Ranch Camp Programs

Saddle up for a good time at Camp Gray.

Howdy partners, welcome to the Ranch camp page of the website. As a Rancher you'll combine your love of horses with some good ol' Camp Gray fun. You'll spend your mornings at the stables, which is about an 8-minute walk down the trail from your cabin. You'll take riding lessons, learn about horse care, and do a bunch of other fun activities like roping, the Virginia reel, and a good old fashioned mud fight. (with goggles)  You'll spend the afternoons at main camp on a rotation of swim, choice, and cabin times. You'll also have free time with main camp and participate in the Camp Gray evening programs (including Survivor: Camp Gray, Capture-the-Flag, and the talent show.) You can also choose to climb the climbing tower in the afternoon if you would like.

As a ranch campers you'll live in La Hacienda (aka the Ranch cabins) along with your cabin mates and counselors. You'll rough it a bit at the Ranch, staying in rustic cabins (with no electricity) but it just adds to the Western ambiance, partner. You'll shower, brush your teeth, etc. in the Moses bath house (Moses has both electricity and indoor plumbing. . .no need to worry.) which is about a 100-yard walk from your cabin. In ranch camp, you'll even get try you hand in the culinary arts as you cook your own dinner over propane stoves and campfires. You'll eat breakfast and lunch up at main camp.

Take a Virtual Tour of Ranch Camp: This online slide show will take you on a tour of the Ranch program. The slides describe and show some of the different activities you do as a Rancher. Come on in and have a look around. . .

Below are descriptions of the different ranch programs we offer. To view dates, pricing, and availability of our ranch camp programs please go to Camp Gray's Session Chart >>

Ranch I (grades 7-8) - this program is designed to be an introduction to all the skills of horse care and riding at the ranch. It is a great experience for campers who want to get a taste of the cowboy/cowgirl life.

Ranch II (grades 8-10) - is similar to the Ranch I program but moves at a slightly quicker pace. Campers will learn intermediate riding skills, horse care, and take a field trip to a tack shop.

Advanced Ranch (grades 9-11) is an eleven day advanced program for campers who are veterans of Ranch I or II or experienced riders.  During this program, you'll learn advanced skills with horses, take field trips to a rodeo, a horse show, a tack shop, and take an overnight trip to Governor Dodge State Park to ride on the trails.  The second week you'll get to plan you're own horse show for main camp. You'll receive more in depth training in horseback riding and horse care and instruction will move a bit faster.

Ranch Gear:

In addition to all the normal items you should pack, there are some extra items you should bring to camp as a ranch camper. These include:

• A flashlight with extra batteries

• Several pairs of long pants (we wear long pants every day on the horses, denim works best)

• Boots or an extra pair of grubby shoes

• A set of old clothes that can get dirty for the mud fight. (and we mean dirty!)

• A water bottle

Picture yourself as a Ranch Camper: