As we start a new year, we’re hopeful that we all might make a fresh start right from where we are and what we are dealing with, be it good or bad. Acceptance of what is doesn’t mean that we are passive and do nothing—it means we release, learn, and then move on to the future with a trust that God is, and wants the best for us.
We try and always keep that in mind as we meet and plan out our goals for 2015, and review our successes and failures from the year before. Crystal Creek Ranch had a great year of growth in 2014, and of course growth provides challenges to meet also. The number of people that came to stay at the ranch for a time of relaxation, renewal and recreation increased by almost 63 %, and we had a similar increase in the number of people visiting the ranch just for the day. Through field trips, day camps, Ag days, and other local programs we continued to introduce both children and adults to the beauty and purpose of nature. We continue to learn more about how to increase our ‘Outreach Programs” designed to give families and individuals facing “tough times” a free stay at the ranch. We look at all we do and offer at Crystal Creek Ranch as “Outreach”, whether our guests are paying for their stay, or part of our “free” programs. For 2015 our #1 goal is to greatly increase the number of families and individuals who are able to stay at the ranch on a non-paying basis. We are also looking to expand out “day” activities that visitors may do, such as adding pedal cars, paddleboats, and fishing to the activities available to our guests not staying on the ranch. These activities have been and will continue at no charge for our overnight guests, and now will be available for a fee to others who visit as day guests only. We are also expanding availability of our horseback riding, hayrides, archery lessons, and adding UTV ranch tours also (at an extra charge to all guests).
To facilitate all the new and increased activities, we are looking to increase our staff hours, and hoping to have two interns for the summer months.( call us if you know of anyone interested in this). And of course, all of this takes money. Much of it comes from our paying guests, as well as thru donations to the ranch itself. In 2014 we finally received our 501-C–3 status, which means that all donations to the ranch are tax deductible. We appreciate all our donors and supporters, and please rest assured that all your dollars invested in the ranch are used directly in services, programs, and upkeep to our facilities. Bette & I, as officers of the non profit, receive no salaries for what we do. Thank you for your support, come back and visit or stay overnight at the ranch at one of our “lodging adventures”, and maybe feel a little bit of God that is in nature and all of us as we help each other.
Blessing, Bill & Bette Byrne and the Crystal Creek Crew
