Circle J Ranch Camp, nestled in the picturesque Bighorn Mountains near Ten Sleep, Wyoming, offers an unforgettable experience for youth seeking adventure and personal growth. This camp, rooted in a rich tradition of outdoor education and character development, has been fostering a love for nature and leadership skills among its campers for decades.

Located in a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, Circle J Ranch Camp provides a backdrop where campers can explore and learn in an environment that feels both expansive and secure. The proximity to natural landmarks, including the vast Bighorn National Forest, enhances the camp experience with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and star-gazing.

The mission of Circle J Ranch Camp is centered around the development of young individuals through outdoor activities, communal living, and reflective learning. The camp’s philosophy is to nurture a sense of responsibility, cooperation, and respect for nature and each other, aligning with its core values of integrity, teamwork, and perseverance.

Circle J Ranch Camp serves boys and girls in separate sessions, catering to various age groups. Each session is designed to meet the developmental needs of children and teenagers, making it an inclusive environment where everyone finds activities that challenge and excite them. The camp’s programs emphasize skill building, leadership, and personal growth, helping campers to achieve their potential while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Programs Offered by Circle J Ranch Camp

1. Outdoor Adventure Program

Description: This program emphasizes wilderness skills, outdoor survival, and environmental stewardship. Campers participate in activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Session Length: Offered in one and two-week sessions.
Specialty: Focus on nature exploration and survival skills.

2. Equestrian Skills Program

Description: Tailored for beginners to advanced riders, this program enhances horsemanship through trail rides, grooming, and horse care lessons.
Session Length: Available in two-week sessions.
Specialty: Equestrian care and riding.

3. Leadership Development Program

Description: Designed for older campers, this program focuses on building leadership skills through team-building exercises, problem-solving tasks, and leadership roles within the camp.
Session Length: Two weeks or full summer options for an immersive experience.
Specialty: Leadership training and personal development.

4. Arts and Crafts Workshop

Description: Encourages creative expression through various arts and crafts projects, including painting, sculpture, and traditional crafts.
Session Length: One-week sessions.
Specialty: Artistic expression and creativity.

5. Water Sports Program

Description: Offers instruction in swimming, canoeing, and fishing, with an emphasis on safety and fun in water-based activities.
Session Length: One and two-week sessions.
Specialty: Aquatic activities and safety training.

Typical Daily Schedule:

7:00 AM: Wake up and morning exercise
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning program session (varies by program)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest period
2:00 PM: Afternoon program session
5:00 PM: Free time
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (campfires, games, storytelling)
9:00 PM: Bedtime preparation
10:00 PM: Lights out

Each program is structured to provide a balanced mix of instructional time, recreational activities, and personal growth opportunities, ensuring that campers have a rich and fulfilling camp experience.

Accommodations in Circle J Ranch Camp

1. Sleeping Arrangements:

Type: The camp primarily uses cabins designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Each cabin is constructed with rustic wooden exteriors and comfortable, modern interiors.
Details: Cabins are grouped by age and program to facilitate a community environment among campers with similar interests. Typically, each cabin accommodates 8-10 campers along with 2 counselors, ensuring supervision and safety.

2. Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Circle J Ranch Camp provides three nutritious meals per day, prepared by experienced staff in the central dining hall. The meal plan is designed to be both hearty and healthy, fueling campers for their active days.
Dietary Accommodations: The camp is committed to accommodating special dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and any allergies. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary requirements with the camp staff prior to arrival to ensure well-prepared meals.

3. Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Location: Bathroom and shower facilities are centrally located for easy access from all cabins. The facilities are separated by gender and are well-maintained to ensure cleanliness and privacy.
Details: Each bathroom block includes multiple stalls, sinks, and shower units to minimize wait times. Showers are equipped with private changing areas and secure storage for personal items.

The camp strives to provide a comfortable, safe, and inclusive living environment that allows campers to focus on their experiences and growth without the concerns of basic comforts.

Activities in Circle J Ranch Camp

List of Activities Offered:

Swimming: Supervised swimming sessions in the camp’s natural lake, focusing on safety and fun.
Hiking: Guided hikes through the Bighorn Mountains, tailored to different fitness and experience levels.
Crafts: A variety of arts and crafts activities including pottery, weaving, and woodworking.
Horseback Riding: Equestrian lessons and trail rides for all skill levels.
Archery: Instruction and practice in archery, focusing on safety and technique.
Canoeing: Summer camps, canoeing on the lake, including instruction on paddling and water safety.
Fishing: Opportunities to learn and practice fishing techniques in freshwater environments.
Rock Climbing: Sessions on natural and artificial climbs, catering to beginners and more advanced climbers.
Campfires: Regular campfire nights with storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting.
Star Gazing: Nighttime activities that take advantage of clear skies to explore astronomy.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening Ceremony: A traditional opening night event that welcomes all campers and sets the tone for the session with games and introductions.
Camp Olympics: A multi-day event featuring team competitions in various camp activities, fostering spirit and camaraderie.
Talent Show: Campers and staff showcase their talents, creating a supportive environment for self-expression.
Closing Banquet: A formal dinner on the last evening of the session, where achievements and memories are celebrated.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Skills: Through activities like the Leadership Development Program and participating in camp governance.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Fostered through group activities and special events where working together is essential.
Environmental Awareness: Promoted during nature hikes and ecological activities that educate campers about local wildlife and conservation practices.
Creative Expression: Encouraged through arts and crafts sessions and the talent show.
Physical Fitness: Enhanced by engaging in various sports and outdoor activities that challenge the body and mind.

Circle J Ranch Camp provides a diverse range of activities designed to cater to different interests and abilities, ensuring every camper can find something they enjoy while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

The staff of Circle J Ranch Camp

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

Circle J Ranch Camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and a high level of supervision. Typically, the ratio is approximately one staff member for every six campers. This ratio allows the staff to effectively manage safety, provide individualized instruction, and foster a nurturing environment.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Recruitment: The camp recruits staff from a variety of sources, including universities with strong education or recreation programs, referrals from current and former staff, and targeted advertising in outdoor and educational networks.
Qualifications: Prospective staff members must have previous experience in childcare or camp settings, a passion for outdoor activities, and a strong commitment to youth development. A background check and references are mandatory for all staff members.
Interview Process: Candidates undergo a rigorous interview process that assesses their experience, skills, and suitability for working in a dynamic camp environment. This includes scenario-based questions to evaluate their problem-solving and emergency response skills.

Training and Certifications:

Pre-Camp Training: All staff members participate in a comprehensive pre-camp training program. This includes sessions on camp policies, child psychology, conflict resolution, activity leadership, and safety protocols.
Certifications: Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Those involved in specific activities such as swimming, horseback riding, or rock climbing are also required to have relevant certifications, such as lifeguarding or specific sports coaching credentials.
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, the staff receives ongoing training and performance evaluations to ensure they continue to meet the camp’s high standards of safety and camper engagement.

Circle J Ranch Camp is committed to maintaining a highly skilled and dedicated staff to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers while providing a fun and enriching camp experience.

Safety and Health in Circle J Ranch Camp

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation procedures, to ensure that both campers and staff are well-prepared for any situation.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity at the camp is led by staff trained in that specific area, using equipment that is regularly inspected and maintained. Guidelines and safety rules are strictly enforced, particularly for high-risk activities like rock climbing and horseback riding.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times, with staff strategically placed throughout the camp and during all activities to monitor and respond to any issues promptly.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Circle J Ranch Camp has an on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and a visiting physician. The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is prepared to stabilize cases that may require transportation to a hospital.
Staff Qualifications: Health staff are required to have current certifications in advanced first aid, CPR, and emergency response. They are experienced in pediatric and emergency care, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the needs of children and teenagers.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that includes protocols for various scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and missing camper situations. This plan is reviewed and updated annually.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has protocols for communicating with local emergency services and parents. The camp ensures that there are always open lines of communication via landlines, cell phones, and radios.
Transportation: For emergencies requiring hospital care, the camp maintains vehicles that are equipped and ready to transport campers to the nearest medical facility quickly. The nearest hospital is briefed before the camp season on potential needs and emergency protocols.

Circle J Ranch Camp places a high priority on the safety and health of its campers, with comprehensive measures and skilled personnel in place to address any issues that may arise and to ensure a safe, enjoyable camping experience for all participants.

Cost and Registration in Circle J Ranch Camp

Cost of Attendance:

Cost: The cost of attending Circle J Ranch Camp varies depending on the session length and program type. Typically, a two-week session costs approximately $1,200, which includes all lodging, meals, activities, and program materials.
What’s Included: The fee covers all basic camping necessities including accommodation in cabins, three meals a day plus snacks, all program activities, equipment use, and 24-hour supervision by trained staff.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Registration Process: Parents can register their children online. The process involves filling out an online registration form, choosing session dates and programs, and submitting medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and remains open until sessions are full. Popular sessions and programs can fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: The camp offers flexible payment plans that allow parents to pay in installments leading up to the start of the chosen session. Details and arrangements can be made during the registration process.
Refunds: Full refunds are available up to one month before the session begins. After this point, refunds are given on a sliding scale, decreasing as the start of the session approaches.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or family emergency, the camp will work with families to offer credits for future sessions when possible.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Circle J Ranch Camp offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families in need. These scholarships are need-based and can cover a portion or all of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid is available on a case-by-case basis. The camp encourages families to apply early for financial aid, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Circle J Ranch Camp strives to make its programs accessible to all children and provides various options to assist families with the cost of camp, ensuring that as many children as possible can experience the joys and benefits of camping.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Circle J Ranch Camp

Packing List:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sweatshirts, and a waterproof jacket. Include enough for the session length as laundry services are limited.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots, water shoes for aquatic activities, and comfortable sneakers.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed linens and a pillow.
Personal Items: Toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Optional Items: Camera, books, and a journal for recording experiences.
Prohibited Items: Avoid bringing valuables, excessive cash, or unnecessary electronics.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops is restricted to specific times and areas in the camp. Emergency contact is facilitated through the camp office.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruption and help campers adjust to the camp environment. All visitors must check in at the camp office upon arrival.
Behavioral Expectations: The camp enforces a strict policy regarding respect, cooperation, and kindness. Bullying, aggressive behavior, or non-compliance with camp rules can result in disciplinary action or dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

For Campers:
- Embrace the experience: Try new activities, make new friends, and learn new skills. Camp is a great place to grow and learn about yourself.
- Communicate: If you’re feeling homesick or have any concerns, talk to your counselor. They’re there to help you have the best time possible.
For Parents:
- Prepare together: Go through the packing list with your camper, and discuss what they can expect at camp to help manage any anxieties.
- Stay positive: Your enthusiasm about the camp experience can influence your child’s perception and excitement.
- Set communication expectations: Discuss how often and by what means you’ll communicate. Prepare your child for the limited use of technology.

Circle J Ranch Camp aims to provide a safe, enriching, and enjoyable environment for all campers. By following these guidelines, campers and parents can ensure a smooth transition to camp life and maximize the benefits of the camp experience.

Circle J Ranch Camp provides a unique and enriching environment where young people can explore the great outdoors, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. Nestled in the scenic Bighorn Mountains of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, the camp offers a diverse range of programs designed to challenge and engage campers of all ages and interests. From horseback riding and hiking to crafts and leadership training, there is something for everyone at Circle J Ranch Camp.

The dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and well-maintained facilities ensure that each camper’s experience is safe, enjoyable, and rewarding. With its commitment to fostering personal growth and a love for nature, Circle J Ranch Camp remains a top choice for parents seeking a meaningful summer experience for their children.