Thank you so much for desiring to serve our little ranch! Over the years, so many visitors have given of their time to this place. It is a treat to hear them retell the 
tale of the sometimes miraculous, often hap-hazard path each took to get here. Though many are from places we have never seen or possibly even heard of, it is amazing to watch how quickly our visitors blend and become a part of this family. If you are also feeling the pull to serve, please read on.
Short Term
It is quickly becoming apparent that our little ranch property is just too small to house all of our dreams. One of these dreams is to allow anyone who has a heart to serve the ranch a chance to express that heart by coming and helping us in person. However, to focus our resources on our child/horse program, allowing quiet, space, and the undivided attention of our staff, we are decreasing available volunteer opportunities. Onsite volunteering for those interested in short-term service will not be available this year. (We consider any time period under two months to be short-term.) We are hoping that this change in our program will only be temporary. That being said, we would like to invite those individuals from out of the area to take part in a new program we are developing. Please consider being involved in this capacity.
Vacationers
For those who will be in the area and want a chance to see the ranch, we would love to have you join in one of our tours. Contact our office at (541) 330-0123 to sign up for a tour. To be sure we will be open and have tour space available when you visit, please call to schedule at least 3 weeks in advance.
If you are bringing children who you believe would benefit from our riding program, you are welcome to call and schedule a riding session for them for the day of your visit. We begin scheduling for each month on the 15th day (or the next business day past the 15th) of the month prior. Riding session spaces fill up very fast, so be sure to call quickly!
We have included lodging suggestions for your convenience.
Group Volunteering
The ranch is now coming to a place where many of our large-scale projects have been completed and now our greatest need is simply for more space. This is amazing, because it wasn’t that long ago when finding help was one of our greatest tasks! Though it is very hard for us to fathom turning on-site help away, right now we must. This ensures we are using all of our resources to serve our kids and horses to the best of our abilities. Please take some time to consider holding a fund raising event with your group to assist the ranch in purchasing a new location. This larger space will allow our volunteer program to expand to include more onsite volunteering of groups such as yours.
Long-Term Adult Volunteers
We are offering a limited number of opportunities for volunteers from abroad interested in an extended stay. Those volunteers desiring to be a part of our program for two or more months are invited to complete and return our volunteer application. Applicants who convey a sincere desire to assist the ranch, are of appropriate age and maturity level, and have skills that fit our needs will be considered first.
(See our Volunteer Opportunities page for help with selecting your interests on our application.)
We are hoping there will be a day soon that we are able to offer room, board and possibly even transportation to our long-term volunteers. At this time, however, we do not have the resources to do so. Many out of town volunteers have overcome this obstacle and found a way to get here. The following are some ideas for securing housing:
- Stay with relatives or friends of the family
- Find a host home through your church network
- Camp and commute via bicycle to cut costs
- Find sponsors to support your living expenses while here
Youth Volunteers Ages 16 & 17
We are often approached by individuals between the ages of 16 & 18, looking for an internship-type experience at the ranch. In the past, volunteering for those under age 18 without a parent or guardian on-site was not permitted. This year we have decided to change our guidelines for those in this age bracket. Potential long-term volunteers between the ages of 16 and 18 are welcome to send an application. The following will also be necessary before we consider their submission.
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Four non-family members must complete and return a
youth referral form in the applicant’s name
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Applicant must show intended plans for securing housing in the area
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Will, as with all volunteers, be expected to provide own housing, food, and transport
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A phone interview may be required as a part of the application process.