An update on Joy Ranch.

In November of 2019, the LO Board of Directors formed a Joy Ranch Task Force assigned to evaluate Joy Ranch and bring forth possibilities to help make the camp fiscally sound.  From the many hours of work from the Task Force, another major decision was made by the Board.

The Lutherans Outdoors Board, after much consideration and deliberation, has determined that Joy Ranch, although a beautiful site with many amenities, does not fit our operational model of seasonal outdoor camping ministries.

As a result, Lutherans Outdoors has entered into a Transfer Agreement with a new 501(c)3 organization in Watertown, subject to contingencies. A Watertown-based organization will be better positioned to operate Joy Ranch into the future and create and deliver the programming that will make it successful.  Lutherans Outdoors will now be able to invest its resources into NeSoDak, Outlaw Ranch, and Klein Ranch and ensure successful Christ-centered ministry for future generations.

"Over the years the market for church camps has continued to change, making it more challenging for Lutherans Outdoors to maintain and operate multiple camp settings. Three of our camps have defined summer seasons, which can be staffed accordingly, with shoulder seasons in spring and fall for church groups and family retreats.

Joy Ranch, however, has more investment in infrastructure which requires it to operate year-round in order to be successful. This is significantly different than our model for NeSoDak, Klein Ranch, and Outlaw Ranch, making it more difficult to fit into our portfolio of camp offerings. Given our need to be good stewards of limited resources, we believe it best to seek another entity to operate Joy Ranch that can more broadly define its program offerings and make it successful and sustainable into the future."  - Annelies Seffrood, Rob Oliver & Members of the Lutherans Outdoors Joy Ranch Task Force

Lutherans Outdoors is proud to have been a partner with Joy Nelson and her generous vision for this beautiful property that increases the quality of life for all who gather.  Lutherans Outdoors thanks the thousands of supporters who have participated in the development of Joy Ranch. With these changes, Lutherans Outdoors is confident that Joy Ranch will be successful into the future and will faithfully honor its many supporters. 

The net proceeds from the transfer of Joy Ranch will be used by Lutherans Outdoors to further support the ministries of Nesodak, Klein Ranch, and Outlaw Ranch.

“Joy Nelson, representing Joy Ranch of South Dakota, wishes to thank Lutherans Outdoors for their years of work in the start-up of Joy Ranch and wish them much success with their other existing camps. Joy Ranch of South Dakota wants to assure all the visitors, participants, and donors of Joy Ranch that the mission as initially presented will most definitely continue with the new entity in addition to even more programs for quality of life issues for people. We sincerely hope you will continue to come to Joy Ranch and Lutherans Outdoors has expressed an interest in continuing some of their camps at Joy Ranch with the new entity. Upon transfer, Joy Ranch of South Dakota will be provided with the contact info for all of you and you will all be hearing from us at that time about the new exciting future for Joy Ranch of South Dakota. Our motto will continue as well to everyone “All Are Welcome”. We look forward to seeing you there.”
- Joy Nelson

The Transfer of Property took place on January 3, 2022.