News from Home
Spring 2026 Newsletter
Winter Faithfulness at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch
As we step into a new year, we are grateful for the steady faithfulness of God and for partners like you who make ministry possible in every season. Winter at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch may be quieter than summer, but it is no less meaningful.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
Celebrating New Life on Mission
This January, our Camp Director Jonah Staires and his wife, Allie, welcomed their daughter, Jane Elaine, on January 29. We celebrate with them and are grateful for the way God continues to grow families who are serving on mission here at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch.
Staff families live where they minister. They plant deep roots, invest in campers and staff, and model what it looks like to follow Christ together. Your support makes that possible.
Caring Well for Those Who Serve
During the off-season, we are actively maintaining and improving our facilities with an emphasis on staff care and stewardship. Current projects include replacing the deck at our Executive Director Ron and Lucia’s home and building a fence around the Camp Director’s house so their children can safely and freely play.
These projects are being funded through a combination of operating funds and designated gifts, and they are currently in progress. We believe caring for those who serve our campers is an important part of long-term ministry health.
Winter Camp Weekend Impact
In January, we hosted our Winter Camp Weekend with over 60 campers and separate programming for Treehouse Village and Ranch Camp campers. 15 volunteer staff served faithfully, and 2 campers were able to attend through scholarship support.
Discipleship That Continues Year-Round
Camp ministry does not stop when summer ends. Throughout the year, Luke Kennedy and Rachel Schneider serve as our Discipleship Director and Discipleship Coordinator, walking closely with our summer staff.
They check in with staff members to encourage spiritual growth, ensure each staff member is connected to a local church, and help them remain in mentoring relationships. This intentional off-season discipleship strengthens our staff and deepens the long-term impact of camp beyond a single summer.
Retreat Ministry Momentum
We are currently experiencing the most successful retreat booking season we have seen.
Churches, schools, and organizations are choosing Shepherd’s Fold Ranch as a place for rest, reflection, and spiritual growth. If you know a church, school, or work team looking for a retreat space, we would love for you to share our information with them.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2026
As we prepare for the months ahead, we are excited to share this summer’s theme: PURSUIT.
Our theme verse comes from 2 Timothy 2:22:
“Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
This verse will guide our teaching, discipleship, and conversations with campers and staff as we encourage them to actively pursue Christ in every area of life. We are expectant for what God will do this summer!
Thank You for Being Part of the Work
Thank you for praying, giving, and staying engaged with the ministry of Shepherd’s Fold Ranch. Your partnership allows us to care well for our staff, disciple young leaders, and create space for lives to be changed by Christ.
Please continue to pray for our campers, retreat guests, staff families, and upcoming ministry this year. We are deeply grateful for you!
With gratitude,
Nathan Roberts
Development Director