Nestled in the heart of Nebraska, amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes near significant landmarks like the Platte River, Timberlake Ranch Camp offers a unique retreat for youth seeking adventure, growth, and connection. Since its inception, Timberlake Ranch Camp has been dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children and teens can explore nature, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships.

Their mission is rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences are crucial to personal development and spiritual growth. They aim to inspire and equip campers with the confidence and character needed to face life’s challenges.

Timberlake Ranch Camp is designed to accommodate both boys and girls across various age groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. With a wide range of activities tailored to different interests and developmental stages, each camper is given the opportunity to thrive in a supportive community setting. Join us for a summer of fun, learning, and unforgettable memories at Timberlake Ranch Camp, where every day is an adventure waiting to happen.

Programs Offered by Timberlake Ranch Camp

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, they offer a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of every camper. Their programs are crafted to not only be fun but also enriching, allowing campers to explore their passions, learn new skills, and enjoy the great outdoors.

1. Session Lengths:

One-Week Sessions: Ideal for younger campers or first-timers, these sessions provide a taste of what camp life is like, with a balanced mix of activities.
Two-Week Sessions: These longer sessions allow for a deeper exploration of camp activities and more opportunities for personal growth and bonding with peers.
Full Summer Options: For the ultimate camp experience, campers can stay for the entire summer, enjoying a comprehensive and immersive adventure.

2. Specialty Programs:

Arts: From painting and sculpture to performance arts, their arts program encourages creative expression and artistic development.
Sports: They offer a range of sports programs, including horseback riding, archery, swimming, and team sports, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Science: Their science programs allow campers to engage with the natural world through activities like astronomy, biology, and environmental science, fostering curiosity and scientific understanding.

3. Typical Daily Schedule:

Morning:
- Wake-up and morning exercise
- Breakfast
- Morning activities (rotating between specialty programs)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and rest period
- Afternoon activities (choice of arts, sports, or science workshops)
- Free time for personal exploration or organized games
Evening:
- Dinner
- Evening group activities (campfires, storytelling, night hikes)
- Bedtime preparation and lights out

Each day at Timberlake Ranch Camp is structured to balance activity with adequate rest, ensuring that campers remain energized and engaged throughout their stay. Whether it’s through developing artistic skills, engaging in sports, or exploring the mysteries of science, every camper finds something to love at Timberlake Ranch Camp.

Accommodations in Timberlake Ranch Camp

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, they prioritize comfort and convenience to ensure that all campers have a pleasant stay while they explore and learn. Here’s what you can expect in terms of accommodations:

1. Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Their primary accommodation for campers, the cabins at Timberlake Ranch are designed to blend rustic charm with modern comforts. Each cabin houses multiple campers, typically grouped by age and gender, providing a cozy, communal living experience that fosters camaraderie and friendship.
Tents: For those interested in a more traditional camping experience, they offer tent sleeping options during specific sessions. This allows campers to connect with nature and enjoy the stars.
Dorms: Available for larger groups or special events, their dormitory-style accommodations are equipped with all the necessary amenities to handle bigger groups comfortably.

2. Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Their camp offers full board meal plans, with three well-balanced meals served daily in their communal dining hall. Their kitchen staff prepares a variety of healthy, delicious options to keep campers fueled throughout the day.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary needs, they provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Campers or their guardians can specify dietary restrictions prior to arrival, ensuring that everyone has safe and enjoyable meal options.

3. Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Their camp is equipped with modern bathroom and shower facilities, strategically located near all sleeping quarters for easy access. Bathrooms are separated by gender and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Privacy and Accessibility: They ensure that all facilities provide adequate privacy and are accessible to everyone. Facilities are equipped to accommodate campers with special needs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, they strive to make every camper’s stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, allowing them to focus fully on their activities and experiences.

Activities in Timberlake Ranch Camp

Timberlake Ranch Camp provides a vibrant array of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities, promoting skill development, teamwork, and personal growth. Here’s a closer look at what they offer:

1. List of Activities Offered:

Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Each activity is supervised by trained staff to ensure safety and fun.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can express their creativity through various arts and crafts projects, drama workshops, and music sessions.
Sports: They offer a range of sports, including archery, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, which cater to various skill levels and promote physical fitness and sportsmanship.
Nature and Science Programs: These programs include gardening, wildlife exploration, and basic astronomy, helping campers learn about the environment and the world around them.

2. Special Events or Traditions:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend the camp sessions, helping to foster a sense of community and celebration.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfires offer storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, which are cherished traditions that build a sense of camaraderie among campers.
Theme Days: From superhero day to backward day, themed activities spark creativity and fun throughout the camp.
End-of-Session Showcase: Campers have the opportunity to display their talents and the skills they’ve developed in a celebratory showcase at the end of each session.

3. Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Programs: Older campers can participate in leadership training programs, which include mentoring younger campers and leading group activities.
Personal Development Workshops: These sessions focus on building confidence, resilience, and social skills.
Specialty Skills Clinics: For those interested in deepening specific abilities, clinics in areas like advanced swimming techniques, competitive sports, or specialized arts are available.

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, every day is filled with opportunities for fun, learning, and growth, all in a supportive and dynamic environment. Whether campers are looking to try something new or hone existing skills, there’s something for everyone at Timberlake Ranch.

The staff of Timberlake Ranch Camp

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, they pride themselves on maintaining a highly qualified, enthusiastic, and supportive staff team that ensures a safe, educational, and fun environment for all campers. Here’s an overview of their staff dynamics, qualifications, and training procedures:

1. Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and high-quality supervision. Their ratio is approximately 1 staff member for every 5 campers, which helps us provide a supportive, engaging, and safe environment for all participants.

2. Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Selection Process: Their staff are selected through a rigorous hiring process that includes comprehensive background checks, interviews, and reference checks to ensure that they are not only qualified but also share their camp’s philosophy and values.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have experience in child care, education, or related fields. Many are also former campers themselves, deeply familiar with the camp’s operations and spirit. They prioritize hiring individuals who are enthusiastic, responsible, and skilled in various areas of camp activities.
Specialized Roles: For specialized activities, such as horseback riding or swimming, they hire staff with specific expertise and certifications relevant to their role to ensure the highest standards of safety and instruction.

3. Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo intensive pre-camp training. This training covers their camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and effective communication skills.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. They frequently host certification courses on-site to ensure that all new and returning staff are current with their certifications.
Activity-Specific Certifications: For certain activities, additional specific certifications may be required, such as lifeguarding for swimming instructors or certification from recognized equestrian organizations for horseback riding instructors.

Timberlake Ranch Camp is committed to maintaining a team that is not only highly capable and vigilant regarding safety but also passionate about making camp a memorable and transformative experience for every camper. This dedication to excellence in their staff is a cornerstone of their camp’s success and popularity.

Safety and Health in Nebraska Youth Camp

At Timberlake Ranch Camp, the safety and health of their campers and staff are paramount. They have comprehensive protocols and facilities in place to ensure that everyone enjoys a secure and healthy camp experience.

1. Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Routine Safety Drills: They conduct regular safety drills including fire drills, severe weather drills, and emergency response drills to ensure that both campers and staff are prepared for any unexpected situations.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at the camp has its specific set of safety guidelines, which are strictly enforced by their staff. For example, horseback riding requires helmets, and swimming is supervised by lifeguards at all times.
Secure Campgrounds: The camp is designed to be a secure environment with controlled access points, ensuring that only authorized personnel and campers are on the premises. Staff are trained to monitor campers continuously and ensure their safety throughout their stay.

2. On-site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Clinic: Timberlake Ranch Camp has an on-site health clinic staffed with qualified medical personnel, including a registered nurse available 24/7 during camp sessions. The clinic is equipped to handle minor injuries and common illnesses and is prepared to stabilize and manage more serious conditions until additional medical response is secured.
Medication Management: They carefully manage and administer medications as prescribed to campers, maintaining meticulous records to ensure accuracy and safety.
Regular Health Checks: Their staff conducts regular health checks to monitor the well-being of campers, especially during activities that are physically demanding.

3. Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that includes protocols for immediate action, communication with parents and local emergency services, and evacuation procedures if necessary.
Partnerships with Local Hospitals: They maintain strong relationships with local hospitals and emergency services to ensure quick and effective response times in the event of serious health issues or injuries.
Parental Notification System: In the event of an emergency, they have a system in place for promptly notifying parents or guardians, providing them with updates about their child’s status and any needed actions.

Timberlake Ranch Camp’s commitment to safety and health is integral to its mission of providing a safe, fun, and enriching camp experience for all participants. By implementing thorough safety measures and maintaining excellent health facilities, they ensure that every camper can enjoy their time at the camp with peace of mind.

Cost and Registration in Timberlake Ranch Camp

Ensuring a straightforward and accessible registration process, along with transparent cost and financial support options, is key to making Timberlake Ranch Camp an enjoyable and stress-free experience for families. Here are the details on cost, registration, and financial aid options:

1. Cost of Attendance:

The cost of attending Timberlake Ranch Camp varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. Generally, costs cover all aspects of the camp experience including lodging, meals, activities, and access to all facilities.
Additional fees may apply for certain specialty programs or extended sessions.

2. Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Families can register their campers through their online platform, which is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The registration process includes filling out necessary medical forms, consent documents, and camper preferences.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months in advance of the summer season, with early bird discounts available for those who register early. Specific deadlines for each session are clearly communicated through their website and promotional materials.
Confirmation: Once registration is complete and payment is processed, families receive a confirmation email with a camper packet that includes a packing list, schedule, and other important information for preparing for camp.

3. Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Recognizing that families have different financial needs, Timberlake Ranch Camp offers flexible payment plans to spread the cost of the camp over several months.
Refunds and Cancellation: They provide a structured refund policy where full or partial refunds are available up to a certain date before the camp session begins. Details of the refund policy are outlined during registration.
Cancellations due to Unforeseen Circumstances: In cases of cancellation due to unexpected events such as illness or family emergencies, special considerations are made to offer refunds or transfer registration to a future session.

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Timberlake Ranch Camp offers scholarships to help families who need financial assistance. These scholarships are typically awarded based on need and availability of funds.
Application for Financial Aid: Families interested in financial aid are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application process involves submitting a form that details financial need and a short explanation of why the camper would benefit from attending the camp.

Their goal at Timberlake Ranch Camp is to ensure that no child misses out on a camp experience due to financial constraints. They are committed to providing opportunities for all children to enjoy their camp, fostering an environment of inclusion and accessibility.

Cost:

K-3rd Grade Camps – $190
4th-6th Grade Camps – $380
7th-10th Grade Camps – $380
Horsemanship Camps – $435

Parent and Camper Preparation in Timberlake Ranch Camp

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. At Timberlake Ranch Camp, they strive to make this preparation process as smooth and comprehensive as possible. Here’s a guide to help ensure that campers arrive ready for a fun and fulfilling experience.

1. Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable clothing for the session duration, including layers for cooler evenings. Include swimwear, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes for hiking and sports.
Bedding: Bring sleeping bags or bed linens and pillows for the cabins or dorms.
Toiletries: Essential toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and sunscreen.
Insect Repellent: To protect against bugs, especially in the evening.
Flashlight: For evening activities and nighttime navigation around camp.
Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated throughout the day.
Medications: Clearly labeled and accompanied by dosage instructions.

2. Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems is restricted. Devices, if brought, will be collected and stored safely, and returned for use at specific times if needed.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to respect the camp schedule, with specific visiting days typically set to minimize disruption and maximize the camp experience.
Behavior: Campers are expected to follow all camp rules, respect fellow campers and staff, and participate actively in scheduled activities.

3. Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Be open to making new friends and trying new activities.
- Communicate with your counselors; they are there to help you have the best experience possible.
- Remember that it’s okay to feel homesick; it’s a normal feeling, and your counselors can help you through it.
For Parents:
- Discuss what camp will be like well before departure to help manage expectations and reduce anxiety.
- Include a familiar item from home, like a favorite book or a family photo, to comfort your camper.
- Write letters in advance for your camper to receive throughout their stay.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, both campers and parents can feel confident and excited about the upcoming adventure at Timberlake Ranch Camp. Every camper’s journey is poised to be a memorable one, filled with fun, learning, and growth.

At Timberlake Ranch Camp in Marquette, Nebraska, they are dedicated to creating a nurturing and exciting environment where campers can thrive while exploring nature, developing new skills, and building lasting friendships. Their comprehensive programs, from outdoor adventures to creative arts and science workshops, cater to a wide range of interests and provide opportunities for personal growth and fun.

They ensure every aspect of the camper’s experience is covered, from safety and health protocols to comfortable accommodations and nutritious meals. Their staff are highly trained and deeply committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all campers.