Kids need support in today’s world more than ever, but finding what they need can be hard for parents and caretakers. A break from electronics, people who love them and can offer support to help them through whatever life is throwing at them, new friends, nature and God is what they will find at Capital Christian Center’s Solid Rock Ranch in Thurston County. They’ve been helping kids since 1995 unplug, rejuvenate and grow in God.
In 1995, Capital Christian Center held an overnight program called Rodeo Roundup on land owned by Pastor Dave Minton’s brother. They started out with six volunteers and about 40 kids, shares Jennifer Kelly, director of Solid Rock Ranch. One year they had a group of foster kids, including siblings that had been separated and finally got to see each other again during the program.
“We wanted a space where kids could have fun and grow, without compromising the Christian values,” Jennifer says.
Solid Rock Ranch: Faith-Based Summer Program That Welcomes All Youth
Since then, their overnights have grown to week-long summer programs at Solid Rock Ranch, the church-owned 66-acre property in Tenino.
One student, Eden Thurman, has attended since she was little. “Solid Rock Ranch has truly changed my life over the years,” she says in a video on the history of the Ranch program. “When I was younger, it was so exciting each year to go there and worship God with many of my friends, but as I got older I had many things going on in my life that I couldn’t quite comprehend. It became a time for me to get alone with God and really understand Him and His goodness. Solid Rock Ranch was my place to take an emotional break for the summer.” Eden, now returning as a leader, still sees it as her place for a break to recharge her spiritual batteries.
Many of the kids are going through things in their lives where they are searching for support. These summer programs focus on helping these kids, through faith. “We want to create a safe place for kids to be able to develop that faith and to grow deeper. Part of what we do is we integrate faith into every aspect of our living out there,” Jennifer explains.
For example, she said one year the sump pump they use to get the water from the lake for the giant waterslide was not working. “We didn’t make a big scene or anything like that,” Jennifer says. “We just told the kids, ‘Hey guys, let’s pray. Let’s pray that we can get this working and we can continue to have a good time.’ So, the kids all just stopped and prayed.” Normally it can days to get a replacement, but they had one within the hour.
They also have counselors on hand to help kids with mental health issues, behavioral issues or family situations.
“My Dad had brain cancer for most of my high school career, and when I went to Ranch it left like an emotional weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Eden says in the video. “But it also helped my situation because my relationship with Jesus grew so much stronger and I trusted that whatever happened, it was going to be okay.”
“We are different than a lot of programs because we actually open our doors and welcome kids that don’t fit in other programs,” shares Jennifer. This includes making accommodations for unique needs kids from hard place often have, which are often not accommodated at other summer programs.
Tenino Summer Program Gets Kids Outside and Away From Electronics
Another great thing about Solid Rock Ranch summer programs is they are electronic-free, meaning no cellphones, tablets, etc. Your youth will get a whole week away from screens – except for a movie night perhaps – to be present in nature, make friends and rest their brain from the barrage of social media.
“So many kids are so tied to their cell phones and tablets and screen time that we’ve lost the ability to really connect one-on-one and in person,” shares Jennifer. “So by not being focused on that, being out in nature, we can actually have good face-to-face time, which helps us to build our social skills, which is super important and it just gives them a different perspective. You know, without the distraction of the cell phones and the technology and stuff like that, they’re out playing for 14 hours a day in nature. They get to experience things differently. They hang out more, they spend a lot of time together. They are able to really just soak in the nature and really experience that. So many kids don’t have that in their daily life.”
Instead of staring at a screen, students get to horseback ride, learn archery, go tubing and play on the waterslide and many other activities and games including popular gaga ball. Older kids get a lake day and paintball too! Kids will spend time worshiping God and growing their faith.
Solid Rock Ranch Summer Programs Offer Scholarships and Sponsorships
Solid Rock Ranch never turns away a student because they cannot afford to pay. Along with payment options, Capital Christian Church offers scholarships for the programs, where the students, parents, friends, family or church members can sign up for volunteer hours to cover the cost of the program. Volunteers may help out at the Church or Ranch, in a variety of duties. Scholarship applications are online.
You can also sponsor a student. You do not need to be a member of the church to donate or sponsor. You can donate through the church’s website via this link. Click on the drop-down menu labeled “Fund,” then select “Solid Rock Ranch – sponsorship.” On June 8, 2025, they are holding their annual auction fundraiser for Solid Rock Ranch. You can donate auction items or sponsor the event.
For more information, you may email the church at info@go2ccc.org or call 360.943.4391.
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