An Open Door: Let’s Not Wait to Get Started…
As we embark on this journey to raise the funds necessary to fulfill the vision of High Point Youth Ranch, we realized we need to get started making a difference now. This accomplishes three things:
Allows us to build the programs that we will be using on the Ranch
Allows us to build reputation, make connections and share the vision with potential donors
Allows us to start having an impact on kids right away!
But where do we start?
We considered doing programs out in the community. Perhaps we could partner with local churches and do weekend events? Or perhaps we go on a roadshow across various parts of Oklahoma? All of those are potential ideas but didn’t feel it would have the right level of impact for the amount of resources required to make it happen.
One day, we drove by the HelmZar Challenge Course located on N. Peoria between Admiral and Pine. For those of you that don’t know, it is the largest ropes course in North America. It was built in 2007 on land owned by Tulsa Public Schools and with generous donations from local foundations. TPS administered programming at HelmZar from 2007 to 2017. In 2019, Skyway Leadership Institute reopened the facility, but unfortunately was unable to continue operating due to the pandemic, and shut down in September 2020.
I have taken young men there for leadership development in the past, so I remembered HelmZar very fondly.
After months of research, interviewing various people that have worked at HelmZar, and touring the facility, it is very possible that we will be leasing the property in the near future! Now, this is not final just yet. We are performing our due diligence and working on the details, but it is too exciting not to mention!
I can’t share too much information, but let me just say, the property is a $5 million facility. As I mentioned earlier, it is the largest of its kind in North America. It has a 20,000+ square foot building with an indoor climbing wall, high elements, training rooms, office spaces, and furniture that is ready to use! All of the equipment we would need is ready and available, as well - team building supplies, harnesses & helmets, and even a fleet of kayaks and paddle boards! We could not have leased it for the price it is worth. God clearly opened this door for us!
This facility will be a ropes course and so much more! We are extremely excited about all of the potential we have in this facility, and we can’t wait to share more about the programs we intend to offer!
As far as next steps, we are finalizing our discovery and budget proposals this week, and we are reviewing the initial terms of the lease agreement. We should have a decision on these things in the next couple of weeks. The facility could be ready for us as early as October 1st!
Are we still committed and pursuing the vision that we have set forth for High Point Youth Ranch? Absolutely! This is not a distraction from the vision, but a step further in that direction. As a matter of fact, if we are able to create a sustainable model for the HelmZar facility, it is possible that we will continue running programs there to have an impact on the local Tulsa community in addition to the Ranch we intend to build.
We are simply walking through the doors that God is opening for us!
