Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was Youth Haven started (incorporated)? Q: How was the property acquired? Q: How many buildings are on the Ranch grounds? Q: How many acres of land does Youth Haven own? Q: What facilities does Youth Haven have? Q: Is Youth Haven non-denominational? Q: What children are eligible to come to Youth Haven? Q: How are the children selected to attend? Q: How do I schedule children to attend Youth Haven? Q: Do you work with children of all races? Q: What are the activities of a typical day? Q: Do you have contact with the children after they leave Youth Haven? Q: Do the children pay to come? Q: How is Youth Haven supported? Q: How can I become involved? Q: How can I be better aware of Youth Haven’s needs and activities? Q: Is Youth Haven on the radio? Q: What is the relationship between Youth Haven and Family Life Radio? Q: Are visiting groups and tours welcome?
A: Youth Haven was founded in 1968 in Rives Junction, MI. The Picacho, AZ. Ranch was founded in 1982.
A: Several parcels of land were purchased in Michigan. The property in AZ., including a 1,500 sq. ft. building & some additional funds, was donated to Youth Haven by the Joshua Foundation of Arizona.
Q: Where is Picacho, Arizona?
A: Picacho is located midway between Phoenix and Tucson, 2 miles off I-10
A: There are 30 year-round buildings at the MI Ranch & 12 year-round buildings in AZ. Youth Haven staff members & volunteers built most of the buildings in an effort to keep costs minimal.
A: Youth Haven owns approximately 390 acres in MI, and 85 acres in AZ.
A: Each Ranch has a “Deer Lodge” children’s dining room, a children’s chapel, a nature center, a petting farm, an arts & crafts building, a swimming pool, dormitories, a “Chicken Coop” gymnasium, general offices, and staff housing. There is also the Hayloft Family Ministries Center at the MI Ranch, as well as a radio studio.
A: Yes, we are non-denominational Christian organization.
A: Disadvantaged boys and girls between the ages of 7-13 are eligible to attend. These are children at high risk that are experiencing economic, emotional, family and/or social problems. Many come from single parent or foster homes.
A: Children are referred to Youth Haven by social services, health departments, schools, welfare agencies, social workers, juvenile court systems, churches, and individuals.
A: We simply ask that you write a letter of request to our President, Larry Carlson, explaining your children's situation and why you feel Youth Haven could help them. Please include their names and ages in your letter and mail it to our Corporate Office at PO Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277. If you represent an agency and would like to schedule many children, please simply share general information about the children in your care and the types of situations they are in. There is no charge for the children to attend our programs; sponsors pay for their stay here, so the letters we receive help us to ensure that we are scheduling those children who could best benefit from our free programs. Once Mr. Carlson receives your letter and approves the children to attend, he will put our scheduling coordinator in touch with you to get them scheduled for a time at Youth Haven.
Q: How long do the children stay?
A: Children come and go year-round. We offer weekend, 3 day and weeklong programs, depending on the time of year. Many children come multiple times a year, and all children become part of our on-going follow-up program. However, we also have many year round programs such as our Kids' Klub events that run throughout the year during the mid week time.
A: Yes! Children come from all racial backgrounds, and we welcome them all with love and care!
A: Daily activities include: flag raising, cabin clean-up, swim time in the summer, sledding during the winter (MI), arts & crafts, team activity time, group competitions, chapel, hiking, biking, hayrides, singing, devotions, meal times, petting farm, and much more!
A: Yes. All the Ranchers are added to our follow-up program and receive birthday cards and follow-up letters and updates. The “Ranch Review” is sent to children between the ages of 7 and 12, and the “Teen Trails” is sent to teens. These publications contain fun games and interesting stories and projects to help encourage the kids.
A: All children come FREE! Interested people like you make all this possible through scholarships called “Rancherships”.
A: Youth Haven is 100% privately supported. Interested organizations and individuals provide the necessary financial support to keep Youth Haven in operation. We receive no State or Federal funding.
A: Many people volunteer their time to help with our monthly mailings, on construction or maintenance projects, or for special events. Others help by sponsoring children through their financial support and prayers.
A: Watch our website for updates or go to the Contact Us page and request to receive our FREE monthly updates and special event invitations.
A: Yes! You can listen to our “Youth Haven Time” daily radio broadcasts on the Family Life Radio Network.
A: Youth Haven and Family Life are separate corporations, but sister organizations with common goals and objectives, and some of the same board members.
A: We encourage people to come see what God is doing! If you would like to visit the MI Ranch call (517) 569-3328. For the AZ Ranch, call (520) 466-3093. We also present Youth Haven to groups interested in hearing more about our programs and outreach.