A brand new road now encircles the very center of camp, extending from the John R. Rice Auditorium to Stallard Lodge! In November we were encouraged to have raised $45,000, and we knew that we could pave at least that much. As it turns out, we have since raised everything needed to repave everything we had hoped, including a beautiful parking area adjacent to the Dining Hall.

We have been blown away by the goodness of God and the generosity of His people! On behalf of all of us at the Ranch, I want to thank all those who have encouraged us and who have graciously given well over $100,000 to the Camp Roads Project and also to the improved John R. Rice Auditorium air conditioning. We are grateful for your kindness which has allowed us to continue making vital improvements each year.

Three years ago we began interior renovations to all camp cabins and rooms, and one year ago we finished that project. Last spring we began praying and planning for the paving of the “Horseshoe” portion of the camp road, and this spring we have completed it. This vastly improves both the appearance and safety of the most used and seen part of camp.

This summer we will begin raising funds to finish the remainder of the Ranch road, from Stallard Lodge to where the new administration building is being built. The old road was laid in the 70’s. While paving is expensive, this is an investment both into the camp as it now is and also into the thousands who will use it in the days ahead.

We will begin the work next spring with whatever funds we have raised by then and pave as far as that will take us. The estimate for repaving from the newly laid asphalt through the worst of the old road is $64,480. The estimate to pave all the way to the Administration Building is $147,952.50. If there is any money left over, we will use it to pave some of the driveways of the twenty houses that are homes to Ranch staff. Whatever we are able to do will be a noticeable improvement that will certainly complement the incredible improvements we have been blessed to complete over these last three years.

Would you prayerfully consider giving toward the Camp Roads Project, Phase II? We would like to invite you to the Friendship Banquet here on the Ranch on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 6:30pm in the Dining Hall. The gate will be open at 5:30pm if you would like to take a tour of the Ranch. We are eager to report on how camp went this summer after enjoying a delicious steak dinner. Then, anyone who wishes to can contribute to the Camp Roads Project. Please email mdowns@billriceranch.org if you are planning to attend.

We are excited about the future, confident that God will provide for this need, and eager to get to work in September! May God bless you for being a blessing.