Mill Valley Ranch Christian Youth Holiday Camp, Tynong North, Victoria, Australia

Mill Valley Ranch - 525 Tynong North Road, Tynong North, Victoria, 3813 - (03) 5942 8356 - mvr@mvr.org.au

A Plan - Dare To Dream

The man with the Plan was Arthur Bartlett who had dreamt for years about 'creating' a Christian Youth Holiday Camp - something unique and a 'first' for Australia, with a Waggon Camp and Western Village. In 1967 the Dream started to come true. He invited a Builder & a Cook to join him, in the new venture. Arthur, Warren & Eric visited Victoria, to spy out the land!

A Property - Prepare The Dream

They drove into the Valley at Tynong Nth, which had been pioneered by Weatherheads, who set up Sawmills, giving employment to many. Hence the name - MILL VALLEY RANCH. They were warmly welcomed by Weatherheads, a Methodist family, interested in welfare of young people. Roy, Max & Graham drove them over the 1000 acres, becoming quite excited and catching the 'vision'.

They operated a Dairy, but God must have prepared the dream in their hearts also, as they did an unheard of thing - offered their best Calf Paddock, as a suitable site for M.V.R. On 10th June, 1967, Arthur & Bonnie with their 3 young children Donald, Debbie and Deanna came to live in the Valley. The only building was a farm shed.

Eric Watts the Cook came soon after, then Warren & Joy Carroll with Robert (2) and newly born Peter arrived 3 months later.

A Purpose - Wear The Dream

4000 miles were travelled during the first year, as Churches and Clubs invited them to talk about the proposed plans. Some said, "It couldn't be done!"

But...Arthur's trust was in the same God, who many centuries ago had spoken to Habakkuk, the Old Testament Prophet telling him....

"Look and be amazed! You will be astounded at what I am about to do! For I am going to do something in your own lifetime that you will have to see to believe."(LB)

A Program - Share The Dream

Waggon wheels and chassis were donated from all over Gippsland.

Four Sleeping Waggons, a Dining Waggon which sat 40 were built; a Chuck Waggon of the 1st World War was restored as a Kitchen.

Add a 16yr old Horse called Jock, a mare with a quivering bottom lip called Donna, plus Nelson, an ex-Pacer, blind in one eye and you have the makings of a Camp! The new Toilet Block was the only building.

On January 6th 1969 the 1st Camp was held. It was so exciting...28 Ranchers, 4 Leaders, 4 Kitchen Staff, 2 Horse Staff. Cost: $24 (Wow!)

The next thing God said to Habakkuk was...

"These things I plan wont happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the Vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient - they will not be overdue a single day!"

This is where YOU come in! M.V.R. could not function, without so many sharing the dream, in so many various ways, perhaps as a Rancher, Parent, Voluntary Staff, Youth Group Leader, Food Supplier, an interested Supporter, MVR Director, Permanent Staff, Guest Speaker or Musician etc.

Arthur says one of the greatest needs today is good Leaders, who can train others. The Dream is Coming True.

Waggon Wheels Logo MVR Logo
The broken wheels represent some who have come to the Ranch needing help, to re-build their broken lives