About Us

Unplug. Get Outdoors. Get Closer to Christ.

Summer camp experience filled with new adventures, lifelong friendships, and lasting memories!

Who We Are

Our Beliefs

Our Story

Our Staff

Our Board of Directors

We are Mapleridge.

The average kid only spends 4 minutes a day outside. No wonder parents long for the world to be simpler. We’ve created a week-long summer camp experience with no technology, allowing kids to focus on adventure, friendships, and spending time with God on 500 acres of wilderness in upstate New York. At MAPLERIDGE, we strive to provide an environment where campers can gain confidence, accept responsibility, and grow spiritually.

MAPLERIDGE Ranch is a camp like you remember it – only better! With over 30 activities and skills to choose from, including horseback riding, paintball, kayaking, and archery, your child will get to try new things and make new friends. Your child’s safety is our top priority with staff background checks and a 24/7 nurse on site. Plus, we have 1 staff person for every 2 campers – far exceeding state standards! Our team loves seeing your child transform at camp. So this summer, let’s make some unforgettable memories together! Your child will fall in love with camp, and maybe fall in love with Jesus. Imagine a week with no stress, no homework, and no phone. Let the adventure begin!

Why Mapleridge?

For 70 years, our mission has remained the same – to impact lives and point people to Jesus. Our focus is to create a positive learning experience while offering one of the most challenging and empowering programs available. Through one-of-a-kind outdoor activities and engaging guest speakers, we work hard to ensure each and every camper has the best summer ever!

MAPLERIDGE, an oasis in a world of chaos…

You want your kid to have the camp experience you had? You’ve come to the right place! MAPLERIDGE is where the world is as it should be. Camp like you remember it – only better! Your child will fall in love with camp, and maybe fall in love with Jesus. Simply unplug from technology, and plug into God’s beauty. Why will your child have the best week of their year?

Our Counselors – They love being the Godly influence your child longs for. They come from all over the country to serve your child all week long. Most of our counselors are former campers, so they are uniquely equipped to understand our campers. Over the week, they will build trust with your child as they share adventures, share meals, share laughs and share struggles.You’ll see the change in your child after a week of Godly counselors pouring into them. And our counselors don’t have any other duties during the week. Their sole priority is your child. And our counselor to camper ratio is one of the lowest in the country (2.5:1). Of course, every counselor has been thoroughly vetted with background checks, face 2 face interviews and references.

Our Skills & Activities – You want skills & activities? We got ‘em! Over 30 options to experience. Ride a horse in the morning, kayak after lunch, and enjoy a pool party during FLEX time – just another day at camp. You’ve always wanted to take your child camping and fishing. We’ll take care of it for you. After a week at camp, your child may never be the same, because it’s fun like it’s supposed to be. Culture wants your kid to grow up faster; we want them to just be a kid for a week. And the memories will stick for a lifetime.

Our Camp Setting – With 500 acres to explore in beautiful upstate New York, MAPLERIDGE is a special place. Some even call it holy ground. For over 65 years, campers have been coming from across the country to forget about life’s worries and feel God’s presence. At MAPLERIDGE, anxiety of life is replaced with anticipation of adventure. Your child can experience the world as it should be – filled with love, laughter, and life change. Slowing down is a lost art that your child will love. Our results – nothing gives us more joy than to see the transformation of your child from Opening Day to the last day. The shy kid you dropped off will greet you enthusiastically with “Mom, you’re not going to believe what I did this week!” Campers gain confidence, build character, and live out compassion. After a week at camp, your child may never be the same.

Our Pricing – Parents consistently use 3 words to describe MAPLERIDGE: adventure, awesome, and affordable! Your child will experience priceless memories; at a price you can afford. We’re able to keep our pricing affordable because of our incredible donor family. Whether sponsoring a camper, donating to our expansion efforts, or making sure our operating budget is met, this group of outrageously generous people never cease to amaze us. If you would like to become a member of our donor family, click here.

Our Savior – MAPLERIDGE is a Christ-centered camp. No phones and 500 acres of God’s creation means deeper conversations and spiritual growth. It’s hard not to feel closer to God at camp. Our speakers are some of the best youth pastors in the country who will help your child grow more confident in their identity in Christ. A week at MAPLERIDGE may be the best gift you ever give your child. Stepping on our campus at MAPLERIDGE is like stepping back in time: good old summertime fun and adventure. We all wish we could turn back time. Now for one week, you can. What are you waiting for?

Vision and Mission

We exist to create life-changing summer camp experiences, where every kid gets unplugged,
gets outdoors, and grows closer to Christ!

MAPLERIDGE Ranch is a Christ-centered ministry built on the truth of God’s Word. We exist to
share the hope of salvation found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everything
we do—from our programs and activities to our relationships and leadership—is shaped by our
commitment to biblical truth. We want all who come to Mapleridge to experience the love of
Christ and understand the faith that drives our mission.

Our Beliefs.

We believe in one God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the
livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” – Genesis 1:26

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:19-20

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14

We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became man, was crucified for our sins, rose bodily from the dead and will come again in glory.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 1:14; 3:16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Matthew 4; Luke 4

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who calls us to repentance and new life.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his
own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God. – John 1:12

We believe the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

…knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. – 2 Peter 1:20-21

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. – Ephesians 1:22-23

We are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ and proclaiming His Gospel to all nations.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:16-20

We understand some campers may come from different backgrounds or hold beliefs that differ
from ours. At MAPLERIDGE, our heart is to make much of Jesus and create a Christ-centered, welcoming, and fun environment for all. We are glad to have campers from a variety of
experiences, therefore, we ask that all who attend respect the biblical values that shape our
mission and conduct themselves in a way that supports a positive, distraction-free experience
for everyone.

God’s Plan for Salvation

What does it take to have a relationship with God?

Since Christ is in the word Christian, becoming a Christian—a follower of Christ—must have everything to do with Jesus Christ.

Becoming a Follower Of Christ Means:

Recognizing that you are a sinner and have fallen short of God’s standard.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

Understanding that sin separates us from a relationship with God.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Realizing that only Jesus can forgive your sins.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Asking Christ to forgive your sins.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Committing your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

Knowing that you are now a child of God and have eternal life.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” – 1 John 5:13

How It All Began

The conversation that began in 1955 between Dale Linebaugh and Bob Monell was only the beginning of what is now MAPLERIDGE Ranch today. They never could have fathomed how almost 60 years of ministry would change the lives of thousands of campers.

Bob had a burden to reach the young people of Owego, NY for Christ and Dale had a vision that a Christian camp could meet that need. These two men and their wives committed to the vision that would eventually become a reality.

“HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED A CHRISTIAN YOUTH RANCH?” DALE ASKED. “NO, WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ONE?” REPLIED BOB.

El Rancho de Paz

Dale was earning his doctorate at the time and desired a good western name for the Ranch. After some input from his Spanish professor, the two decided on the name El Rancho de Paz, meaning “the ranch of peace.” The Ranch would operate under the corporate name “The Haven of Peace.”

The work to create El Rancho de Paz was long and hard and came with much sacrifice. Dale’s wife, Opal, and Helen not only gave their time and skills, but also their dishes and silverware. That first summer, all the camp meals were prepared and served in the kitchen and dining room at Bob and Helen’s farmhouse on the property. Dale and Opal took out a loan on their car to obtain cash to meet camp needs. An immense amount of work and sacrifice went into that first year of El Rancho de Paz.

Bob had been a farmer for many years and had put up his farmland for sale to become an evangelist. When plans for the Ranch evolved, his wife, Helen, and he decided to not sell the property, but rather use it for the Ranch.

Renovations

One of the chicken coops became the outhouse. Another chicken coop, two stories high, became the girls’ bunkhouse. The second story of the barn (the red chapel building of today) became the boys’ bunkhouse. A cement addition was put on the barn large enough to make separate washrooms for the boys and girls.

The main floor of the barn was the chapel and the game room. The basement of the barn had previously been used as a calf pen and was full of manure. A local teenager named Phil Card volunteered to clear the two feet of “fertilizer” out of the basement. He went on to have a successful business, “Phil’s Chicken House.” That basement was renovated and became the dining room, Hitching Post (snack and game room) and craft shop.

All information adapted from Dr. Dale Linebaugh’s autobiography, Come Ride With Me. To purchase a copy of this book, click here.

MAPLERIDGE RANCH

The Ranch has come a long way since that first summer in 1955. It has endured times of abundance and times of need, sustained changes in leadership, and now even has a new name, MAPLERIDGE Ranch. There have been highs and lows in its almost 60 years, but the Ranch has consistently remained true to its original vision of reaching teenagers for Jesus Christ. With only 17% of the Northeast U.S. population attending an evangelical church, the “harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2).

Today, the Ranch has the same needs it did back then: men and women to be willing partners in the ministry. The hundreds of volunteers and workers sacrificing their time and providing their skills are what have kept the Ranch going and thriving.

Duane Blasdel – Camp Director

Duane R. Blasdel (AKA “CHIEF”) is the full-time Executive Camp Director for MAPLERIDGE Ranch. He has been involved in Student Ministry and working with kids for over 25 years and is a proud graduate of Liberty University. He is married to his Camp Sweet Heart, Tiana, who he met here at the Ranch in 1996. They have four beautiful daughters. Prior to becoming the Camp Director in 2012, he served as Student Pastor in Tampa and Nashville.

Duane is no stranger to the Ranch; his father, Mr. Pat, faithfully served here as Camp Director for over 34 years! Duane loves students, loves camp, loves the outdoors, and loves seeing God work in the lives of others. Oh… and he loves his Chacos and Starbucks Coffee!

Say Hello to Chief →

Savannah Willeke – Assistant Director

Savannah Willeke serves as the full-time Assistant Director of MAPLERIDGE. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University (Go Noles!) with a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. Savannah and her husband, Mikal, were married in May 2024.

Savannah has been part of the MAPLERIDGE family for many years. She was a camper for 10 years and later served as Program Director from 2022 to 2024. She is grateful to have stepped into the role of Assistant Director in 2025.

She is passionate about the impact of getting outside in God’s creation, disconnecting from the world, and drawing near to the Lord. Savannah’s favorite part of serving at MAPLERIDGE is getting a front row seat to the incredible work God does at MAPLERIDGE each summer!

Say Hello to Sav →

Granville Moore – Sites & Facilities Director

Granville Moore was born in central Virginia and grew up in Binghamton, New York. He graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Christian Leadership and Church Ministry, focusing on Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership. He has served as the Director of Dunes Harbor Family Camp, a ministry of Grace Adventures, located in Silver Lake, Michigan.

Granville is married to his wife, Eryn, and together they have one daughter. He joined Mapleridge Ranch with ten years of experience in camping ministry and brings a deep passion for using camp environments as a tool to help individuals grow spiritually and develop their identity in Christ.

You can frequently find Granville carrying a coffee cup, sharing fun facts, and anything fishing related.

He feels a strong calling to challenge young people to Know, Live, and Tell their story, beginning with understanding their personal “why” or mission statement. His personal mission is “to equip and disciple others to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ and positively impact their communities.”

Say Hello to Granville →

Eryn Moore – Horse Program Director

Eryn Moore serves as the Horse Program Director. She graduated from Liberty University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on Family and Child Development and Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership.

Eryn has over 20 years of experience working with horses across a variety of disciplines. Most recently, she served as Ranch Director for a camp program with more than 60 horses. She is also familiar to many Mapleridge staff and campers, having served as head wrangler in the summers of 2014 and 2016-2018.

Eryn is passionate about using horses to help people grow closer to Christ. She enjoys teaching kids of all ages helping them develop both their horsemanship and their walk with the Lord.

In her free time, Eryn enjoys team sorting, trail riding, and any adventure with her family of 3. She also loves starting the morning with a warm drink, either coffee or hot tea will do just fine.

Say Hello to Eryn →

The MAPLERIDGE Board of Directors

The MAPLERIDGE Ranch Board of Directors is composed of experienced leaders who share a deep commitment to our mission of helping young people unplug, step outside, grow closer to Christ, and closer to each other. Each member brings unique professional expertise and life experience, providing wise counsel, accountability, and faithful stewardship as we pursue long term sustainability and expanded impact. Together, they serve to strengthen the foundation of MAPLERIDGE Ranch so future generations can experience life to the fullest.

To contact our Board of Directors, please email board@mapleridgeranch.org.

John Farnell, Chairman

John serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He has been married to Sandi for 33 years and is the proud father of four children and grandfather to one grandson. With 32 years in the insurance industry and 20 years as a car dealership owner, he brings strong leadership and business experience to the board. A follower of Jesus for 47 years, John is passionate about kids’ lives being transformed for Christ!

David Canniff, Treasurer

David serves as the Treasurer of the Board and brings decades of experience as a Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he served as Business Administrator at Judson Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. David’s depth of experience and commitment to faithful stewardship make him a trusted voice on the board and a valuable part of Mapleridge Ranch’s leadership as we look to the future.

Matthew Blair

Matthew Blair is the Managing Partner for Corcoran Partners, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and government relations. Throughout his career, Matthew has successfully guided legislative efforts, secured significant appropriations funding, and led numerous campaigns. Matthew and his wife, Tracey, are active members of Idlewild Baptist Church and are raising their four children in the Tampa Bay area.

Andrew Stenberg

Andrew is the founder of CMH Risk Partners, and has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years working with business owners in the Tampa Bay Area. Andrew has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 14 years, and they have 3 children. When not helping others meet their personal and professional goals, he can be found playing guitar at church, fishing, coaching T-ball or spending time with family and friends.

Henry Bieber

Henry is currently the Care and Recovery Pastor at Shoreline Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is married to Holly and they have 2 adult sons, 2 wonderful daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren, who look forward to attending Mapleridge in the near future. Henry and his wife, Holly, have been involved with Mapleridge since 2013 and Henry joined the Board of Directors shortly after that. They believe that God has had his hand on Mapleridge since its beginnings in 1955 and look forward to seeing what He does in the future!

Rob Bramblett

Rob Bramblett, from Columbia, TN, is the Founder and President of Purity Health. He brings more than 20 years of experience building and leading healthcare technology companies, including founding Visualize Health, which was acquired by Sharecare in 2020. Rob offers valuable perspective as Mapleridge plans for long term impact and sustainability.

Yerusha Bunag

Yerusha Bunag grew up between Brazil and the United States as a missionary kid, which shaped her love for ministry, discipleship, and people from an early age. With experience in nutrition, church leadership, missions, and biblical counseling, she is passionate about equipping the local church and faithfully serving behind the scenes to support Gospel impact. Yerusha currently serves in ministry development and enjoys doing life with her husband Ben and their daughter, Ellyse, creating spaces—both in ministry and at home—where people can grow and flourish in Christ.

The MAPLERIDGE Board of Directors

To contact our Board of Directors, please email board@mapleridgeranch.org.