Sheriffs' Youth Ranch News

Thursday, April 2, 2020

SEEKING STUDENT YOUTH ADVISORS

Sheriffs are searching for dozens of 2020 Student Advisers For Educating Tomorrow’s Youth (S.A.F.E.T.Y) Leaders for their Youth Ranch now under development for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.

Middle school and high school students who have attended public safety camps across the state will be asked to give guidance on proposed facilities, programs and policies of the new Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch being developed in rural Clay County between Greencastle and Terre Haute, Scott Minier, ISYR executive director, said.

Minier said the Youth Ranch will provide teens and parents nearby hotel lodging for their weekend meetings throughout the summer and fall. At each session, S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leaders will review drawings and layouts of cabins, a peace chapel, dining hall, horse stable, first aid station, computer-crime lab and locker rooms.

Student advisers will also give their opinions on proposed recreation areas, including a zipline, swimming pool, confidence course, archery range, baseball and soccer fields, basketball court, sand volleyball, docks for canoeing, kayaking and fishing, Minier said.

While at the ISYR property for the advisory sessions, S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leaders will also be invited to voluntarily participate in K-9, drone and safe-ATV training, Minier said.

“Because we now own rather than of rent our venue, we plan to host our annual academies up to seven full weeks each summer,” Minier said. “This will afford sheriffs and deputies the opportunity to greatly enhance the safety curriculum. So, before our board of sheriffs takes final votes on facilities, programs and policies, we want to hear from youth alumni of local law enforcement camps, as well as deputies who serve as counselors each year.”

Minier said for more information on the S.A.F.E.T.Y. Leader program, the Youth Ranch or to donate, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or write to Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.

COVID-19 Impacts upcoming events

Indiana Sheriffs Youth Ranch leaders are closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and following Gov. Eric Holcomb’s guidance – both at their local departments and at their not-for-profit academy now under development for future law enforcement and at-risk kids.

“We value the health and wellbeing of our volunteer board of sheriffs statewide, as well as our adult and teenage supporters across Indiana,” Executive Director Scott Minier said. “It is vitally important we all follow the recommendations of Gov. Holcomb, so we can prevent spread of this deadly virus and return to work, school and church. For now, our Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is postponing all of our spring and summer public events and fundraisers.”

Minier said Youth Ranch Board Trustees are meeting telephonically to continue progress of the not-for-profit 62-acre retreat being built in west-central Indiana for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.

“After a year of steady progress – purchase of the property, completing needed demolition and excavation, leasing our public safety K-9 academy and groundbreaking on four of our 10 youth cabins and a peace chapel – we must continue our steady progress, but we must do so safely,” Minier said.

Several public events and fundraisers for the Youth Ranch will be postponed out of respect for participants’ health and safety, Minier said:

• Sheriffs’ Sporting Clay Tournament for Firearms Safety.

• ISYR Founders’ Day Celebration.

• John Jones Auto Group Truck Raffle.

• Student Advisors For Educating Tomorrow’s Youth (SAFETY) Leaders Weekend Retreats.

• All-American Ribfest.

• Youth Ranch Grandparents’ Day.

Minier encouraged supporters to rush donations to the Youth Ranch, so progress may continue even without the special events and fundraisers.

Contributions may be mailed to: Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: