Wild Ridge

WILD RIDGE — 2015

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).

“Located in the heart of West Virginia, there is a world-class camp just waiting to happen — a place where thousands of kids will someday hear the gospel and experience the best weeks of their lives. Situated on the cliffs of the Gauley River and near the banks of Summersville Lake, this stunning property with extraordinary potential is primed to become Young Life’s next iconic resort.” (wildridge.younglife.org) Way back in 1990, Young Life staff on the East Coast were discussing the need for a property that would provide for the growing needs in that part of the U.S. Many years would pass before Young Life would be led to property in Mt. Nebo, West Virginia. The path to this location would, in the words of Isaiah 42:16 be “unfamiliar” and much of the land would be “rough;” however, God would faithfully light the path and smooth the way. Wild Ridge is ideally located in a popular recreational area that is a natural match with Young Life’s intentional use of adventure, thrill, beauty and play. It will have an impact on ministry in five states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. In the words of Wiley Scott, Young Life SVP of the Eastern Division, “With over 50 percent of the U.S. population living within an eight-hour drive of Wild Ridge, this camp will serve as a hub for thousands of kids to hear the good news of Christ.” Unlike many Young Life properties that were acquired in large parcels, Wild Ridge is an assemblage of parcels making one lot. As you can imagine, the process of acquiring each of these parcels has reiterated God’s presence, guidance and generous portions. Much of the land in this part of West Virginia is rugged and heavily forested, making it difficult to see, let alone find, flat land that would be adequate for building a large central camp facility. After employing the use of LIDAR technology during a survey of the property, it was revealed that, unlike the surrounding, hilly area, the land that will be used for Wild Ridge sits atop a veritable table-top. It is flat and therefore ideal for building the camp. To be sure, God has made the “rough places smooth!”

Mt. Nebo, West Virginia

Do you find yourself, or those you know, on unfamiliar or rough paths? Maybe you feel blind, or a bit like you are walking in darkness? The story of Wild Ridge is the story of God’s sovereignty. He is giving sight, shedding light, providing guidance and smoothing the way. He “will not forsake” you.