Sitting on 100 acres of land, the McCrossan Campus has become its own community. Additions of a permanent school, gym, and chapel have helped McCrossan become a comprehensive facility providing an array of services and opportunities for the boys.
The school that was originally built in 1995 to accommodate 40 students, is now simply too small to facilitate a safe learning and behavioral environment. With a consistent average enrollment of 50+ students, classrooms are cramped and exceed capacity. Furthermore, teachers do not have home rooms or space to meet as a group, forcing them to tote supplies back and forth in a wheeled crate.
In 2011, McCrossan Boys Ranch eagerly established cross country and track teams after being sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA). The Wranglers have practiced on a dirt track for 10 years and are still unable to host meets.
The additions to the school and a 400m rubberized track will help the boys at McCrossan reach their full potential in academics and athletics, reinforcing the most important thing the Ranch works to instill: HOPE.
The North School Addition will consist of multiple classrooms, each dedicated to a specific area of study.
Included will be a new art room with sinks with plenty of space for creativity. The addition of the new science lab, something never available before, will be an added bonus. The McCrossan staff will benefit from the addition of offices, a conference room, and lounge.
The South School Addition will consist of a large, open area for indoor events, a restroom, and a dedicated P.E. office.
The Athletic Complex will include a new 400 meter, 8-lane rubberized track and a recreational field for soccer and other sports. This will allow the McCrossan Wranglers to host meets and events.
Growth through these additions and renovations will be a key factor in the advancement of the Ranch. Intended to kick off April 2020, the $2.5 million campaign has been put on hold due to the impact COVID-19 is having on the individuals and businesses throughout the Sioux Empire. While the need for this project still exists, the immediate needs of our broader community come first. We welcome support of any kind for the “Spur Success” Capital Campaign, but until further notice we have paused all formal fundraising efforts.
"The Ranch was a place of refuge for my brother and me. A focus on rewards and punishments taught us the consequences of our decisions and was a constructive influence throughout our lives. Indeed, much of the foundation for achieving my lifetime successes came from McCrossan Boys Ranch."
–John & Shane Lloyd
Two of the first residents at the ranch
"The people genuinely care and it was that feeling that helped me to become a responsible, productive citizen in today’s society. I was given many chances at McCrossan to make a difference. I even met a counselor that I still talk to yet today; he’s like a dad to me."
– Byron Ostrom
Director of Yard Operations,
Component Manufacturing
(18 year employee)
"I urge the boys to take advantage of their time at McCrossan. The schooling, sports, and skills you learn can literally take you around the world and give you success."
– Quincy Good Star
Pastor, Author, Realtor &
Chaplain at Pennington
County Jail
"The Ranch was a place of refuge and hope for me that really allowed me to change the path of my childhood. My advice is to remain persistent. If you want something, take responsibility for it despite what roadblocks might be in your way."
– Doug Stransky
International Tax Attorney