Liz Writes Life
Dec.
22, 2021
Most
anyone will agree that life in the 21st century is full of stresses
and blurred-lines regarding life-decisions, values and responsibility. For
Craig Thompson, losing close cousins to prison and suicide were not acceptable.
After he gave his life to Jesus Christ, during a Christian Kidder Creek Camp
experience in Scott Valley, Craig decided that he would work to offer a
life-changing program to young men.
During
a presentation to the Siskiyou Conservative Republicans on Dec. 9, 2021, Craig
explained the goals, program and successes of his Rockside Ranch located near
Etna, CA. Craig is a fourth generation farmer, who grew up near Chico,
California. He felt the values and skills he learned working on a ranch, with Christian
and family values, could provide the impetus to overcome crisis.
“Guys come here to get unstuck,” said Craig, of the
eight-month program of restoration.
The program at Rockside Ranch is on a working ranch in a
rural community—the ideal setting for students to retreat from the distractions
of a modern world and step into a rugged experience in nature.
Yes,
the young men must want to truly change and are willing to engage in rural farm
life feeding horses, pigs, sheep and chickens, then also gathering, cleaning
and selling eggs. There is an interview process, where both Craig and his staff
evaluate possible students and the men can begin to understand this will be
very different – a change of lifestyle -- and opportunity to reevaluate and
make positive choices.
“They
come to the ranch and see the love of Christ,” Craig further explained, sharing
that his wife and three young children live on the ranch. Another staffer, with
his family, also lives on the ranch. There are several other staffers and the
Scott Valley Berean Church and its members are also a huge support. Community
members mingle with the students, when they show up to the ranch to purchase
eggs and other products.
A
change in life-style is significant. The students give up the daily use of a
personal cell phone and vehicle. They are exposed to children, family life,
family dinners, addiction therapy and those community members. A typical day
starts at 7 a.m. with “fresh air and sunshine” during morning chores. The housemates
eat breakfast together, then they have morning devotions and by 10 a.m. all are
outside working on ranch projects. Again, lunch is eaten together followed by
afternoon classes. Then the animals need care through evening chores and dinner
is eaten together followed by an evening session.
Craig
said the young men really come to appreciate eating their meals as housemates and
they often eat with one of the families, which is something they have rarely
experienced.
Weekends
in Scott Valley offer adventures like hiking, swimming, rafting and seasonal
snowshoeing literally right out their backdoor. Horseback riding as a therapy
is also available. But, consistency and structure is the key.
Last
year, the ranch was able to move a 100-year old house from a neighboring ranch
to the property. The young men took part in upgrading the home by doing the
drywall, painting, electrical rewiring and other projects. This home now houses
several of the up to 12 men that live at Rockside.
Craig
said the restoration program has an 80 percent success rate with young men
completing their eight-months and finding meaningful employment. Local
employers have been pleased with their new workers.
Working
on the ranch teaches life-skills. Craig said it also provides dignity and meaning.
Rockside Ranch offers a huge commitment to each student.
On
its website, Rocksideranch.org states: “We won’t give up until you have
overcome your crisis and are thriving. We will coach you through the program
and into a job or college program at the end. When you want to quit, we will
remind you that your life is worth it. And when you achieve success, we’ll
cheer you on and build you up. This program is about you finding your purpose
and growing closer to the God who created you – we are committed to help you do
that.”
For
several years, I have been on the Rockside’s email list. Craig sends out
announcements about the young men as they graduate out of the program.
Recently, he gratefully thanked the many people (over 230) who gave on Giving
Tuesday -- a record-breaking $123,217 in donations. Wow, this is impressive!
I
knew a bit about the life-changing program, but was truly excited with the
success this type of program is having on young men. Craig is the director and
set the program up as a 501 c3 non-profit. All donations are tax deductible. Yep,
a good program to support.
At
this December time, we look to the true meaning of Christmas, which for
Christians is the belief in Jesus Christ. Through His life of giving and
serving, we learn how to accept, help and love others as well as ourselves. He
is our redeemer, our teacher, our exemplar, our joy and our Savior.
Merry Christmas everyone!
May peace and calm
be with you this week. Smile – just cuz it makes you feel better!
Liz Bowen began
writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native
of Siskiyou County. Columns from the past can be found at:
lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.
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