Camp Descriptions
“My son LOVED his day in the Fundamentals of Survival. He is begging me to go again for the next two days.”
”I just wanted to comment that both of my boys are in this program right now and absolutely love it. When I pick them up they are all smiles and can't wait to tell me all about what they did… I still can't believe they got my son who is the worlds pickiest eater to eat a leaf!”
“I have to say that when I visited the camp for the first time I wanted to cry just at the possibilities for my son. He came home today and talked for HOURS and HOURS about his first day, he was so excited and so very happy. I am so happy for him It brings tears to my eyes, and touches a soft spot in my heart to see him so excited. He absolutely LOVED it!!! He is a very deserving child to have such kindness come his way, as are all children. “
SUMMER DAY CAMPS, 9:00-1:00*
*For full-day camp options, add one of our Afternoon Special Interest camps to one of the Day Camps below. Full day camp is from 9:00-5:00 with optional Early Birds care from 8:00-9:00 amFarm Hands: Farm Life, Animal Care, and Old Fashioned Arts and Crafts
Cost: $315, Ages 4.5-6 or 7-10, Maximum group size: 10
Spend a week with the residents of Sienna Ranch- the chickens, sheep, goats, alpaca, and bunnies. Campers will experience close interaction as they learn about and care for our farm animals. Young children will delight in hearing the special “histories” of the animals which live on the ranch. Old fashioned arts, crafts, and games will enhance the camp experience.
Farm Hands campers will enjoy unique activities including milking Bearly, the goat, making goat cheese, making homemade ice cream, harvesting from our garden, and felting with wool from our sheep. Our staff bring a passion for youth and animals together in this fantastic program where children will not only build relationships and truly learn respect for the living creatures at Sienna Ranch, but will also delight in some of the simple pleasures which used to entertain children in times past.
Keepers of the Lost Arts: A Primitive Experience
Cost: $295, Ages 6-8 or 9-13, Maximum group size: 10
This week of camp will expose campers to some of the primitive arts and skills which were used by those who came before us. Campers will explore ancient ways which are nearly lost to today’s generations. Ancient hunting weapons, animals tracking, native musical instruments, primitive painting, medicinal salves from wild plants, flint and magnesium fire starting, medicine pouches, and native inspired toys and games will be explored throughout the week.
We will learn how our ancestors relied on the Earth and her animals to provide them with all they needed. In this week at Sienna Ranch, campers will gain an appreciation for what nature and our own resourcefulness can provide.
Natural Adventures: Roughin’ it in Nature
Cost: $295, Ages 6-8 or 9-13, Maximum group size: 10
Campers will spend this week challenged and inspired by the great outdoors. This camp teaches campers to nurture confidence and trust in their own abilities and build teamwork with fellow campers. Destination hikes in Briones, ascending trees with rope and harness, building forts, orienteering with maps and compasses, learning how to make a one match fire, designing and running obstacle courses, sledding down the grass covered hills, teambuilding activities, and learning to shoot a bow and arrow are some of the adventures campers will experience.
Through mentoring and teambuilding activities, we will learn to trust ourselves and work together in a positive and productive way in order to achieve a common goal.
Survival in the Wild: A Wilderness Skill Adventure
Cost: $295, Ages 6-9 or 9-13, Maximum group size: 10
Surviving in the wild is no easy task. This camp introduces the fundamentals of staying alive- fire, shelter, food, and
water.
Campers will learn a series of Basic Wilderness Skills including fire-by-friction, shelter building, identifying edible and medicinal plants, animal tracking, and water-catchment and purification. We will learn to use our five senses to sharpen awareness of our surroundings in order to exist more closely with the natural world. Our practice of scout skills, camouflage, and stealth will help us to stay safe. The animals and plants will be our teachers on this wild adventure.
Ranch Equestrian Camp: Riding and Groundwork
Cost: $475, Ages 7-14, Maximum group size: 8
Horseback Riding and Groundwork are the main activities in this animal camp. Campers will enjoy a daily semi-private riding lessons and groundwork activities. On Monday, campers will receive a private riding lesson and assessment in order to ensure they are placed at the appropriate riding level. Each day, they will work on new skills appropriate to their level. Groundwork lessons will include instruction in roundpenning, leading the horse, safety knots, and working with the horse on and off the lunge line. When they are not working directly with the horses, campers will enjoy learning lessons in horse equipment, anatomy, breeds, equipment, and horse care. Equestrian campers will also be introduced to vaulting- a fun way to build confidence and balance on the back of the horse.
Sienna Ranch has developed it’s own Riding and Horsemanship skill levels and booklet, so campers can track their progress and identify their goals from day to day or week to week.
Safety is a top priority in Ranch Equestrian Camp. Our rider to instructor ratio is 1:1. For this reason, our camper groups are kept small, a maximum of 8 campers per week. Our instructors model and teach natural horsemanship techniques in their interactions with the horses, nurturing positive interactions between horse and rider.
AFTERNOON SPECIAL INTEREST CAMPS, 2:00-5:00*
*Campers can attend an Afternoon Special Interest camp only OR add it to a Summer Day Camp for a full-day Sienna Ranch experience. Ranch Play extended care from 1:00-2:00 is a offered at no charge for full day campers and can be added to an afternoon camp for $50/week.Art and Animals: Art with Natural Materials
ages 5-12, Cost: $225, Maximum group size: 8 Two favorite hobbies- one fantastic camp! Each day, campers will enjoy interacting with the Sienna Ranch animals- activities such as collecting eggs, taking the goats for a walk, holding bunnies, and grooming the pony. After spending time with their farm friends, they will settle in for a unique nature-based art or craft project. Instructors model and encourage the use of natural and recycled materials, some found on the ranch!
Project Woodworking
ages 6-10, Cost: $225, Maximum group size: 8
Sienna Ranch's woodworking and carpentry camp. Join Chris for a fun-filled journey into the world of hammers, saw-dust and tree forts. In this camp, campers will first work on individual projects which introduce basic carpentry skills and build on skills already mastered by students. Next, we will design and build group projects which are usable on and around the ranch. This camp will spend at least one day working on the ever-growing Sienna Ranch Tree Fort.
Tree Forts and More!
ages 8-14, Cost: $225, Maximum group size: 8
Older campers or experienced woodworkers will enjoy the opportunity to design and construct additions to our ever-growing, student-designed tree fort under the oak tree on the beautiful hill overlooking Sienna Ranch. We provide the framework and materials- campers bring their inspiration and creativity. Skills which will be introduced include the safe use of hand tools, sketching, technical drawing, and construction methods. No experience is necessary for this camp, but repeat campers or experienced carpenters are welcome.
Archery: Real Bows and Arrows
ages 8-14, Cost: $225, Maximum group size: 8
Campers will enjoy learning or improving their archery skills with an opportunity to shoot up to an hour and a half each day on Sienna Ranch's designated archery range, with distances up to 25 yards. Instructors model and encourage proper shooting form and techniques and help campers to reach their potential. Over the course of the week, campers will learn to make their own authentic leather quiver, wooden arrows, and arm guards.
Fun with Horses: Just Horsing Around!
ages 6-12, Cost: $275, Maximum group size: 8
How do you teach a horse to do tricks? What "spooks" a horse, and how do you train them not to be scared? What are the signs of a healthy horse on their teeth, hooves,and coat? What is needed to properly care for a horse? How can you tell what a horse is thinking and feeling?
In this special interest camp, we will learn the answers to these questions and more. This camp is designed to expose campers to interesting and fun horse-related topics which aren't introduced in most riding camps. Campers will learn from the horse "teachers" at the ranch and enjoy interacting with the horses in a new and fun way. At the end of the week, campers will enjoy a special treat- a chance to ride the horses they have come to know in a camper-designed and built horse obstacle course.
Note: For a camp with a focus on riding instruction, please see our Ranch Equestrian Camp, offered 9-1 each week.
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