I heard this morning a reminder that we all have battles going on in our lives. Last month’s letter talked about boys struggling with their identity, longing to be loved, faced with huge peer pressure or thoughts of self-injury…who does not have those feelings or questions from time to time? Look around – you can play a role in helping boys experience the best week of their lives! They can experience a face-to-face encounter with a loving God who has a plan for their lives. Your sphere of influence is your own family (including nephews and grandsons), neighbors, sons of those you work with or for, and your church family. We still have places for campers this summer. We can offer financial aid so there is no reason not to come. We’ll work to give a deserving kid the best week of their life because you care. An online Summer Camp 2012 brochure is at www.wildernessridge.com and registration can be done there.

You can make an impact!

We have extended the deadline until May 21st to accept applications for SALT (Servant And Leadership Trainee) – Junior Counselors, SALT team (14 to 17 years old). Go to: http://www.wildernessridge.com/staff-opportunities to make application and to learn of other open staff positions. We need a worship leader and lifeguards (we’ll pay for certification training) and guarantee compensation commitment.

We need a full-time cook for Summer Camps. Contact Sandy Hunt, sandy@wildernessridge.com – financial compensation is available.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Camp Wilderness Ridge (CWR), as follows:
• Praise for the rains may He keep it coming! Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
• God knows whose live(s) you will impact with your gift. Pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met…building camp facilities.
• Praise Shawn Hammer is on staff now! …God’s grace, protection and provisions for him and his family.
• Summer Camps 2012 be filled to capacity each summer session (48 campers) 288 campers for the summer.
• Summer Camps staff – to fill each position needed each week and staff raising support.
• Each CWR staff to meet their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for rebuilding camp facilities for Summer Camps, 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats and Summer Camps.

Financial needs…Corners of the Field funds for campers. summer staff raising support and funds to rebuild camp facilities
God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the CWR Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

Also we will be serving Family and Father/Son campouts at Cooper Farm, Ledbetter, TX in May, so we will need volunteers to help us serve them well.  We need about 12 volunteers for each group. Please email sandy@wildernessridge.com.

Campouts – May 2012

Directions to Cooper Farm:

From La Grange: Go North on Hwy 77 for 2.6 miles to FM 2145. Go right (east) on FM 2145 for 10.2 miles into Waldeck. Go left (north) on FM 1291 and turn right on CR 112/ Waldeck Road go east on Waldeck Road for 2.6 miles to find Cooper Farm on the left.

From Brenham: Go West on Hwy 290 for 23.3 miles to FM 1291 in Ledbetter. Turn left on FM 1291 and go 6.2 miles. Turn left on Albers Road and go 0.3 miles to CR 112/Waldeck Road. Go 2.6 miles to find Cooper Farm on the left.

From Giddings: Go East on Hwy 290 for 9.0 miles to Ledbetter. Turn right on FM 1291 and go 6.2 miles. Turn left on Albers Road and go 0.3 miles to CR 112/Waldeck Road. Go 2.6 miles to find Cooper Farm on the left.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Christ Jesus,

Ron Hunt <><
Camp Director

Imagine if any kid, anywhere in our area could attend Camp Wilderness Ridge, regardless of their ability to pay. Imagine if kids struggling with their identity, longing to be loved, faced with huge peer pressure or thoughts of self-injury could come face-to-face with a loving God who has a plan for their lives. Imagine that you could play a role in helping these kids experience the best week of their lives!

In the book of Leviticus, farmers were commanded not to harvest to the edges, or corners, of their fields, but to leave that grain for the poor to come and be fed. Through our Corners of the Field effort, we hope to provide a camp experience for impoverished kids who otherwise would be unable to go and be fed spiritually.

Did you know:

• On average, kids spend 3.5 minutes in meaningful conversation with their parents each week. (Source: www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html
• Kids aged 8-18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media. (Source: www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/problem.html)
• Children play outside an average of four minutes a day. (Source: www.kff.org/entmedia/upload/8010.pdf)
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among American teens. Source: www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/teen_suicide)

Note: These are all good reasons to make sure you consider encouraging all boys to come to Wilderness Ridge Camp this summer…in your sphere of influence…look around!!

A week at camp provides kids with a chance to break away from the pressures of their daily routine and the forces that so easily distract them from what’s really important. In a caring camp environment, full of fun and adventure, students are able to explore the big issues of life and catch a vision for their long-term future. For many, camp is a long-shot dream—their families may have trouble even putting food on the table. These kids deserve to experience camp and learn about God’s great love for them. Will you help? Will you send a kid to camp at Wilderness Ridge Camp?

Please give to our Corners of the Field effort. Even though the WRC summer camp price is extremely low, each year we have 30% of our campers that need financial aid. We’ll work to give a deserving kid the best week of their life because you care.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Christ Jesus,

Ron Hunt <>< Camp Director

P.S. You can give online at www.wildernessridge.com.

Wilderness Ridge Camp new mailing address: P.O. Box 1025, Smithville, TX 78957

You can make an impact!

Summer Camps Needs - We invite you to prayerfully consider serving as a Servant-Leader to lead a group of 8 campers assisted by a SALT (Servant And Leadership Trainee) – Junior Counselors, SALT team (14 to 17 years old) go to: www.wildernessridge.com/staff opportunities and make application and learn of other open staff positions. We need a full-time cook for Summer Camps – contact: Sandy Hunt, sandy@wildernessridge.com, financial compensation is available.

Also we will be serving churches for Father/Daughter or Son campouts at Cooper Farm on the weekends, Spring 2012. We need volunteers to help us serve them well. We need about 12 volunteers for each group. Please email sandy@wildernessridge.com.

Please pray for Camp Wilderness Ridge Camp (CWR), as follows:

1. Praise for the rains…may He keep it coming! Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
2. God knows whose live(s) you will impact with your gift. Pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met.
3. Praise Shawn Hammer is on staff now! …God’s grace, protection and provisions for him and his family.
4. Summer Camps 2012 be filled to capacity each summer session (48 campers) 288 campers for the summer.
5. Summer Camps staff – enough to fill each position needed each week.
6. Each staff meets their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for rebuilding camp facilities for Summer Camps and 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats.
7. Financial needs…Corners of the Field funds for campers, summer staff raising support and funds to rebuild camp facilities.
8. A Christian young man that is considering full-time service on the WRC staff.
9. God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the WRC Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

We’re thankful for our Lord Christ Jesus lighting our way. We are expecting the paperwork to finalize the new property to come any moment so we are completely free to perform the many projects that must be completed to be ready for Summer Camps.

Come work beside us anytime Monday thru Saturday until at least May 19th. We start at 8 am – 5 pm, provide lunch and in some cases breakfast…work the hours that works for you. Overnight accommodations can be arranged.

• cleaning the property (under growth, dead trees, paths, etc.
• building of restroom and shower buildings;
• trenching and laying water lines & electric wire;
• decks and fence around swimming pool;
• camper cabins; low ropes elements;
• amphitheater with seating area and campfire pit;
• campfire circles with seating areas;
• perimeter interior fences, games field, archery & rifle ranges
• renovation of infirmary, and kitchen

Lunch will be provided each day for $3 and if you stay overnight breakfast will be available at 7:45 am for $3.

Please mark your calendar we’ll be working Monday thru Friday every week plus Saturdays until May 19th so come whenever you can. We’ll periodically put out updates on what are the critical path projects.

Let us know you’re coming by email to: ron@wildernessridge.com or call 512-237-4442.

Summer Camps Needs – We invite you to prayerfully consider serving as Servant-Leader to lead a group of 8 campers assisted by a SALT (Servant And Leadership Trainee) – Junior Counselors or a SALT team (14 to 17 years old) member. Go to wildernessridge.com/staff opportunities and download an application and also to learn of other open staff positions. We need a full-time cook for Summer Camps. Please contact Sandy Hunt, sandy@wildernessridge.com, financial compensation is available.

Spring Retreat Volunteers Needed: We will be serving churches Father/Daughter or Father/Son campouts at Cooper Farm on the weekends this Spring so we will need volunteers to help us serve them well. Check out the Spring Retreats tab to select a time you can serve!

Please pray for Camp Wilderness Ridge (CWR), as follows:

1. Praise for the rains…may He keep it coming! Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
2. God knows whose live(s) you will impact with your gift. Pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met.
3. Praise – Shawn Hammer is on staff now! …God’s grace, protection and provisions for him and his family.
4. Summer Camps 2012 be filled to capacity each summer session (48 campers) 288 campers for summer.
5. Summer Camps staff enough to fill each position needed each week.
6. Each staff meets their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats and Summer Camps.
7. Financial needs…scholarship funds for campers and summer staff…funds to build camp facilities.
8. A Christian young man that is considering full-time service on the CWR staff.
9. Nick Martinez is working to raise financial and prayer support to be a CWR intern.
10. God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the CWR Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

Spread the Gospel; the time is short! Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Ron Hunt, Camp Director

Camp Wilderness Ridge–West at 855 Park Road 1C was our home for 25 years. We expect over 85% of that property (pine trees, grasses, foliage, etc.) has been killed by the fire. We want to limit the use of this property for about 3 years to see what happens. We will plant seedlings, native grasses and wild flowers as recommended by Texas Forestry Service. However the lake (3 acre pond) area still has grass and trees that survived and we have taken measures to control erosion runoff (ash, debris, soil) into our lake. In addition we plan on rebuilding the High Ropes Course (zip line and rock wall) in the general area where it stood before. We will use this area during camp this Summer.

Camp Wilderness Ridge–East at 1320 Park Road 1C is the location where we will have the Camp living quarters, activities (archery and rifle ranges, low ropes challenges, kitchen and dining areas, Chapel, game field, restroom and shower areas. This will allow the rest of the CWR–West property to heal.

At CWR-East there is much to get done. We’ll have to do more some places than others. First, thank you to the groups of people that have helped with projects like cleaning and clearing areas, building prototype bunk beds, a portable GaGa Pit, etc. while we waited for a resolution on the deed question.

We need one person to be the Project Manager for each of the following projects. If interested, contact Shawn Hammer by email.

We need groups to sign-up to do projects like the “build a cabin in a weekend challenge” or offsite build items (bunk beds, benches, etc.) at camp or somewhere else then deliver them to campsite. In a few days project packets will be available at www.wildernessridge.com to download.

A calendar will be published with a work project schedule. We have several groups that are coming at different times to work. Many groups have chosen to come sometime during March 10 – March 18 public/private school Spring Break. Contact Ron by email to notify us of your interest in serving us.

We’ve got a little over three months to get it done! We need your help!

When Shawn was asked about still coming after the wildfire’s impact on Camp Wilderness Ridge (CWR) he answered “As a family, the Hammers believe that God directed us to this camp ministry with the fire “in mind.” Our confidence in God’s direction comes through many small confirmations; from God’s past influence, people, prayer, and from walking the grounds of the camp. God has left many wonderful reminders that He is still in charge and doing great things at the camp through the items left undamaged by the fires. The Board of Directors and Camp Director also believe that God is bringing the Hammers to serve this ministry through the Camp Assistant Director position.”

The Hammers: Shawn, Krista, Wyatt-9, Isaac-7, Leah-4, Clara-2.

Camper registrations are coming in so make sure to get the session you want by registering as soon as possible! Details on Summer Camps are available here. You will save $40!

Question: Who can your son invite to come with him that needs to hear and witness the Good News of Jesus the Christ?

We need you this summer!! Go to: “Staff Opportunities” for job descriptions, qualifications, and staff application and instructions. Dad & Son (15+) teams welcome…lead a cabin of 8 campers together! Even if you’re over 90 years old we can use You!

All Campouts and Retreats will be held at Cooper Farm on the weekends. We need volunteers to come serve with us serve. Click here to see the Spring Retreat schedule. Contact Sandy Hunt by email.

1. Praise for the rains…may He keep it coming! Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
2. Pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met. Only God knows whose live(s) you will impact with your gift.
3. Praise for Shawn Hammer joining our staff and for God’s protection and provisions for him and his family.
4. That Summer Camps 2012 be filled to capacity each summer session (48 campers) 288 campers for summer.
5. That Summer Camps staff be large enough to fill each position needed each week.
6. That each staff member meets their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats and Summer Camps.
7. For scholarship funds for campers and summer staff
8. For funds to build camp facilities
9. For a Christian young man who is considering full-time service on the CWR staff and intern application under consideration.
10. For God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the CWR Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

Spread the Gospel; the time is short! Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Ron Hunt, Camp Director

Though he slays me, yet will I trust in Him. Job 13:15 We’re ready to follow our Lord Jesus the Christ wherever He may lead us in 2012. Praise God! We now have 118 acres for at least 3-5 years to be our main camp, which we are calling Camp Wilderness Ridge – East. Utilizing this property will allow us to conveniently continue use of areas of the original camp (CWR – West) that are suitable for activities and leaves the rest of the property to heal.

We’ll spend the next five months preparing and rebuilding the property for the 25th year of summer camps at Wilderness Ridge. Let me interject here…that it is the faithfulness of people like yourself through your prayers and financial generosity that has made it possible for our camping ministry to continue. I know that God is pleased!

We have a lot to get done…construction: 6 camper cabins plus SALT cabin, a teaching and worshiping gathering spot, swimming pool with fence and deck, archery and rifle ranges, clearing for field games, craft shed, nature center, fencing around the property, tree cutting (saw milling lumber), grounds clearing, wood debris clipping, restrooms, showers, life guard station (at CWR-West lake area) etc. …refurbish: kitchen area, existing restroom/shower, staff housing, infirmary, etc.

Work project opportunities are available Monday thru Saturdays from January through April or as needed in May. Day workers are welcome…let us know you are coming at least 5 days in advance. Spring Break which spans from Saturday, March 10 to Saturday, March 17, you can be a part of an “Extreme Makeover” style experience to complete several building and land preparation projects.

We are looking for groups to take on a project to complete. They will receive a building construction project package with drawings, instructions, and bill of materials with a mutually agreed upon completion date. We are harvesting lumber from dead pine/cedar trees which is having a positive impact on building material costs. Can you put together a group(s)? Total cost of materials with or without saw milled lumber will be provided. Your group can finance your project but that is not required. Keep watching our website: www.wildernessridge.com for availability of project packages. Please pray for God’s provision for all the human and financial resources we need.

Also we will be serving churches Father/Daughter or Son campouts at Cooper Farm on the weekends, Spring 2012, so we will need volunteers to help us serve them.

Last month we stated that “Only God knows whose lives you will impact with your gift. Please pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met.”

Please pray for Camp Wilderness Ridge (CWR), as follows:

• Gentle and continuous rain. Note: Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
• Praise for our new Assistant Camp Director, announcement notice coming soon.
• Summer Camps 2012 be filled to capacity each summer session (48 campers) 288 campers for summer.
• Summer Camps staff enough to fill each position needed.
• Trial (started 1/9/12) on 2009 wildfire to have the right judgment.
• Each staff meets their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats and Summer Camps.
• Financial needs…scholarship funds for camper and summer staff…funds to build camp facilities
• A Christian young man that is considering full-time service on the CWR staff and intern application under consideration.
• God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the CWR Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

As you head into the New Year, we leave you with this blessing: We ask God to give you wisdom and a spirit attuned to His will. We pray that you will live well for our Lord. We pray that you will have all the God-given joy-filled strength you need to persevere in the beautiful work He has for you. May you be full of thanksgiving to the Father because He has set you in the Kingdom of His Son, Jesus. Author Unknown

Ron Hunt
Camp Director

Dear CWR Family,

God is so good as He continues to provide for Wilderness Ridge. Summer Camps 2012 is foremost on our minds right now. It appears that God has opened a door to a nearby property in the Lost Pines that would provide a familiar environment for our camps. Utilizing this property will allow us to conveniently continue use of areas of the original camp that are suitable for activities. Please be in prayer that this opportunity comes to reality and the details are quickly completed. While there is much work to be done in preparation for summer camps, we are confident that God will provide the resources, staff, and volunteers to bring this miraculous recovery about. Please review the detailed status report of our facilities located at the end of this newsletter.

Spring 2012 retreat/campout weekends to be hosted at Cooper Farm by Wilderness Ridge are being confirmed.
The Board of Directors has unanimously and enthusiastically re-affirmed our commitment to the mission and ministry of Wilderness Ridge – Low Cost, Christ-centered camping for Men and Boys. We have committed ourselves to moving forward in restoring the camp’s ability to operate the summer camp programs and to facilitate the programs of our guest churches.

We are very grateful for God’s faithful provision for our financial needs through you and others like you. We are trusting God for at least $35,000 for the General Fund, and staff support that we have received in past years. Only God knows whose lives you will impact with your gift. Please pray about what God would have you do, and for our needs to be met.

Please pray for Camp Wilderness Ridge (CWR), as follows:

1. Gentle and continuous rain. Note: Our sincere thanks for answered prayer.
2. Campers that became followers of Jesus Christ during Summer Camps 2011 to find a Bible believing, Christ-centered church. Campers that are searching and questioning to submit to God’s authority over their lives by following Jesus Christ. Campers that already believed to follow

through…committed to spiritual growth, obedience, and faithfulness.

3. Each staff meets their financial target amount so we can focus on the tasks necessary for 2012 Spring Campouts/Retreats and Summer Camps. Alex Becerra’s support as a CWR intern through August 2012.
4. Financial needs…scholarship funds for camper and summer staff.
5. Two Christian men that are considering full-time service on the CWR staff.
6. God’s direction, holiness, wisdom and unity for the CWR Board of Directors and staff so that all decisions and actions bring Him honor and glory.

May 2011 be a year in which God receives great glory through our lives! Spread the Gospel; the time is short!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Ron Hunt, Camp Director

CWR Fire Damage Report: Facilities and Grounds