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  • John Knox Ranch seeking donations matching $400,000
    SUBMITTED PHOTO John Knox Ranch Campers enjoy a campfire, like every camper should.
  • Article Image Alt Text
    SUBMITTED PHOTO The dining hall at John Knox was destroyed during the 2015 floods.
  • Article Image Alt Text
    SUBMITTED PHOTO The Blanco River is a staple aspect of John Knox Ranch’s summer camp.

John Knox Ranch seeking donations matching $400,000

John Knox Ranch, a Presbyterian summer camp just outside of Wimberley, has received a large donation to help rebuild portions of the camp damaged in the 2015 floods.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match all donations over the next year up to $400,000.

“If we can get up to the entire match, it really is a transformational gift for us. There are a handful of different areas we would be able to improve,” Henry Owen, executive directory of John Knox Ranch, said. “It is potentially really big for us. All of it is geared towards how we can best serve our community and the people we have out here.”

The donor is a former John Knox Ranch camper and the memories and impact those summer camp sessions had on his/her life is the motivating factor for this pledge challenge.

“This is special, because it is somebody who knows the impact that our camp ministry program can have on lives, and that is why they are so motivated to incentivize matching donations,” Owen said.

The first priority for the funds is to rebuild the areas that were lost to the flood.

“We are still feeling the effects of the devastating 2015 flood of the Blanco River that destroyed our dining hall, two cabins, two staff cabins, and a bathroom facility,” a press release from John Knox Ranch said. “The Dining Hall was the priority for recovery and that has been rebuilt. However, we have not rebuilt the two cabins lost as well as the dining hall bathroom building. Renovations may also include new outdoor furniture at each cabin, rebuilding Lookout Point, replacing rotting siding on our duplex cabins, among other needs.”

The funds will also go towards helping replenish the camp’s scholarship fund. In 2019, John Knox Ranch awarded $51,109 in scholarships enabling 154 campers to attend. In 2020, the goal is to raise $60,000 and serve 175 campers.

“We are going to rebuild our scholarship funds to make sure that financial barriers don’t keep any child from coming to camp,” Owen said.

The donations will also help the camp develop a strategic plan, a master plan and a business plan as well as help establish a reserve fund to ensure the camp can continue its on-going ministry to youth.

To participate in the matching donation “Light the Candle” fundraiser, visit www.johnknoxranch.org or donate by check to John Knox Ranch, 1661 John Knox Rd. Fischer, TX 78623.

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054