Our Mission & Values

Our mission is to build confidence, responsibility, and character through hands-on animal care and teamwork. As we grow, we aim to offer returning campers deeper learning and advanced horsemanship.

Rysdon Ranch Camp, in partnership with the YMCA Leif Erickson, is launching its very first summer and offers kids a unique chance to experience life at the HiRoad Ranch. This is not just a horse camp—it’s a full ranch experience. Campers will spend their days caring for horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens while learning what it takes to be part of the daily rhythm of ranch life.

While horses are a big part of camp, we take a thoughtful, hands-on approach. Campers will have a horse-related activity every single day, building skills step-by-step—learning horse behavior, anatomy, grooming, tack, and overall care—before getting into the saddle in the second week. This helps them develop confidence, understanding, and respect, so when they do ride, they’re truly prepared.

Alongside horsemanship, campers will take part in animal care, introductory agriculture, and daily ranch responsibilities that build problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership. They’ll gain real-life experience, grow in confidence, and form meaningful connections with animals, each other, and the outdoors.

As our first year, we’re excited to lay the foundation for something special. Our goal is to grow Rysdon Ranch Camp each year—expanding opportunities, deepening skills, and giving returning campers the chance to continue building their abilities, including more advanced horsemanship as they progress.