Camp is a HUGE experience for campers – especially if they have never gone before. It can feel exciting and adventurous, but it can also be worry-inducing and daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Talking to your camper about what they will encounter on a day-to-today basis at camp is as important as registering and completing your forms on time.

Schedule

Even though camp days are jam-packed with activities and fun, we stick to a schedule to allow campers to develop and sink into a routine at camp. 

While most days follow this schedule, there are special program days that campers might participate in during their session. Special Program Days are typically surprises that are broken during wake-up and morning prep times by staff members. Here are the Special Program Days: 

Maccabiah is an all day all camp color competition where 4 teams take part in various competitive events and relay races all day. 

4th of July at camp is an action packed carnival style day filled with swimming, face painting, bouncy houses, cotton candy and popcorn, and more 

Mayhem Day is an all day camp activity where campers who aren’t at camp for the 4th of July get to experience all the fun of the carnival. 

On Yom International, our international staff have the opportunity to run stations that showcase their culture and activities from their home country.

Activities

We do our best to get campers to all of our activity offerings multiple times during their session. We are a “challenge by choice” program, which means that while we encourage campers to try all the activities, they are not pushed to participate in activities they do not want to do. Campers participate in activities with same-aged, mixed-gender, and mixed cabin groups. During a Traditional Session, we attempt to get all full-session Ranch Program campers to each activity at least twice during their session. Chugim (choice) periods offer opportunities to go to activities again. Campers enrolled in a Specialty Camp, either EQ (Equestrian Camp) or OA (Outdoor Adventure Camp), will focus on activities in their chosen specialty during 3-4 out of the 5 activity periods of a typical day. All Mini Campers will still participate in an abbreviated traditional session schedule and will participate in a rodeo-style equestrian experience, with the opportunity to ride. Here is a list of many, but not all, of the activities, offered at camp: 

Activity Limitations Inclement weather during the session can require that some activity periods be canceled. We will do our best to reschedule activity groups for certain activities such as horseback riding, archery, pool, and ropes course, as time and schedules allow. Please note that Mini Campers are scheduled at least once for all activities that they are eligible to participate in. These programs are a “taste of camp” experience, and the short time frame does not often allow for campers to get to do many of the activities more than once or participate in all of our special program days. 

First Time Campers We’ve created a guide to all things Ranch Camp for first-time families and campers to use as they prepare for camp. You can find it a little further down the page! In addition to the guide, our Assistant Director of Camper Wellness is dedicated to first-time family and camper communication and the first-time camper experience. Schedule a meeting here. 

In addition to our scheduled activities and program, the Ranch Camp team strives to connect campers — mind, body, and spirit — to their Jewish heritage, the Jewish community, and to the natural world around them. Ranch Camp provides campers with spiritual and innovative Jewish programming, including: 

• Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night) services in our outdoor Pavilions
• Saturday morning services in beautiful and peaceful Eddie’s Corner
• Musical Havdallah looking out over the front meadow or at the campfire
• Spirited Shabbat song sessions Israeli dance, music, and culture
• Supervised Kosher Kitchen 

Surrounded by nature and the warmth of old and new friends, campers experience Judaism as never before. Together they share Jewish rituals and traditions and better understand the special way in which we are all connected to one another – connections that will last a lifetime. 

We seek to have campers access Judaism in a way that fits them best. We have special traditions that are both a part of Judaism as well as linked with the history of Ranch Camp. We incorporate our mentality of ‘challenge by choice’ into everything we do. Want to take part in lighting the Shabbat candles? Come up and join our staff, praying alongside them and maybe even getting to do the actual lighting! Want to lead a song for Shabbat services? Jump on stage and take part. We aim to weave Judaic values into every part of camp, getting campers to learn and appreciate an aspect of Judaism while having fun and bonding with new friends. 

Services are held at camp in observance of Shabbat on Friday night and Saturday morning, and Havdallah on Saturday evening. They are run by campers and staff and are inclusive to everyone. Ranch Camp is committed to being a home for all Jews, and for those who are willing to respect and support the Jewish faith and people. Ranch Camp provides an environment where campers and staff can observe Shabbat according to their own traditions but we are not Shomer Shabbat as a community. 

Food is a key part of the camp experience and we eat three meals together daily as a community. We also have snacks twice daily between meal times and fruit is always available in the dining hall.

We can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions including but not limited to: vegetarian, gluten-free, celiac, corn-free, dairy-free, and a wide variety of specific food allergies. Our kitchen and dining hall is a nut-sensitive facility. We do serve products made in facilities that process nuts.

Worried about your picky eater or your camper with food allergies? Schedule a meeting with Rachel to discuss strategies to prepare your camper, and talk through any food concerns.

How do we accommodate high stakes dietary needs?  

• We do not serve any nut products at Ranch Camp. 

• We serve the special/dietary needs food at a separate station, with separate kitchen utensils, and separate servers, so it does not get confused with the other food, and it stays away from cross contamination. 
• Since we serve our meals buffet style, after we say the Hamotzi, we dismiss our campers with dietary needs first, in order of: Celiac/Gluten free first, corn free next, then dairy free, and then all other special diets. This way, the campers can make their plate before any cross contamination could occur, and these campers get the food that they need. 

Food/Dietary Needs on the Trail: If your camper is attending a trip this summer, whether it is the shorter 4 day Toshavim trip, the full 21 day experience of Teen Village, or somewhere in between, we provide the same accommodations for dietary needs that we do at camp. However, since it’s backpacking, the food may look different! See the trips section, further down the page, for more information on food. 

• The food and cooking equipment still follows Kosher rules, though, for the most part, trail food is vegetarian. 
• For allergies, especially gluten free & celiac, we provide a completely different set of cookware and keep the food stored separately, to avoid cross contamination. 

Our cabins become a home away from home for your camper while at camp!  All our cabins have bunk beds and shelving for campers to unpack and set up as their own, as well as electricity. Each cabin houses 10 – 14 campers and 3 – 4 staff members. Our oldest campers participating in TASC live in TASC Village, a cluster of platform tents with canvas siding and cots for each camper. Bathhouses are a short walk, under a minute, away from each cabin and include single-stall toilets and showers, and heated water. Cabin living is one of the best aspects of camp!

South Village is home of the Chalutzim Unit (2nd – 4th grade) and half of the Metapsim Unit (5th – 6th grade) is a 7-cabin village with beautiful, rustic red cabins is the historic heart of camp and reminds us that camp was originally a working Colorado ranch.   

North Village is home of the other half of the Metapsim Unit and the Toshavim Unit (7th – 8th grade), is a 6-cabin village with a modern feel. Each of these cabins has a wrap-around porch perfect for sitting and relaxing with your friends in the shade on a hot summer day. 

Cabin Routines

Each cabin’s staff sets morning and evening routines to transition campers out of bed or into bed, as well as many cabin-life routines. This might look like a shower schedule, sharing the next day’s schedule, one-on-one or group check-ins, a ritual like meditation or story time, flashlight time, and then lights out. The cabin might have a rotating chore chart. Each Cabin will have a “Brit,” a contract, at the start of their session to set ground rules. We establish behavior and social expectations and lay the groundwork for future conversations on the subject, should the need arise.   

Our staff are experts in understanding the social dynamics of each cabin and coaching campers in friendship building. Each day, campers will connect with their cabin mates, but also join activity groups that help expand their social experience.  

Ranch Camp Inclusion Statement

In alignment with our mission, vision, and values, JCC Ranch Camp is committed to the fundamental principles of personal freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity. We strive to create a community that welcomes diversity. We invite and engage all those who wish to participate including, but not limited to, people of any: race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, family structure, ability, marital status, culture, and spirituality. We will continually challenge ourselves and others in an environment of mutual concern and respect for the free expression of all individuals. Inclusion permeates our center. Inclusion is belonging.

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Inclusion Statement

Ranch Camp shall ensure that all personally identifiable and medical information relating to an individual’s transgender or gender non-conforming status shall be kept confidential in accordance with applicable state, local, and federal privacy laws. All representatives of Ranch Camp, both paid and volunteer, shall not disclose any information that may reveal a camper’s transgender status to others, including other parents/guardians and other camp staff, unless legally required to do so, or unless the camper or staff has authorized such disclosure. All campers have the right to discuss and convey their gender identity and expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share private information. When contacting the parent/guardians of a camper, Ranch Camp staff should use the camper’s legal name and the pronoun corresponding to the camper’s gender assigned at birth unless the camper or parent/guardian has specified otherwise. Every camper has the right to be addressed by a name and pronouns that correspond to their gender identity. Regardless of whether a camper has legally changed their name or gender (or undergone any surgical or hormonal transitions), Ranch Camp will allow such campers to use a chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their identity. It is recommended that Ranch Camp staff privately ask campers how they want to be addressed at camp and other programs and in the camp’s communication with the camper’s parent/guardians. If the camper or staff has previously been known at Ranch Camp by a different name, Ranch Camp leadership staff will direct Ranch Camp staff to use the person’s chosen name and appropriate pronouns. Campers will be bunked in cabins by their identified gender as indicated on their CampMinder application.

Our #1 priority is the emotional, physical, and spiritual health, safety, and well-being of our campers. To ensure we can keep all campers safe, we have:

• On-Site Mirpa’ah (Health Center) staff including a registered nurse or physician available 24/7.  
• Multiple daily health calls (during open clinic hours)  
• Air-conditioned Mirpa’ah with overnight capacity  
• Urgent Care facilities 25 minutes away in Falcon, CO, with open hours every day.  
• Several major hospitals (St. Francis Hospital, Colorado Springs; SkyRidge Medical Center, Denver; Children’s Hospital, Parker) within a 45-minute drive.  
• Flight for Life is available, 24/7.  
• Local ambulance support within 10 minutes.  
• Camp entrance monitored by video surveillance camera.  
• On-site security presence with a professional security guard.  
• All spaces at camp are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  
• Staff and campers review and practice emergency procedures within the first 24 hours of each session.  
• All staff are trained on emergency procedures, lost camper, major injury, intruder, active shooter, and disaster preparedness as well as CPR/First Aid certified.  
• Staff are background checked through multiple agencies, screened through personal interviews, and reference checked.  
• Staff are given continuous performance evaluations throughout the summer.  
• Staff participate in 10 – 17 days of pre-camp, on location, Staff Training with a pre-camp distance learning component.   
• Accredited by the American Camping Association.  
• Annual Compliance with State Fire Inspection, State Licensing, and Health Inspections. 

Going to camp for the first time is a HUGE deal. We’re so excited that you’ve decided to start your overnight camp journey. We have several resources for First Time Families and Campers to help you get to camp successfully. 

If you want to set up a time to talk through your first year at camp, please schedule a call with our Assistant Director of Camper Wellness, Rachel, through this link: https://calendly.com/rszurek/general-ranch-camp-inquiry

Information coming soon!

If you have not completed your camper forms, your camper may not be able to attend camp and you will not receive a refund. We require forms to be submitted well before your camper arrives to give our team enough time to review all the information and reach out to you if clarification or additional communication is needed to ensure your camper has a successful and memorable camp experience. 

Instructions for Forms

Your Forms are located here! Click on “Forms and Documents.” Forms in Green = accepted. Forms in Red = not complete, or not accepted due to incomplete or incorrect information- review, redo, resubmit. 

• All Forms are due May 1st, 2025. 

• The Physician Form and Immunization Forms must be signed and dated by your camper’s doctor within ONE YEAR of the first day of their session. No exceptions. 

• Anything counts as a medication if it is: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins/supplements, homeopathic medications, essential oils, and anything else that can be inhaled, absorbed, or ingested while the child is attending the program. 

• And therefore, MUST be listed on the physician form as a medication if you plan on bringing it to camp. EVEN IF IT IS OVER-THE-COUNTER OR A SUPPLEMENT.  

• We CAN NOT administer any medication that is not listed on their Physician form with matching information on the packaging/label and prescription itself. We CAN NOT accept medications at drop off if they are improperly documented. (Sorry for yelling, it’s just that a lot of people get this one wrong😊) 

• Deadlines- ALL FORMS ARE DUE MAY 1st, 2025!! 

• MEDICATION POLICY: This is a big one that has a lot of important details. If your camper will be taking medication at camp, PLEASE read through the policy in the Summer Handbook. 

For emergencies on drop-off day, please call the camp office or the emergency number at 720-644-6382. 

Arrival Dates 

Arriving by Bus

The bus will be picking up campers at JCC Denver, in the lower lot. You must select “Bus” on the Ranch Camp Transportation form to use this option and pay the additional fee of $40.

We’ll welcome campers in the following arrival windows: 

• Campers with medications: 9:00 – 9:30 AM
• Campers without medications: 9:30 – 9:50 AM 

If you have siblings, please plan to arrive in the earlier arrival window. Also, keep in mind that the entire arrival process takes about 20 minutes per family. 

The bus will depart to camp at 10:05 AM. 

When you arrive:  

• Please park your car in the designated spots in the lower lot of the JCC. 

• A staff member will greet you and direct you to the check in table where you will sign your camper in. Bring luggage with you to the check in table! 

• After the check in table, you will drop off luggage and proceed to the Health Screening table. At this table: 

• • Your camper will participate in a brief health screening.  

• • You will check in any medications that your camper will be taking at camp. 

Arriving by Car

We’ll welcome campers to camp in the following arrival windows:  

• Minis and Chalutzim (2 – 4 graders): 9:30 – 10:15 am
• Metapsim and Staff/Wranglers in Training (5 – 6 graders and ITs): 10:15 – 11:00 am
• Toshavim and Tiyulim (7 – 10 graders): 11:00 – 11:45 am  
• Teen Village: 9:30 – 10:00 am

When you arrive:  

A staff member will greet you and direct you to an arrival lane. In this lane, you will:  

• Your camper will participate in a brief health screening.  

• Check-in any medications that your camper will be taking at camp. 

After the health screening, you’ll be directed to drive up the front road to unload luggage at your designated luggage drop-off spot, park, and join in on arrival day festivities! If you do not want to stay, you will still unload luggage at your designated luggage drop-off spot, but you’ll be directed to a Hug and Go drop-off lane.   

Arriving by Plane

Please book your flight to arrive at DIA between 9am- 11:30am so we can accommodate meeting your camper at their gate. A member from our team will reach out to you to organize logistics based on your camper’s flights. We always have a staff member meet your camper directly at their gate as they deboard the plane, and they will help your camper navigate through the airport. The staff members will be provided with your contact information to communicate the safe arrival of your camper. When we provide you with the staff information, please provide that information to your airline so our staff members are allowed through security and to the gate. 

When you arrive, your camper will receive a short health screening, we will collect any documented medication, and you may help your camper move into their bunk.

General Arrival Reminders:  

• All medications need to be in their original packaging, cannot be expired or expire while your camper is at camp, must be documented correctly, and documentation must exactly match what is on the medication bottle itself. Any medications that do not meet these specifications will not be accepted.  

• Please leave “as needed” sorts of medications and remedies (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, teas, etc.) at home. We carry most over-the-counter medications in the infirmary (in both pill and liquid form). 
• If anyone in your family is feeling ill, we ask that they please wear a mask or stay home.  
• All families will need to depart camp by 12:00 pm MST.

For emergencies on drop-off day, please call the camp office or the emergency number at 720-644-6382.   

Departure Dates 

There is no departure bus back to Denver. All campers must be picked up at Ranch Camp or have a flight scheduled. 

Departing by Car: 

PICK-UP WINDOWS AT RANCH CAMP   

Minis and Chalutzim (2 – 4 graders): 9:30 – 10:00 am    

Metapsim and Staff/Wranglers in Training (5 – 6 graders and ITs): 10:00 – 10:30 am    

Toshavim and Tiyulim (7 – 10 graders): 10:30 – 11:00 am   

Departing by Air: Please book your flight to depart at DIA between 9am- 11:30am so we can accommodate escorting your camper at their gate. A member from our team will reach out to you to organize logistics based on your camper’s flights. We always have a staff member take your camper directly to their gate and wait with your camper until the plane has taken off. The staff members will be provided with your contact information to communicate the safe departure of your camper. When we provide you with the staff information, please provide that information to your airline so our staff members are allowed through security and to the gate. 

Schedule an Info Call with us! 

• General Inquiry- “I don’t know much about Ranch Camp yet, and am interested in registering, but I want to know more”: https://calendly.com/rszurek/general-ranch-camp-inquiry 

• First Time Camper Call- “My Camper is attending Ranch Camp or overnight camp for the first time and is a little nervous, or think it would benefit them to speak with someone from camp” : https://calendly.com/rszurek/camper-check-in-calls  

• Pre-Camp Check In Call- “My camper has questions about camp before arriving”: https://calendly.com/rszurek/camper-check-in-calls  

General email: ranchcamp@jccdenver.org 

For in-depth information on Communication, please make sure to read our RC 101 on Communication! 

Summer Office: Mid May- Mid August 

• Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:00-6:00pm (closed for lunch 1pm-2pm), Friday 9am-4pm (closed for lunch 1pm-2pm), Saturday closed in observance of Shabbat 
• Our office is closed on June 22nd and 23rd, July 13th and 14th.

• Main Office: 303.648.3800 

Communication Before Camp:  

• An email confirmation of your arrival transportation selections.  

• An introduction video from your camper’s counselors with your camper’s cabin number.  

Communication During Camp: 

Progress Note: All parents and caregivers will receive an email in the second half of their camper’s session with a progress note about your camper’s unit and cabin. If your camper is at camp for a full session, this progress note will also include an individualized update about your camper.   

First Time Camper Call: If your camper is attending Ranch Camp for the first time, you’ll receive one call within the first week of their session. 

• If you have a camper attending a Mini Camp or ShaiVenture, you’ll receive your “First Time Camper Update Call” on day 3 or 4 of your camper’s session at Ranch Camp. 

• Additionally, all parents and caregivers will receive an email in the second half of their camper’s session with a progress note. 

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, stay updated on our weekly blog, check out hundreds of photos of your camper’s session posted every other day on CampInTouch, and write letters to your camper! 

Communication After Camp:  

• A Unit Directory with all the names and contact information of the campers in your camper’s unit  

• An end of summer survey to help us improve Ranch Camp  
• An email series about how to talk to your camper about their experience

How does your camper communicate with you?

Campers will be able to send you letters! We facilitate time for letter writing and mail reading daily. For more information about your camper’s communication with you, please check out our RC 101 Series: Communication here! 

How do you communicate with your camper?

• Letters sent through the mail and CampInTouch emails. Mail: Campers will receive mail every day after lunchtime (except on Saturday in observance of Shabbat). Mail is not delivered to Ranch Camp on Sundays. 

• CampInTouch Emails: You can use your CampInTouch account to send one-way emails to your camper. Each day, except for Shabbat, we will print your emails and deliver them to campers along with mailed letters. 

• For more information on communication, check out our RC 101 Series: Communication here! 
• Packages: Campers may receive ONE package per session. We consider a package to be anything bigger than a completely flat envelope containing paper. Any additional packages that a camper receives will be held in the camp office and available for pick up at the end of the session. We suggest that you focus on sending letters and CampInTouch emails. You may send non-food items such as games, cards, etc – the best care packages include things that the entire cabin can participate in together.  
  • If you are mailing an item that your camper perhaps forgot to pack, just let our office staff know to expect it! It will not count as their one package. 
  • DO NOT SEND FOOD OR ANYTHING EDIBLE IN CARE PACKAGES! Food in bunks attracts critters and interferes with our allergen-friendly environment and Kashrut supervision policies. Any food sent in care packages will be confiscated and thrown away. 

What about cell phones and other devices?

Leave it at home! Campers are not permitted to have cell phones, iPods, smart watches, e-readers, or other devices with screens and internet or data connection capabilities. Any electronic items that are brought to camp will be held in the camp office and delivered back to campers at the end of the session. If your camper needs a device to support their physical, mental, emotional, social, or spiritual health or B’nai Mitzvah learning, please contact us before your camper arrives to set up a plan for device usage. 

Additionally, Ranch Camp is not responsible for lost or damaged personal property while a camper is at camp. 

Although we do our very best to ensure that your camper returns home with all the items they came to camp with, lost and found is inevitable. We will do our best to reunite you with any lost items in line with our lost and found guidelines:  

We will have a lost and found table on departure day. Please make sure to take a look through before you leave with your camper. 

All lost and found items that ARE LABELED with a camper’s first and last name will be available for pick up at the JCC in Denver in August after the camp season closes. 

• We will provide a photo album of all of the labeled lost and found items. This will be available on CampInTouch in August after all sessions are through. 

• Unfortunately, it is not likely that we can help you reunite with your lost item during the summer. 

• If you have lost a high value item, please reach out to us. Chances are, we have it and have noted it. 

If you are an out-of-state family with labeled lost and found, please let us know, and we can mail your lost items to you. We will charge your CampInTouch account for any required postage. 

All lost and found items that ARE NOT LABELED with a camper’s first and last name will be donated to a local thrift store or charity after the camp season closes. 

We CANNOT search for lost items that are not labeled with a camper’s first and last name. Ranch Camp is not responsible for lost or damaged personal property 

First Time Camper Guide:  

We made this resource for both campers and their families! We recommend looking through this together, and having a conversation about any questions or concerns your camper has. After reviewing it, we recommend scheduling a meeting (phone or video!) with Rachel, our Assistant Director of Camper Wellness, if you or your camper want to meet a friendly camp face, or get all your questions answered! Schedule a meeting with Rachel here!

First Time Camper Guide 

If your camper is attending Ranch Camp for the first time, you’ll receive one “First Time Camper Update Call” within the first week of their session from your camper’s Unit Head or Camper Care Coordinator. This call will include updates about what your camper is enjoying, how they’re adjusting to camp life, and an opportunity for you to get any questions answered. (If you have a camper attending a Mini Camp or ShaiVenture, you’ll receive your “First Time Camper Update Call” on day 3 or 4 of your camper’s session at Ranch Camp).

Additionally, all parents and caregivers will receive an email in the second half of their camper’s session with a progress note about your camper’s unit and cabin. If your camper is at camp for a full session, this progress note will also include an individualized update about your camper. 

Schedule an Info Call with Us!

• General Inquiry- “I don’t know much about Ranch Camp yet, and am interested in registering, but I want to know more”

• First Time Camper Call- “My Camper is attending Ranch Camp or overnight camp for the first time and is a little nervous, or think it would benefit them to speak with someone from camp”
• Pre-Camp Check In Call- “My camper has questions about camp before arriving”

For in-depth information on Communication, please make sure to read our Ranch Camp 101 – JCC Ranch Camp! 

Coming soon!

For more in-depth information, see our RC101: Packing email! Ranch Camp 101 – JCC Ranch Camp  Highlights: 

• LABEL EVERYTHING! Label each item with the camper’s FULL FIRST AND FULL LAST NAME even on socks and underwear!! Initials are not sufficient to enable us to return missing items to campers. Items that end up in the lost and found that are not labeled correctly will be automatically donated at the end of the summer. 

• Clothing, shoes, gear, bedding etc. sent to camp should be casual, comfortable, and ok to get dirty. 

• All campers will need closed toe shoes to participate in camp activities. 

• Luggage will be unpacked onto shelves/cubbies and should be able to fit under the bunkbed (17” tall). We discourage bringing trunks, as they are often a violation of our fire code. 

• Make sure your camper helps pack for camp, so they feel comfortable knowing where everything is located. 

• A reminder that medications need to be checked in with our Clinic Team and should not be packed in luggage. 

Critical Items to Pack: 

These items are CRITICAL for your child to have a safe and enjoyable summer: 

• At least two full-sized water bottles 

• Sunscreen (MUST be labeled with first and last names) 

• Closed-toe shoes and clothes for active programming 

Items NOT to Bring: 

Some items can cause environmental or behavioral problems at camp and are not allowed due to licensing. Please ensure that NONE of these items make it into your camper’s luggage. We need your partnership with packing to make certain that the camp has a fun, safe, and clean environment. 

• Food! If you send food, we can ensure that unwelcome critters, small and large, will get into the cabins. (Please reach out to our team if you have a camper who would benefit from bringing their ‘comfort’ foods to camp) 

• Money (other than for plane travel) 

• Cell phones, electronic games, e-readers, and iPods (other than for air travel or bar/bat mitzvah studies- must be kept in the main office) 

• Silly string, stink bombs, and other gag gifts/toys that are disruptive to group living 

• Weapons of any shape or size, including knives 

• Roller blades and/or skateboards 

• Clothing that advertises alcohol, sex, drugs, violence, or cigarettes  

• Digital Cameras are allowed, though not recommended and Ranch Camp is not responsible for any loss or damage. 

If you are a trips camper, please make sure to check out your pre-trip communication for best practices around packing for trips!

Are you coming from out of state? Pack lighter and leave your linens at home! Sign up to receive camp-provided linens here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclUUAvmXFNA9_TnYkT5ojgKBkws32HyM18ljVtRFyX0fJi9g/viewform?usp=header 

Toshavim participants (your 7th and 8th grade campers, except EQ specialty campers) get to further build their confidence through Ranch Camp programming, which prepares them for Tiyulim or ‘Trips,’ designed for grades 9 – 11. One of the main ways Toshavim prepares campers is through the widely anticipated camping trips. Toshavim campers start their experience with starting their session at Ranch Camp, and then spend a morning preparing their gear and food before heading out into the wilderness together for the a three or four day camping trip. 7th grade Toshavim campers will begin their trips experience by hiking to the newer side of our property, Piney Bluff Ranch. Here, they will spend 2 nights and 3 days learning how to set up camp, exploring the outdoors, trailblazing, cooking meals, and bonding with their group. 8th grade Toshavim campers will build on their trips experience by staying 3 nights, 4 days at an offsite location, typically one of Colorado’s amazing state parks! This adventure builds upon their camping and outdoor skills, while creating unforgettable experiences with friends. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from this trip? 

The campers will learn to and help set up their campsite: tents, gear packing, food/meal prep, etc. Meals will be cooked on camping stoves. Campers will not have access to electricity or possibly plumbing. Campers’ gear will be transported in their vehicle, rather than hiking with their full packs to a campsite. 

The general itinerary includes time at the campsite for meals, bonding, and activities, hiking trails, and day trips, such as volunteering at a State Park or the local Zoo.

How will you decide my camper’s trip groups? There are a quite a few factors that decide grouping for camp trips. While we do our best to accommodate requests, we also consider campers in the OA specialty camp/camping trip skill levels, staffing, camper numbers, and previous camp experience. 

Does my camper have to attend the trip? Firstly, EQ specialty campers do not attend the Toshavim trip. For OA or traditional campers, the Toshavim trips are meant to prepare your camper for more intense Ranch Camp trips programming, so their skill levels and confidence are where they need to be to have a successful future of Ranch Camp trips! While the trip is not required, the Toshavim trips (or past back-country camping experience) are a pre-requisite to being able to attend TASC and Teen Village in the following years. 

How do you ensure safety while campers are offsite? 

All staff on our trips are CPR and First Aid certified. The Toshavim trips are closer to emergency response teams than our Backcountry campers, and also have access to communicate with Flight for Life 24/7.  

No matter how much we prepare, things like trail conditions, weather events, and other unexpected circumstances can force us to be adaptable. In those cases, we have robust communications plans between our trip groups and the main campsite including a satellite phone, GPS Spot devices, and daily check-in times. We use these communications to make sure that everyone is always able to make the best, most well-equipped decisions. For parents, regardless of what changes may happen on the trail you will receive the same GPS Spot location each evening relayed through our trips basecamp manager.   

Packing Tips

• Make sure to read the Trips Communications emails thoroughly! You will be receiving these from Max, our Assistant Director of Programming, in the 6 weeks leading up to your camper’s session. 

• The Toshavim trips are considered “Car Camping,” and not “Back Country trekking.” This distinction means that you need hiking boots OR a pair of supportive athletic shoes. You do not need an official “hiking pack,” a backpack will most likely suffice. Do not feel inclined to buy new gear like this, unless it is marked as mandatory, or you feel it will enhance your camper’s experience. 

• If you want to bring any additional camping gear, you are welcome to – these items may improve your comfort while camping, but they won’t be necessary. (Examples: Camping pillow, Camping Chair, etc.) 

Teen Adventure Service Corps, is one option for our oldest group of kids at camp, grades 9-10. The trip is the next steppingstone of their Ranch Camp experience, connecting them with one another and the natural world in new and exciting ways. Campers are challenged and inspired as they embody Tikkun Olam, or ‘healing the world” practicing sustainable outdoorsmanship, engaging in service projects, and forging connections through the majesty of wilderness spaces. TASC embarks on outdoor adventures that include multi-day backpacking, rafting, a 14er attempt, and service projects. TASC Campers split their time between camp and the Colorado wilderness. Spending a little under half of their session at camp living in their own village. TASC enjoys a separate campfire and outdoor space. TASC campers spend the bulk of their time at camp fostering teamwork as they prepare for their trips. Campers will be packing, gearing, and learning to care for themselves, to deepen their sense of independence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still communicate with my camper or send my camper mail? While your camper is in the backcountry, they will not have service to be contacted. However, our trips staff will have a satellite phone for emergencies and will update our base camp manager daily. Our base camp manager will email updates to you throughout the experience. As for mail- Yes! You can still send TASC campers mail to JCC Ranch Camp. They will not receive it while on the trail but will be happy campers upon arriving back to camp to letters or a package! While your camper is in the backcountry, they will not have service to be contacted. However, our trips staff will have a satellite phone for emergencies and will update our base camp manager daily. Our base camp manager will email updates to you throughout the experience. As for mail- Yes! You can still send TASC campers mail to JCC Ranch Camp. They will not receive it while on the trail but will be happy campers upon arriving back to camp to letters or a package! 

How do you ensure safety while campers are offsite? 

All staff on our Back Country trips are WFR Certified. This means they will have the skills for emergency situations and for providing care for campers as they get to emergency response access points. Our Backcountry campers are typically not within access of hospitals or emergency response teams but will have access to communicate with Flight for Life 24/7.  

No matter how much we prepare, things like trail conditions, weather events, and other unexpected circumstances can force us to be adaptable. In those cases, we have robust communications plans between our trip groups and the main campsite including a satellite phone, GPS Spot devices, and daily check-in times. We use these communications to make sure that everyone is always able to make the best, most well-equipped decisions. For parents, regardless of what changes may happen on the trail you will receive the same GPS Spot location each evening relayed through our trips basecamp manager.   

Packing Tips: 

• Make sure to read the Trips Communications emails thoroughly! You will be receiving these from Max, our Assistant Director of Programming, in the 6 weeks leading up to your camper’s session. 

• The TASC trips are considered “Back Country trekking.” This distinction means that you may need some specific hiking/camping gear. This does NOT mean buying all brand-new gear. It DOES mean ensuring you have well fitted, broken in, and appropriate gear. 

• If you want to bring any additional camping gear, please reach out to our team. We will work with you to ensure that your pack is light and efficient, and your camper has what they need!  

Campers on Pack n’ Ride will split their time between camp and the mountains. Prior to the trip, campers will get some riding practice in, pack their gear and food, and get to know their peers. They will then embark on their 6-Day adventure through the Red Feather Lakes, taking in all of the mountain majesty and getting a chance to enjoy the natural hot springs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still communicate with my camper or send my camper mail? While your camper is in the backcountry, they will not have service to be contacted. However, our trips staff will have a satellite phone for emergencies and will update our base camp manager daily. Our base camp manager will email updates to you throughout the experience. As for mail- Yes! You can still send Pack N Ride campers mail to JCC Ranch Camp. They will not receive it while on the trail but will be happy campers upon arriving back to camp to letters or a package!

How do you ensure safety while campers are offsite? 

All staff on our trips are CPR and First Aid certified. Our backcountry campers may not have immediate access to emergency response teams but will have access to communicate with Flight for Life 24/7.  

No matter how much we prepare, things like trail conditions, weather events, and other unexpected circumstances can force us to be adaptable. In those cases, we have robust communications plans between our trip groups and the main campsite including a satellite phone, GPS Spot devices, and daily check-in times. We use these communications to make sure that everyone is always able to make the best, most well-equipped decisions. For parents, regardless of what changes may happen on the trail you will receive the same GPS Spot location each evening relayed through our trips basecamp manager.   

Packing Tips: 

• Make sure to read the Trips Communications emails thoroughly! You will be receiving these from Max, our Assistant Director of Programming, in the 6 weeks leading up to your camper’s session. 

• The Pack n Ride trips are considered “Back Country trekking.” This distinction means that you may need some specific hiking/camping gear. This does NOT mean buying all brand-new gear. It DOES mean ensuring you have well fitted, broken in, and appropriate gear. 

• If you want to bring any additional camping gear, please reach out to our team. We will work with you to ensure that your pack is light and efficient, and your camper has what they need!  

Remembered by campers as a life changing and unique experience, Teen Village will cultivate a deep connection to nature while inspiring lifelong bonds with participating teens. This 2,000-mile road trip will take campers all over Colorado to explore major parks and hidden gems.  

Teen Village will spend most of their time outside—camping and cooking for themselves—even while at Ranch Camp. Campers should be familiar with being outdoors and feel comfortable living out of a backpack for the duration of their program. Teen Village campers also split their time between camp and the Colorado Wilderness, spending a few days preparing for the journey at Ranch Camp, going on a 21-day journey, and arriving back to Ranch Camp in time for the final Shabbat and campfire. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still communicate with my camper or send my camper mail? While your camper is in the backcountry, they will not have service to be contacted. However, our trips staff will have a satellite phone for emergencies and will update our base camp manager daily. Our base camp manager will email updates to you throughout the experience. As for mail- Yes! You can still send Teen Village campers mail to JCC Ranch Camp. They will not receive it while on the trail but will be happy campers upon arriving back to camp to letters or a package! 

How do you ensure safety while campers are offsite? 

All staff on our Back Country trips are WFR Certified. This means they will have the skills for emergency situations and for providing care for campers as they get to emergency response access points. Our Backcountry campers are typically not within access of hospitals or emergency response teams but will have access to communicate with Flight for Life 24/7.  

No matter how much we prepare, things like trail conditions, weather events, and other unexpected circumstances can force us to be adaptable. In those cases, we have robust communications plans between our trip groups and the main campsite including a satellite phone, GPS Spot devices, and daily check-in times. We use these communications to make sure that everyone is always able to make the best, most well-equipped decisions. For parents, regardless of what changes may happen on the trail you will receive the same GPS Spot location each evening relayed through our trips basecamp manager.  

Packing Tips: 

• Make sure to read the Trips Communications emails thoroughly! You will be receiving these from Max, our Assistant Director of Programming, in the 6 weeks leading up to your camper’s session. 

• The TV trips are considered “Back Country trekking.” This distinction means that you may need some specific hiking/camping gear. This does NOT mean buying all brand-new gear. It DOES mean ensuring you have well fitted, broken in, and appropriate gear. 

• If you want to bring any additional camping gear, please reach out to our team. We will work with you to ensure that your pack is light and efficient, and your camper has what they need! 

Food/Dietary Needs on the Trail: If your camper is attending a trip this summer, whether it is the shorter 4-day Toshavim trip, the full 21-day experience of Teen Village, or somewhere in between, we provide the same accommodations for dietary needs that we do at camp. However, since it’s backpacking, the food may look different!   

The food and cooking equipment still follows Kosher rules, though, for the most part, trail food is vegetarian.  

For allergies, especially gluten free & celiac, we provide a completely different set of cookware and keep the food stored separately, to avoid cross contamination.