A group of 22 students participating in a weekend campaign, a volunteer-based, student-led community outreach, returned last weekend from a campaign with Shiloh Ranch Ministries.

Shiloh Ranch Ministries, located in Solomon, Kansas, looks to empower youth and brighten their future by creating hope, goals and by providing a positive perspective on life. The ministry is made up of volunteers and reaches out to youth and children surrounding the community.

According to the Shiloh Ranch website, they minister with the priority of youth leadership, social and daily life skills with hope that they will gain respect for themselves, their families and their communities.

“The purpose of this campaign is to help out a ranch that seeks to minister and encourage children and teens,” said Sharaie Heizelman, weekend campaign leader.

As the volunteers of the weekend campaign spent time ministering to children and building relationships, they also got the chance to spend time with horses on the ranch.

“We played with horses by building obstacles and capturing our horses,” Heizelman said. “The lesson from this was to look at capturing your horse from a different angle. To have a horse trust you and follow your lead around the obstacle, you have to build a relationship. Same goes for people.”

The students also built part of a shed and the roof of a playground set.

“This was a great campaign,” Heizelman said. “The students enjoyed it, and they always make the most of anything they go do for people.”

The weekend was full of activities. Participants were able to have some down time after working hard to build the shed and playground.

“After we helped out at the ranch, we went to a place that one of our leaders knew about,” said Jared Agee, a student volunteer. “It was this huge hill with a castle on top in the middle of Kansas. Then, the sun set and we started a fire, sang songs and had fun being together and praising God.”

Agee encourages other students to get involved with weekend campaigns.

“I think everyone should go on weekend campaigns,” said Agge, sophomore vocal major from Cedar Hill. “You go on it not really knowing anyone, but by the end, you know everyone’s name and something about them. It’s a great way to meet the most random people and create lasting friendships. I think weekend campaigns are so cool. They are free and amazing opportunities to serve.”