Rancho Day Camp in Scottsdale
A joyful first camp experience filled with weekly adventures, creative projects, active play, new friendships, and daily instructional swimming—guided by experienced, adult-led teams.
Everything Young Campers Need for a Great Summer Day
Designed for the energy, interests, and developmental needs of children ages 3½–6—with separate age-appropriate groups for Junior Day Camp and Day Camp.
Ages 3½–4 and ages 5–6 enjoy activities and guidance designed for their stage.
We aim for a 6:1 camper-to-counselor ratio so children receive personal attention.
Experienced, well-trained adults guide camp activities and transitions.
Age-appropriate swim instruction and pool time are included at Rancho.
Theme materials, creative projects, and a daily snack are included.
Morning and afternoon extended care are included with weekly tuition.
Why Families Choose Rancho Day Camp
Rancho Day Camp blends familiar childhood fun with a fresh theme every week. Campers create, move, imagine, swim, and make friends in a warm environment designed specifically for young children.
2027 Scottsdale Day Camp Dates and Themes
Junior Day Camp and Day Camp enjoy the same weekly themes through activities adapted for their age group. Select a week to explore the approved theme description.
May 24–28Mini Minions
Banana! Step into the world of Minions: The Rise of Gru for a week of silly discoveries. Practice your Minionese, then join a scavenger hunt to track down the elusive Gru. Create your own Minion costume, compete in the Camp Banana Toss, and make a Minion snack to enjoy or take home. Are you ready to join the Mini Minions?
Week of May 31*3..2..1...Outer Space!Camp meets June 1–4; no camp Monday, May 31.
Blast off on an out-of-this-world mission! Create your own space helmet, build a rocket, and explore the planets as you journey through the universe. Along the way, you will meet some space friends and use your imagination to discover what might be waiting beyond the stars. Suit up, prepare for launch, and get ready to count down… 3… 2… 1… Outer Space!
June 7–11Dinosaur Detectives
Calling all future paleontologists! Grab your fossil brush and travel back to the age of dinosaurs. You will create your own dinosaur costume, uncover mysterious fossils, and build binoculars for a dinosaur hunt around camp. What clues will you discover, and which prehistoric creatures will you find? Get ready for a roaring week of imagination, exploration, and dinosaur-sized fun!
June 14–18*Pirate AdventureFour-day session; no camp Friday, June 18.
Ahoy, mateys! Imagine climbing aboard Captain Ozzie’s pirate ship and setting off on a treasure hunt. Make your own pirate hat, patch, hook, and pet parrot craft so you can look the part. Then join your crew to search for Ozzie’s buried treasure, keeping an eye out for any pirate coins the captain shares along the way. Can your pirate crew find the treasure?
June 21–25Star Wars Padawan Academy
Climb aboard the Millennium Falcon and set your sights on a galaxy far, far away! Train like a young Jedi as you build your own lightsaber, compete in Stormtrooper Bowling, and complete the Saber Training Academy with Ozzie-Yoda. Do you have the focus, creativity, and courage to become the next great Padawan? Get ready for an imaginative week of galactic adventure!
June 28–July 2Ozzie’s Star Spangled Celebration
Celebrate the stars and stripes with Ozzie! Create patriotic hats, construct firecracker shakers, decorate a special birthday card, and join U.S.A.-themed games and activities. Shhh… you will also help prepare a surprise birthday celebration for Ozzie! With a watermelon contest and plenty of red, white, and blue creativity, this week is packed with festive fun.
Week of July 5*Kings, Queens & CastlesCamp meets July 6–9; no camp Monday, July 5.
Hear ye, hear ye! Enter the Camp Kingdom for a week of royal adventure. Enjoy puppet shows, Renaissance dance parties, and Noble Knight training as you travel back in time. You will create your own Renaissance costume, design a family crest, and use your imagination to become part of the kingdom. Lords, ladies, knights, and royalty are all invited to join the fun!
* Four-day session. No camp May 31, June 18, or July 5 due to the confirmed holiday calendar. Minions and Star Wars are trademarks of their respective owners, which do not sponsor, authorize, or endorse Rancho Camps or its programs.
More Weeks, More Adventures
Each week brings a completely different story, set of projects, and chance to build friendships. Many families choose two or three weeks so campers can grow more comfortable, confident, and connected.
Multiweek savings and sibling discounts are available.
Day Camp Activities Children Look Forward To
Weekly themes are complemented by a balanced mix of creative, active, social, and skill-building experiences.
GaGa + Backyard Sports
Active games adapted for young campers.
Interactive Play + Fitness
Movement, teamwork, and playful challenges.
Innovation Lab
Curiosity-driven building and discovery.
Creative Visual Arts
Painting, crafts, design, and imagination.
Creative Culinary Design
Simple, age-appropriate food creativity.
Instructional Swimming
Daily pool time with trained swim staff.
A Typical Day at Rancho Day Camp
Activities and timing vary by week, but every day balances welcoming transitions, themed fun, active play, creativity, swimming, and friendship.
Easy Morning Arrival
FREE morning extended care, followed by arrival and a welcoming transition into camp.
Theme + Active Play
Morning meeting, counselor challenges, themed activities, backyard sports, and an included snack.
Create + Swim
Swimming, GaGa, visual arts, innovation activities, themed projects, and a closing group meeting.
Flexible Pick-Up
Normal dismissal followed by FREE afternoon extended care for families who need it.
Adult-Led, Well-Trained Camp Teams
Rancho Day Camp is led by experienced adults who know how to create a welcoming, organized, and exciting experience for young children. Team members complete extensive pre-camp training as well as state and nationwide background checks.
Our goal is simple: help every camper feel known, included, encouraged, and excited to return the next day.
— Lindsi V., Rancho Camps Parent
Included with Day Camp Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions About Rancho Day Camp
What ages attend Rancho Day Camp?
Rancho Day Camp serves children ages 3½–6. Junior Day Camp is designed for ages 3½–4, while Day Camp is designed for ages 5–6.
Are younger and older campers separated?
Yes. Campers are placed in age-appropriate groups so activities, pacing, guidance, and transitions fit their developmental stage.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes. Children must be fully potty trained to participate in Rancho Day Camp.
What is included with tuition?
Theme and project materials, a daily snack, daily instructional swimming, and morning and afternoon extended care are included.
Can my child attend for only one week?
Yes. Families may choose one weekly theme or enroll in multiple weeks. Each week features a different adventure and activities.
Where is Rancho Day Camp located?
Rancho Day Camp is held at Rancho Solano School in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Find the Right Next Adventure
Programs are arranged from youngest to oldest so families can compare options quickly.
Choose Your Day Camp Weeks
Select one favorite adventure or combine two or three themes for a summer filled with new discoveries, growing confidence, and friendships.
Multiweek savings and sibling discounts are available.