Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will 4-H Camp still be held at Rock Springs Ranch?
Yes. Plans are in place for 2026 summer camp. All youth programming, camp
experiences, and staffing for the 2026 season will continue as planned with no
interruption. We are also exploring potential partnership arrangements that could
allow continued access to the property for future camping programs.
What happens to the camp staff and horses this summer?
Youth development programming staff will remain employed by the Kansas 4-H
Foundation to lead 2026 summer camp initiatives. Campers this summer can expect
the horse program along with many other favorite camp activities such as archery,
swimming, adventure course, and ziplines, etc.
Why is the Kansas 4-H Foundation exploring options to transition ownership of Rock Springs Ranch?
Operating a 500+ acre facility with aging infrastructure carries significant and
ongoing costs. Over time, maintenance, utilities, staffing, and compliance needs have
created a structural financial imbalance that has gradually limited our ability to direct
philanthropic resources toward youth programming across the state.
Has this financial challenge developed recently?
No. This is a long-standing structural condition that has developed over multiple
decades and reflects the cumulative cost of operating a large, aging facility.
Why not simply fundraise to preserve Rock Springs Ranch?
Rock Springs Ranch is a deeply valued asset, and philanthropic support plays an
important role in sustaining programming. However, the scale of long-term
operating and maintenance needs cannot be fully addressed through traditional
fundraising or capital campaigns alone. Even significant fundraising would primarily
address maintenance and near-term needs, without resolving the ongoing structural
operating imbalance.
What would it take to “save the ranch”?
Sustaining Rock Springs Ranch under the current ownership model would require a
significant level of permanently endowed support. For this reason, the Board is
focused on long-term solutions that ensure youth programming remains strong,
accessible, and financially sustainable for generations to come.
Is Rock Springs Ranch being sold?
The Foundation is currently in an exploratory phase to evaluate potential ownership
or operational transition options. No final decisions have been made. We are actively
reviewing potential partnerships that could support continued access while
reducing long-term operational responsibility.
What does “exploring a transition” mean?
It means evaluating whether a third-party partner could assume ownership or
operational responsibility for Rock Springs Ranch while allowing Kansas 4-H
continued access. This phase includes analysis, partner identification, and feasibility
review. It is not a finalized transaction.
What is the timeline for a decision?
There is no fixed timeline at this stage. The process is being conducted carefully and
will include multiple evaluation steps. Updates will be shared as meaningful
milestones are reached.
What happens to donations designated to Rock Springs Ranch?
Donor-restricted funds remain intact and are used as intended to support camp
operations and youth programming. All Foundation funds, endowments, and
restricted accounts remain secure and protected. Philanthropic support to Rock
Springs Ranch directly funds this summer camp’s operations, including
programming and camper experiences. These funds help ensure camp is safe,
well-maintained, and fully prepared to serve youth throughout the season. As a result
of careful financial stewardship, the Foundation’s operating funds, endowments, and
donor-restricted funds remain intact and highly secure.
What will happen to named buildings, spaces, and donor recognition at Rock Springs Ranch?
We recognize that named spaces and donor recognition at Rock Springs Ranch
reflect meaningful philanthropic investment and are an important part of the
Ranch’s history.
At this time, no decisions have been made regarding how named spaces would be
addressed under any future transition. As part of the exploratory process, we are
carefully considering how to appropriately honor donor intent and existing
recognition agreements.
Does this affect 4-H programs across Kansas?
No. Kansas 4-H programming continues across all 105 counties. Supporting youth
development statewide remains the Foundation’s core mission and highest priority.
Will Kansas 4-H still be involved with Rock Springs Ranch long-term?
The goal is to maintain a strong programmatic connection through continued access
agreements and ongoing collaboration, even if ownership or operational
responsibility changes.
Is the Kansas 4-H Foundation failing?
No. This is a proactive strategic realignment designed to strengthen long-term
financial sustainability and ensure continued and expanded investment in youth
development across Kansas.
What is guiding this decision?
The Board is focused on ensuring that Kansas 4-H remains financially strong,
mission-driven, and positioned to invest in youth programming across all 105
counties. This process is about aligning long-term resources with long-term impact
for Kansas youth.
What is the Kansas 4-H Foundation’s priority moving forward?
Our priority is ensuring that Kansas 4-H youth experiences remain strong, accessible,
and well-supported, while aligning operational models to ensure long-term
sustainability and impact.