What’s Next Part 1 – When Do We Leave?

The most common question I get these days, as it relates to our upcoming time of ministry at Rock Nest Ranch is this: What’s the Next Step? And it’s a really good question. It’s a question we’ve been working on solving, ourselves, for the last while.

I (Ryan) am scheduled to leave Vancouver and begin the journey in my trusty old truck to Rock Nest on the day after Father’s Day, which is Monday, June 16. From here, it is a 16 hour, 900 mile trip. I don’t know if I’ll take it in two days or three, but three is more likely. I’ll be making the trek alone, as Leanne and the family will be staying home until mid-July. I don’t mind having 2-3 days to drive by myself, and I actually look forward to it. But the idea of being away from my family for a whole months sounds really strange! There are a few times when I’ve been away from them for a couple weeks, but this will be the longest time apart that we’ve ever experienced. I’m really going miss be home with them every night.

In going up in mid-June, I will be doing a couple things. First, I will be working on getting well-trained to lead the various high ropes elements that happen at Rock Nest. There is always a need for adults who are well-trained and responsible to lead the daily events like rock climbing wall, the zip line, and the giant swing, keeping everyone safe in the process. I also anticipate helping get camp prepared for the summer camping season and working with the other staff members to organize and plan the various staff trainings that will need to happen. And I am also hopeful that I’ll get some good time to talk with the Camp Director, Daniel Koster, as we put together a plan for how to work together in this ministry.

Like I said, Leanne and the girls will join me in mid-July. We are still working out the details on their travel plans. It’s a big trip for her to take as a solo adult, but she’s excited for the adventure that the four of them will have in making that trek. We’ve decided to leave our family dog, Murdock, at home this year, rather than brining him with us. Perhaps he’ll be able to come with us in future years!

You can see the full Summer Schedule for Rock Nest below. They are planning to arrive in time for that first Junior Camp, which starts on July 14. Leanne will jump right in when she arrives, helping to make the rest of the summer a success. Then we will all travel back home in two cars. We have some mighty fine CB Radios to communicate easily on the way.

Prayer Needs

• We are working on making plans for our dog, Murdock, for the summer. Pray that we would find just the right situation(s) for his care from mid-July thru mid-August.
• Rock Nest is in a unique position of bringing the gospel primarily to First Nations kids, teens, and families, most of whom will come to camp from homes that are still unreached with the Gospel. Pray for effectiveness in communication and demonstration of the gospel to the kids, teens, and families we interact with all summer.
• Pray for wisdom in planning, particularly as we work with the rest of the Rock Nest Staff, making a plan for how we will work together most effectively as a Leadership Team.

Rock Nest Summer Schedule

For those who are curious, this is what the summer camp schedule will look like this year.

• High Ropes Training – June 24-28
• Summer Staff Orientation – July 1-4
• Teen Camp (13-15 years old) – July 5-12
• Junior Camp 1 (9-12 years old) – July 14-19
• Junior Camp 2 (9-12 years old) – July 22-27
• Family Camp – Aug 1-3
• Lead Camp (16-18 years old) – Aug 5-10

Keep a heads up for one more email with further info on another next big step for us in this ministry, as well as some other ways to be praying for us. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry endeavor!

Ryan and Leanne Donovan