The Soaring Eagles Ranch program for at-risk youth in Calhan is riding a new updraft, courtesy of Eagle Scout candidates, Boy Scout troops and local adult volunteers. The 41-acre property on Judge Orr Road has a new amphitheater and camping area, thanks to community service projects.Gary Stauffer has been working on a youth ministry center since 2007. Red tape, funding shortfalls and a workplace injury he suffered made for slow progress, until he attracted the attention of scouting programs, local business people and Calhan neighbors. ìWe’ve made major steps, and we’ve done tons of cleanup on the property,î Stauffer said. ìNow we’re ready to get a development fund started and start hosting excursions.îThe ranch needs to raise money to fund several administrative expenses to get its next phase of operations under way. County planning fees and building engineer costs must be covered first. ìWe need to generate the money to pay for those things. So we’re selling antiques and old books from the barn,î Stauffer said. ìWe have enough cool stuff in here that we’re selling from the property to be able to pay for those costs.îThe project has evolved, with help from the Eagle Scouts. Stauffer said there are four Eagle Scout projects under way on the ranch: a fire pit with a small amphitheater, a new flagpole area, camping sites for seven to 10 tents, with a central gazebo and restroom; and a pathway connecting the sites with the barn area.ìWe’re also looking at getting another project to clean up the pond and have it stocked with carp and catfish,î Stauffer said. ìThen, between the camping, the fire pit and the pond; we can have a nice place where scout excursions or families can come, in addition to our at-risk-youth programs.î High school students and other Boy Scout troops doing community service have also been helping out at the ranch. ìWe will always have something to do. We’ll never run out of projects. That’s the beauty of a ranch,î Stauffer said.Several adult volunteers are working with Stauffer to coordinate the Scout projects and help improve the property. Nathan Donnelly said he appreciates what Stauffer is trying to do. ìI’d be here doing this all the time if I could,î Donnelly said. ìIt piqued my interest, and I love coming here to help out. I love what he’s doing out here. It’s something that has interested me since I was a little kid.îKim Stewart brings heavy equipment from her mechanic business to the ranch to help Stauffer grade paths and move items. She said she’s been helping out for about three months. Other local business people have helped with social media, business plans and marketing.More help is needed before the ranch can start hosting residential youth programs. ìI need somebody with a maintenance background and a caretaker,î Stauffer said. ìIt would be volunteer for now but that would be a staff thing later on.îSoaring Eagles Ranch is at 26261 Judge Orr Road. Gary Stauffer can be reached at 719-683-8718.
