EXPERIENCE LIBERTY HILL
by Ann Marie Kennon
Smilin’ V Scout Ranch
J
ust ten minutes from the city center is a gorgeous piece of countryside, purchased by the Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and dedicated to the growing number of Scouts in Williamson County. The Smilin’ V Scout Ranch has 100 acres of creative space for family camping and Scout activities, and will eventually be available to businesses, non-profits, and other groups for education and events. Capital Area Vice-President Ron Garland says the Ranch is not only beautiful, it is optimally located. Current Scout camps are in Bastrop, and the Ranch will provide ample local opportunities, particularly for Cub Scouts, Cub packs, and their families.
FUTURE GROWTH Over time, and with help from the community, the Ranch will add an archery and BB range, chapel, Council ring, fishing ponds, splashpad, and a “wild west” Main Street with open air and classroom space (concept photo below) for Scouts, corporate retreats, and STEM education. P.J. Brown is a Scoutmaster and full-time resident on the Ranch. He says it is a great place to live and is looking forward to seeing the pavilions put to use for myriad programs. “With open air and covered spaces with electricity, we can accommodate nearly any program our leaders determine. We will also have climate-controlled space for a nurse’s station and trading post for Scout items, drinks and snacks.”
HOW IT STARTED Two years ago, Ron began hiring the best engineers and builders to install infrastructure for a very modern outdoor experience. Camping areas have water and electricity underground, and will include eight pavilions for activities designated by pack directors. Construction for each is about $50,000 and there are still some available for funding and naming rights for companies or individuals who wish to support future growth. They have already upgraded the main kitchen, and modernized bathrooms to provide showers and privacy for campers and their families. “Water and power was the most expensive, but most important piece of our development. Although it is invisible to visitors, it means the difference between ‘roughing it’ and providing amenities and technology that will hopefully attract non-Scouting groups to visit and help us sustain operations for a long time to come.”
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TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE The Ranch will primarily be used by Scouts on weekends, and throughout the summer, for activities toward Scout advancement programs. However, during the week, the Council plans to encourage others to take advantage of the unique space—and the outdoors—for corporate retreats, fundraising private events, and more. Ron says, “An organization like Hope House need only talk to us about their needs and we will make the space and resources available for their clients and families to help them meet their missions. We are about Scouts first, but we are excited about generating revenue from other groups that will help the Ranch become self-sustaining.” Folks at Liberty Hill ISD, just five miles away, are particularly eager to get the chance to take students on fields trips for science and history education. Superintendent Steve Snell says, “We are excited to
