Wildwood Hills Ranch

Who we are - There is nothing like Wildwood Hills Ranch anywhere in the Midwest. Our 400-acre facility is set in the scenic hills of Madison County, just south of Des Moines. Our organization was founded in 2001 with the mission of providing life-changing opportunities and camp programs for at-risk and disadvantaged children. Kids from across the state are offered hope and love while being challenged to grow into leaders and people of integrity who contribute to the communities they live in. Who we serve - During our first three years, Wildwood Hills Ranch has served more than 800 at-risk children, ages 8 – 16, from all over Iowa. We collaborate with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs and Hope Ministries, as well as the Department of Human Services and local schools, to identify and assist the hundreds of at-risk children we serve. Financial supporters include individuals, businesses, and foundations such as Variety the Children’s Charity, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Roy J. Carver Foundation, and others. Our goal is to implant and nurture Iowa identity, Iowa dreams and Iowa opportunities for thousands of Iowa youth. How we serve - During week-long summer camps, individual impact is accomplished through character mentoring by mature and carefully selected counselor role models, activities that are woven together with purpose, daily reflection times and evening campfire experiences. Programs include leadership, character building and team building components. Devoted and trained camp counselors help teach these children the meaning of honesty, integrity and respect – the core values that many of these youngsters are unaware of simply because of the situations life has dealt them. All spiritual aspects of Wildwood Hills’ summer camps are non-threatening, respectful and based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.