General Program Information

How did DestinyYouth Ranch (DYR) get started?
Corilee received the book, "Hope Rising", by Kim Meeder over 2 years ago for Christmas from a dear family friend. Corilee was so inspired by the book that she gave a copy to her daughter, Lana, to read. We found that Kim and Troy Meeder offered Information Clinics on how to start a Youth Ranch program similar to theirs in Oregon. We were blessed in May of 2009 to fly to Bend, Oregon & the rest is history!! We were so blessed to learn how to run a youth ranch from Kim, Troy and their amazing staff & of course their, "equine counselors".

How can I get my child involved?
Contact the ranch office at 712-473-2270 to schedule an appointment for our "Horsemanship Sessions" during our open season or simply use our contact form. Scheduling for the next month begins on the 15th of the current month or the our nearest open day thereafter (i.e. scheduling for April will generally begin on March 15th). Our season opens during the first week of April each year and we are closed by November 1st.

Can I send my child to the ranch?
Part of DYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this principle we ask that parents accompany their child. A parent's presence is quite often central to a child's healing process. The impact of a parent cheering their child to victory has become very apparent to us. Allowing fathers, mothers and guardians a chance to rest in the shade and enjoy the beauty God has provided is also a part of what we do.

We were blessed with a beautiful home that was renovated into our bunkhouse. We will have lodging available when camps or retreats are not in session. Lodging will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis and we just ask for a donation to help cover expenses. Please be aware that our individual sessions must be scheduled ahead of time and are also scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.

What kind of children does DYR serve?
Destiny Youth Ranch serves all children between the ages of 7 and 18. (We also invite adults and parents to take part in sessions.) Being a kid in this day and age is tough enough. Many of our kids are considered disadvantaged. To DYR, the word "disadvantaged" takes on many shapes and forms: mental, physical, emotional, and functional. The remaining kids we work with are simply kids who don't have access to horses through any other means. It has been our experience that as "healthy" kids play and grow beside "broken" kids, they are both encouraged to have a greater appreciation and understanding of others. It also brings hope to the spirit of wounded kids to believe they too can have hope for the future.

What do you charge for a child to attend the individual Horsemanship Sessions at DYR?
Our horsemanship sessions are absolutely free of charge. The only requirement for children & adults is that they have an open heart and want to attend.

Can we visit the ranch?
We would love to have you out to the ranch even if it is just for a visit. We are open to the public by appointment only. Please feel free to call our office at (712) 473-2270 to schedule a tour, if you are ever going to be in our area.

Also, we welcome you all to join us for Fellowship--More details coming soon!!

Does the ranch ever close?
DYR is open by appointment only & our daily "Horsemanship" riding program is not offered during the months of November to March due to safety issues during winter weather.


Is DestinyYouth Ranch a religious organization?
No. The ranch is not associated with any particular religious congregation. However, DYR is a faith-based organization. The ranch is founded on the same Judeo-Christian values that our nation was built upon. Faith on the ranch is "lived" not "preached." Because the Founders and Board of Directors believe in God and the saving grace of His Son Jesus Christ, it is our greatest desire to serve God by the demonstration of our faith through action by our love for Him and the support of families. It is our highest honor to serve children and families of all backgrounds.



Assistance, Donations and Volunteering Prayer
to the ranch:

If you would like help the ranch take in emergency rescues, care for current rescue horses and help with a program that is changing the lives of children, click here: http://www.destinyyouthranch.com/donations.html or if you would like to support a specific horse, click here: http://www.destinyyouthranch.com/horse-sponsorship.html or you can visit the tabs located under: "How you can help" on our website.