Overview

Chalutzim, or ‘Pioneers,’ are our youngest campers. These programs prepare kids grades 2 – 4 for overnight camp experiences by teaching them independence, routine, Jewish values, and relationship-building. Chalutzim offers three options for families to choose from, and is divided by age:  

  • Mini Camp: campers live on the Ranch Camp site for a full week of overnight programming.
  •  Full Session Chalutzim: campers live on the Ranch Camp site for a full session – either 14 or 19 days – of overnight programming.
  • ShaiVenture: campers experience the two-week, hybrid camp model. Campers attend their first week at the JCC Denver, Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, and then transition to Ranch Camp for a second week of overnight camp experiences with the same group of children. (ShaiVenture also has sessions for 4 – 5 graders!) 

Living the Adventurous Dream

These options are excellent for both Denver locals as well as out-of-town families. Plus, ShaiVenture provides opportunities for parents to meet their children’s madrichim, counselors, before campers head to the Ranch.  

Ranch Camp’s staff are all highly experienced in meeting the needs of your children while they are away at camp, providing a sense of safety and security. Campers often report completing Chalutzim sessions feeling accomplished, independent, empowered, and ready for longer camp sessions with their new summer camp friends. 

By challenging themselves, making new friends, and growing with our Ranch Camp family, campers will soon aim bigger—they may aspire to mountain bike down the infamous Bone Rattler Trail, explore the Outer 400 on horseback, or zoom down the zipline. 

Which Camp is Right for Me?

Mini Camp is a great way to introduce your child to an overnight camp setting. This option consists of an adjusted schedule, in which children get to try each camp program (minus mountain biking and horseback trail rides) once and get a taste of the longer-camp experience.  

ShaiVenture blends the best of both worlds by easing your child mindfully into camp, where they begin with onsite day-programming, and then switch over to the sleepaway location with the same group of friends for the second half.  

No matter what program, Chalutzim are sure to have plenty of action-packed days. Campers in the traditional, full session will rotate through scheduled activities every morning, participating in each Ranch Camp activity 2-3 times.  

Dates and Rates

Learn more about our summer dates, rates, and financial aid options!

Dates & Rates

First Time? We Can Help Get You to Camp!

The One Happy Camp program is a partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and local Jewish Federations that provides need-blind grants of up to $1000 for first-time campers. (The One Happy Camper program is not a scholarship through Ranch Camp.) 

One Happy Camper Grants