Child 1 Age 7 - 16 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Leadership (multi), Figure Skating, Horseback Riding/Equestrian
(5) Overall experience
My daughter first went to Teen Ranch close to 10 years ago. She started as a nervous and shy day camper and now has spent the summer working in the kitchen and as an assistant camp leader! What an experience she has had. After spending the first year with day camps, she progressed to overnight camps. She loved every one of them. We have even experienced the Mother/Daughter Equine weekend, which we both loved and hope to do it again next year.
If you are looking for a camp for your child, you have found the right one; from engaged staff, to fantastic food and amazing activities....there is something for every child. Guaranteed they will love it and want to return next summer!
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
A close friend referred us to the camp as their child was attending the day camp and just loved it.
She told us that each day when she would pick him up he was fast asleep in the car on the journey home. He was exhausted and had such fun each day!
(5) Program quality and activities
My daughter attended a skating camp and horseback riding (western), and WHAM camp...loved them all!
Activities were amazing, from campfires and songs to yummy meals, to archery and swings, and water activities.
I think the horse-related activities were her favourite, then campfire and songs; she also loved the games and crafts. Thinking back, I don't think there was anything she did not enjoy.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Your child will immediately feel included and make friends! Teen Ranch staff work really hard to ensure every child's safety and well-being are taken care of, and everyone is having a great experience!
There were never any issues that I recall regarding bullying or poor behaviour. Teen Ranch dealt with any issues swiftly, and I know my daughter has always felt safe and included there.
(5) Skills and growth
I think it is a testament to how wonderful my daughter's experience has been from starting as a day camper and growing in experience and confidence to working at the camp in the summer!
She has certainly gained a lot of confidence from expressing her opinion or taking on new initiatives. Working in the kitchen in the summer in the heat and trying to prepare meals for hundreds of kids was challenging, but the administration recognized this and made sure the staff were given other duties to break things up and were supportive of each other.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
Teen Ranch spends a great deal of time training and mentoring its staff! Safety is an utmost priority. Great group of summer students who are engaged and want to be there, making the kids' experience the best it can be.
The owners of Teen Ranch really set a great example; they are all very involved and know the campers. They participate in and lead a lot of the activities. They handle any issues that arise quickly, and seeing staff starting and campers and then returning year after year to work there in the summer tells you they are doing something right!
(5) Preparation and packing
Packing lists are very useful and cover everything your child will need. If you are sending your child with a sleeping bag for overnight camp, we found it helpful to send a twin bottom sheet and a light blanket, and they have some options on warmer nights when a sleeping bag gets too hot, or if it's extra chilly, they also have a blanket! Bags for wet things and putting your name on items are helpful to avoid the lost and found.
(5) Advice and tips
Your child will love Teen Ranch, and they will want to be back each year!!! As a parent, you can be assured your child is in the right place, learning, gaining friends, and experiencing lots of new and exciting things!
If your child is unsure, start off with a day experience like March Break or one of the winter days, so they get to know the facility. Day camp is a great start and then when their ready for overnight, they are very used to the camp and will know some of the staff.
