Sending kids to summer ranch camps in Texas is a time-honored tradition which extends as far back as the 1950’s. Some camps offer true “working ranch” experiences to campers while others combine additional activities such as crafts, sports, dance and educational programs. No matter what the activities, all summer ranch camps seek to design programs which foster self-esteem, leadership skills and self-confidence in the campers who attend.
Prude Ranch’s Summer Camp began as an all boys camp in 1951, adding girls to the admissions roster in 1955. In 2010, the camp offered 3 different programs, differentiated by age groups. Campers between the ages of 7 and 11 can enroll in the “Camper Program” for rodeo practice, horseback riding and instructional activities. Campers between the ages of 12 and 13 can enroll in the “City Slicker Program,” which is designed to encourage leadership skills, self-esteem and confidence with activities such as environmental awareness and an overnight trip to Balmorhea State Park. The “Advanced Camper Program” is designed for campers between the ages of 14 to 16 and includes activities such as working with the ranch’s cattle, taking long rides in the mountains, skeet shooting, rappelling and taking a 3-day trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Big Bend Excursion or the Davis Mountains.
Prude Ranch Summer Camp
PO Box 1907
Fort Davis, TX 79734
432-426-4406
prude-ranch.com/MP.cfm?P=3964
Rocky River Ranch is located in the village of Wimberley, Texas. The ranch has offered a private summer camp program for girls between the ages of 7 to 14 since 1953. The camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and offers campers the opportunity to make new friends, build new skills and have fun while building confidence and self-esteem. The ranch holds 5 daily activity periods with activities such as tennis, cheer leading, fishing, fitness, dance, cooking, climbing wall, videography, doll making, swimming, synchronized swimming, drama, archery, kayaking, rappelling and singing. Campers are allowed to select activities for each week and attend classes for each at the same time each day. The camp also holds "Sports Day" on which "Wranglers" and "Cowpokes" hold competitive games. The Ranch has a comprehensive horseback riding program in which campers learn to ride, care for horses and tack.
Rocky River Ranch
100 Flite Acres Road
Wimberley, TX 78676
800-863-2267
rockyriverranch.com/camp/index.html
Sky Ranch’s Summer Camp is located in Van, Texas. This Christian-based summer ranch camp offers camping programs based on individual age groups. All camp programs are designed to teach children Christ-like attributes while encouraging each camper to fully realize his potential. Children between the ages of 5 to 11 can enroll in Sky Ranch’s day camp to gain a summer camp experience without the overnight stay. Overnight, week-long camping programs are open to children between the ages of 6 to 18 with activities such as archery, canoeing, water slides, rodeo, sailing, outdoor education and swimming, horseback riding, crafts, riding a zipline, rappelling, climbing a rock wall, advanced horsemanship, campfires, dances, paint ball, water slides, vertical playground, wakeboarding, skeet shooting and advanced discipleship.
Sky Ranch Summer Camp
24657 County Road 448
Van, Texas 75790
877-215-7725
skyranch.org/SummerCamps
