Olivet University Strengthens Community Partnership with Pathfinder Ranch Through Student Service Initiatives

Olivet University in Anza is deepening its collaboration with Pathfinder Ranch, blending campus engagement with hands-on student service to support the local community.

The renewed partnership was highlighted by a visit from Carl Dugdale, Outreach Director at Pathfinder Ranch, to Olivet's Riverside campus. During the tour and relationship-building meeting, university leaders shared Olivet's history, mission, and dedication to serving both local and global communities. Discussions centered on potential collaborations that align with each organization's goals, emphasizing mutual respect, shared values, and practical ways to make a meaningful impact in the region.

This meeting built on a relationship that began several years ago and gained momentum when Olivet students volunteered at Pathfinder Ranch in Mountain Center. This marked the first time students participated in on-site volunteer service at the nonprofit, further strengthening the bond between the institutions.

Pathfinder Ranch, an eighty-acre facility, offers children a chance to connect with nature through experiences many have never had before. The ranch includes a lake, animal enclosures featuring horses, alpacas, pigs, and chickens, and an indoor educational exhibit showcasing reptiles and native wildlife.

During their volunteer day, Olivet students worked alongside Dugdale and the ranch's facilities team, clearing brush and cleaning riverbeds to support fire prevention and reduce the risk of seasonal flooding. Students also toured the property to learn more about Pathfinder Ranch's mission, programs, and daily operations.

Beyond conservation work, Pathfinder Ranch provides a variety of recreational and educational activities, including swimming, archery, rock climbing, guided mountain hikes, sports, historic gold mine visits, and lessons on the local history of mountain communities. Students described their experience as both productive and meaningful.

"Beyond the physical work, the trip allowed students to cultivate fellowship, build friendships, and share a sense of purpose, strengthening their bonds while deepening their understanding of community service," said Nate Tran, Chairman of Olivet University.

Founded in 1964, Pathfinder Ranch has a longstanding tradition of serving children and families through camps, outdoor education, and retreat programs designed to foster connections with nature and one another. Situated near the San Bernardino National Forest, the ranch has grown over the decades to include renovated lodging, recreational facilities, and preserved natural areas, continuing to serve thousands of youth annually.

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