New VP Brings Added-Value and Extensive Experience to the Organization

Sky Ranch, one of America’s premiere Christian camps, school program providers and conference centers, is excited to announce the recent hiring of Joe Widner. Widner joins Sky Ranch as the Vice President of Finance and Administration.

“The expansion of our management team further strengthens our ability to meet the needs of the campers, families and organizations that we serve at our locations throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado,” said Linda Paulk, President and CEO, Sky Ranch.  “Joe’s extensive professional experience, his call to serve and leadership skills will greatly benefit Sky Ranch to provide people with a positive recreational, fun and memorable experience while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God.”  

Widner brings more than 25 years of experience in executive level management, strategic planning and financial analysis to Sky Ranch. 

He is the co-founder of a faith-based mobile technology company focused on providing solutions for the church to connect and serve each other.  Previously, Widner was a managing director and on the senior management team with Markit and its predecessors for 15 years.  He was responsible for the Dallas site and managed its global syndicated loans, regulatory and settlements businesses. Widner joined Markit as part of their acquisition of a J.P. Morgan subsidiary where he served as managing director and COO. 

As the Sky Ranch Vice President of Finance and Administration, Widner will lead several administrative functions including Human Resources, Accounting/Finance and Information Technology.  Widner will report directly to Paulk and partner with the Sky Ranch Leadership Team to develop and implement workforce, technology, financial reporting and accounting strategies across the organization.  He will play a key role in financial planning and economic modeling to ensure the core infrastructure is scalable for future growth.

Widner will also be responsible for overseeing all administrative and fiscal management aspects of the organization, in conjunction with the CEO and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. 

Widner and his wife, Kate, have been married for 23 years and are blessed with three children:  Ross, Chloe and Emily.  He has been in and around Sky Ranch for almost 10 years, starting when his son first went to summer camp as a 5th grader.  Widner and his family reside in Frisco, Texas and are members of The Village Church in Plano, Texas.

Please join us in welcoming Joe Widner to the Sky Ranch team.  For more info call: 903.266.3300; or email joew@skyranch.org.

About Sky Ranch

Impacting over 70,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe, positive and exciting environment. Since 1955, Sky Ranch has been dedicated to creating excellent and unique camp opportunities while promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth at each of their four locations.

Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experience that impacts lives forever.  Visit: http://skyranch.org/

Sky Ranch friends and supporters recently saddled up for a VIP Sponsor Party at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco to kick off the 10th Annual Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala presented by Centurion American.  During the reception, Linda Paulk, Sky Ranch President and CEO, announced that the 2017 Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala will feature a star-studded array of celebrity NFL Dallas Cowboys and Rodeo Cowboys at the event on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Gilley’s Dallas. Visit www.CowboysandCowboys.com.

Funds raised at the gala will benefit the Sky Ranch Scholarship Gift Program. This initiative supports military families and those in public service and also impacts children facing circumstances beyond their control to attend a life-changing week of Summer Camp. Sky Ranch offers a special session for inner-city children called TRU Camp and works with collaborative partners to identify campers, these partners include: West Dallas Community School, Reconciliation Outreach, HIS Bridgebuilders, InterFaith Housing Coalition, New Friends New Life, Angola Prison and Angel Tree Prison Ministry.

Last year, the gala raised more than $700,000 to provide scholarships for nearly 1,200 deserving kids to attend summer camp and to support the invaluable ministries at Sky Ranch. 

The gala’s 10th anniversary will draw past celebrity honorees and other legendary cowboys from both the gridiron and the rodeo arena to commemorate this chic boots and bling soiree.  

During the VIP sponsor party, guests learned that the 2017 Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala boasts a stellar lineup of Honorary Celebrity Chairs. Featured honorees include: Roy Cooper; Jeff Copenhaver, Tony Dorsett; Walt Garrison; Don Gay; Leon Harrel; Chad Hennings; Michael Irvin; Lee Roy Jordan; Larry Mahan; Pam Minick; Ty Murray; Rope Myers; Dat Nguyen; Ted Nuce; Tony Romo; Rob Smets; Roger Staubach; and Darren Woodson.

There will be many impressive added attractions for this special 10th anniversary event. Gilley’s Dallas will not only serve as the gala’s new location, but the venue will also play host to Nashville recording artist Blane Howard who will provide musical entertainment to cap off the evening.  

Guests will also have an opportunity to bid on an array of fabulous prizes and live auction items at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala. Some of the highly-anticipated items up for grabs include a “Sky” blue 1965 Corvette and once in a lifetime experiences with celebrity cowboys.

Sky Ranch, with locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado, has been one of America’s leading summer camp experiences for over 60 years.  Sky Ranch offers children and families a life-transforming adventure in a fun, safe and Christ-centered environment in which to learn, explore and grow.

Individual tickets for the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala are $175.  VIP Reception 6:00 p.m.; Auction 6:30 p.m.; and Gala Dinner 7:30 p.m.  Many sponsorship opportunities are still available!  For more information contact cowboys@skyranch.org; 469.484.4840 or visit www.CowboysAndCowboys.com.

About Sky Ranch

Impacting nearly 70,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe positive and exciting environment. Since 1955, Sky Ranch has been dedicated to creating excellent and unique camp opportunities while promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth at each of their four locations.

Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experience that impacts lives forever.

The Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala welcomed over 700 attendees at its 9^th annual fundraiser held at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel on February 20.  This year, thanks to the gala’s overwhelming participation, the organization exceeded fundraising goals, which will allow provision of scholarships for deserving kids to go to summer camp and to support the invaluable ministries at Sky Ranch. Visit: www.CowboysAndCowboys.com.

NFL Dallas Cowboy and Texas Aggie icon Dat Nguyen served as the Honorary Celebrity Chair and led a virtual Who’s Who of cowboys from the gridiron as well as from the rodeo arena at the event. 

Among the sportsmen alongside Nguyen were Dallas Cowboys:  Doug Donley; Tony Dorsett; Dixon Edwards; Ebenezer Ekuban; John Fitzgerald; Jesse Holley; Bradie James; Lee Roy Jordan; Tony Liscio; Don McIlhenny; Timmy Newsome; Drew Pearson; Roy Williams; Darren Woodson; and more.  Rodeo Cowboys: Jeffery Collins; Bob Logue; Scott Mendes; Rope Myers and more.

Although the crowd made a true Texas fashion statement at this boots and bling western soirée and auction, they were there for a greater purpose: to support Sky Ranch, who for over 60 years has been one of America’s leading summer camps and conference centers. 

Funds raised at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala support the ministry and the Scholarship Gift Program. These initiatives provide opportunities for children facing circumstances beyond their control to attend a life-changing week of summer camp.

The Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala began in 2008 and has been supported by Honorary Celebrity Co-Chairs Rope Myers and Walt Garrison since its inception. Each year, Dallas Cowboys from the football field and Cowboys from the rodeo arena join together with individuals, families and businesses to support Sky Ranch programs.

Over the years, Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala has been led by many celebrity cowboys who have served as Honorary Celebrity Chairs including: Chad Hennings Darren Woodson and Hall of Famers Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. They have been joined by World Champion Rodeo Cowboys Joe Beaver, Trevor Brazile, Larry Mahan and many other notable celebrity guests.

During the gala, media personality Scott Murray and Heather Hays, KDFW-FOX 4 Anchor, engaged the audience as entertaining emcees. The Kilgore College Rangerettes served as hostesses and joined the Corps of Cadets from Daggett Middle School to post colors. The audience also enjoyed a special performance by Tony Dorsett’s daughter Mia, who sang the National Anthem.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live and silent auction. Each year, over 300 businesses and families in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area generously donate their services, products, experiences and more to the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala. Two of the most sought after live auction items were a vacation experience for 14 to Tuscany and a premier Texas A&M football game package including a behind the scenes weekend hosted by Dat Nguyen including sideline passes, team meetings, locker room tour, Spirit Walk with the team and dinner before the game with Former Aggie Football Coach R.C. Slocum.  Leading the live auction was 2014 International Champion Auctioneer, Wendy Lambert.

“We are very fortunate to have so many servant-leaders in the North Texas community join us at the Cowboys and Cowboys Sky Ranch Gala each year,” said Linda Paulk, Sky Ranch CEO.  “Their unwavering support helps us provide a life-transforming experience in a fun, safe Christ-centered environment where kids can learn, explore and grow into godly character leaders.”

About Sky Ranch

Impacting nearly 70,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe positive and exciting environment.  With 61 years of experience and 4 locations, including a newly acquired second Colorado site, Sky Ranch is dedicated to creating unique camp opportunities and promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth, while pursuing excellence in service and facilities.

Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experiences that impact lives forever. Visit www.skyranch.org

New Acquisition Expands Programs at Both Camps   

60-year-old Texas-based Sky Ranch Christian Camps announced today that it recently closed on the acquisition of 65-year-old Horn Creek Conference Grounds in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains in Westcliffe, Colorado.  The new entity, Sky Ranch Horn Creek, will continue to offer youth camps, family camps, retreats and conferences.  Sky Ranch is a long-time favorite among Plano and Collin County residents.  Visit www.skyranch.org.

Sky Ranch President and CEO Linda Paulk says, “We are so excited to allow the continuation of Horn Creek, as well as to meet the growing demand at Sky Ranch.  Sky Ranch, with locations in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma, served more than 66,000 guests in 2015, and we’re delighted to expand our ministry to serve even more in the years to come.”

Building on current programs at Horn Creek, Sky Ranch, as part of its extremely successful Life Map plan, will offer leadership camps for Quest 10^th grade and Sigma 11^th grade at the new Colorado site.  The Sky Ranch Horn Creek location will also create much-needed additional space for Family Camp, in addition to the current 120 families served at Sky Ranch Ute Trail Family Camp near Lake City, Colorado.

The Horn Creek property will operate as a separate Sky Ranch facility and its second in Colorado.  Sky Ranch has enjoyed strong ties to the state with its 11-year operation at its Ute Trail Family Camp near Lake City. While each of Sky Ranch’s Colorado facilities have a unique appeal through different lodging styles and activities, both are set in the stunning mountain scenery and are committed to an overall experience dedicated to strengthening and encouraging campers and families.

Long-time Sky Ranch team member and former Colorado resident Doug McClain, Sr.Director of Camps – Colorado and Oklahoma, served as the interim Executive Director of Horn Creek during the transition.  McClain has recently moved his family to the Westcliffe area to oversee operations and facility improvements. Of the opportunity, McClain says, “Sky Ranch strives for excellence in all we do, and we look forward to investing in the facilities and programs at Sky Ranch Horn Creek, as well as being an active part of the local community.”

In the months ahead, Sky Ranch will focus on facility enhancements and finalizing curriculum mapping for campers and guests in preparation of the summer camp season at Horn Creek. The new acquisition will expand programs and blend facilities to incorporate the character development, active learning and outdoor adventures that campers and families experience at the existing Sky Ranch sites.

Andrew Zeller, member of Horn Creek’s founding family, states, “Along with the Horn Creek Board of Directors and my family, I am very thankful for the way God has brought these two Christian camps together. Horn Creek has been an amazing ministry in the lives of many thousands of young people and families. Now under Sky Ranch’s leadership that legacy will continue strong into the future.”

About Sky Ranch

Impacting nearly 70,000 guests each year, Sky Ranch offers an unparalleled array of programs, activities and experiences in a safe positive and exciting environment.  With 60 years of experience and 4 locations, Sky Ranch’s goal is the pursuit of excellence and the organization is dedicated to creating unique camp opportunities and promoting intentional, recreation-based learning and personal growth.

Its caring and carefully selected counselors encourage fun, purposeful interactions and provide extraordinary and meaningful camp experience that impacts lives forever.

Luncheon recognizes Legacy Partners for decades of dedicated service and support  

The Sky Ranch 60^th Anniversary Luncheon felt more like a big family reunion as the event drew a capacity crowd including former alumni staff, campers, past and present board members, and camper families at the InterContinental Hotel in Addison on Oct. 29.  Visit: www.skyranch.org.

Attendees gathered to celebrate 60 years of impacting lives at Sky Ranch, one of America’s leading summer camp and conference center.  Guests also recognized the camp’s phenomenal growth at its three locations in Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma throughout the years.  

Luncheon presentations by Chris Witt, Alumni Counselor and Staff, and current Board Member, alongwith John Morgan, Director of Summer Camp, highlighted Sky Ranch’s unparalleled array of programs and activities.  These extraordinary personal growth and meaningful camp experiences have reached more than 1 million guests since Sky Ranch’s inception in 1955.  

Linda S. Paulk, Sky Ranch President and CEO, shared with the audience that the camp’s legacy will continue to advance by announcing major expansion plans in the years ahead.  She explained that although Sky Ranch has currently reached capacity at all three of its locations, there is an exciting campaign underway titled Vision 2020 that will help meet the growing demand.

Under this initiative, Sky Ranch plans to go from serving 55,000 to more than 77,000 by 2020.  Paulk also shared plans to expand their Colorado camps with the recently executed contract to acquire a second camp facility in the state.  The new property is located at the Horn Creek facility near the town of Westcliffe in southeastern Colorado.

Pete Delkus, WFAA-TV, Chief Meteorologist, served as the luncheon keynote speaker.  During his remarks, Delkus shared a heartwarming and inspiring message about the impact Sky Ranch has had on him and his family.  

Other program highlights included the recognition of more than 60 Legacy Partners honored for their ongoing support of Sky Ranch. This was followed by a special musical presentation by a Sky Ranch camper family, Holly and Bradley Knight, along with their children, Ava and Greta Knight, who sang We Will Remember. Closing remarks were delivered by Clyde Jackson, Chairman of the Sky Ranch Foundation Board.

“We are very fortunate to have so many servant-leaders in our community, with deep roots to the Sky Ranch family, who have joined us at our luncheon to celebrate 60 years of changing lives,” said Paulk. “Their unwavering support is invaluable as we embark on the exciting future ahead. Together, we will continue our efforts to provide a life-transforming experiences in a fun, safe Christ-centered environment where kids can learn, explore and grow into godly character leaders.”