At-risk youth learning confidence at ranch program

A ranch in North Monterey County is helping at-risk kids gain confidence and stay off the streets.

Wonder Wood Ranch says they use outdoor activity to teach gang-impacted, low-income and homeless youth about life.

This can include horse-riding lessons, petting zoos and tree houses. Kids got a chance to try their skills at archery on Sunday.

“So we really want these kids to say ‘I’ve never dreamed I’d be able to ride a horse, this is amazing.’ And then think maybe I can finish school, maybe I can go to college, maybe I can do these things I never dreamed were possible,” said Marlo Schalesky, the executive director of Wonder Wood Ranch. “Here we’re just trying to plant that seed of hope and wonder of life.”

Wonder Wood Ranch tells KION they need $50,000 this year to keep up its programs. If you want to help out, you can go here http://www.wonderwoodranch.org/events.html.