Brent Learned

By Brent Learned – Casper, Wyoming … At youth summer camps across North America, kids gather to experience fun, friendship and adventure. At many camps, the day begins and ends at the center of camp. From line calls, and flag raising and lowering to intense games of capture the flag or just hanging out with friends, the center of camp provides the heartbeat of the summer camp experience.

At the Wyoming summer camp facility, Mills Spring Ranch (MSR), the center of camp has seen a number of updates over the last few years, intentionally aiming at improving the “center-of-camp experience.” The most recent improvement, the addition of a new beach volleyball court, improves the aesthetics of center camp and also adds an additional activity for the summer camp program!

A bonus to the MSR program, the volleyball court project was completed entirely with the help of volunteers. The project began on August 4 with Norm and Videll Ahrens, active members in the Dakota Adventist Conference, arriving at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport in their private Cesna 182 airplane to volunteer a week of their time, energy, and passion for youth ministry to Mills Spring Ranch. Their involvement with the project was aimed at creating a truly professional court.

Brent Learned, MSR camp director explained, that “Creation of the new court was to provide a space for kids and adults alike to enjoy playing volleyball together and build the bonds of friendship necessary for wholehearted living. A place to belong, build confidence, work together as a team, learn new skills, and have authentic spiritual conversations. A place to be vulnerable with each other not only knowing other’s strengths and weaknesses on the volleyball court, but also knowing how to celebrate when others succeed and receive a helping hand when face down in the sand of life.”

Brent added, “Although the project was long, tiresome, and at times quite frustrating, never once was a complaint heard. Even after the third eighteen-hour day, when it was almost midnight and everyone felt like they had ‘hit the wall’ having nothing left to give, there was a strong sense of meaning and purpose.”

Norm Ahrens said “I was glad I had the time to help with the volleyball court project. Groups that camp at MSR will enjoy the invigorating exercise of sand court volleyball for seasons. The game can promote teamwork and can be enjoyed by young and old alike.”

Building a volleyball court was not about providing another useful structure at a summer camp. Brent, Norm, and Videll had a strong sense that they were building something bigger. Whether engaging in the construction of a beach volleyball court or working at summer camp, MSR staff and volunteers are involved in building the kingdom of God! By constructing this volleyball court, “the construction team created a sacred space,” Brent said.

—Brent Learned is RMC assistant youth director and Mills Spring Ranch manager; photos supplied

By Brent Learned – Casper, Wyoming … Mills Spring Ranch provides community outreach by offering free horseback rides to Casper area youth.

Some 50 local young campers signed up weeks in advance to enjoy horseback riding, one of the most anticipated summer activities offered at Mills Spring Ranch.

Leo Nash, former Wyoming resident and Arkansas rancher, made the event a reality by offering 20 of his horses for the day. Nash has been providing horses for Glacier View Ranch and MSR summer camp programs for many years.

“This horseback riding experience is so refreshing because this is the first time our youth group has been together since COVID hit in March, which closed our church,” Krista Sickert-Bush, Casper Lutheran youth pastor, commented.

Many of the community youth were giddy with excitement while others expressed a bit of timidity and nervousness as they buckled their helmets and received a safety briefing before climbing atop the horses and departing down the trail. They enjoyed an hour and half ride among the trails surrounding MSR during this first community outreach event.

Once the riders returned to camp, they enjoyed free popcorn donated by the Mid-America Union Conference youth department. Ice cream bars, and popsicles were also provided to the community members that attended this special day.

Parents expressed their gratitude toward MSR and the volunteers for hosting the horseback riding event and making it special for their children.

The riders left MSR with fond memories, new friends, and some free MSR gear.

The best part of the day was “seeing how happy it made all the kids riding around in God’s nature,” Sydney Cornett, Casper church member and Campion Academy student said.

This outreach helped MSR build relationships with the community and was a chance to serve others while demonstrating the love of Jesus.

–Brent Learned is Mills Spring Ranch director; photos supplied