Montana Story

America’s famous “can do” attitude was molded by fearless young pioneers who answered the call to explore a vast continent.

For two weeks in July, eight teen girls and five staff members carried on this tradition. They crossed prairies, the Badlands and Black Hills to reach Avon, Montana and a 20,000 acre cattle ranch owned by Mick McGraw, owner of Eastbrook Homes in Grand Rapids, and his wife Lucy. The McGraws have hosted three groups from St. John’s Home in recent years.

Lucy McGraw says she and her husband bought the working ranch for an educational purpose. “We want kids to experience ranch life,” says Lucy.

“When the St. John’s kids are here, we involve them in whatever work we’re doing. This year, they helped us take down some old fences. We also hope they learned to appreciate nature and learn about an American way of life that is disappearing.”

Angela, age 17, got the message. “They don’t call it Big Sky Country for nothing!” she says. “Montana is so beautiful. We got to go hiking and backpacking. I didn’t think I could do it, but I totally underestimated my strength.”

One ground rule for the trip was no headphones. “I hated not having my music at first,” says Amanda, “but after a few days I realized how much I miss that’s going on around me. Without it, I was able to focus on my own thoughts.”

Exploration. The girls spent their days exploring the ranch and nearby canyons. Most evenings they gathered around a campfire with Mick and Lucy for devotionals and to share highlights of the day.

For Program Director Renee Orr, who accompanied the girls, the trip was an important extension of the therapy offered at St. John’s Home. “Our kids have all suffered abuse and neglect, so they have difficulty trusting adults,” says Renee. “Trips like this have real value for kids who feel pretty much alone in the world.”

The only male staff member on the trip was Jason Schippert, St. John’s Adventure Specialist. He planned outings that challenged the teens both physically and emotionally.

“Wilderness experiences put kids in situations where they often feel frightened, but aren’t in any real danger. On one hike, they had to cross a stream on a fallen log. Even with safety ropes, some of the girls were really scared. But when they all made it across, they knew they’d accomplished something important.”

In a rigorous hike through a canyon, 15-year-old Ashante collapsed in tears in the middle of the trail and refused to budge. Renee explained that the trail was the only way out. “I told her that if she stayed, it was just her and the bears! She got moving but cried the whole way.”

Hours later, the groups finished the hike in a hailstorm hit. “We were all wet, cold and dead tired,” Renee recalls. “But that’s when Ashante stood at the top of the canyon and yelled, ‘This is the best thing I’ve ever done!’”

Home Again. Moments of the euphoria have stayed with the girls since they returned home. Cindy, who usually keeps to herself, surprised everyone by becoming homesick. “I thought I hated St. John’s Home, but when I was away from my counselors and my Big Sister for two weeks, I really missed them!”

The girls have maintained their strong friendships that developed on the trip. “We used to bicker over the stupidest stuff,” Amanda says, “but on the trip we were too tired and busy to argue. We get along better now.”

Amanda is also using her headphones a lot less these days.

For teens who lack confidence, the trip was a life-changing experience. For Mick and Lucy, knowing they’ve helped these girls grow means their cattle ranch is achieving its higher purpose.

“God has blessed us,” explains Lucy. “We’re glad we can give back.”