Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, feel free to look through our FAQs!
If you can't find your question below, feel free to call or text Corilee at (605)552-7422 or Beth at (267)909-3679.
If you can't find your question below, feel free to call or text Corilee at (605)552-7422 or Beth at (267)909-3679.
General Questions
How did destiny youth ranch (dyr) get started?
Corilee received the book, Hope Rising by Kim Meeder in 2007 for Christmas from a dear family friend (and now camp volunteer, Judy). Corilee was so inspired by the book that she gave a copy to her daughter Lana to read. They were both excited to learn about this ministry opportunity and that Kim and Troy Meeder offered Information Clinics on how to start a program similar to theirs. They were blessed in May of 2009 to fly to Bend, Oregon to train under them. The rest is history!!
It was wonderful to meet Kim, Troy, their amazing staff, & of course their beautiful "equine counselors" It was experience that will never be forgotten!
It was wonderful to meet Kim, Troy, their amazing staff, & of course their beautiful "equine counselors" It was experience that will never be forgotten!
(Lana Snyders, Kim Meeder, & Corilee Boer at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch Clinic May '09)
How can I get my child involved?
Once dates are posted, just fill out and send in an application from our "Contact Info & Forms" page! If you'd like to talk to someone directly, feel free to call (605)553-7422 and ask Corilee. Call or text Beth (267)909-3679 to signup a child/teen/adult age 7 or older for our one-on-one riding lesson & discipleship program.
Part of DYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this principle, we ask that parents attend the program Sunday evening after their child's weekend camp. The kids are always so excited to spot their loved ones in the crowd so they can show them what they've learned. There will be a horsey parade, a slideshow of the weekend, and songs.
Part of DYR's focus is to bring families together. Because of this principle, we ask that parents attend the program Sunday evening after their child's weekend camp. The kids are always so excited to spot their loved ones in the crowd so they can show them what they've learned. There will be a horsey parade, a slideshow of the weekend, and songs.
What kind of children does DYR serve?
Anyone ages 7-17 with a teachable heart and a desire to learn more about God & horses is welcome at camp. Because we want to be sure everyone has a good time and is safe while out with the horses, we must be made aware if there are any disadvantages your child may have that might make riding or receiving direction difficult. Sometimes mothers attend camp as assistant volunteers in their child's group if they're questioning how their child will do (just know it IS an option).
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 by appointment only (if you wish to have a tour and speak with someone that is). Please feel free to call Corilee at (605)553-7422 if you are going to be in the area.
Is Destiny Youth Ranch a religious organization?
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.
Can I donate, volunteer or help out the ranch?
If you would like help the ranch take in emergency rescues, care for current horses, or just help with a program that is changing the lives of children, click here! If you would like to support a specific horse, click here! Destiny Youth Ranch is 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax-deductible.
Mentorship Questions
How and when do I schedule my children for the Mentorship Program?
You can schedule sessions by calling or texting Pastor Corilee at (605)553-7422.
Who needs a completed release form to be on ranch grounds?
Every rider! Because of the unpredictable nature of horses and ranch life, you are required to have our current release form on file or completed upon arrival. Release forms must be renewed at the start of each new year. This is all done electronically.
Will my child always ride during his or her session?
Destiny Youth Ranch aims to offer mentorship, ranch-style activities, healthy friendships, & time with horses free of charge to youth in our community. Our riding sessions are a conduit towards these goals. Although we aspire to help your child become a safe rider who understands and cares for horses, our main goal is not to produce “advanced” riders. They will participate in multiple different things as they continue to visit from riding to observing to helping care for the ranch animals. If your hope is to learn advanced equine activities & ride every minute of your session, we would recommend scheduling your child for riding lessons at a more traditional stable.
What should my child wear to Horsemanship sessions?
We recommend paying close attention to the clothes your child wears to his/her session. Keep an eye on the weather. Layers are a good idea, just in case. Even though we have a heated arena, it's not going to be 80 degrees in there in the winter - the difference between the outdoors and indoors can not be drastic (about 10-20 degrees for the safety of the horses) so please do bundle up as it gets colder.
We recommend:
We recommend:
- Long Pants (blue jeans preferred)
- Sturdy close-toed shoes or boots with 1" heel
(We have some boots on hand to borrow if necessary) - A water bottle or drink & snack (if needed)
- A Helmet will be provided for all of our riders ages 6-17 and is mandatory
(Helmets are 'optional' for teens & adults ages 18+, but are encouraged for your safety)
what happens if something comes up and we cannot make it to a session?
Please just try to call your mentor as soon as possible. They generally come to the ranch early to prepare for the upcoming session, so if you don't let them know they will be standing there with a horse waiting on you. We prefer to have communication between mentor and participant on every session day--just to make sure everyone is on the same page.
If I live outside of your area, can my child come to ride as a one-time experience?
We embrace all children from all places that desire to be here, but we do feel that overall our work is most effective for children who are able to attend consistently over a long-term basis. If this is simply not possible, we would love to try and find a time to get together with you for a one-time or occasional session so you can experience the joy of spending time with horses & be encouraged in your faith.
Can I bring other people to the ranch to watch & visit with while my child rides?
While your child is in their session, parents and any other visitors are welcome to quietly observe or visit while waiting for them, but please be considerate of the one-on-one session taking place by allowing the staff member's attention and guidance to be focused only on the child they are working with. We can't have people running around or yelling near the horse areas because this could spook a horse. As the adult bringing additional people, you are responsible for them during their visit. There are chairs and an observation window in the kitchen located inside the indoor riding arena, if you would like to stay and watch.