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In March of 2024, Nancy Laymon and Bill Riley were interviewed by Larry Reidy on his America podcast.

Do you want to become a Chaperone or Adult Leader with
Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County? CLICK HERE

While many of the animals at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks can be enjoyed at relatively short safe distances, Grizzley Bears and Wolves are especially dangerous and very elusive. The safest way to observe these animals are at very far distances. The Park Service requires that all visitors remain at least 100 yards from these creatures. Most of the time it’s rare to get even get that close.

An important part of observing these magnificent creatures is watching their behaviors. This can only be done using long range scopes and lenses.

We always felt lacking when any animal is spotted at far distances. Now thanks to a grant from the Ripley County Community Foundation and additional funding from private donors, we now have two powerful spotting scopes and long-range lenses with cameras. THANK YOU RCCF!! You truly are helping us make our trips “An adventure of a Lifetime” for Ripley County students.

Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County, Inc. has announced it has recently received new communications radios due to a grant from Ripley County Communication Foundation. Jim Waldo, board Vice President of the nonprofit organization noted; “Our trips to Yellowstone, the Tetons, and South Dakota Badlands take us to remote locations where cell phones are unreliable. These radios will enable us to stay in touch with each other. They will help us maintain our high level of safety and enable us to make the adventure more enjoyable for the students.”

Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County take local young people, who may never otherwise have that special experience, to explore and learn about Yellowstone National Park and other western treasures.

Students and volunteers spend 12 days together, traveling to and from the west, and camping in Yellowstone for eight days during the summer. Ripley County, and its sister Decatur County organization, travel each year with different students for three consecutive trips. Some of the volunteers stay in Yellowstone for all three trips working with the students.

Each student chosen must write an essay describing why they would like to go and what it would mean to them. Although the focus is not an “educational” trip, students learn to use cameras and take photographs, interview park employees and other park visitors, and learn a tremendous amount about the park’s geological history as well as about the animals that dwell there.

“The students’ trips are entirely financed, through donations, fundraisers, and grants.” Waldo noted, “That is why receiving grants from the community means so much to us.”

Those interested in getting involved can call Jim Waldo at 937-239-3937, Bill Riley at 812-621-1965, or email the organization at Y2Y@YouthToYellowstone.ORG .

Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County, Inc. has announced it has recently received its 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status according to Bill Riley, board president of the nonprofit organization. “We’re very excited about this step.  The organization is now more sustainable,” he noted.

The organization was started over 10 years ago by Jim Waldo of Versailles and Russell Wilson of Westport. They shared the dream of taking local young people, who may never otherwise have that special experience, to explore and learn about Yellowstone National Park and other western treasures. Initially the group was a combination of Ripley and Decatur county students and volunteers, but recently separated into two entities.

Students and volunteers spend 12 days together, traveling to and from the west, and camping in Yellowstone for eight days during the summer. The Ripley and Decatur Counties travel each year with different students for three consecutive trips. Some of the volunteers spend most of their summer in Yellowstone working with the students.

Each student chosen must write an essay describing why they would like to go and what it would mean to them.  Although the focus is not an “educational” trip, students learn to use cameras and take photographs, interview park employees and other park visitors, and learn a tremendous amount about the park’s geological history as well as about the animals that dwell there.

“The students’ trips are entirely covered financially, through donations, fundraisers, and grants.” Riley noted, “That is why we are excited about our new 501 (c)(3) status.  It will open more doors to us for raising funds.” Costs for the trip include renting passenger and cargo vans for the drive out, hotel rooms, campsites, food, snacks, souvenirs (each student receives a Yellowstone sweatshirt and t-shirts), cots, sleeping bags, and any other essentials the students might need – like hiking boots.

Those interested in getting involved can email the organization at: Y2Y@YouthToYellowstone.ORG .

Donations for the Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County trips can be made securely online at www.YouthToYellowstone.org or by sending a check to Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County, P.O. Box 42, Milan, Indiana 47031. Riley added, “Members of the board are also available to present Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County to organizations throughout the county.”

If you would like to donate to Youth To Yellowstone Of Ripley County, you can now use your VISA, MASTERCARD, Discover, or American Express card securely on our donation page. If you have a PayPal account, you can use that too.

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You have complete control. Donate any amount. Donate one time or set up reoccurring payments. You can even donate anonymously — your name and contact information is not shared with us. Your financial information is NEVER given to Youth To Yellowstone Of Ripley County under any circumstance.

Youth To Yellowstone of Ripley County is a 501 (c)(3) organization. So, your contributions are tax deductible under IRS rules. Talk to your tax professional for details.

Many thanks to all of our donors, large and small. Any amount is greatly appreciated. It enables us to make a big difference in so many young lives in Ripley County.

To make a donation, go to our donations page by clicking on the “Donations” tab at the top of any page or in the pull-down menu button.