Cowboys for Christ and the Rodeo Bible Camp (RBC) began with a small gathering of ranchers and rodeo families who shared a vision of bringing Christian faith into the ranching and rodeo communities of south-central South Dakota.
The first organizational meeting was held on April 30, 1976, under the leadership of Don Word. Those attending came primarily from the Belvidere, Kadoka, and Norris areas, with others later joining from Philip and surrounding communities. The purpose was simple but powerful: to encourage young people involved in ranching and rodeo to consider Christ and live by Christian principles in everyday life.
Early efforts focused on ministry within the rodeo world. Members organized prayer breakfasts at local rodeos, supported rodeo Bible camps, and partnered with ministries such as Gary Walker’s rodeo outreach in Wyoming and Nebraska. The group also explored affiliation with the Rodeo Cowboys Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which later became the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys.
As interest and support grew, the organization decided to host its own Rodeo Bible Camp. In August of 1977, the first RBC was held on the Don Word Ranch. Volunteers from across the region came together to make the camp possible. A large arena was constructed with donated materials and countless hours of labor. Cedar posts were cut from the Bauman Ranch, while local businesses and ranch families contributed equipment, supplies, food, and manpower.
Gary Walker was invited to help lead the first camps because of his extensive experience in rodeo ministry. Young people from many communities attended, including future leaders and volunteers who would continue the ministry for years to come. Camp accommodations were simple in those early days, with National Guard tents serving as housing and meals prepared by dedicated local women working out of tents and later remodeled trailer houses.
What began as a small grassroots effort soon became a deeply rooted community ministry. After the first two years, local volunteers increasingly took ownership of the camp and its programs. Over time, improvements were made to the grounds, facilities, and arena through continued community support and countless volunteer hours.
The founders believed strongly that faith belonged not only inside church walls, but also in arenas, barns, rodeo grounds, and everyday ranch life. Their desire was to create a place where young people could hear the Gospel, build friendships, and experience Christian fellowship in an environment they understood and loved.
Today, the legacy of those early meetings and camps continues. Rodeo Bible Camp remains a testimony to the vision, faith, and dedication of the ranching and rodeo communities that came together in 1976 with a mission to share Christ through western heritage and hospitality.
Founding Members Recorded at the First Meeting (April 30, 1976)
- Elmer Hanson
- Larry Beckwith
- Mark Merchen
- Darrel Betie
- Dave Bauman
- Lee Addison
- Tom Grimes
- John Bauman
- Larry Dolezal
- Alec Wendell (Pastor)
- Don Word
- Gene Christianson
- Evan Bligh
- Keith Berry
Badlands Cowboy For Christ Rodeo Bible Camp 