Ranch Camps (Farm Camps) are for ages 7 and up (the occasional older 6 year old). It is an outdoor program in which kids learn leadership skills and life skills by way of working on the ranch. It is a learn by doing philosophy in which we do the actual work that has to be done on a daily basis.

RanchCamp is about all things ranch, where hands-on learning is key as kids develop new skills in a safe, fun environment. Kids work horses (non-riding), complete daily ranch chores, work on building projects, gardening, and more. As a leader in the field of kids, horses, and ranch life my love for this lifestyle is easily conveyed to the kids who are motivated and inspired to not only learn how to be young ranchers but who become strong, confident, and capable in the process. Leadership skills and life skills are key to the program!  We work hard, get dirty, and have fun doing all that we do.

Ground work is essential in horsemanship and there is ALWAYS something more to learn (even for the skilled horseman). I work on partnership and communication along with groundwork skills which are done in the roundpen and in the arena. The kids love working with the horses, so along with groundwork, we will bathe them, clean stalls, feed (if necessary), and more.

Within the work is a plethora of learning opportunities to include the work ethic, perseverance, initiative, cooperation, team-work, communication, problem solving, independence, to name just a few. From this a child’s sense of self grows as they learn, not only how to do stuff, but how to “be” with their peers and with me in a responsible and accountable manner.

When kids work on a ranch something positive happens as they learn to look beyond themselves while taking care of animals and the ranch itself. And that is the real gift of participating in the program!