It’s About to Get Real
In our last update, we shared the possibility of leasing the largest ropes course in North America, Helmzar Challenge Course located at 1006 N. Quaker Ave.
Well… this dream is becoming a reality!
We submitted a proposed lease agreement for HelmZar to Tulsa Public Schools. On September 2nd, we met with several employees from TPS to discuss the terms. As part of our agreement, we will provide challenge course programs to all ninth graders each school year, and to fifth graders in the TPS summer program during the month of July. That’s potentially 3500-4000 TPS students annually!
Our lease agreement went before the TPS Board of Education on September 6th, and it was accepted! We are currently working through some final details, but we will be moving into the HelmZar location during the first week of October! It’s hard to believe that just a little more than a year ago, we were celebrating our Articles of Incorporation. And now to think we have the opportunity to make a difference in thousands of kids’ lives each year - it’s just amazing how God has unfolded this opportunity.
What kind of programs will you offer at the Tulsa location?
We will run an adventure-based challenge course that is exciting and enjoyable, but where participants also learn important life skills and build hope. We will also be using this facility to run other programs such as the Heart of David Leadership program and other teen-focused programs after school and during the summer.
Will you still build the Youth Ranch?
We are still pursuing High Point Youth Ranch, where we can provide both residential care and camps & leadership programs. If we are successful at creating a sustainable model with the Tulsa location, we will continue to operate both. This location in the city allows us to reach a different group of youth that we might not be able to reach at a Ranch that is an hour away from Tulsa. Then again, there will be many that find out about our programs at the Youth Ranch through the Tulsa location. We may even meet youth through the Tulsa location that need a home, and we will have a solution for them.
What are the next steps?
We are currently working on the branding for our Tulsa location. We will be announcing the new brand in October!
Thursday, October 13th - Open House for Friends, Family & Followers
Saturday, October 15th - High Point Work Day
Saturday, October 22nd - High Point X Crutchfield Neighborhood Block Party
We will be getting the ropes courses inspected in October, so we can start making any necessary improvements in November. We are also making initial plans for a teen-focused after-school program starting in November!
What can I do to help?
We are so glad that you asked! There are many opportunities for you to get involved! Check the volunteer page to sign up for the areas that work best for your skills and schedule! There is something for everyone to do!