A grant from the Community Foundation of Warren County has helped Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek Twp. to rebuild an amenity — Fort Wilderness — that was damaged by fire several years ago. The fort, located about a mile-and-a-half to two miles from the main Ranch, will “without question” give organizers more program options, according to Executive Director Matt Cox. “And it still fits our western motif,” he said. “Whatever we build or create has to fit our genre and the fort does naturally. It just fits.” “It incorporates new options … but traditional things they would anticipate at camp.” Donnie Rosie, the Ranch’s marketing director, said the Community Foundation of Warren County contributed $32,000 to the restoration effort.
In addition to some insurance money, funds for the Fort were also a focus for the Ranch’s Warren Gives effort this year. Rosie said the initial fort had really only been half completed. The grant dollars allow them to move “toward finishing the project rather than being stuck with half a fort.” The work isn’t completed but Cox said enough was done that the Fort was able to be a part of this summer’s programs. Rosie said that specifically includes an overnighter for summer camp kids. There’s also a stand shooting sports and Nerf area there. Retreats are also held there. It might also be the centerpiece of additional growth for the Ranch as Rosie said they would like to add restrooms, creating “another little retreat center.” “It’s been wonderful,” Cox said. It opens doors for our program significantly that we’re really excited about. It’s a beautiful side of the property.” The view from the Fort overlooks the Brokenstraw Valley. It also carries an additional specific part of the property. “It is the site where the original founders came and prayed,” Cox said, to determine whether they could start a ministry there. It’s a “neat part of the property.” “We’re just so extremely grateful for the investment from the community,” Rosie said. “We hope it pays dividends in the form of kids enjoying the outdoors and families experiencing that property. “We feel responsible for being a good asset for the whole Warren County community.”
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