Devil's Gulch Ranch Youth Farm Camps 2008
Registration Guidelines and Information

Be aware that Devil's Gulch Ranch Farm Camp is not your usual camp! Please read this document before downloading the form on the bottom.

Some Nitty-Gritty on Camp Life

This is a working ranch that has opened its doors to youth to experience living and working in an authentic agricultural setting.  While we offer horseback riding, archery, crafts, swimming, and other forms of conventional camp activities, the heart of Devil's Gulch Ranch Camp is agriculture and nature. Dirt and flies are part of life here. Livestock is raised for food. We swim in the reservoir, not in a chlorinated pool. Does this appeal to your child? Each year, our camp must turn children away as our enrollment fills up. If your child does not have a passion for the experiences we make available, please make room for others that do.

The ranch is a busy place with many different tasks and activities happening at all times for the campers to choose from. Because of the type of facility and the high staff-to-camper ratio, your child will be able to participate in or observe some pursuits not normally open to youth.  We strive to accommodate each camper’s wishes to take part in the opportunities here, as we judge appropriate for the child’s ability.

Not all campers in all weeks will share the same experiences. The specific daily activities your child engages in are determined by:

• what tasks must be done on the ranch;
• the interests of the group members as assessed on the first day of camp;
• your child’s skill level, strength, size, temperament, and ability to follow instructions.

Furthermore, some facilities and resources may not be available at all times throughout the summer. For example, the pond may have to be used for irrigation of farm crops, or livestock may get sick. These things happen. Devil's Gulch Ranch Camp will not refund any amount of camp fees if various activities are not available during your child’s session(s).

Advanced Agriculture - Animal Science

In this academic camp for students ages 13-18, the mornings will be focused on Animal Science topics and activities that may be be disturbing to some students. Please read the Animal Science Curriculum before signing up. We study different animals each week, so there will be no redundancy between the two weeks.  In addition, the extended time will allow students to do projects that require more time, such as tanning a larger hide or glazing pottery. 

Drop-off and Pickup Times and Location:

Regular drop-off is 9 a.m.; regular pickup is 4 p.m.  For an additional $150 weekly, we offer a 6 a.m. drop-off. For an additional $150 fee, we offer a 6 p.m. pickup.  The drop-off and pickup location is the northwest end of the baseball field in the town of Nicasio. No drop-off is available at the ranch.

Visiting the camp:

We hold open houses each spring so parents can view the ranch and meet some of the staff. In 2008, open houses are March 1 and 9 and April 5. We hope you can come! Regrettably, we cannot accommodate visitors to the camp when in session.

Water:

We provide jugs of bottled drinking water from which campers may fill their personal bottles.  It is the campers’ responsibility to keep their bottles filled and close to hand.

Tee shirts:

One Devil's Gulch Ranch Tee shirt will be provided. Additional shirts will be available for purchase. 

Meals:

Overnight campers receive all meals at camp. Day campers must bring lunches from home. No lunch is provided for day campers.

Health Alerts regarding Poison Oak, Ticks, and the California Newt:

Poison oak is abundant on the ranch and adjacent lands and is an important food source for deer and birds, which are not allergic to it as some humans are. Each week, the staff will point out this problematic native to the campers.  Young children tend not to be sensitive to poison oak, while teenagers are more likely to break out when exposed. Parents that are sensitive can get the rash from contact with their child’s clothing (keep this in mind when your child runs to give you a hug after an adventurous day in the forest!)  It is advisable that your children have long pants and shirts available for hikes and that the clothing be washed as soon as possible after retuning home.  The rash may be slight, requiring little or no attention, but in severe cases it can require medical treatment. 

Ticks may be present in the forest. You should check your child each night for ticks, not forgetting to look at ankles, behind the ears, and in armpit and crotch areas. If a fever or a bulls-eye rash develops within a few days of exposure, seek medical attention.

The California newt is plentiful in the ponds and streams, and catching these is a favorite activity of the kids.  Be aware that the California newt may excrete a toxin when alarmed. This toxin is not harmful to skin, but your child should wash hands after handling newts to avoid ingesting any of the toxin.

Details about Registration

Cancellations, Changes and Refunds:

A refund minus a $25 processing fee will be given on cancellations requested at least four weeks prior to the starting date of the session being cancelled. 50% refunds will be given on cancellations requested at least one week prior to the starting date of the session being cancelled. If you wish to cancel a session less than one week prior to its starting date, no refund will be given.

If you request to change session dates at least four weeks prior to the starting date of the session for which your child is enrolled, the change will be made at no charge, provided space is available in the session you wish to add. If you request to switch sessions later than four weeks prior to the starting time of the original session, a $25 fee will be charged.

Bullying of campers, cruelty to any animals, or failure to follow rules or instructions will terminate the child’s session. In such cases, the parent is responsible for immediately picking up the child, and no refund will be given.     

Discounts for Returning Campers:

If your child attended Devil's Gulch Ranch Camp last year, please register for “returning sessions.” If your child is new at camp this year and is attending multiple weeks, all sessions after the first one are also discounted “returning sessions.”  Fees increase after April 15th.

Leader In Training (LIT):

For those age 12-17 that are willing and able to accept responsibility to work for a portion of their camp fees, we have a Leader In Training program (LIT).  Please contact the camp director for LIT application.

First Come, First Served:

Each spring, sessions fill and kids must be turned away.  Priority is given to early postmark dates of registrations paid in full. If a week for which you sent in a paid registration is full, you will be notified.  You can choose to have us substitute for an open week, return your check, or hold your check and put the child on a waiting list for that week.

Overnight Camping:

Our weekly overnight camps run from 1:00 p.m. on Sunday to noon on Saturday, with a complete weekend stay for those campers attending consecutive sessions. Tents and cots are provided by the camp, and campers bring their own sleeping bags. Please contact us for more information.

Family Camp:

Check the Family Camp page for details on our weekend Family Camps and Adult Classes.

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Happy Camping!

Basic Agricultural Summer Camp Sessions
for ages 6-12

Numbers updated 3/26

Advanced Agricultural -Animal Science Camp Sessions
for ages 12-18

Camp Fees for Basic Agriculture and Advanced Agriculture Animal Sci.

Summer Camp 2008 Registration

Devil's Gulch Ranch,