Saddling up to send kids to camp

Oct 22, 2014

The three-year-old tradition of raising funds to send local kids to camp continued at Arden's Circle Square Ranch on October 19. Over 20 riders saddled up to participate in the ranch's third annual Ride-a-thon, an event whose goal is to raise funds to subsidize children who might not otherwise have a chance to attend summer camp.

The fundraiser was started by Dwayne and Cindy Matson, former directors at the ranch for the past five years, who this September were forced to step down due to Dwayne's health issues. The couple have since passed the reins over to Anne and Andrew Douglas, the ranch’s new co-executive directors, who took the helm in September. The Douglases decided to continue the tradition of the Ride-a-thon and it was their first fundraiser in their new positions.

The Circle Square Ranch runs in the summer months as a Christian faith-based sleepover camp for children ages 6-18 and in the other months it runs as a retreat centre for any groups and organizations looking for a peaceful place to gather. The ranch, which is spread over 300 scenic acres, offers horseback riding, a high ropes course, a waterfront beach area, plus all of the usual camp activities. The summer camp offers a unique wilderness camping experience to children from all kind of socio-economic and non-faith or faith-based backgrounds. Proceeds from the Ride-a-thon fundraiser help to subsidize children from higher risk backgrounds, who would not be able to afford to attend the camp, by offering them camper scholarships.

“Children who might not otherwise get a chance to experience nature, swim in a lake or ride horses are able to get a week-long camping experience here, which for many can be a very transformative experience”, said Anne Douglas. Andy Douglas spoke of one camper who attended the camp through a scholarship in the past, a youngster who had serious health issues and had been in and out of the hospital for over nine years. However, she wanted to experience camp for the first time. “She really thrived when she was here; it was an incredibly positive experience for her and was amazing to see,” Andrew said.

Anne spoke highly of the ranch’s summer camp staff. “We have a phenomenal staff here, kids who teach the campers a number of skills and who also mentor them. Leadership building is also a main focus and we have a Leaders In Training program for older campers as well.”

At the Ride-a-thon fundraiser the Douglases invited Dwayne Matson to lead the longer of the two trail rides that were offered to participants. Beginner riders were offered a shorter one-hour trial ride on the ranch property. Participants collected pledges prior to the event and the end goal was to raise $2,000 or more in pledges, which would fund four individual camper scholarships. Riders who collected the most pledges won a number of impressive prizes donated from local businesses and individuals. The day ended with a festive chili dinner in the ranch’s main dinning hall. For more information about Circle Square Ranch visit their website at www.csranch.ca/arden, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613-335-5403.