West Branch, Williams, Arizona

Our new facility under development is a 155-acre parcel located in the city limits of Williams, yet separated from the rest of town by portions of the Kaibab National Forest. Being only two-miles off I-40 on paved or regularly maintained cinder roads, the campground is an ideal location. West Branch has tall ponderosa pine tree and has a beautiful view of the San Francisco Peaks, which includes the tallest point in Arizona. At 7000’ elevation, West Branch is cool in the summer, generally peaking in the high 80’s.

The Plan
Having a camp in the West is not a fly-by-night dream. It is a goal that was first envisioned by the founder of the Bill Rice Ranch, Bill Rice II, in the 1960s. For two decades, different properties were considered before the Lord gave us the initial property in Flagstaff in 1989. Our new permanent location in Williams was needed for a better atmosphere and more durable facilities.

The master plan calls for separate youth (ages 12-19) and junior (ages 8-12) facilities enabling churches to bring both groups to camp during one week. This helps churches with travel costs and finding leaders to accompany the young people.

Each camp will have its own auditorium and cabins. One central dining hall will service separate meals. Recreation areas will be used by both camps at separate times. A lodge building for adult leaders and family week guests will be built as well. Not all of these facilities will necessarily be complete when the camp opens.

Current Status on Construction
After the purchase of the Williams property, many churches volunteered manpower and/or finances to put up camp buildings. The Lord blessed us with fourteen buildings including the youth camp cabins. Some infrastructure has been completed including most of a heavy duty camp road and the relocation of electrical lines.

Currently, engineering is being done for a hauled water system to service the campground. This plan for water is supported by the City of Williams Water Department but could be temporary if other water solutions were to arise later. Friends of the Ranch have been graciously donating their time and abilities to this engineering work.

Sanitation has always been a difficult hurdle for us to get over; however, recently, we received outstanding news! We will be able to install a standard septic system to service the camp! This was a miraculous answer to prayer, one we were told over ten years ago was not possible.

Next Steps
A site plan modification needs to be presented to the City of Williams. The engineering is being done in conjunction with that need. The engineering will also help us determine the exact amount of money and/or donated materials needed. We would also be able to call for specific volunteer labor for installation (dirt work laying lines, etc.). We are also accepting bids on water tank construction.

When the infrastructure information is assembled, we will be able to give an accurate estimate of the money needed to be raised. The raising of funds, completion of infrastructure, and completion of the Dining Hall will bring us much closer to announcing an opening date goal.

What Now?
For now, we continue to pursue the engineering and begin assembling potential volunteers for future work. Financially, we trust the Lord monthly to provide for upkeep costs to what is already completed. Are you interested in this project? For more information on how you might be able to volunteer in the future, please contact our project manager, Dale Stover at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If the Lord would lay on your heart to donate to our ongoing development costs you can mail a donation or donate online. Your gifts are encouraging!

SPECIAL NEED!
Recently, a donor came to us suggesting that he would give $35,000 to the ministry of West Branch in order to encourage the friends that have stood with this ministry to give the same. Would you consider providing a gift to the Development Fund of West Branch to help us match the $35,000 by June 1?