The Camp Experience

 

Children need connection with the natural world and with other people in a positive community. It's essential to their healthy emotional and physical development. Beyond simply facilitating activities, we help young people develop their sense of compassion and make meaning in their lives. 

 

PHILOSOPHY

The Colorado Mountain Ranch believes in the simplicity of getting kids outdoors and having fun, surrounded by nature and supported by the camp community. We don’t ever underestimate the power that fun, laughter, and joy can bring to a child’s world. 

 

MISSION

To support youth to develop a positive foundation in self and community.

 

GOALS

The Colorado Mountain Ranch strives to provide opportunities for children:

• to gain understanding and build relationships with self, others, nature, and community.

• To build skills physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually through quality connections with people, place, and programs.

THE WALKER FAMILY

Mike, Lynn, and Gail, the owners and administrators of The Colorado Mountain Ranch, are lifetime youth workers and educators. Kate, Josie, and Rosie Walker are now the third-generation work team at the Ranch. Learn more about the Walkers

 

OUR AMAZING STAFF

Staff members live full-time at The Ranch during the summer season, forming the heart of our camp's family feel. Counselors are selected on the basis of personality, experience and ability to guide children toward their full potential, with many staff members returning to The Ranch year after year. Our hiring process includes thorough interviewing and reference checking to assess each candidate's ability to care for children. We also conduct thorough background checks according to Colorado Child Care Licensing requirements. 

 

STAFF ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Before summer camp begins, staff members participate in a weeklong orientation covering Colorado Mountain Ranch policies and procedures, child abuse laws, skill training, discipline, and child development. In-service trainings and sharing sessions continue weekly throughout the summer.

 

STAFF TO CHILD RATIO

We enforce a minimum 1:6 staff-to-child ratio to provide each child with a high level of individual attention. 

 

GROUPS, COUNSELORS, AND FRIENDS

Group counselors are always with their groups, providing constant guidance and encouragement. Groups are organized by grade, then further divided into small groups or pairs of friends.

 

QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Each activity is overseen by specialized instructors who present a progressive curriculum for the week. Instructors and group counselors work together to offer supervision that balances safety, confidence building, and FUN! 

The Programs

 

PROGRAMS

The Colorado Mountain Ranch offers one of the most extensive day camp programs available anywhere: 

 

EXPLORERS - Grades 2-6

Activity sampler including all activities

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MOUNTAINEERS - Grades 7-11

Activity Sampler with a focus on Outdoor Skills, Excursions

*plus Thursday Evening Campfire with Dinner

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WESTER RIDERS - Grades 6-12

More ride time than ever!

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TEEN LEADERS - Grades 8-12

Teen leadership mentoring program learning to assist a senior staff counselor with Explorers, Mountaineers or Western Riders Level 1

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COLORADO CHILD CARE LICENSING

The Colorado Mountain Ranch programs are licensed by the Colorado State Department of Social Services. 

“I can’t tell you how much the boys loved camp. If I could have dreamed of a fantasy summer camp for my kids I could never have dreamed anything so loving and fun as the camp you have created. You and your staff are very, very special. This summer has been pivotal for my boys. They relaxed, they were loved, and most of all, they gained confidence in themselves.”

SB – Parent

“My son Zach spent two weeks at your camp this summer. He loved every moment of it. As a parent it was amazing to see how happy he was each day coming off the bus. Thank you for providing such a special environment and memories for our children.”

Amy Carpenter – Parent