A University for Children

A Sanctuary for Animals

Our program is broken into 3 seasonal sessions each year. In addition to our summer camp, youth participants can continue their progressive involvement, and maintain their long-lasting friendships during our after school programs. Youth are also able to participate at the Ranch between sessions as youth volunteers once they have attained the age of 10 years old to obtain community service units required in many public schools.

SESSIONS

Spring Feb 14 – May 16

Summer June 8 – Aug 21

Fall Sept 8 – Dec 5

AFTER SCHOOL CAMP

Youth are picked up after school and transported to the Ranch to participate in evening feeding, go-carting, archery, cooking, horseback riding and lessons

SUMMER DAY CAMP

5 full days of camp activities such as farm animal care, horseback riding, lapidary, archery and more. Campers are picked up at 8:00AM at Montecito Park and returned back to the park at 5:00PM

HORSE DAY CAMP

A 5-day session of equestrian camp teaching the basics of horsemanship starting with preparation, safety and reining; then, moving through a walk, trot, canter with the attainment of a balanced seat. 3 hours of riding each day. Horse Day Campers are then offered their choice of day camp activities or more horse related activities

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING

McDonald Ranch offers one of the most unique and comprehensive programs available to pre-teen and teens who have an interest in serving the needs of youth and animals in Sonoma County. This after school and summer time program offers opportunities to develop needed skills and training to become eligible to apply for jobs with McDonald Ranch as a Jr Youth Counselor or Jr. Trainer. McDonald Ranch's Counselor-In-Training program is a hands-on learning experience to develop program leadership skills and techniques for working with campers.

CITs, student trainers, Jr Trainers, and Jr Counselors are an important part of our camp community providing role models for young campers. Applicant must be 12 to 17 years old. Training within this course covers the following areas:

Behavior Management of Campers		The Teachable Moments
Working with Special Needs Populations		Values Clarification
Emergency Procedures		"Seven Pillars of Character"
Risk Management		Trustworthiness
CPR & First Aid Training & Certification		Respect
Leadership Styles		Fairness
Decision Making		Caring
Goal Setting		Good Citizenship
Team Building		Responsibility
Program Planning		Accountability

Youth members may choose to be involved each day after school and Saturdays or any part of the program depending on need, interest and availability of youth. Selection into the Counselor in Training Program is through an application and interview process. Please go here to apply.