The newly upgraded swimming pool at Pine Springs Ranch (PSR) opened in April. Sparkling water — heated to 80 degrees on cool days from April to September — will refresh campers, church members and retreat groups that use Southeastern California’s mountain hideaway. The $200,000 makeover includes new pumps, filters, heaters, tiling, decking, fencing and first class bathrooms.

“We enlarged the shallow end and added steps to make it family friendly,” said Brian Schwab, PSR executive director. “To use the pool, alert us in advance so that we can have lifeguards."

Schwab became ranch director Sept. 25, 2003, filling a vacancy created when Ed Sajdak, former director, moved to the Barstow Church as pastor last June. Schwab holds a bachelor's degree in religion and secondary education and a master’s degree emphasizing outdoor education. Before coming to PSR in 2000, he worked more than four years at Camp Wawona in Central California, and served in a task force position at NASOCA Pines Ranch in the Carolinas.

Hector Perez joined the PSR staff as associate director in May. Most recently, he worked at Camp Berkshire in the Greater New York Conference, and also had experience in sales and marketing. “He loves the Lord, serving others, is energetic and has a great desire to learn,” said Schwab. “Being bilingual is a big plus, too.”

Recent Enhancements, Coming Construction

“In the past two years we have repainted the cabins, cafeteria, lodge exterior and all the rooms inside. We recarpeted one of the three wings and refurbished half of the showers in the lodge. They look like new,” Schwab added. This year, the ball field will be grassed and irrigated.

PSR is also initiating its own programs. In February, the staff orchestrated the first Valentine’s weekend retreat for couples, complete with a romantic banquet.

Building a 600-seat conference center is the next major objective. “Our current meeting rooms are too small for groups over 300,” Schawb explained. “And we need spaces for small breakout groups. This can be included in our new center.”

Erecting a large building in the mountains is not easy. Schwab pointed out that all contractors, laborers and supplies come 25 miles up a mountain road from Hemet. About $1 million is being held in reserve from the sale of San Pasqual Academy to get the building underway.

“The ranch is here to serve our churches, schools and member groups,” Schwab emphasized. During 2002, more than 12,000 people attended events at PSR. “The slumping economy contributed to a decline in 2003; just 9,000 came to the ranch. So we are working hard to build the business.”