A University for Children

A Sanctuary for Animals

McDonald Ranch is a non-profit organization that has combined the needs of animals with the love and interest children naturally have for them. Homeless, retired, and rescued animals are brought to the ranch for a sanctioned stay until permanent homes can be found. Youth come to the ranch during after school and summer camp programs to learn animal husbandry, horseback riding, goat milking, raising orphaned animals, training, grooming, extensive care and the responsibility of domesticating animals. Whether kids come for one or more weeks of summer camp or continue to participate and learn on a full time, all year around basis, the unique experiences at McDonald Ranch will provide stepping stones to their growth and new interests.

Fun activities such as go-carting, swimming, archery and others are integrated with the objective of teaching safety, responsibility and skill building by focusing on the future goal of becoming a summer camp teen counselor or other near future teen position. This approach gives youth purpose, understanding and incentive to do their best and try new things. Such an approach also helps to build self- esteem and accomplishment as well as learn to interact with others as a team and with practiced social skills.

Each activity at McDonald Ranch is viewed as opportunity for enrichment. Scrap booking is expanded into journalism; art classes produce an end piece that can be proudly worn or used in some other way; hikes and trail rides are integrated with nature studies and cooking classes are lessons in self-sufficiency. With such an objective outlook on teaching youth, McDonald Ranch becomes A University for Children; and, offering love and shelter for animals in need on 55-acres provides a beautiful Sanctuary for Animals.