Young Life announces that Wild Ridge, a Young Life camp located in Summersville, WV, recently received an anonymous gift of $6 million. This gift will be put toward the next phase of the camp’s development, which includes the construction of a multi-purpose facility consisting of a dining hall, club room, camp store, snack bar, recreation center and a 100-person dormitory.
“A donation of deep generosity, this $6 million gift brings us closer to our goal in the advancement of Wild Ridge,” says Newt Crenshaw, president and CEO of Young Life. “We’re filled with joy as we see this property already beginning to serve kids and local communities within West Virginia, and we look forward to the many exciting things ahead at Wild Ridge.”
Wild Ridge is being built on 1,100 acres of land along 1.7 miles of the Gauley River. When fully operational, this camp will host summer camp weeks for as many as 500 students per week, as well as weekend camping throughout the school year. Additionally, local Young Life leadership retreats, large- and small-group adult gatherings and community outreach events will be hosted on the property.
Since 2016, Wild Ridge has received more than $35 million in gifts and pledges toward its Next Steps campaign. To date, Young Life has completed a welcome and operations building, a 50-person lodge and conference center and an off-grid adventure camp. A 0.7-mile access road and bridge that crosses Meadow Creek is currently under construction. With the goal of raising $15 million for this current construction phase, $2.7 million needs to be fundraised before construction can begin.
“We continue to see God’s provision through each and every gift received. No matter the amount, each donation and pledge is a blessing,” says Josh Griffin, senior vice president of Young Life’s eastern division. “We’re so encouraged by the generosity of people who care about Young Life’s mission, and we’re excited for the work that God is doing in and through this camp.”
To see construction, future plans and find out how you can get involved in the Next Steps campaign, please visit the Wild Ridge development website.
