Partnering with Leadership Ashland Class of 2022

Leadership Ashland Pathfinder Farms

2022 Leadership Ashland Work Benefits Ministry to Impact the Next Generation 

Ashland, Ohio - Leadership Ashland has partnered with Pathfinder Farms and the Rotary Club of Ashland to raise funds for capital improvements at the farm, which teaches young people important life skills. The improvements include:

  • A heating and cooling system, which will allow activities to continue regardless of weather conditions.
  • A low ropes course that will facilitate training programs with multiple age groups.
  • An outdoor pavilion and/or a new building for the young women’s ministry.

“By investing in Pathfinder Farms, our community can contribute to teaching life skills, providing opportunities to develop positive relationships and instilling lessons grounded in faith that help young people excel in life,” said Jon Burkholder, who directs the farm with his wife Sandy. Pathfinder Farms serves youth from Ashland, Richland and surrounding counties.

Now in its eighth year, Pathfinder Farms offers a variety of free activities, such as woodworking, building projects, fishing, hiking, outdoor navigation, gardening and camping. Pathfinder Farms has recently added culinary chef Autumn Bachelder and Life Skills/Facilitator Manager Jacob Blasdel for additional expertise. 

The farm has five after-school programs and is now expanding with a local school district collaboration that includes Ashland City Schools. Due to the demand for the programs, Director Jon Burkholder is now dedicated to the venture full time. 

There are three ways to donate to Leadership Ashland’s Pathfinder Farms projects:

  • Attend an open house and silent auction at Pathfinder Farms on Saturday, April 23 at 1-3 p.m. The farm is located at 846 County Road 30A in Ashland.
  • Use the online donation form. After completing the donor information, please choose “Leadership Ashland Project” from the drop-down list for the “Select Your Designation Here” field.
  • Write a check, payable to Ashland Rotary Service Foundation, and mail it to Rotary Club of Ashland, PO Box 630, Ashland, OH 44805.