The Perry School District has struck an accord with the Wildwood Hills Ranch for a partnership that will benefit at-risk students.

At the recent School Board meeting, the opportunity was presented by teachers Laura Skeel and Tami Valline. The organization provides camps for students who have been struggling in school, at home, or in the community, to provide them with guidance and a fun experience. The ranch accepts kids age 8-18, though they say the younger the better as they ask for a 10-year commitment from students. Participants will travel to Charles City for the camps for one weekend a month, and 12 days in the summer. Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks said he felt taking part in the camp was a no-brainer, particularly because there is no cost for the students, and only transportation costs for the district.

“What a great opportunity for kids. And that is to be on this ranch-like setting, and dealing not only with animals, but also dealing with people. And working on their respect for themselves, respect for others, and respect for the animals. I think the bottom line is, when they leave, that they can learn some of those life skills to be able to come back to their home, their school, and be a little bit better leader, a little more confident, and be that better student and productive citizen that we want them to become.”

To learn more about this and other topics from the Perry School Board meeting, listen to Wednesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.