FAQ

Who Is Wildwood Hills Ranch?

Wildwood Hills Ranch is a 400-acre non-profit facility, set in the scenic hills of Madison County, just south of Des Moines. Founded in 2001, the ranch exists to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing healing, hope, and God’s unconditional love to children and youth at-risk. Free summer camp and year-round retreats are offered to at-risk children ages 8 -18. Kids are immersed in a fun, safe environment where character, leadership, and teamwork are modeled and taught.

The ranch is an ideal setting for children to learn new life skills and gain the confidence necessary to transcend current impoverished, abused, or neglected environments. Campers enjoy first-class facilities and recreational activities including horseback riding, water sports, team building, arts and crafts and much more. Most importantly, children are offered hope and love while being challenged to grow into people of integrity who contribute to the communities they live in.

 

Who Does WWHR Serve?

The children who participate in Ranch programs are currently suffering or are at-risk of physical and/or sexual abuse; neglect; parental drug and alcohol abuse; gang violence; instability in family relationships; absence of one or both parents; repeated or permanent out of home placement in foster care; juvenile delinquency; increased poverty; and teenage pregnancy and parenting.

 

How Does WWHR Serve?

Our core camp program offers free transportation and summer camp experiences to at-risk children who will benefit from a positive change of environment and a program that focuses on character, leadership, and teamwork. Devoted camp counselors assist our youth as they participate in activities such as horseback riding, swimming, gardening, team building, and art. With the help of The Institute for Character Development at Drake University; we’ve incorporated the Character Counts® initiative into every aspect of our programming. Children are surrounded by positive role models while being completely immersed in activities that are affirmative, instructional, and fun. Most importantly, our campers discover their futures can be filled with much more hope and promise than their current circumstances deem possible. The Ranch provides seven weeks of free leadership camp each summer and we serve 80-100 children per week.

 

Why Does it Matter?

One of the most widely used quotes at Wildwood Hills Ranch is, “It is better to build strong children than repair broken men.” by Frederick Douglass. Every child matters. More young people than ever are at-risk and need a helping hand from those of us who can to give it. The majority of the children participating in our programs live in foster homes or come from economically disadvantaged, single parent homes. Without support from the community, these children run the risk of falling through the cracks.

While we can’t control the circumstances each child faces away from camp, we can offer them encouragement and new skills to help them approach life’s challenges from a different perspective.

By the end of their week at summer camp or Bounce Back Camp weekend, we want the youth to report that they have increased their leadership skills and have developed and maintained positive relationships. We also want youth to incorporate the positive aspects of their experience into their lives resulting in better school experiences including grades, attendance, and participation.

 

How Can I Make A Difference?

Monthly Support – Gifts of $10, $25, $50 or more each month help make a dramatic difference in our children’s lives. Individuals represent more than 44% of total contributions each year and provide the foundation of our programming.

Sponsor a camper! – We are currently seeking individual and corporate camper sponsors. For a contribution of $550, you can provide a child with the opportunity to attend camp. Can’t swing $550? Perhaps a co-worker or a company can share the contribution and help you to make the difference in the life of a child!

Memorial/Honor Program – Are you looking for a special way to remember or honor a friend or loved one? Wildwood Hills Ranch is the perfect place to make a difference while recognizing an anniversary, birthday, holiday, or to honor the memory of a deceased loved one. An appropriate card will be sent to the memorial/honoree’s family. This gift will also be acknowledged in the Wildwood Hills Ranch bi-annual newsletter.

Adopt-a-Horse – Help cover the expenses of caring for our special herd of horses. Adoption fees cover: Feed, Farrier Services, Inoculations, Deworming, and Veterinary Services. We want Wildwood horses to receive the best of care and nutrition so they will remain healthy and on active duty helping special children for many years.

Who can adopt a horse? – Clubs, Individuals, Organizations, Businesses, Families

How much does it cost to adopt a horse? – $600 per year or $300 for a six month adoption

Prayer – Another valuable contribution is prayer. The ranch facilities, children, and horses are in constant need of protection, wisdom, and direction. Those who choose to lift us up in prayer are an incredible gift to us and the children we serve.

 

What Does WWHR Charge for a Child to Attend the Program at the Ranch?

Through the generosity of individuals, companies, foundations, and organizations, we are able to provide free transportation and summer camp experiences to all at-risk children who are able to attend. These children benefit from a positive change of environment and a program that focuses on character, leadership, and teamwork.

 

How are Children Identified to Participate in Ranch Programs?

Children in need are identified through our partnerships with other charities and organizations and through our direct knowledge. Partnering organizations help to coordinate with parents and/or caretakers, assist with follow up, and help with check in and check out for activities. We collaborate with over fifty different organizations. Some of our colleagues include: Schools, the Department of Human Services, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Homes of Oakridge, Four Oaks, Hope Ministries, R.I.C.A.P., and Orchard Place/PACE.

 

What is a Typical Day at Camp?

A typical day of camp includes:

  • Sports
  • Gardening
  • Swimming Pool activities
  • Horses and horseback riding
  • Large group games and activities
  • Targeted confidence and team building activities
  • Campfires, songs, and skits
  • Wilderness and nature activities
  • Art activities (fine arts as well as nature crafts)
  • Lake activities – canoes, paddle boats, fishing, water slide, frog catching, kayaks
  • 3 family style meals with their team, a morning snack, and an afternoon snack