About

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 37-acre Rawhide Ranch in Bonsall, California is a dream camp for horse lovers, offering seven-day and weekend overnight camps. A typical day at the Ranch offers a replica of a town in the “old West”, several classes including horseback riding, Western crafts, archery, drama, riflery (BB guns for the younger kids), and sleeping accommodations in a Western fort, Cowboy bunkhouse orTeepee. Campers, or “ranch Hands,” are assigned to one of our animal care areas (horses or farm animals) as their personal responsibility. Summer campers also can swim in the pool and sleep in a covered wagon.  Read our Frequently Asked Questions

So Much to Learn

Ranch Hands learn how to ride a horse in a week, and can learn horse gymnastics (vaulting) or how to drive a pony-drawn cart. At the end of the stay, everyone participates in a horse show, either riding, performing or showing a farm animal. Campers earn privileges after demonstrating proficiency and safety in many events and electives. See Ranks and Privileges for more details.

The Rawhide Ranch philosophy is to provide for all campers a fun atmosphere of learning experiences that teaches teamwork, caring for others, an ethical lifestyle and an understanding that the quality of life one leads is important.

Staff & Counselors

The Ranch employs 19 full-time staff with an additional 10-12 part-time employees for the weekend camps, and 25-30 summer employees. Many of the employees are also students. See Staff andCounselors for more information.