Skyview Ranch gets up — again — and reinvents itself
Day camp for elementary-age students is still being offered at Skyview Ranch but to a greatly decreased number of participants.
When Skyview Ranch suffered a massive fire last fall, one would think that would likely be the biggest challenge the Christian camp and retreat center might face in a year.
Then came the coronavirus.
“No sooner did we start to dig our way out from the fire, did we get hit again — this time with COVID-19,” said Gary Adams, executive director.
The ranch, a 175-acre Christian camp located 2 miles outside Millersburg, typically offers several different summer camps through August. The rest of the year Skyview offers events for all ages, as well as playing host to special groups, retreats and events from all over Ohio. More than 9,000 guests visit each year. SVR observed its 50th anniversary last year.
In November 2019 the 10,000-square-foot SVR Welcome Center, which included the camp’s dining hall, kitchen and office spaces, burned to the ground in a devastating loss for the ministry.
According to Adams, renovation from the fire was progressing very well when everything came to a halt in March due to COVID.
“We had some decent weather in the early spring and were able to break ground for the new welcome center,” Adams said. “Everything was going to be so much bigger and better with the new center. Next thing we knew, everything was falling apart again.”
Adams said the coronavirus totally shut them down in March. “We had to lay off some staff right away, five interns and apprentices,” he said. “In the summer we usually have between 40-50 high school and college-age employees working as counselors, groundskeepers, life guards and kitchen help. We’ll only have a fraction of that staff this summer.”
Adams expects the summer staff this year to consist of nine full-time and three part-time employees.
Revenue that usually runs in the neighborhood of $250,000 for the summer is expected to be only around $75,000 this summer, according to Adams.
“We have had to drastically trim our budget,” Adams said. “It would be easy to get pretty down about it all, but even considering all the downsizing, with the construction on the new building it still feels like we’re moving forward. This is only temporary; 2021 will be better.”
What holds for 2020, though, is the reality of the summer will be drastically altered this year.
Adams said, “We have a great camp, so we just had to reimagine what we would still be able to offer this summer. Whether you’re looking to come as a family for a week, drop campers off for the day or rent the ranch for a weekend, there’s still plenty we can offer.”
Day camp for elementary-age students is still being offered but to a greatly decreased number of participants.
“We are following the state’s Responsible Start Ohio guidelines as far as ratios, taking temperatures and so forth,” Adams said.
Masks for campers are optional.
Day camp is daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $60 per day or $250 per week for grade 1-5.
Week-long family camps started June 29 and run until early August. Prices vary; check with the camp.
“We’ve been hearing from a lot of folks that maybe they’re looking for something different to do during these times because maybe they don’t really want to be in a hotel right now,” Adams said.
Public horse trails will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. for individuals or small groups. The cost is $35 per person or $30 per person for groups of six or more.
High Adventure Nights are being held on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. The night features a dual zip line, crate stacking and a climbing wall.
Fridays will feature Family Pond Days at $10 per swimmer. The pond features a giant water slide, blobbing, a water trampoline, a zip swing, paddle boats and fishing. Pony rides also will be available for $5 per ride. Concessions will be available.
A disc golf summer league started June 20 from 5-8 p.m. for $5 at the course. Competition alternates weekly between Skyview Ranch and Deer Run of Millersburg. A league prize will be determined at the end of the summer.
Shooters can practice their marksmanship at Shooting Sports Night on Saturday, July 18 from 5-8 p.m. Range time is $10 per hour or $25 per three hours. Shooters need to bring their own firearms and ammunition or call to make other arrangements.
The Fantastic Fourth 5k and Family Fun Run will be held Saturday, July 4. The entry fee is $30 per person for the 5k and $20 for the fun run. Registration is at 8:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. run start time.
SVR facilities also may be available for rental on a limited basis.
Skyview Ranch is located at 7241 Township Road 319, Millersburg. Call 330-674-7511 or email camp@skyviewranch.org.