What's New

Despite temperatures soaring into the 90’s, Summer YoungLife Camp was celebrated at YBGR over the last weekend of July. 

YoungLife, a Christian-based organization, partners with YBGR to offer camps twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, as part of YBGR’s voluntary Spiritual Life Program.

YoungLife Camp is a chance for kids to have fun and just be kids with activities like the tilt-table shown here, water zorbs, carnival games, arrow tag, and movies during the day. 

In the evenings there are discussion sessions in the Chapel with Chaplain John Boeder.  According to John, the fun and games during the day help build trust and break down barriers which leads to more candid and productive discussions in the evening.

It is because of the generous support from donors that YBGR is able to offer a variety of treatments and therapies including the voluntary Spiritual Life Program that has been an integral part of the Ranch since the beginning. 

Stockman Bank has a Back-to-School Challenge for you!

Kids are heading back to the classroom and Yellowstone Foundation is pleased to announce that Stockman Bank will match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000 for a total of $10,000 for much needed back-to-school supplies.

Help us meet the needs of the children attending Yellowstone Academy at YBGR this fall.

Students in both the YBGR Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and Day School Program attend school at Yellowstone Academy (YA), Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch’s fully accredited public K-8 and private high school right on campus. All our students are considered special needs and 9 out of every 10 children at YA coming from low-income families.

Learn more about the 2023 Back-to-School drive and help special needs children succeed in the classroom!

Presley is the newest member of the YBGR Equestrian and Equine Therapy Team.  She was just 6-months old when she arrived at the Ranch last winter.

After getting acquainted with the other therapy horses, Presley was introduced to YBGR youth.  At first, it was all about showing Presley that people are trustworthy. She quickly warmed up to being petted, brushed, and loved on.

With guidance from Mackenzie, YBGR’s Equine Specialist, the boys and girls have helped Presley learn appropriate boundaries and new skills.  Now, she approaches the children and waits to be loved on almost every time someone enters the pasture.

Presley has a very gentle demeanor which is helpful in training, and working with the young animal has been a real highlight for many of the children at YBGR.

Read more about Presley and other amazing YBGR programs in the latest Summer Wrangler.

Meet Guinevere, the Yellowstone Foundation Turkey.  Guinevere appeared at the Foundation office this spring.  Turkeys in the city of Billings are not uncommon.  But Guinevere is particularly interesting for her unusual white coloring.

Guinevere disappeared for a few weeks but returned with four chicks, one notably nearly all white.  Mother and her little brood take a stroll around the office building at least once daily.  Now acclimated to life at the Foundation office, they are not bothered by business hours activity, even posing for photos on the front door bench.

The turkey is a symbol of gratitude, which is a very fitting mascot for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

The Summer Wrangler Newsletter is available online now!

In this edition you will meet our cover girl, Emily, who is enrolled in YBGR’s Outpatient Addiction Counseling Program (IOP) and learn why Equine Therapy Friday is her favorite day of the week.

Foundation President Bill Hritsco has an update from the Montana legislative session and YBGR CEO Mike Chavers explains EquiLateral Therapy.

We’ve got multiple program updates, a Homes for Heifers roundup, and so much more!

The Wrangler publication reports on the direct working relationship of the Ranch with children and the Foundation’s activities in fundraising for the benefit of at-risk youth.

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Like what we do?  Share the Wrangler’s inspiring stories with family and friends. And remember, your tax-deductible gifts make it all possible!

Leaving on vacation this summer? 

Sail into the sunset with peace of mind – prepare your Will or Trust today!

You can plan for your future like you plan for your vacation – packing everything you need and making sure you don’t forget anything important.

We can help. 

Visit our Wills & Bequests page for helpful information and printable guides to assist you in providing for your family and supporting the causes you care about. 

Each person is given the gift of time on this earth . . . to Live . . . to Learn . . . to Love . . . and to Leave a Legacy.

This summer the Uihlein Recreation Center (UC) on the YBGR campus celebrates 50 years of providing recreational opportunities to at-risk youth.

But like many 50-year-olds, the UC needs some maintenance.  The roof has been patched and repaired many times over the years. 

But the increasing leaks this past winter have made it clear that the time has come.  

The Uihlein Center needs a new roof and we are asking for your help! 

Learn more about the Raise the Roof for UC campaign, and Thank You for your support!

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy

We love our donors, and we love it when our donors share with others how much they love YBGR.

Here’s a video clip of one such donor testimonial from Bruce of Livingston, Montana.  His enthusiasm for planned giving and supporting the work of YBGR is infectious.

Just like Bruce, we welcome you to come and visit the YBGR campus, meet our staff, and find out how you can participate and support the Yellowstone mission.

Visit our Video Page for more great clips.