BRAZIL – Two hundred donors, volunteers, and supporters of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch recently cut ribbons on two new facilities—the UAW Local 933 Youth Cabin and the Dr. Everett Conrad Youth Cabin—and broke ground on the newly designed Joyful Manna Peace Chapel at the 62-acre free training retreat.
“When finishing touches are made, each new youth cabin will sleep ten youth visitors and two adult chaperones,” said Scott Minier, ISYR executive director. “The cabins are equipped with ADA-compliant restrooms, nine emergency exits via doors and windows, and hard-wired, battery-operated smoke detectors. Fully insulated, the cabins each have two hotel-style HVAC units, so young visitors and counselors are comfortable year-round.”
Minier said rails and ladders will be added to the adult-sized bunkbeds, additional fire extinguishers will be purchased, and instant water heaters will be monitored for safe temperatures.
“These are a handful of a series of safety improvements ISYR is making with the guidance of the Indiana Department of Health. IDH is tasked by statute to regulate kids camps across our Hoosier state. We scheduled their first visit, welcome their input, and will schedule a follow-up inspection in time for our Sheriffs’ Reward Retreats this fall. We want ISYR to be as safe as possible for our young visitors.”
Minier said the Joyful Manna Peace Chapel is next to be built. However, footings, foundations, slabs, water, and sewer connections are complete in the following two cabins to contain costs. Volunteer work could be utilized efficiently while constructing the UAW and Conrad cabins. “We try to be good stewards of donations of time, effort, materials and money.”
Minier said that ISYR is located outside Brazil, Ind., in Clay County between Indianapolis and Terre Haute. “Our purpose is to mentor future law enforcement officers, bond with at-risk kids, and comfort young witnesses and victims of crime. No tax dollars are used to host free youth training and special events. No fees are charged to participating students or their families.”
