Less than a half hour drive from Georgetown, just outside Liberty Hill, is a gorgeous piece of countryside, purchased by the Capitol Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and dedicated to the growing number of Scouts in Williamson County. The Smilin’ V Scout Ranch has 100 acres of creative space for family camping and Scout activities, and will eventually be available to businesses, non-profits, and other groups for education and events.
Capitol Area Vice-President and Sun City resident Ron Garland says the Ranch is not only beautiful, it is optimally located. Current Scout camps are in Bastrop, and the Ranch will provide ample local opportunities, particularly for Cub Scouts, Cub packs, and their families.
HOW IT STARTED
Two years ago, Ron recruited a task force, including engineers and builders, to install infrastructure for a very modern outdoor experience. Camping areas have water and electricity underground, and will include eight pavilions for activities designated by pack directors. Construction for each pavilion is about $50,000—there are still some available for funding and naming rights for companies or individuals who wish to support future growth.
Ron says plans are underway to upgrade the main kitchen, and they have already modernized bathrooms to provide showers and privacy for campers and their families. “Water and power was the most expensive, but most important piece of our development. Although it is invisible to visitors, it means the difference between ‘roughing it’ and providing amenities and technology that will hopefully attract non-Scouting groups to visit and help us sustain operations for a long time to come.”
The Vincik family purchased part of the old Childress place in the mid-1980s. They lost a child on December 9, 1990 in a tragic horse accident. From that day forward, lives changed, and a lifelong process started to turn this unique property into a place of enjoyment and prosperity for young people. The name “Smilin V” was easy because their late son Shawn Alan Vincik would smile every morning while sleeping before awakening. The Capital Area Council, BSA continues to honor him with the name of the Scout ranch.
FUTURE GROWTH
Over time, and with help from the community, the Ranch will add an archery and BB range, chapel, Council ring, fishing ponds, splashpad, and a “wild west” Main Street with open air and classroom space (concept photo below) for Scouts, corporate retreats, and STEM education.
P.J. Brown is an Assistant Scoutmaster, parent, and full-time resident on the Ranch. He says it is a great place to live and is looking forward to seeing the pavilions put to use for myriad programs. “With open air and covered spaces with electricity, we can accommodate nearly any program our leaders determine. We will also have climate-controlled space for a nurse’s station and trading post for Scout items, drinks, and snacks.”
TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE
The Ranch will primarily be used by Cub Scouts and their families on weekends, and throughout the summer, for activities toward Scout advancement programs. However, during the week, the Council plans to encourage others to take advantage of the unique space—and the outdoors—for corporate retreats, fundraising private events, and more. Ron says, “An organization like BiG or the Georgetown Project need only talk to us about their needs and we will make space and resources available for their clients and families to help them meet their missions. We are about Scouts first, but we are excited about generating revenue from other groups that will help the Ranch become self-sustaining.”
Ron adds, once the ranch is re-opened, local ISDs will be welcome to call for field trips, projects, and school programs. The BSA Council has already been approved by the Health District to re-open and is slowly adding activities beyond what Council can manage personally.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Among those recruited to help ready the ranch was Curtis Steger of Steger-Bizzell Engineering in Georgetown. A former Cub Scout himself, with bragging rights for his son, Curtis “Cray” Steger, who became a Troop 405 Eagle Scout as a freshman in high school, Curtis says he has enjoyed helping over the years with everything from conceptualizations to water systems. More recently, his firm has collaborated with the onsite builders as infrastructure and construction have converged. “This was a personal project for me for a long time; I was happy to jump in with designs for the pump station. As a Scout dad, I have always been pleased to be a part of this very motivated group, and I’m looking forward to seeing it ready for new Cub Scouts and families.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Groups and companies are encouraged to schedule a tour of the property and take in their vision for the future. Ron adds, “We bought this for camp activities, but we look forward to the final roll-out of an amenity-filled location. There is great development to come and now is the time to get in on the ground level. Many business owners have been inspired just by their walk around the Ranch.
“We would love to have more partners, or skilled workers who can help with construction. Once we have completed our phases, there will be many opportunities for church or community groups to volunteer for upkeep, and maybe spend a day out in this pastoral spot while helping a great cause.” P.J. laughs, “This is the outdoors, so there is plenty to brush to be cleared, or chores to be done. We can always put people to work.”
You can keep up with their phase development or even reserve a campsite at BSACAC.org/activities. The Ranch will soon be available to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to feel good about paying their venue fees to a great youth organization.
Engineers, builders, and community leaders gathered at the Ranch for a tour and update on Phase developments. The monument at the main pavilion shares some history of the land and the families who lived there…
Capitol Area Vice-President and Sun City resident Ron Garland says the Ranch is not only beautiful, it is optimally located. Current Scout camps are in Bastrop, and the Ranch will provide ample local opportunities, particularly for Cub Scouts, Cub packs, and their families.
HOW IT STARTED
Two years ago, Ron recruited a task force, including engineers and builders, to install infrastructure for a very modern outdoor experience. Camping areas have water and electricity underground, and will include eight pavilions for activities designated by pack directors. Construction for each pavilion is about $50,000—there are still some available for funding and naming rights for companies or individuals who wish to support future growth.
Ron says plans are underway to upgrade the main kitchen, and they have already modernized bathrooms to provide showers and privacy for campers and their families. “Water and power was the most expensive, but most important piece of our development. Although it is invisible to visitors, it means the difference between ‘roughing it’ and providing amenities and technology that will hopefully attract non-Scouting groups to visit and help us sustain operations for a long time to come.”
FUTURE GROWTH
Over time, and with help from the community, the Ranch will add an archery and BB range, chapel, Council ring, fishing ponds, splashpad, and a “wild west” Main Street with open air and classroom space (concept photo below) for Scouts, corporate retreats, and STEM education.
P.J. Brown is an Assistant Scoutmaster, parent, and full-time resident on the Ranch. He says it is a great place to live and is looking forward to seeing the pavilions put to use for myriad programs. “With open air and covered spaces with electricity, we can accommodate nearly any program our leaders determine. We will also have climate-controlled space for a nurse’s station and trading post for Scout items, drinks, and snacks.”
TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE
The Ranch will primarily be used by Cub Scouts and their families on weekends, and throughout the summer, for activities toward Scout advancement programs. However, during the week, the Council plans to encourage others to take advantage of the unique space—and the outdoors—for corporate retreats, fundraising private events, and more. Ron says, “An organization like BiG or the Georgetown Project need only talk to us about their needs and we will make space and resources available for their clients and families to help them meet their missions. We are about Scouts first, but we are excited about generating revenue from other groups that will help the Ranch become self-sustaining.”
Ron adds, once the ranch is re-opened, local ISDs will be welcome to call for field trips, projects, and school programs. The BSA Council has already been approved by the Health District to re-open and is slowly adding activities beyond what Council can manage personally.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Among those recruited to help ready the ranch was Curtis Steger of Steger-Bizzell Engineering in Georgetown. A former Cub Scout himself, with bragging rights for his son, Curtis “Cray” Steger, who became a Troop 405 Eagle Scout as a freshman in high school, Curtis says he has enjoyed helping over the years with everything from conceptualizations to water systems. More recently, his firm has collaborated with the onsite builders as infrastructure and construction have converged. “This was a personal project for me for a long time; I was happy to jump in with designs for the pump station. As a Scout dad, I have always been pleased to be a part of this very motivated group, and I’m looking forward to seeing it ready for new Cub Scouts and families.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Groups and companies are encouraged to schedule a tour of the property and take in their vision for the future. Ron adds, “We bought this for camp activities, but we look forward to the final roll-out of an amenity-filled location. There is great development to come and now is the time to get in on the ground level. Many business owners have been inspired just by their walk around the Ranch.
“We would love to have more partners, or skilled workers who can help with construction. Once we have completed our phases, there will be many opportunities for church or community groups to volunteer for upkeep, and maybe spend a day out in this pastoral spot while helping a great cause.” P.J. laughs, “This is the outdoors, so there is plenty to brush to be cleared, or chores to be done. We can always put people to work.”
You can keep up with their phase development or even reserve a campsite at BSACAC.org/activities. The Ranch will soon be available to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wants to feel good about paying their venue fees to a great youth organization.