Peace Chapel At Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch

Last updated on Friday, December 15, 2017

(BRAZIL) - Talks are underway for Indiana’s sheriffs to add an interdenominational peace chapel to their new Youth Ranch for future law enforcement officers and at-risk kids.

"Religion and spirituality may already be a big part of the lives of our young campers or may be exactly what they are looking for," said Scott Minier, deputy executive director of the Youth Ranch. "Adding a peace chapel will provide our teens a place to go to for quiet and voluntary worship. We do not foresee organized services - simply a place for private prayer."

Minier said ISYR leaders are in their final stages of planning and are negotiating naming-rights sponsorships for cabins and other vital camp amenities - including the non-denominational peace chapel.

"Our two-story chapel would be slightly larger than the cabins that will surround it," Minier said. "Picture a small western town with a little white church at the end of the street. Our primitive inside furnishings will include a pulpit, altar and about 50 white wooden chairs, which will allow us layout flexibility for small-group discussions and counseling (like pictured above). In years to come, I can envision the peace chapel being used for deputies' weddings and sheriffs renewing vows."

Minier said sheriffs are in discussions with a family foundation for possible funding of the peace chapel. However, donations will be needed for songbooks, chairs, a sound system, pulpit and altar.

$50 will sponsor four non-denominational songbooks

$100 will sponsor one of 50 white wooden chairs

$250 will sponsor the chapel pulpit

$500 will sponsor a sound system

$1,000 will sponsor the altar

"No tax dollars are being used for the purchase or construction of the not-for-profit Youth Ranch," he said. "We rely solely on the kindness and generosity of Hoosiers - parents, grandparents, educators, farmers, attorneys, doctors, manufacturers and other business owners."

Naming rights on the cabins, stable, dining hall, first aid station, computer lab, pool and other recreation areas are also available, Minier said.

"For 38 years, sheriffs and deputies have hosted youth leadership camps for future deputies, police officers and state troopers. During the 1990s, at-risk kids also became a focus for the camps," Minier said. "The new Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch, now being developed in Clay County, will serve as the permanent home for the camps. Owning rather than renting facilities will allow sheriffs to expand their camps to more days per week and more weeks per summer - effectively quadrupling the number of teens reached. In addition, sheriffs hope to someday offer weekend retreats for young witnesses and victims of crime."

Call 800-622-4779 for more information on sponsorship opportunities at the Youth Ranch, Minier said. Personal or business checks may be sent to the Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch, c/o Indiana Sheriffs' Association, 147 E. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page