Classes & Electives

There’s so much to do at Rawhide Ranch and so much is educational. We call our activities “classes,” but it’s also just plain ol’ fun. Here’s a list of the various classes the Ranchhands will enjoy during the summer camp season. (Activities marked with an * are also available for our youth group weekends/school programs.)

* HORSE RIDING

Ranchhands have daily western riding lessons taught by the ranch’s certified riding instructors and their assistants. Summer camp lessons are geared for beginning/intermediate riders. (Youth group/school group lessons are geared for beginning riders.)

Riders must wear a ASTM approved equestrian riding helmet at all times while on horseback. Helmets are provided by Rawhide Ranch or you are welcome to bring your own approved equestrian helmet. (Bike helmets are not acceptable.)

* VAULTING / HORSEBACK GYMNASTICS
Vaulting (or Horseback Gymnastics) will bring out the stunt-rider in those who choose this activity. Starting at the Vaulting Arena, riders learn their techniques on stationary barrels before practicing in the Horse Palace and performing in the weekly show.

* ANIMAL SCIENCE CLASSROOM
The Animal Sciences classroom teaches Ranchhands the basics of ranch animals and their care in a fun and hands-on setting.

* HORSE SCIENCE CLASSROOM
We won’t make veterinarians out of Ranchhands but we will educate on equine sciences including care, anatomy and biology….and even some horse psychology.

*ANIMAL CARE
Each Ranchhand will have an opportunity to participate in animal care time. This activity is based on old time chores that children living on a ranch may have had responsibility for. It may include raking out stalls and surrounding areas, and feeding/watering all types of ranch/farm animals. It’s all part of the ranch experience and builds great pride and teamwork within the group.

Morning and afternoon animal care time is designed to help Ranchhands to learn about all aspects of taking care of animals and being responsible for them. After animal care time the Ranchhands will have the opportunity to wash up and then head off to their next activity.

*ARCHERY
Target practice and accuracy contests after comprehensive safety and shooting lessons, review, testing and technique pointers.

RIFLERY SAFETY AND TARGET PRACTICE
Learn safety and respect for guns and ammunition . Ranchhands are required to pass a one hour safety class taught by certified instructors before they are allowed to shoot .22 caliber rifles at targets. (Campers must be at least 12 years old to participate in the .22 rifle activities; campers under the age of 12 may participate using air rifles.)

All target sports are staff-supervised by certified staff with safety and respect for the equipment as lesson number one; accuracy and fun are secondary. Note to summer camp parents: Campers have the option to select their own electives during the week; if parents would prefer their child not participate in this elective they should discuss this with their camper prior to arrival at camp.

SWIMMING
Pool/water slide is open during Summer Camp season. . Lifeguards are on duty but swimming lessons are not provided. A swim check is required on Monday to be able to use the pool during the camp session.

CRAFTS Get the creativity flowing with arts & crafts projects.

CLIMBING TOWER Reach new heights at the ranch at the climbing wall this summer.

INTRO TO RODEO Learn the art of the rodeo and even ride Rawhide Ranch’s very own bucking barrel.

FARM LIFE What sort of other farm activities go on around the ranch? Love to work in the garden? Check it out this summer.

*COUNTRY DANCE Learn some new moves and good ‘ol country stompin’.

CREATIVE WRITING Learn the craft of creative writing. Work on story structure, dramatic theme and character development. The summer camp newspaper is always on the lookout for writers and artists.

OUTDOOR COOKING Learn the tricks and techniques to safely cook on an open fire.

DRIVERS ED Learn what it takes to harness up the ponies and their carts.

Some or all of the following events will take place each week during Rawhide evenings. Because many Ranchhands stay for more than one week, we do our best to vary the programs and always provide something different.

• Camp Olympics
• Camp Fire (Opening and Closing)
• Talent Show
• Entertainment (by our very own talented staff and campers)
• Cowboy Sing-Alongs
• Dance Night
• Karaoke
• And more surprises in store!