“Frontier Ranch is one of God’s ‘thin places’ where heaven and earth meet, a sacred space where he changes lives for eternity. Lives like mine.”
— Jeff Chesemore, 34-year staff veteran, who met Jesus at Frontier in July 1983
1920s
Round-Up Lodge for Boys was established as a private summer camp for the elite.
August 1950
Jim Rayburn visited Round-Up Lodge and felt called to pray for the property to become part of Young Life. At the same time, two Young Life work crew members, Cy Burress and Jerry Kirk, were also praying independently for the property to be given to Young Life.
Late 1950
A New Yorker magazine ad listed the property for sale at $500,000. After negotiations, the price was lowered first to $350,000, then to $250,000.
March 20, 1951
Young Life finalized the purchase of Round-Up Lodge.
July 1951
Just four months after the purchase, the first campers arrived at the newly renamed Frontier Ranch.
1951-2021 (70 YEARS)
Frontier Ranch hosted more than one million guests.
Fall 2021
In response to the decline in camping ministry and business demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Young Life makes the strategic decision to scale back operations at Frontier Ranch.
2021-PRESENT
Fundraising and planning began to address the infrastructure needs. Engineering, planning, and permitting processes are underway.
DATE TBD?
Campers return once the restoration phases are complete.
