General Questions
Where is JH Ranch located?
JH Ranch is located outside of the town of Etna in the mountains of northern California. Our address is:
8525 Homestead Lane
Etna, CA 96027
Who founded JH Ranch?
JH Ranch was established in 1979 by Gene Johnston and his family. His eldest son, Bruce, ran the Ranch from its launch and still does today.
Is JH Ranch a non-profit?
Yes, JH Ranch is a 501(c)3 non-profit certified by the ECFA.
What's the connection to Birmingham, Alabama?
In 1987, Bruce Johnston married a girl from Birmingham, Heather Hampe. After a few years of living on the west coast, she told Bruce it was time to head South and since that time our winter headquarters have been in Birmingham, Alabama.
How can I share my prayer requests with the Ranch?
We love having the opportunity to prayer for the needs of our Ranch guests! To share you prayer needs, please email Shari Johnson at shari@jhranch.com. If your request is confidential, simply make mention of that in your email.
Travel Questions
How will I / my child get to JH Ranch from the airport?
For Challenge, Second Wind, and Trac II, our staff arranges bus transportation to and from the Sacramento airport with specified arrival and departure times.
For Parent & Son/Daughter and Cloud 9, guests rent cars for the week.
For information on travel please see the Travel Directions page.
What airport do most guests fly into?
The most popular airport for guests is Sacramento (SMF) due to more flight options. It is approximately a five-hour drive. San Francisco and other area airports would be other options with a minimum six-hour drive. The closest airport to JH Ranch is in Medford, OR (MFR). It is approximately a two-hour drive to JH Ranch.
PLEASE NOTE: All Challenge, Second Wind and Trac II students are REQUIRED to fly in and out of Sacramento arriving and departing within the specified times.
Please see the Travel Directions page for more information.
Student Program Questions
Do you take roommate requests?
We do not take roommate requests for Challenge, Second Wind or Trac II. You may make requests for our Parent & Son/Daughter program, although we make no guarantees.
Will my child be with other people their age?
Yes, all students are placed on teams according to age.
Can I mail my child a package while at the Ranch?
We ask that you do not mail your child packages while at JH Ranch. You are welcome to mail letters to your child during his or her program. You are also welcome to purchase an email package, which allows you to email your child. We will print the email and deliver to your child each night. Please be aware that they will not have the ability to respond. You can purchase the email package on your online account.
What time should my child's flight arrive and depart for Challenge, Second Wind, or Trac II?
Please schedule your child’s flight to arrive to Sacramento by 2:00 PM on the program start date and depart no earlier than 9:30 AM on the program’s end date.
For more information on travel, please see the Travel Directions page.
Parent & Son/Daughter, Husband/Wife, and Cloud 9 Questions
When do I leave?
The last day listed on your program dates is your departure date. We will have a continental breakfast available for you on that morning, and you are free to leave as early as you need that morning.
What time do I need to arrive at JH Ranch for a Parent & Son/Daughter, Husband & Wife Cloud 9 week?
Check-in for your program is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM on the first day listed for your program dates. Please remember to have dinner before you arrive!
Registration and Payment Questions
When is my payment due?
Tuition for all registrations is due upon registering. Payment plans are available upon request, but must be secured on a major credit card.
What is your refund policy?
All registrations are 100% refundable (with a cancellation fee of $300) until March 1. During the month of March, all registrations are 50% refundable (with cancellation fee).
After April 1, registrations are no-longer refundable, but can be rolled-over to the following summer. Registrations can only be rolled-over once and any increase in tuition price between Summers will apply.
Can I transfer into a different session?
You may transfer your registration once to a different session depending upon availability in that session. However, if your transfer request is received within 30 Days of your program beginning there is a transfer fee of $1,000.
What is my online account and how do I access it?
Your online account is established when you either register online or over the phone. Your email address and the password you designate allow you to access your account. Your account allows you to see your registration and update your information as well as reserve equipment and purchase items from the bookstore.
