BRAZIL,Indiana — Indiana sheriffs have selected a wooded 62-acre Clay County property as home for the soon-to-be-unveiled Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.
Neighbors of the Ranch property got a sneak preview of the preliminary plans Tuesday evening during an informal briefing with several sheriffs and deputies spearheading the not-for-profit effort.
“Building on the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association’s 37-year tradition of hosting summer youth leadership camps, the Youth Ranch will provide a permanent, year-round facility to extend positive life-changing experiences to thousands of statewide youth ages eight to 18. A not-for-profit organization, the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch will be an educational retreat offering field trips, overnights and week-long camps to Indiana teens,” said Boone County Sheriff Michael Nielsen who also serves as the ISYR board president.
“Visiting students will enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, softball, baseball, basketball, hiking, an obstacle course, a zip line and much more. Guests will learn in an age-appropriate way about topics like CPR and first aid, substance abuse, personal safety, bullying, cybercrimes, gangs and firearms safety,” Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden said.
Ranch visitors will also observe K-9 and Horse Patrol training with deputies whenever possible, said Vigo County Sheriff Greg Ewing. “Above all else, the Youth Ranch will seek to help grade school and middle school students develop further social skills, self-confidence, self-esteem and will emphasize our R-A-N-C-H rules about respect, animals, nature, character and health.”
Located between Indianapolis and Terre Haute — and within a few hour’s drive of most Hoosier hometowns — the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is located along State Road 59 between Interstate 70 and Brazil. A former veterinary clinic on the property is slated to soon become Indiana’s first statewide K-9 training and certification facility for sheriffs’ offices and police departments. An existing home on the property will serve as a lodge and conference center for the Youth Ranch. Other permanent facilities will include 10 youth bunkhouses, a multi-purpose training center, horse stables, sports and health facilities. These vital features will be completed as individual and business donations become available, according to ISA President Jeff Cappa, Wayne County Sheriff.
A memorial for fallen sheriffs and deputies and a non-denominational chapel were also discussed at Tuesday’s meeting with about 40 nearby landowners, Gibson County Sheriff Tim Bottoms said.
“Purchased with private funds this spring, the peaceful West Central Indiana property is already being transformed,” said Marion County Sheriff John Layton, who is credited as an early driving force for the project. “The K-9 training academy is targeted to begin operations yet this year. The youth portion of the Ranch is expected to see some activity as early as 2017 with the grand opening for day visits, overnights and weekly summer camps in 2018.”
Building capital and operational costs will be funded through a combination of grassroots fundraising in each of Indiana’s 92 counties: tax-deductible scholarships sponsored by individuals, small businesses and corporations; revenue from K-9, horse patrol and other public safety training; private foundations; direct mail solicitations and regional special events. “Our singular goal is to build, sustain and expand an outstanding educational facility where students from every hometown in every county can visit and benefit from free-of-charge,” said Steve Luce, ISA executive director.
For information on sponsoring local students or joining ranks with Ranch fundraising efforts, Luce said to contact the local sheriff or call the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association toll-free at 800-622-4779.