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Ranch Camp

Ranch Camp Ages 10-15

The Ranch Camp Program is designed to give campers, ages 10 to 15, the opportunity to live in a close community that focuses on learning and developing horseback riding and general horse care skills. The program is open to riders of all abilities and skill levels, including beginners. Riders are grouped based on their riding ability. While the theme and traditions at Ranch Camp have a western history, riding is taught in the English style.

Drivers Ages 10-12 (Beginner and Intermediate Riders)

Drivers were the younger children on the wagon trains west, primarily responsible for the actual driving of the wagon. Drivers supported the Top Hands in the everyday feeding and grooming of the horses.

Top Hands Ages 13-15 (Beginner through Advanced Riders)

In the journey to the old west, Top Hands were the eldest children in the wagon train, responsible for the feeding, caring and training of horses. They were also the leaders who made decisions on which direction the wagon train should take, where to camp, and served as scouts to ensure safety.

All campers live at the Hide-A-Way Ranch site, located across the lake from Main Camp. The property features its own dining hall, cabins, climbing tower, and riding facility. Campers, however, do participate in and enjoy main camp programs such as capture the flag, campfires, and waterfront activities.

Camp Letter

Dear Camper & Parent,

When I was 13 years old, I became a ranch camper at Jewell. It was an experience that changed my life. I had no previous experience with horses and I was a little nervous. It did not take me long, however, to understand the fundamentals of horse care and the powerful relationship that develops between campers and these beautiful animals. Through caring for these creatures, I took on a responsibility that taught me self-reliance, the value of honest work, and the belief in my own abilities as a person. Chores were performed together as a team, with a sense of duty to the community. It is incredible that I learned so much in two weeks.

In the years since, I have helped build a program that is designed to provide quality lessons, much like the ones I took as a child. Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility are the cornerstone values of the ranch program. We uphold these values together, striving to become better people. We invite you to experience ranch camp this summer. Please do not hesitate to call me or Jodi Gove, our Ranch Coordinator, with your questions. See you this summer!

“Once a Rancher, Always a Rancher”

Ray Zetye
Camp Director

Register Early

Camp Jewell fills up completely every summer. Please be sure to register early. Camp does have a no-fee waiting list.

The fee for a two week session in 2008 is $1,895. Financial assistance is available.

Session #1 June 22 – July 5
Session #2 July 6 – July 19
Session #3 July 20 – August 2
Session #4 August 3 – August 16

A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your reservation. 50% of the fee is due by March 1st and full payment is due by May 1st.

Interested in more than one session of camp? Click here for information on our Hold-Over Weekends.

Neckerchief Recognition System

The purpose of the Neckerchief system is to give Ranchers the opportunity to set a goal and purpose for their horsemanship lessons at camp. To obtain each neckerchief, the rancher needs to develop specific skills, learn certain horse knowledge, and take on a leadership role within Ranch Camp.

Although the Neckerchief program is an honorable and strong tradition at camp, participation is not required. The decision is completely in the hands of the individual Rancher.

Within the Top Hand and Driver programs, there are eight neckerchiefs that are attainable.

Drivers

Green Horn
Colt
Yearling

Top Hands

Colt
Yearling
Mustang
Bronco
Junior Wrangler
Wrangler
Trips

Open House Information

Trying to decide if Camp Jewell is right for your child? Is this your child’s first experience at a summer camp? To ease any concerns that you or your child might have, Camp Jewell hosts an open house at camp twice during the year. At our open house you can ask staff questions, tour the facility, view the summer menu, and watch a slideshow presentation. A few activity areas are also open for fun! Reservations are not required.

Open House dates for 2008:
Sunday, February 17th, 2 to 4pm
Sunday, April 27th, 2 to 4pm

For additional information, please contact Jodi Gove, Ranch Coordinator, at 1-888-412-2267 or jodi.gove@ghymca.org