Dear CranHill Campground and Cottage Friends,
It is with great sadness that I am writing this email to you today. If you’re like me you’ve been looking forward to coming to CranHill for your stay. Well, that stay is, unfortunately, going to have to wait just a little while longer.
Yesterday, Governor Whitmer announced that the Stay-At-Home order will remain in effect until May 28th. With this order, she has essentially required CranHill’s Campgrounds and Cottage Rentals to remain closed until at least May 28th. As difficult as this is for us, we rejoice because as a Christian organization we get to represent Christ in honoring the authorities over us (Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:13).
Believe me, we really want to be open, and we really want you here. We not only desperately need the revenue, but we simply love the ministry that happens while you’re here. You’re not just like family… you are family.
You are entitled to a full refund without cancellation fees because we are required to cancel your reservation.
You may choose one of the following options:
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DONATE your received payments to CranHill to help support the current financial needs of this ministry. In this case, you will receive a tax receipt for 100% of the funds donated and you can then make another reservation for a future date.
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REBOOK your received payment for a future date during the 2020 camping season. In this case, we would love to help you find another date this summer.
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REFUND Your received payment will be 100% refunded to you. Refunds will be processed within two weeks of your reservation date and credited back to your credit card or sent by check.
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If you choose Option 1 or Option 3, we will process your request and you will receive the proper communication showing your donation or your refund.
If you choose Option #2, we will give you a phone call to assist your rebooking. Or feel free to give us a call during normal office hours at your convenience.
We are still planning to open the campground and cottages this season just as soon as we can. Please stay tuned to our website and social media for further updates. You might also want to catch a new weekly update video called “The Porch.”
Thank you so much for your partnership and prayers during these unique days. We continue to pray for all our guests, that the Lord would make these days a great time of family connectedness to each other and to the Lord regardless of all that is happening around us.
Blessings, and we look forward to seeing you soon here at the Ranch.
In Christ,
Full-Time positions available! Apply Now!
FOUR KEY PIECES
This God-inspired campaign launches CranHill into a future where every space serves its divine purpose with excellence. Your investment addresses real challenges (numerical growth, cultural shifts, and licensing requirements) while creating clearly defined environments for summer campers, retreat groups, and guests to encounter Christ without distraction.
More than just improved facilities, your partnership in this vital work creates an eternal legacy of transformation. By helping this vision become reality, you contribute to every healing, awakening, and life Transformed into the Image of Christ.
Will you join us in building this legacy of faith for generations to come?
NEW DINING HALL
A Centerpiece of Connection, Community, and Christ-Centered Hospitality
More than meals happen when we gather around tables. At CranHill, breaking bread together creates sacred moments where faith stories are shared, relationships deepen, and hearts are opened to God’s transformative work.
Since 2006, the converted 1972 Lodge dining area has faithfully served this ministry. But as God blesses us with growth (over 118,000 meals served in 2024), we’re called to create a facility worthy of this holy work of hospitality-ministry and life-transformation.
• Community-Building Capacity: Space for 550 people to dine together – eliminating staggered meals that fragment community and creating a unified experience where all can worship, learn, and connect as one body.
• Ministry-Focused Design: Purpose-built stage and sound system where testimonies, worship, and teaching can touch hearts during meals – turning ordinary dining into extraordinary spiritual encounters.
• Excellence-Driven Kitchen: State-of-the-art commercial facilities that honor God through attention to detail – serving guests with quality and kindness, and meeting diverse dietary needs with care and intentionality.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure: Updated utilities and systems –ensuring the CranHill ministry continues to function seamlessly for generations to come.
NEW HORSEMANSHIP
MINISTRY HOME
Where Faith Takes The Reins
For over half a century, God has used these majestic creatures at CranHill to teach unforgettable lessons about trust, courage, discipline, and His gentle guidance in our lives. What began in 1968 has grown into a cornerstone ministry where thousands annually experience Christ’s love through unique equine encounters.
Now, God is calling us to expand this powerful ministry through a dedicated Horsemanship Complex on CranHill’s “East 80,” creating a sanctuary where character is shaped, faith is deepened, and hearts are forever changed through the special bond between horse and rider.
A Vision for Year-Round
Spiritual Impact
• Horse Pastures & Pens: Space for 40+ horses with sustainable rotation areas – creating a living example of God’s provision and proper stewardship of His creation.
• All-Weather Indoor Arena: Year-round facility where ministry continues regardless of weather – demonstrating that God’s work in our lives knows no season.
• Comprehensive Stable Barn: Purpose-built space with stalls, tack room, office, health center, restrooms, and instructional areas – a complete environment where horsemanship and discipleship happen simultaneously.
• Multiple Outdoor Riding Arenas: 2-4 specialized spaces for varied instruction and programs – meeting diverse needs just as Christ meets each of us where we are.
• Dedicated Infrastructure: Separate 17 Mile Road entrance with complete utilities – creating a distinct identity that honors the Lord through the unique ministry happening at CranHill.
• Strategic Location: Proximity to Saddle Ridge cabins creates a cohesive horse camp experience – fostering deeper community among those sharing this spiritual journey.
Indoor Arena - Conceptual Drawing
NEW RECREATION SPACE FOR YOUTH CAMPERS
Where Faith Becomes Adventure
In the laughter of a child conquering a climbing wall, the encouraging cheer of teammates in a game, or the quiet conversation between a cabin leader and camper beside a zip line, these are the moments where faith in Jesus takes root in young hearts. These are the sacred spaces where intentional activities become catalysts for life impact and eternal transformation.
As God blesses CranHill with increasing numbers of campers and guests, our shared recreational spaces have become crowded crossroads where multiple ministry programs intersect, creating challenges for meaningful connection, intentional discipleship, and the sacred trust of camper safety.
A Sanctuary of Adventure and Spiritual Discovery
• Adventure Facilities: Zip lines and climbing elements that become tangible metaphors of faith, trust, and overcoming fear through Christ’s strength.
• Seasonal Recreation: Winter tubing hill and activities that extend ministry impact year-round, because spiritual formation happens in every season.
• Target Sports Zones: Dedicated areas for archery, riflery, and other focused activities that teach discipline, concentration, and the spiritual value of “fixing our eyes” on what matters - Jesus!
• Team Recreation Spaces: Courts and fields designed specifically for youth programs where Biblical community is experienced through play and challenge.
• Intentional Design: Every element positioned to maximize supervision while creating natural spaces for meaningful conversations and spiritual moments.
RENEW, REFRESH, RETOOL
Honoring Our Heritage Of Ministry
True stewardship honors what God has already provided even as we build for the future. The structures that have faithfully served CranHill’s ministry since 1968 aren’t just buildings, they’re witnesses to decades of life transformation. Within their walls, countless decisions for Christ have been made, spiritual awakenings have occurred, and faith journeys have begun.
Your investment in renewing these historic spaces demonstrates wisdom and faithfulness, breathing new life into cherished facilities while redirecting their purpose to meet evolving ministry needs. This thoughtful stewardship maximizes every resource God has entrusted to the ministry of CranHill.
A Legacy Of Wise Stewardship
The Lodge: From Dining Hall to Ministry Home
With the new dining facility addressing our food service needs, your gift transforms the historic Lodge into vital housing that nurtures both
ministry and mission:
• Summer Staff Housing: Creating dedicated living quarters for the young adults who pour their hearts into campers each summer, providing them a comfortable environment that refreshes and equips them for transformative ministry.
• Year-Round Guest Accommodation: Expanding our capacity to host retreat guests, marriage weekends, leadership gatherings, and other ministry events throughout all seasons.
Lodge Dining Area Set Up For A Meal
Outdoor Arena During the Stick Horse Rodeo
Main Campus Equestrian & Petting Farm Renewal
While our expanded Horsemanship Ministry finds a new home, your investment revitalizes the original horse facilities for continued ministry impact to campground and retreat guests:
• Refreshed Barns & Petting Farm: Updating these beloved spaces where campground families and retreat guests experience God’s creation through animal encounters.
• Renewed Outdoor Arena: Revitalizing this space for riding demonstrations, equine activities, and programmed events such as the popular Stick Horse Rodeo.
• Summer Horse Presence: Creating accommodations for 10-12 horses to remain on the main campus, ensuring Family Camping guests continue to experience the wonder of equine ministry.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Time Is Now
This campaign represents more than building improvements, it’s an investment in eternal impact. Every dollar given, every prayer offered, every act of faith moves us closer to expanding our capacity to serve God’s people and fulfill the Great Commission.
Together, we’re launching the next chapter of God’s work through CranHill.
Ways To Partner
PRAY for God’s guidance and blessing over this campaign and our ministry
SHARE this vision with others who share our passion for Christ-centered ministry
COMMIT to being part of this transformational journey
GIVE according to how God leads your heart
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• One-Time Donation: Support this vision with a one-time donation.
1. Give online at www.cranhillranch.com/donate.
2. Select “Transforming the Future Campaign” from the menu.
3. Gifts may also be mailed to CranHill Ministries
• Financial Pledge: Commit to a Monthly or Yearly giving plan.
• Stock or Asset Donation: CranHill will partner with your financial planner for donated stocks, bonds, or other appreciated assets. This option provides greater tax benefits and ministry impact.​
Contact Scott Barger to discuss options:
Scott Barger
scott@cranhillranch.com | 231.250.9975
CranHill Ministries, 14444 17 Mile Rd, Rodney, Michigan 49342
Your partnership today will ensure that CranHill continues to be a beacon of hope,
transformation, and Christ’s love for the next 57 years and beyond.
