Summer is always a time for road trips and family vacations, including journeys to childhood homes. The same rings true for our family – the only difference is that we have 1100+ who call Hill Country Youth Ranch home.

Children at the Ranch are told they are family for life, encouraged to keep in touch, and assured they can always come home to visit. Of course, we have to host them on a "time share" basis. At the Croy Retreat House at BSRC, we have a place designated especially for alumni and their families.

We keep a master calendar to schedule the visits, and are often surprised when an alum just drops by while traveling, usually during the summer. Alumni bring friends, spouses, and, most excitedly, their own children, to reunite with staff, to show where they lived, and to share stories of their childhood.

Most importantly, they talk about returning to the place they consider home.

This summer, we have been treated to visits from alumni from across the United States. We are so proud of the commitment they have made to their families and their world – these young people are truly making a difference!

We’ve included photos here of a few of our alumni visitors. To each of those who came, we are so glad you did. And, to all the others, come on over! Your visits keep us going.