Where Kids Learn-By-Doing

RanchCamp™ is about all things ranch, where hands-on learning is key as kids develop skills in a safe, fun environment. Kids work with livestock and horses (non-riding), complete daily ranch chores, and take part in ranch work including feeding and watering livestock, stall cleaning, basic animal care, building projects, ranch repairs, painting, fencing, garden work, gathering and handling horses, bathing and grooming, haltering, leading, blanketing, and more… always more.

Leadership and life skills are at the core of the program. We work hard, get dirty, and have fun doing it. RanchCamp™ is a hands-on program for kids ages 7 and up (sometimes a mature 6 ½ year-old), where kids learn-by-doing the work that happens on a ranch. If a fence is broken, we fix it. If animals need tending, we take care of them. If work needs to be done, we do it from start to finish. Every task is real. Every responsibility matters.

Throughout the week, campers experience the full scope of ranch life from A to Z. Kids work with animals, tools, and projects while developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, and work ethic. This is the kind of learning that sticks and stays with them long after camp is over. Kids rise to the challenge, work hard, and take pride in doing the job right.

As a leader in the field of kids, horses, and ranch life, my passion for this lifestyle is clear. Kids are naturally motivated and inspired not only to learn how to be young ranchers, but to become strong, confident, and capable in the process.

Groundwork is essential in horsemanship. At RanchCamp™, we focus on building a true partnership with the horse while learning to communicate in their language. I like to say it’s an inside job, as kids develop self-awareness while the horse reflects how they are showing up. Effective leadership is key. Being “the boss” is an outdated concept and an important distinction. Kids leave with a clear understanding of what it takes to lead, along with foundational horsemanship skills. They also earn wristbands that mark their levels in different areas of horsemanship.

Livestock may include sheep, chickens, goats, pigs, and cows depending on what is available on the ranch.

Kids leave each day with a stronger sense of who they are, what they are capable of, and a growing confidence that builds with each passing day.