The In-Training program at Ranch Camp is an immersive, leadership-focused program providing teens with experience and guidance while they learn how to be inspiring and supportive youth leaders.  

The program includes:

• A dedicated SIT director to offer feedback and direction. 
• Training prior to integration into cabin life.
• Off-site experiences and opportunities to pursue more specific interests, including specialty tracks and trips training.  
• Our goal for this program is to grow the most confident and competent leaders who embody empathy, creativity, and the ability to tackle and solve problems! 

Campers in grades 10 – 12 are eligible to participate in this In-Training Program. Campers will not only leave this program with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare to be a future summer staff member but will also gain real-world skills they can use upon leaving camp. 

Staff In-Training Highlights

• 2 Weeks (min) of living/working alongside campers and staff in a bunk
• IT Director to offer training, feedback and guidance
• Participate in camp programming with your IT cohort
• 2 Weeks (min) working/training in a specialty area of your choice
• Certifications like CPR and First Aid
• Specialty areas available include: art & design, theater, ropes course, archery, hiking, trip camps, mountain biking, aquatics, sports, teva farm and tie-dye.
• 1 hour off per day to spend in the IT Lounge plus evenings off from 10 – 11pm
• Overnight excursion outside of camp with your IT cohort
• Mentoring from IT Director, Camp Leadership, Specialty Staff and Bunk Staff
• Occasional combined programming/meetings with camp staff
• IT specific evening programs and Onegs

Wrangler In-Training Highlights

• All of the above but specialty area is horseback riding.
• Barn Program Coordinator to work specifically with WITs on horse-specific training.
• Experience teaching lessons to a variety of campers and skill levels
• Experience lessons about herd management, advanced horse care, and operating safe programs.

These are merit-based programs that applicants must be accepted into. All SIT and WIT applicants must first complete the following steps to be considered for the program. After completion of the first stage, applicants and guardians will receive an email detailing the following information and steps: 

• Apply for Ranch Camp online. (Click the orange “Register” button on the top right side of the website.)
• Once you have completed your registration, our registrar will hold your camper’s spot in the IT program. You will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how campers can complete their IT applications.
• Campers interested in the WIT program who have not previously participated in the EQ program must submit a riding video as a part of their application.
• Complete the IT application on CampInTouch (in the forms section) and submit.

Priority applications are due on December 15, 2023.

Campers who submit their IT applications by 12/15/2023 will be considered in the first round of IT program acceptances.

Campers will be notified of their IT program acceptance by January 1, 2024. Applications received after 12/15/2023 will be considered on a rolling basis.