U-Turn Ranch builds faith, friendships and lasting memories

This summer, six international staff members joined the U -Turn Ranch team, including four from Ireland, one from Scotland and one from Finland. Pictured are Inkeri, Orlaith, Martin, Bella, Kai and Aoife. Contributed photo

By Diane Danen

What began 21 years ago with just 30 campers has grown into a thriving summer camp that will welcome approximately 1,400 campers during the 2026 season.

Founded by Scott and Jodie Zehr, U-Turn Ranch, located just west of Tavistock, was built on a vision of creating a place where young people could experience farm life, build meaningful friendships, strengthen their faith and enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful rural setting. More than two decades later, that vision remains at the heart of the U-Turn Ranch experience.

Campers enjoy a wide variety of activities, including horseback riding, vaulting, fishing, canoeing, archery, swimming, nature programs, team games, campfires and theme meals. They also spend time caring for and interacting with the ranch's animals while learning about their faith through daily devotions and talks held under the camp's iconic big tree.

One tradition that has stood the test of time is the camp's popular staff games, Titanium and Schmuk the Staff. The games have been a highlight of every summer at U-Turn Ranch, entertaining campers for all 21 seasons. The camp's iconic pizza buns have become a tasty tradition for campers as well.

"By the end of the summer, we'll have made close to 7,500 pizza buns," said camp director Jodie Zehr.

Each season, the camp is run by a dedicated team of about 40 staff members. This year, six international staff members have joined the team, including four from Ireland, one from Scotland and one from Finland.

This summer also saw the largest Leadership in Development (LID) program in the camp's history, with 11 youth spending two weeks learning about leadership, teamwork and personal growth while helping with camp activities.

Several long-serving staff members continue to play an important role in the camp's success.

Program director Sandy Martin is celebrating her 10th summer at U-Turn Ranch. A licensed horseback riding coach and mother of three, Martin first joined the camp as horsemanship director before taking on her current leadership role.

Camp nurse Lorraine Penner is marking her 21st summer at U-Turn Ranch. Penner, who is Jodie Zehr's aunt, travels from Manitoba each year and spends the summer caring for campers and staff.

Several new additions to the site have enhanced the camp experience this season. Campers are enjoying a new hammock village as well as a new multi-sport playing surface for basketball, volleyball, pickleball and floor hockey. On weekends, the ranch's new pavilion has also become a popular venue and will host nine weddings throughout the season.

The ranch has also expanded its family of animals. Campers are getting to know two donkeys, Faith and Fig, three goats, Brez, Bubbles and Butter, and two pot-bellied pigs, Waylon and Willy, in addition to the ranch's herd of 16 horses.

The most welcome addition to U-Turn Ranch this season has been the youngest ranch hand of all. Scott and Jodie Zehr welcomed their first grandchild this summer, and at just six weeks old, the newest member of the U-Turn family has already become a familiar face, making daily appearances around camp.

For more information about U-Turn Ranch, visit www.uturnranch.com.