In 1972, two men sat around a campfire nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The first man, Will Wyatt, owned the property; the second, Bob Mitchell, was a senior leader – and future president – of Young Life. They agreed upon a plan to use that very space – lake, cabins and land – as a base for backpacking trips and adventure camping for teenagers looking to grow deeper in their faith.
What they couldn’t envision, however, was how the Lord would take this simple idea and make Wilderness Ranch a place of transformative ministry for thousands of kids over the next 50 years.
More than just a week in the mountains, Wilderness Ranch has come to represent a space of spiritual awakening, community, vulnerability, fragility and growth. Stripped of their distractions and defenses, kids and adults alike practice “challenge by choice” – learning the art of stillness, reflection, determination, grit and surrender. This special place helps them lean in to meaningful and intentional relationships.
For five decades Will and Betty Wyatt’s gift has provided Young Life with another way in which to introduce kids to THE Guide. This is the One who invites them further down the trail and higher up the mountain, walking alongside them throughout all the joys and challenges the abundant life offers. By trip’s end these young men and women are different than when they left the trailhead earlier that week. They know the Creator, their guides, their friends, and themselves better – in a way only an experience like this can provide.
Thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done here in so many precious lives, and may these transformational moments at Wilderness Ranch continue for years to come.
Interested in learning more? Contact Brian Ray (bray@wilderness.younglife.org)