From the first fundraiser to the final touches, this project took nearly a year to complete.
For Samaritan Lodge No. 424, helping others is nothing new. As long-time participants in the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program, the Lodge has supported countless local causes, from helping fund the school district’s backpack program to providing clothing for children in need.
But in 2024, one project stood out as something truly special.
Answering a Call for Help
Last year, the Lodge received a letter from Rocky Creek Youth Ranch asking for help. Without hesitation, Lodge members RWB Dan J. Ward and WB Robert H. Nugent visited the ranch.
What started as a church camp, Rocky Creek Youth Ranch transitioned into a safe and caring home for children ages six to eighteen who have been displaced or orphaned. During their visit, Dan and Robert saw firsthand the compassion behind the program and the challenges it faced.
“At that time, we ended up donating some stainless steel tables for their kitchen,” Brother Dan said. “Then we found out that they didn’t have a playground. They only had one basketball hoop, so they had to be creative with their free time.”
Determined to give the children a place to play, Samaritan Lodge began exploring options for playground equipment. After connecting with a local company that builds commercial-grade playgrounds, they ordered a slide, a set of monkey bars, and a four-seat swing set, all built to last.
Fundraising Through Teamwork
To fund the project, the Lodge hosted barbecue fundraisers and its annual indoor golf tournament, which raised $2,000. The Masonic Home matched these funds, bringing their total to $6,000.
Still shy of their goal, Samaritan Lodge received a helping hand from Elvins-Ionic Lodge No. 154, which raised an additional $1,000, matched again by the Masonic Home through CAP for a total of $3,000. With a total of $9,000, the Lodges now had enough to purchase the equipment and cover installation materials.
Members from Samaritan Lodge, Elvins Ionic Lodge, and neighboring Lodges joined forces to assemble the playground. Even residents from Rocky Creek Youth Ranch pitched in to help. A local business also stepped up, donating more than 4,000 pounds of rubber tire mulch to complete the playground.
“I think what really got it done was how many hands came together: members from different Lodges, the ranch, and even local businesses,” Dan said. “It just showed what can happen when people care and step up to help.”
Members from Samaritan Lodge No. 424, Elvins-Ionic Lodge No. 154, and local volunteers came together to build the new playground at Rocky Creek Youth Ranch.
A Lasting Impact
For Samaritan Lodge, this CAP project was especially meaningful. While they had previously funded playground equipment for a local homeless shelter through CAP, this was the first time they completed a project like this.
“Not only did we do it from the beginning to the end, but we found out what they wanted, we ordered it, we picked it up, and we installed it,” Brother Dan said.
By the week of October 19, 2025, the playground was finished, a lasting testament to the dedication of the Lodges, community volunteers, and the youth from Rocky Creek who helped bring it to life.
The joy on the children’s faces living at the ranch said it all. “The kids were really excited about having a place that they could play on for a long time,” Dan said.
Before and after: the new playground at Rocky Creek Youth Ranch, built by Samaritan Lodge No. 424, Elvins-Ionic Lodge No. 154, community members, and youth residents from Rocky Creek.
In a letter to Samaritan Lodge No. 424 and the Masonic Home, Sher Stringer, Executive Director of Rocky Creek Youth Ranch, wrote:
“Thanks to your support, the youth in our care now have a safe and therapeutic place to play, build friendships, and heal. This playground is more than equipment – it is a safe space of joy, resilience, and hope for children who have endured so much.”
Working Together. Succeeding Together.
This project not only transformed a piece of land; it brought together Lodges, businesses, and community members in the shared spirit of service.
“It was a lot of work, but it’s what we’re here for,” Brother Dan said. “When Lodges and communities work together, we can make a difference that lasts.”
