have grown up and left home, but left all their stuff behind! Last year, they donated a lot a sports equipment and games to our store. What a blessing!! We cleaned them up, put them on the shelves and they are all gone. The kids really enjoyed earning their tokens and going home with a gently used basketball!! Also, if you have any other items appropriate for teenagers, we could you them as well. (no electronics, we like them to take sports equiptment, games, or crafts).
Your donations and support are greatly appreciated.

Kids Explosion

Kids explosion is back and in full speed ahead. We have seen some new faces, and some old faces return. Bill and I, along with Bob, Pat and, Tracey are working with the kids at Southridge Park on Friday nights. Bill is doing an awesome job getting the games ready for the kids. He has been very creative lately and the kids are having a lot of fun. Bob and Pat are working on the lesson and object lessons, and Tracey and I are making sure the kids are listening and paying attention. We are quite a team. God is truly blessing the city of Jackson with this after school program. We pray that good seed is planted in these kids that will stay with them when they have to make life's decisions. We have been hearing all the bad stuff that is happening in Jackson, Kids Explosion can help turn that "Bad News" into "Good News".
God Bless!

Here is the week schedule:

Mondays 4:30-5:30 Innerfaith Shelter
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 Arbors at Lakeside
Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 Shahan Apartments
Thursdays 4:30-5:30 Chalet Terrace
Fridays 4:30-5:30 The Salvation Army
Fridays 5:00-6:00 Southridge Park

I got a new camera and tried it out last night. Take a look by clicking on "Kids Explosion Friday Night" at the right.