About JH
to Make Families Stronger
Our Origins
JH Ranch was born in the wilderness of Northern California. As a young man in his twenties, Gene Johnston, our founder’s father, promised God, “If you will provide the resources, I will invest them in a manner that will have eternal value.” Years into his successful real estate career, a God-ordained detour landed Gene in a little known corner of California where he discovered a 300-acre hunting lodge that was for sale. Acting on a giant leap of faith, he purchased the property, fulfilling his promise and founding JH Ranch alongside his oldest son Bruce Johnston. With Bruce leading the charge, JH Ranch opened as a summer guest ranch for junior high and high school students before blossoming into a much larger and diverse operation.
Today, JH Ranch has expanded into JH Outback weekend events across the US and around the world. Parents and their sons or daughters and spouses spend an undistracted weekend to grow closer to their loved ones and God.
Scott River Lodge was purchased in 2006 to expand the Husband and Wife program that was held at the Ranch at the time. The Lodge is a premier, all-inclusive retreat for married couples to escape the hectic pace of life and enjoy rest, relaxation, romance, and renewal.
JH was founded on hospitality,
and our family’s welcoming spirit continues to
define who we are today.
The Story of JH
Adventure Begins
Gene Johnston purchases a 300-acre hunting lodge in the beautiful mountains of northern California and establishes JH Ranch with his oldest son Bruce Johnston.
Its First Program
Bruce Johnston launches Second Wind, an immersive leadership training experience for high school students.
Programs Start
After witnessing the life-changing impact of Second Wind, parents wanted to experience JH Ranch for themselves, so the family adventures were started to fulfill this need.
Outback Experience
With the growth of our student and parent and teen programs, JH alumni wanted to bring the Ranch experience to their cities, and this vision was realized with the first Outback America weekend in Dallas, Texas
the Holy Land
Bruce and Heather Johnston form a friendship with the founder and mayor of Ariel, Israel, beginning a creative partnership and cultural exchange program that lays the groundwork for JH Israel.
Officially Launches
Outback is born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama through the leadership of business man Bill Trick, and the program soon spreads to other cities and states.
Scott River Lodge
As the site of a former fish hatchery, Scott River Lodge is uniquely positioned on the edge of a wild and scenic river just down the road from JH Ranch, making it a refreshing addition to the organization’s legacy properties.
Expands to Africa
After attending a week at JH Ranch, African ministry leader Steve Kabachia encourages Bruce Johnston to bring Outback to Africa, and the first international Outback is launched outside of Nairobi, Kenya.
National Leadership Center
Working with local governmental entities, JH Israel expands its impact with the new National Leadership Center, founded to help shape Israel’s next generation of leaders.
New Zealand Program
Led by long-time staff member Rob Hayes St. Claire, JH Aoteaora launches with a one-week experience in New Zealand, bringing JH to another continent.
to the World
JH Outback continues to grow in the US and around the world with new experiences everywhere from Thailand to Palm Beach.
Ranch• isms
Our Leaders
With the support of an incredible, international team, the Johnston family operates JH Ranch, Scott River Lodge, JH Outback and JH Israel.
Bruce and Heather Johnston
Bruce Johnston is the founder and president of JH. Through his leadership, the ministries of JH have grown and expanded beyond JH Ranch to include Scott River Lodge, JH Outback and JH Outback International. Bruce has been involved in student leadership development and family ministry for more than 40 years.
Heather Johnston is the founder and executive director of JH Israel as well as the U.S. Israel Education Association. With decades of experience working in the nation of Israel, Heather uniquely contributes to the United States-Israel relationship as an educator and thought leader. She is the author of Uncommon Favor, a powerful book about the intentional life of a disciple.
“What we should realize is that our value comes from God. There may be plenty of growth opportunities ahead of us, but in the meantime, He loves you as you are, not as you should be.”
