The Ranch Store

Motivating, Rewarding, Teaching

Nestled in the heart of campus, the Ranch Store bustles with activity each day after lunch. Students eagerly race each other to check their account balances, see what is new, and plan for what they will buy in the future. Legos, backpacks, note cards, clothing, even bicycles and camping equipment are on display. If what they want is not in stock, students can request it.

Each month, our staff are supplied with Ranchpoints and Ranchbucks to reward students who are doing well. As students perform chores and complete schoolwork with good attitudes, they receive Ranchpoints or Ranchbucks that they can spend in the Ranch Store. Chores are required. Good attitudes while doing chores are rewarded. And of all the activities that might earn points and bucks, none is rewarded more highly than Scripture recitation. Ranchbucks are a powerful tool for staff to motivate students, giving them a tangible reward for success and an opportunity to practice saving and managing money.

How do students feel about the Ranch Store?

It smells good in there. It's organized. I bought a basketball hoop. I can pretend I am Michael Jordan. --Kyle

It's fun. I like to get the Lego Friends! --Alexis

We get to buy stuff. The Mentors get the ranch bucks back so they can distribute it out to us again... it's good since the adults can give you more and more! --Javante

Operating funds are always needed, but if you would like to do something special this Christmas, you might consider a designated gift for the Ranch Store. Along with the clothing, toys, or recreation equipment, you can help us give our students gifts they wouldn't think to ask for -- the experience of budgeting, working, saving, enjoying the fruit of their labors, and sharing those blessings with others.

We strive to provide each child with what they truly need and more. Yet what they need is not just more stuff -- they need the skills for true success in life. We pray that the life lessons students learn in the Ranch Store (including lessons learned from their mistakes) will teach them to budget, save, and spend wisely. That wisdom is a gift that will bless not only these students, but also their spouses and children in years to come.

Motivating, rewarding, and teaching -- daily in the Ranch Store!