Founders of a Christian-based ranch for teenagers near Gardendale are taking the next step in their goal to serve teenagers.

Cornerstone Ranch is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 7 for a new picnic pavilion and furnishings.

The ceremony will also include a check presentation; the Gardendale Area Rotary Club has raised $14,000 for the ranch.

Cornerstone Ranch is a non-denominational Christian-centered overnight camp for teens ages 13 to 16 who have economic, family, social or emotional difficulties. The camp spans 1,200 acres on Powder Mill Road west of Gardendale near Brookside.

A typical day at the camp involves fishing, canoeing, mountain bike riding, basketball, archery, camp fires and other outdoor activities. The property includes an 80-acre lake and five smaller ponds.

Campers must be referred, but there is no cost to campers thanks to sponsors who cover costs.

The camp’s founders are Jake Chemell, Josh Nation, Jimmy Nation and Rusty Rouse. Rouse also serves as executive director.

The founders say that Cornerstone Ranch is not a correctional camp, but rather is preventative. Its goals are to use Christian principles and activities to provide support and spiritual guidance to young people so they can make good choices.  

Campers sleep overnight with peers that are close in age and grade. The cabin has beds with mattresses, electricity, a kitchenette and restrooms with showers. It sleeps 10 to 12 campers and two to three counselors.

Directors sleep in the cabin with the campers to provide close adult supervision.

Gardendale First Baptist Church is renovating a cabin that will serve youth ages 12-16 this summer.

The ranch began as a dream by Rouse, Chemell and Josh Nation, who wanted to create a place where teens pursue a relationship with God.

Later, Jimmy Nation, Josh’s father, became involved. He was the main player in  securing the property where the camp is located; the site was formerly the Dupont Powder Mill.

The property had been abandoned since the mid-1970s, when Dupont closed the plant.

Cornerstone purchased the site on Dec. 31, 2008 in what was considered a sale and a donation.

The groundbreaking for the picnic pavilion is Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m.

To get to the ranch, take Fieldstown Road west until it dead ends onto Coalburg Road. Turn right and drive about a mile. Turn right onto Powder Mill Road at the first caution light. Drive about a half mile and look for the Cornerstone Ranch gate.