Mill Valley Ranch Christian Youth Holiday Camp, Tynong North, Victoria, Australia

Mill Valley Ranch - 525 Tynong North Road, Tynong North, Victoria, 3813 - (03) 5942 8356 - mvr@mvr.org.au

There is a wide variety of activities available at Mill Valley Ranch.

Archery

Archery is a popular camp activity, especially for the younger age groups, as it is often their first experience with the sport.

Archery is taken down by the Coach House with both normal bows and re-curve bows. It is great to see those who listen carefully to the simple instructions, being able to get bullseyes, when they doubted they could even hit the target.

Chapel

Chapel
Chapel is on at 11am every day during camp. There are lots of fun, action songs which teach the Christian message. We have a live Book Nook commercial and a Speaker. Usually Arthur Bartlett speaks. Arthur is a storyteller and has a gift for using everyday objects and current events to illustrate the Gospel Story. Everyone loves a story and the message is as relevant today as ever. The Chapel element of camp is integral to the whole program and is not compromised. The age and nature of the group is taken into consideration each camp. It is good to see young people who have never been in a Church before listening, singing and enjoying Chapel. Many lives have been changed for the better, relationships healed and anger and bitterness forgiven because of the message given. Inside the Chapel

Cannibal Creek Cowboy Chapel started out in 1888 as the Montrose Methodist Church, nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, East of Melbourne. In 1977 it was donated to the Ranch and moved to its present site next to Cannibal Creek. A Christian Book Shop was added to the back of Chapel in the same style. Book Nook, as it is known, serves the campers with top quality Christian Literature, Videos, Posters and Ranch Souvenirs. It also serves the local community.

The Ferris Wheel

The Ferris Wheel is...an experience! After you climb aboard and secured in your harness, the fun begins. Operated by Staff members, it is usually opened later in the afternoon, and often has a huge line of people waiting their turn. As the saying goes...you haven't really been to Mill Valley Ranch until you've been on the Ferris Wheel.

Initiative Activities
Initiative activities help people to work together in teams. Scenarios are set up in our Initiative Course. Cross the 'crocodile infested swamp' by rope swing and land all your team on to a small landing, without spilling your tin of gold pieces. Work together to figure out how to get the team over the 'electric fence' and co-operate to get the entire team over a log two metres above the ground.

The Lake
Cooling off in the lake on a hot summer afternoon is done under the watchful eye of our Lifeguard. Within the marked off swimming area are the main attractions of Gilligan's Island and the Pontoon. The boats and paddeloes are always in demand, and life-jackets are worn.
The Pontoon in the Lake

Ropes Course Mill Valley Ranch has a permanent Low Ropes Course set in the pleasant shelter of a pine forest. The Low Ropes Course is ideal, as it is challenging without being threatening. The circular Course can be completed without touching the ground, making time trials possible.

Ropes Course pic 1

Usually, groups of three are sent to the different numbered sections of the Course, two people spotting the group member on the obstacle, then swapping over until all three members have completed it. The groups of three move around the Course until everyone has had a go at each obstacle.

Sometimes there is the opportunity for those who wish, to do a time trial around the entire Course. It is great to see Ranchers returning to the Course and improving their times they remember from previous Camps.