About JH

On a Mission
to Make
Families , Relationships , Students , Communities 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.


All of the content and values at JH Adventures is based upon a biblical foundation.

JH was founded on hospitality,
and our family’s welcoming spirit continues to
define who we are today.

The Story of  JH

Ranch• isms

I heard and I forgot,
I saw and I remembered,
I did and I understood.
You only live life once,
but if you live it right,
once is enough.
Change is temporary,
but transformation
is forever.
Circumstances don’t
make or break you,
they reveal you
When you go alone,
you go fast. When you
go together, you go far.

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.”