Union Valley
May 19, 2009 01:33 pm
—
An exciting opportunity awaits teens at the Youth Rodeo Bible Camp May 25-30 for teenage boys and girls who were in grades 8-12 this year.
Champion rodeo cowboys with proven outstanding performances will teach the participants rodeo skills particular to each event. Overall, the camp offers rodeo lessons and worship services with the champions, plus meals and on-site lodging. All the instructors are world champions in the professional associations including the IPRA and the PBR.
Within each three-day session, campers will sign up for which event(s) they want to be in. Each event will have 10 students maximum.
On May 25-27, Rough Stock Events (Bull Riding - Saddle Bronc - Bareback) will feature instruction from: Larry Mahan, Cord McCoy, Jett McCoy, Matt Austin and Marty Byrd.
Roping (Team Roping - Calf Roping - Break-Away) May 28-30 will feature instruction from: Ernie Bacon, Paul Petska, and Kyle Lane and other world champion rodeo cowboys.
Jett and Cord McCoy are five-time all-around world champ bull riders and saddle bronc riders in the IPRA who live near the area.
Matt Austin is a two-time champion in the PRCA and is a CBR world champion
Ernie Bacon is an Indian Rodeo World Champion, and Kyle Lane is a five-time World Champion in roping in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).
Paul Petska was a national finalist in the PRCA NFR (Profession Rodeo Cowboys Association National Finalists Rodeo).
These men are champions and experts in their fields, and are also Christian men who will share not only the tricks of the trade, but will be at the morning and evening chapel services sharing how their faith helps them in life and work.
Overseeing the camp will be Dan Megehee, pastor of the 3-Crosses Cowboy Church which meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. behind the arena. Pastor Dan, as he is known, says “It’s worth the price of admission just to meet these champions, much less be taught by them personally in the different rodeo event skills. These teens will be taught by the best in the world; it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss!”
In addition to pastoring the 3-Crosses Cowboy Church and hosting various events at the arena, such as Family Fun Day, High School Rodeo, a benefit roping contest, and special music by country gospel performers, Megehee has been overseeing the crews that have started the renovation of the Ken Lance Sports Arena into the new “3-Crosses/Ken Lance Arena and Youth Camp”.
For decades it was the legendary Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association venue featuring champions in the chutes, and Nashville stars on stage. The arena’s rebirth is through 3-Crosses Ministries, a non-profit headed by Randall Christy, pastor of Union Valley Baptist Church and The Gospel Station Network.
Christy said Ken Lance rededicated his life to the Lord at one of the Gospel Station Network’s Cowboy Round-Up outreach events a few years before his death, and they intend to honor Ken’s two great loves: kids and cowboys. The arena is being resurrected for rodeo Bible camps, cowboy-themed Vacation Bible School, Cowboy Church, community events, rodeo revivals, and Christian concerts. The old dance pavilion will become a meeting hall, concert hall and event center.
Megehee said he is proud of the work that’s been accomplished and looks forward to the upcoming camps. “3-Crosses has spent the last year refurbishing the rodeo arena, repairing structures, and putting a fresh coat of paint on the arena.
"We have impressive new Priefert bucking chutes, a new concession stand, and a new pavilion where we will come together for chapels. All of this has been done in preparation for this exciting event for young people from all over the state to come and learn the art of rodeo and learn about Jesus Christ," Mcgehee said.
Cost is $150 for each 3-day camp, or $250 for all six days. Registration fee includes lessons, lodging, and all meals. Youth will need to bring their rodeo gear, bedding, towels, swimsuit, clean shirt for church, Bible, and any musical instruments they play. Those in the Roping Events camp must provide their own horse and gear. No drugs or alcohol are allowed. Parents are welcome.
The arena is 7.5 miles southeast of Ada on State Highway 3, one-half mile north on CR 3610 in Union Valley.
Information and registration are available online at 3crossescamp.com or through The Gospel Station Network at 1-800-557-8815 or pastordan@ecewb.com.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.