Our Story
Rick & Terri Young live in Roosevelt, Utah and have been married since 1983. Together they have four kids and many grandchildren. Over the years, both Rick and Terri have always worked closely with the youth. They willingly served in several callings for their church youth programs. Their own home has always been a haven for the neighborhood kids to come have fun; whether it was sledding, swimming in their pond, or just hanging out.
Together, Rick and Terri worked as Independent Associates for USANA Health Sciences. With hard work and dedication, they became some of the top associates in the company. As they became successful, they searched for additional land where they could continue to have a positive impact on their community. Because of the challenges youth face today, Rick and Terri dreamed of owning a land where they could build an environment to strengthen the youth. Located in Roosevelt, Utah their dream has developed into an 700+ acre working ranch with nearly 200 head of Black Angus cattle. They also have three large irrigation pivots to maximize the farmland and raise their own hay.
The diverse land borders a reservoir. The river feeding the reservoir runs through the ranch for about 3/4 of a mile, which is lined with beautiful groves of trees and lucious grassland. Just over the hill is a desert section with four deep box canyons that have drop off cliffs that can be used for repelling. They have created campsites, swimming ponds, trails, and unique settings for spiritual experiences.
Today, their land is known as RY Ranch. Their theme is "Our (R) Why (Y) Ranch": you come to the ranch and figure out OUR WHY for living, serving, working and giving-basically everything we do in life.
In 2009 RY Ranch hosted the first youth group camp from Highland, Utah. This first experience opened possibilities of sharing the working ranch with thousands upon thousands of youth. With over a decade of life-changing experiences, youth leaders encouraged Rick and Terri to create a nonprofit organization.
The Youth Strength Building Association (YSBA) was created as an official nonprofit in 2021 to expand and grow their resources. In addition to their own work, time and monetary sacrifice, donations enable their nonprofit to benefit thousands of youth each year.
Rick & Terri cherish witnessing the youth experience the great outdoors, face their fears and share their testimonies. The youth arrive with individual challenges and trials. Through the lessons, activities, and environment of the camps and programs created by their youth leaders and the fun place provided by Rick and Terri, the youth leave with a smile on their face, better prepared to face the world. Rick and Terri are dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the youth.
Our Vision
To strengthen youth by providing a faith-centered, fun environment to help them prepare for the future.
About the Property
Based in Roosevelt, UT, RY Ranch is more than 700 acres of diverse land that has an unlimited amount of activities.
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Cliffs for repelling
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A reservoir & ponds for kayaking, paddle boarding, rope swings, and all types of water activities
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Trails for mountain biking, hiking and exploring
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Desert for archery and shooting
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Grassy areas for yard games, campsites, and volleyball
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Pavilion for eating, firesides, and crafts
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Game area with 9 Square, Volleyball, Horseshoes and Tetherball
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Amphitheatre within one of the box canyons which creates a stunning backdrop for firesides and events
YSBA has one large group use area with firepits and a pavillion that can host approximately 150 people. Four more group sites have been designed and are in different stages of progress. These will each host approximately 100 people at a time.
Our Values
Faith
We believe we are called to strengthen the youth. Our faith in Jesus Christ guides our actions and decisions every single day.
Fun
We strive to create a diverse place where youth can experience social, mental and physical engaging activities.
Future
We believe in strengthening the future generations and providing a place where young men and women can recognize their divine potential.
Meet the Board of Directors
James Costello
James and his wife Loni have 12 children of their own and have always had a great passion for working with youth. He has served in several positions working with the youth in his church. He recognizes the value of experience based learning, reaching all students through different modes of learning.
Mr. Costello has a diversified background in Real Estate and the investment arena. Currently as a Real Estate agent, using his past experience in the mortgage industry as well as the Securities industry.
He has also worked in various roles in the Army, from flying helicopters, as a pilot, to jumping out of them as a special forces medic and communicator.
James Costello
James and his wife Loni have 12 children of their own and have always had a great passion for working with youth. He has served in several positions working with the youth in his church. He recognizes the value of experience based learning, reaching all students through different modes of learning.
Mr. Costello has a diversified background in Real Estate and the investment arena. Currently as a Real Estate agent, using his past experience in the mortgage industry as well as the Securities industry.
He has also worked in various roles in the Army, from flying helicopters, as a pilot, to jumping out of them as a special forces medic and communicator.
James Costello
James and his wife Loni have 12 children of their own and have always had a great passion for working with youth. He has served in several positions working with the youth in his church. He recognizes the value of experience based learning, reaching all students through different modes of learning.
Mr. Costello has a diversified background in Real Estate and the investment arena. Currently as a Real Estate agent, using his past experience in the mortgage industry as well as the Securities industry.
He has also worked in various roles in the Army, from flying helicopters, as a pilot, to jumping out of them as a special forces medic and communicator.
Rick & Terri Young
Since 2009, Rick & Terri Young have donated the use of the 700+ acres of diverse land to youth groups around Utah. Through their faith and hard work, they have created an environment where youth can build testimonies through fun & memorable experiences.
Blake & Amanda Young
Blake & Amanda have 4 kids who do gymnastics and softball. Blake is a Heavy Equipment Operator. Amanda is a USAF Veteran, teaches piano lessons, and runs a clothing boutique. Their involvement in these different areas have allowed them to serve the youth and their community in various capacities.
James & Loni Costello
James and his wife Loni have 12 children of their own and have always had a great passion for working with youth and values experience based learning. He has a diverse background with being a real estate agent, Army helicopter pilot and special forces medic and communicator.
Dr. Steve E. Perhson
Dr. Perhson has been practicing medicine for 36 years, and teaching medicine for longer than that. Teaching is his second career that started long before he was practicing medicine. A native of Logan, Utah, he has lived in the Uintah Basin since 1988.