Texas-based Sky Ranch Christian Camps has acquired the 65-year-old Horn Creek Conference Grounds, pictured here, in Westcliffe, Colorado. The new entity will continue to offer youth camps, family camps, retreats and conferences. Courtesy

Van-based Sky Ranch Christian Camps is adding another Colorado location. The nonprofit organization recently acquired the 65-year-old Horn Creek Conference Grounds in Westcliffe, Colorado.

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains, the Horn Creek property will operate as a separate Sky Ranch facility, its second in Colorado. 

Through this new location, Sky Ranch will continue to offer youth campus, family camps, retreats and conferences, according to an organization news release.

“We are so excited to allow the continuation of Horn Creek, as well as to meet the growing demand at Sky Ranch,” Sky Ranch President and CEO Linda Paulk said.

Prior to this acquisition, Sky Ranch, which is 60 years old, already had locations in Van; Cave Springs, Oklahoma; Ute Trail, Colorado; and offices in Dallas. Last year, Sky Ranch served more than 66,000 guests at its locations.

Building on current programs at Horn Creek, Sky Ranch will offer leadership camps for Quest 10th grade and Sigma 11th grade at the new Colorado site. 

The Horn Creek location also will create much-needed additional space for Family Camp, according to the news release.

Longtime Sky Ranch team member and former Colorado resident Doug McClain Sr., who is director of camps in Colorado and Oklahoma, served as the interim executive director of Horn Creek during the transition and will continue to oversee operations and facility improvements.

In the months ahead, Sky Ranch will focus on enhancing facilities and finalizing the curriculum mapping for campers and guests in preparation for the upcoming 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, a member of Horn Creek’s founding family, said he, his family and the board of directors are thankful for the way God brought these two Christian camps together.

“Horn Creek has been an amazing ministry in the lives of many thousands of young people and families,” he said. “Now under Sky Ranch’s leadership that legacy will continue strong into the future.”

TWITTER: @TMTEmily