Youth to Yellowstone Of Ripley County, Inc. is a non-profit corporation that is dedicated to exposing travel-challenged young men and women (high school age) in our area to another part of United States. They are mostly students that will be seniors in the fall.
They go on a 12-day trip to Yellowstone National Park by van and camp for 8 days in the Canyon Village campground at 8,000 feet elevation. On the way to Yellowstone, the students hike in the Badlands National Park, South Dakota, visit Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and cross over the Wyoming Buck Horn Mountains. During their stay in Yellowstone, the students will have an opportunity to visit Teton National Park just south of the park.
There is absolutely no cost to the students or their families— all expenses are covered by Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County. Travel expenses, food, tents, sleeping bags, and cameras are all provided. If there are any items needed by the students, such as hiking boots, socks, etc., the organization will purchase them as well. The students are responsible for basic clothing and personal items that they would normally use.
“I have been involved in this life-changing program for 11 years. Not only does it change the students’ lives, it changes the lives of the chaperones. It has been amazing to watch. It has all been possible because of the people and organizations in our communities who have trusted and believed in us. Without your support none of this would be possible.”
Jim Waldo — Guide/Advisor/Consultant