Avalanche Ranch 2009!

This July 2009 Peoples UMC hosted another amazing fun time and wonderful experience of God’s love for about 30 kids. Children ranged in age from 2-11, plus several middle and high schoolers serving as Ranch Hands which gave them some responsibility but also allowed them to play alongside the younger kids.

Ellis Hall was transformed into a ranch this year, with MANY helpers. Ranch team leaders met each morning to plan any last minute details. Pastor Jamie served as the core leader as well as music with assistance from Ellen Dunn who was game leader. The wagon snack area and food pantry mission was led by Betty Splettstoesser. The video center was led by Rachel Harvey, craft center was led by Amy Wellington and the story center was led by Carol Bruneau. Each center was decorated and designed by the leader, and overseen with a lot of work and prayer.

As the kids arrived, they were registered and given a sheriff badge name tag, and colored paper horses until group time, after which time they split up into groups of 5-6. The themes each day included “God is Real,” “God is with us,” “God is strong,” God is awesome,” and “God is in charge!” Each day a different group of kids was selected for Spotlight Drama, in which posted photos were used in a video to re-tell the Bible story they had been studying that day. Pastor Gwyneth led this effort. In addition, Merrill Kaiser photographed all of the children in the saddle (saddles loaned from Hearts & Horses Farm in Buxton; other decorations also from Flaherty's Farm) and then these were cut out and glued onto horses each child colored.

On Thursday evening, the leaders hosted a family style dinner with short presentations and showing of the Spotlight Drama videos. Kids then showed their family and friends around the various centers, and some of their work such as hand sewn pillows at the craft area. We had a wonderful turnout for this special occasion.

Kids and teachers received certificates at the end of the week, and kids also received a magnetic photo of them posing in the saddle, and leaders received a rose. Kids got to share a song and a few slides during church Sunday too. The kids blessed us all.

The best was hearing the kids tell their parents each day how they wanted to come back the next day! Thank you to everyone who donated items and money, helped set up and take down, helped out with the kids, visited to show your support and prayed. And thank you to Thornton Heights UMC for loaning this year’s curriculum. You all made a difference in the lives of the children!!!

You can view a few photos in the articles posted during the week of Avalanche Ranch. For a full album of Avalanche Ranch photos go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137491&id=148046372078