testimonials

My first time at the Miracle Lodge and my 1st time turkey hunting, Thank you for the wonderful place and wonderful people I now have a new addiction next spring!

5/17/2010

Frank Topar

ftopar@msn.com

My wife, Marianne, & I met Bob 4 Yrs ago and have enjoyed camping at Ironwood Springs since. There is NO better place to have FUN and Praise God for Miracles! We've invited several of our friends to check out Bob's facility and ALL have returned to this magnificent place for more. Thank you Bob & Ironwood Staff...but mostly, Thank You God for blessing all of us with Bob Bardwell and the Miracle Lodge @ Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch!!!

4/29/2010

Archie Trower

Thanks so much for all your hospitality and for offering the Handicap Turkey Hunt.....I had a great time!!

4/22/2010

Cassie Torkelson

A sturdy footbridge serves as the sole passageway to my intended destination and I walk slowly admiring the flowing river beneath my feet. Step by step, my excitement builds and the slow steady pace picks up speed to a brisk walk. Leaving the footbridge, there is a well worn path twisting into a large clearing. Only the outline of path is visible as the path itself is hidden beneath dropped pine needles and fallen leaves. Fortunately, this place is well known to me, and I could walk it blind should the need ever arise. Still walking on, there is rustling to my left and a small brown rabbit scurries ten feet ahead of me across the path. My sense of anticipation is buzzing as my legs attempt to make short work of the rest of the winding path. Finally, I have arrived and the strong sense of excitement is replaced with achievement and fulfillment.
My hair is gently rustled by a teasing gust of wind as I stand surrounded by weathered, rustic wooden benches. The benches are built into a hillside and the scene laid out is almost coliseum-like. Amid a forest of evergreen and ironwood trees there is a deep, earthen perfume in the air and with every deep breath taken, both relaxation and comfort increase. The bench complains and creaks slightly as I sit down, but disregarding the noise I look panoramically in remembrance. A tall cross, made of large tree branches, stands in the prominent center of my view and my heart is immediately warmed. Bird calls and other sounds of nature float to my ears and a content smile overtakes my face.
Memories make their way to the forefront of my mind as my eyes close, and it takes mere minutes to be transported back in time. There I am, a younger me, sitting in the exact same spot. This time though, not only am I surrounded by trees and the sound of nature, there is not an empty seat on the benches while quiet, young voices rise up through the trees. The voices were shushed as the familiar male voice of my camp director, Josh, sincerely requested silence; all complied. Josh proceeded to speak about this Father who loved his Son so very much and how both this Father and Son wanted to be in our lives and that they loved us more than the moon and the stars. He continued on to speak about how there was nothing we could do or not do to make this Father love us any less and we had more chances than there were stars in the sky.
Though Josh was still speaking, my attention had been stolen by an inexplicably beautiful night sky. Looking beyond a rim of tall trees, a perfect circle of velvety black sky was visible and the stars were shining as brightly as I had ever seen—almost as though they were shining just for me. Tears ran freely from my eyes as I silently prayed the most simple and most important of prayers.
“I need You. Please be with me?” I asked genuinely.
A familiar sense of peace swept over me then, and opened my eyes to an empty clearing. Smiling with wet eyes, I softly laugh at the power of memories and revel at the power of love. I sit wondering to myself how time can pass so quickly. I let the silence permeate a few minutes longer and rise up off the bench. It squeaks in appreciation while I repeatedly sing a familiar chorus to myself and to God.
“You placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name”
I was not sure how much time had passed since my arrival, but I did know that the sky was much darker than when I had arrived and that meant that it was getting late and that my visit must come to an end. With a sigh, I stop singing and take one final look around the clearing; musingly, I think how odd it is that such a small area can hold so many memories and emotions. Smiling, I head back toward the twisting path with a profound sense of serenity and happiness. I hum the whole hike back to camp and feel light as air.
The outdoor chapel at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch is one of the most beautiful places that my heart knows. Though my eyes may have, and likely will see places more visually pleasing, this place is forever connected to my heart. My experiences there have taught me that I do not ever have to fight the battle called life alone.

2/1/2010

Jackie Storlie

Storlie_06@hotmail.com

I went to wrangler camp for 3 years and i loved it so much that I wanted to go again the best thing was the horses. If I someone asked me what camp they should send their kids to that has horses I would the them Ironwood Spring Christian Ranch because it is the best to go to during the summer time for children of all ages.

11/20/2009

Linda

I can tell you without a doubt this was the best facility our group has stayed with. We thank you for being so accommodating with last minute requests such as the zip line...Thank you again for a wonderful, memorable weekend.

Linda

8/23/2009

Dave Seavy

daveseavy@gmail.com

Volunteering for the Miracle Lodge Grand Opening has been one of the most peaceful times of my life. For 3 days I encountered the most wonderful people and an atmosphere of true warmth and acceptance. In 1991 I was hit with 8000 volts of electricity that left me with a brain injury. I turned it all over to God after a failed suicide attempt in 1997 and I'm always amazed by the things HE provides for me. Being a parat of the grand opening was icing on the cake. Ironwood - the entire ranch is a miracle!

8/22/2009

becky hacker

beckyhacker77@gmail.com

I reallly loved the time we spent at Ironwood. Will and I still laugh at the memories and can't wait to get back the such a wonderful, God inspired place

8/5/2009

Linda Mendoza

ldozamd@mac.com

Thanks to Kevin, we were taken to Ironwood Springs after our truck broke down on Hwy 90. Our small family was towing trailer with all daughters belongings to Milwaukee for her move to attend graduate school.

The people and facilities at Ironwood were a spectacular respite for a tired caravan that had had a very difficult problelm.

As a retired physician, and long term supporter of physicial therapy and outdoor therapy for ALL disabilities, I will be touting IRONWOOD to everyone I know.

Thanks again to Bob and Jode and staff of IRONWOOD.

8/3/2009

Missy Machin

western_gal@ymail.com

I LOVE YOU IRONWOOD! I have spent half my life here, and have grown in God! I love going to ironwood whenever I can. It's always still magical to me every single time i go there.

It has been several years since I was down, but I loved being a camper and counselor during the 80s and early 90s. I was introduced to Ironwood through my friends Cecil and Jack Vitalis. Sadly Jack passed away over the winter, but have always loved their family. Nick Pearson White Bear Lake nickpearson1971@msn.com

Alexis Bartel. June 2007

I've been to Ironwood for two years. Every time I think about this coming summer, I can see myself at a DOMINATING Highriders at Ironwood. I feel lucky to be blessed so much to go to ISCR. I love it so so much, Pastor Jim and Josh and EVERYONE at Ironwood made me feel at home. The second year I went to ISCR I was nervous, I was thinking no one would remember me but a lot of the counselors and campers remembered me and helped to bring me closer to God. Ironwood has changed me so much. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! everyone at Ironwood helped me to feel God in everything I do. The chapels were touching to see everyone at the camp worshiping God. My favorite parts of camp were the horses, BIFFER and chapel.

Dear Staff,
A big wonderful thanks you!for your hospitality! We are our staff had a wonderful day! We very much enjoy working with all of you! Ironwood is a wonderful facility and very beautiful! You are all so accomodating!

Barb Wilson and the CCRR staff

Emily Anderson
I have been going to Ironwood for three years know, and this camp truly rocks!! This summer i went to Teen Camp, and it was the best week of my life!! Josh, and Pastor Jim, are two amazing people! Since i've gone to this camp, my faith has grown so much, and i've grown so much closer to god!! The counselors at this camp, are just so amazing! its like one big happy family at this camp! 6/2005

Hillary Hook
I just finished my fifth year at Ironwood and this year was the best. Everyone here was so amazing they all love God so much and they all share a love for Ironwood. I can't wait till next year when i get to go to teen campf ro the first time in like EVER

Alyssa
Ironwood Springs was awesome!!I went there for a school field trip, and it rocked!!!!The horses are BEAUTIFUL! The super slide was really fun!

Jessica
I love it at ironwood! I went and its a place u want to stay forever. u dont get judged here and its like your one big giant family and for parents with kids and teens send them here they'll love it!

Jo K
Thanks for helping to make the Kopishcke Family Chistmas Party a joyful-non-stressful day!! A good time was had by all. Thank you. Jo.

Joanna Ravlin Dey
This is Joanna Ravlin Dey, I went to youth camp at ISCR as a child, and also worked as a youth counselor a couple of summers. I saw your web page about the new lodge you're faithfully building. Bob, I want you to know that my experience at Ironwood was profound and life changing, and I'll be forever grateful for your impact on my life. Thank you so very much. My husband David is a carpenter and would like to volunteer for any projects you have. porkchopnchubby@aol.com.

Krystal
I always loved going to ironwood springs with my youth group(hype/abc) it was one of the things I looked forward to throughout the year. Everything was peaceful and comfortable there. Thank you for having this place...and thank you for opening it to me and many others.

Melisa (Brandt) Sween
20 years ago I met Bob Bardwell in Seattle, WA as we celebrated finishing a 10K wheelchair road race in Husky Stadium. This was before family, wheechair sports camp, and before Ironwood was to play such an intricate part in my personal relationship with Jesus. Little did I know back in 1986 when I boarded a plane in Eugene, OR how much Bob, Jode & girls, the staff, and Ironwood Springs Camp, over the next 2 decades would be used by God to mold and shap me into the person I am proud to be today. There are far too many awesome memories to specifically detail in this short note of how God has blessed Ironwood and those who are there to glorify his name! God is not a God of accidents and I know I was hand selected to be blessed at ISCR, as well as be a blessing to all those he brought each day to the camp during my years on staff. I regularly pray for God's continued blessings on the Bardwell family, the camp, the staff, and may the numbers double to 40,000 who are touched by the Joy of the Lord at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in 2005!

John Voltz
My favorite part about camp was when I saw my cousin walk up the chapel isle to get saved.

A.L.
You may not even remember who I am, but you made a huge impact on my life! At the end of the school year I made some mistakes with some friendships. I went into the summer deternined to get my friends back. What you helped me realize is that the greatest friend I could ever have never left me. Now I think of God as my best friend. Every year Ironwood gets better and better. I can't even imagine what Teen Camp might have in store for next year! You touched my heart, your stories moved me, and your love for God inspires me. I am so pumped for God! I told you that I was so scared that I might lose God again this year, but I am so on fire for HIM that I know that couldn't possibly happen... thank you for helping me rediscover my best friend. God Bless

Dj Wannarka
I really enjoyed working with everyone at the ranch this summer, and I plan on Volunteering later this year and next summer. Working with all of the staff at I.S.C.R. impacted my life in some way. I want to say thank you to the Wranglers, and all other staff. God bless you and thanks for all the memories!!!

Matt W. Lowell
I just wanted to say thanks for having me at camp this year. This was the best year I've ever had at camp. All the people were so nice and friendly. I really didn't want to go home, so I came back the next week for Wrangler Day Camp and I am looking forward to coming back next. Next year I plan on being a Junior Wrangler, and when I'm old enough, I would like to be a real wrangler and maybe a counselor. Thanks again for a great year.

Lynn Gedicke
This summer I have been volunteering as a Junior Wrangler. It is so much fun, and just a great experience. Wrangler camp was so much fun. Thank you wranglers for working so hard to make it the best it could be! God bless you all, and hope to see everyone again!

Bricelyn Sigrist
I went to Ironwood Springs for the 1st time last summer & had the time of my life--The concert was awesome!everything was so much fun--can't wait to go back again this summer...

Holly Andersen
I went to Ironwood for several years, and I loved it. It's been three years since I last went, but still the awesome memories of the people I was with, the fun times, and the ever presence feeling of God are with me often. I cannot thank Ironwood (and God!) enough for the amazing experiences it gave me.

Laura Hughitt
Camp has been the best experience of my life by far, I look forward to it every year! All of you people at camp are great and I love you with all my heart! God bless everyone...

Ali
I loved the worship and everything this year and it's so sad that it was my last year!! I can't wait to come back and be a leader!! Our church has been so blessed to be able to come to Ironwood every year!

Jessica
My fave activity is Balloon Blitz!!! It was way fun! And of course the worship in the chapel!!! ISCR is awesome! Keep up the great work!

Amanda Thillen And Jackie storlie
Wranglar camp was so cool. There horses are so awsome! Well got to go! Buh Bye! See you next year at wrangler camp!!!! Love, Amanda and Jackie

Laura Titusdahl
I have attended Ironwood camps for more than half my life, and each year never fails to be an amazing experience. The people, activities, and overall atmosphere is so uplifting. This camp has touched my life in so many ways, and it's hard to find words to describe it.

Luke Fannin
This summer I was blessed enough to be able to counsel at Teen Camp and Jrs. I & II, and what an amazing blessing it has been. I cannot say enough about this ranch and its entire staff; I can't wait to return again and again...

Curt & Kim Miner
First time camping here, had a very good time, thank you

Lynn L
Thank you for allowing our recital to be held at the ranch. The chapel was a wonderful place to have our special event. We appreciate the help to get it prepared for us. I received so many positive comments about the facilities. God blessed us with a glorious day and lots of beautiful music. Thank you again.

Annie
I just wanted to thank you once again for the fabulous weekend! Not only did I come away a "quilter", but I felt I met some very dear woment who I hope to spend more time with sometimes down the road. Your camp is beautiful and you made me feel so at home & welcomed there... thank you for that! I've started reading your book Bob, very inspiring & challenging :} Thank you and your staff again for everything.

LaRae Kor
Horse camp is the best...ive gone there for 4 years now I have the best time i meet so many people and have such a GREAT time My summer wouldnt be complete without camp!! Trails are the best and the texas toast is THE ULTIMATE MEAL!!! I have so many great memories of camp and the closer i get to God every year is just amazing to me!! Love ya

Heidi Eckers
This ranch feels like a home away from home to me. The staff are like a surigate family, wonderful and warm and never stop sharing God's love!

Matt Streyle
I grew up attending Ironwood as a child back in the early 1990's, and I have been able to have the privilege of seeing it grow to be what it is now. I pray that God keeps blessing Ironwood and its staff in the many ways that he already has, and thank Him for Ironwood's involvement in my life!

Brittany Jensen
I love the trails I love the food. I've gone for 4 years now. Great job on the food last year cooks!

Pastor Buegel
Thank you so much for the use of the room for our Elder's retreat, and the wonderful lunch. Thank you for your Christ like attitude and love , and may God richly bless you in the ministry there. Hope to see you again soon. Because of Christ's love, Rev Charles Buegle

Gail H
Thank you for the wonderful, warm hospitality. We had a tremendous time and it was a blessing to have been a part of the weekend and its preparations. Please know that you are permanently on my prayer list and keep lifting me up, too, it means so much.

Adam Posegate
I remember coming to camp in 1990-- my first year of many! Now I look forward to the return of Teen Camp and all it has to offer.

Ariel Miller
I have come out to Ironwood with our Happy Trails Saddle Club and I really enjoyed the sleigh rides. I enjoy the area and the scenery.