Details & FAQs

Extended Care Is Complimentary & Included

Extended care is complimentary for all Rancho campers. Parents may enroll campers into either the morning and/or afternoon extended care on a daily or weekly basis. For planning supervision and snack-planning purposes, we highly recommend you include your extended care options during the registration process. However, you may always access the camp mobile site to sign up for extended care at anytime, including same day.

Morning extended care begins promptly at 7:30am each day. 
Afternoon extended care ends promptly at 5:30pm each day.

Extended Care Important Notes:

  • For liability and supervision purposes, Rancho will not accept campers dropped off prior to 7:30am. 
  • On a similar note, campers must be picked up no later than 5:30pm. Failure to pick up your camper on or before 5:30pm may result in a suspension from the complimentary service.
  • Campers who are not picked-up by 3:15pm will automatically be checked-in to afternoon extended care.
  • All campers participating in the afternoon extended care session will be offered a snack (see “snack information” below for details) at approximately 3:45pm each day.

Snack Is Complimentary & Included

 All campers will receive a complimentary snack during afternoon Extended Care. Water is always available and encouraged to provide a boost of energy during the hot summer days. 

Of course, campers are welcome to bring their own snack to camp. If you bring a snack from home, please label it with a permanent marker and include your camper’s first and last name. Please also note that camper-brought snacks will be stored in a cool indoor space, but will not be refrigerated.

 

 

Safety First:
Snacks Are Nut-Free 

At Rancho Camps we are extremely careful with food and overly aware of food-related allergies. Therefore, all of our snacks are nut-free. If you have any questions about the type of snacks we provide please contact us at anytime. 

    Swimming & Rock Wall Included 

    SWIMMING

    Safety, above all, is the #1 priority – there are no exceptions.

    Each day the pool area is safely over-staffed with highly-trained certified professional lifeguards as well as water-safety instructors.

    Each week all enrolled campers have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in one of the two pools on campus. We are well-known for our instructional swim program, offering campers enrolled in Day Camp (ages, 3 to 6) daily swim lessons. All other campers participate in recreational swim (free swim). Swimming is not mandatory and parents/campers may opt out of swimming either for the week or on certain days.

    At Rancho Camps we are extremely careful with food and overly aware of food-related allergies. Therefore, all of our snacks are nut-free. If you have any questions about the type of snacks we provide please contact us at anytime.

    CAMP ROCK WALL

    Each week, all Rancho campers have the opportunity to participate in the camps’ portable Rock Wall activities. Under the direction of  professionally trained Rock Wall instructors, both beginnner and advanced rock climbers climb their way to the top with the goal of ringing the Rock Wall Bell! The Rock Wall is an exceptional addition to our list of weekly activities as campers rave about the fun and excitement the Rock Wall provides. Climbing is encouraged, but not mandatory. If you have any questions about the Rock Wall activity we offer please contact us at anytime.

    Enroll In Multiple Weeks

    There are two primary reasons to enroll in multiple weeks:
    1. Research shows that campers who attend multiple weeks of Rancho Camp experience a stronger bond with their instructors and in return, enhance their own enjoyment and learning experience Rancho Camps provides.
    2. The more you enroll, the more you save! Rancho Camp discounts apply for all families who attend more than one camp session per summer!

    By the Number – Average Enrollment Analysis

    Percentage of Campers Enrolled in Multiple Weeks:

    %

    Only 1 Week

    %

    2 Weeks

    %

    3-5 Weeks

    %

    6+ Weeks

    Still Wondering Why To Attend Multiple Sessions?

    Do you remember that TV show Blues Clues? It was the most successful kids’ show of all time. Do you remember that book that your child insisted on reading over and over again? How could you forget it? Why was Blues Clues so successful and why did your child feel the NEED to re-watch every episode? As New York Times Bestselling Author and world-renowned social behavioral scientist Malcolm Gladwell explains, it’s because repetition promotes learning, growth, and empowerment.

    “For younger kids, repetition is really valuable. They demand it. When they see a show over and over again, they not only are understanding it better, which is a form of power, but just by predicting what is going to happen, I think they feel a real sense of affirmation and self-worth.”

    Malcolm Gladwell,
    The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

    Based on our experience (and a bunch of brain science), we know that attending multiple weeks of Rancho Summer Camps will benefit your child – it will result in greater skill development, increased self-confidence, higher levels of technology awareness, and an improved ability to connect socially with others.

    Is Rancho Camps the right camp for my camper?

    Yes! Rancho Camps have been developed specifically for campers of all interests. We are a traditional camp offering the perfect balance of innovative and non traditional activities: from technology to sports and from science to the visual arts, Rancho Camps has you covered!

    In fact, the curriculum design team planned Rancho Camp programs for over 4 years to ensure that we offer diverse programs for children of all ages and interests. Therefore, the outcome your camper will experience from attending a Rancho Camps originates from decades of experience, in-depth research, and from listening – to you, the parent. 

    Camper & parent surveys, instructor questionnaires, and data analytics all drove the curriculum design team to create innovative and engaging themes. Moreover, we listened to thousands of parents and tens of thousands of campers in order to formulate and incorporate activities that offer enjoyment, movement, innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

    Does Rancho Camps have STEM program offerings? 

    Yes. Rancho Camps is a traditional summer camp but, we do offer plenty of innovative and exciting STEM focused programs. However it is important to note that Rancho Camps’ STEM programs is more than simply Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We know that behind every STEM activity is a Quest. A “Quest”, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, is a journey, pursuit, or search. Therefore, we strongly believe all of our programs and activities are a journey and that the aforementioned words define the very foundation of our camp’s constitution. 

    In general STEM represents confidence, experiential learning, teamwork, and collaboration. Moreover, STEM is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Regardless of the topic, STEM represents visual arts, sports, design, culinary arts, theater, computer-gaming, music, architecture, digital arts, fitness, and, well, just about everything. 

    STEM represent important school and career skills, that we call the 4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Our company and all of our camp instructors know that, to shine in STEM, children need to continually experience and develop “softer” skills too. Therefore, all of our programs seamlessly integrate STEM with the 4Cs. The program variety at Rancho Camps are unparalleled in the area of: Fitness, Arts, Engineering, Autonomous DronesComputer Programming, Coding and Robotics.

    Camp Policies, Procedures and Forms FAQs

    What is Rancho's allergy protocol?

    Your child’s safety is our highest priority.

    The Rancho Camps team has over 25 years managing the safety protocol for children with food, nut, or any other life-threatening allergy. Moreover, the entire Rancho staff is comprised of adults, teachers and educators who are experienced and well-trained both during the academic year and in our pre-summer camp training.

    During registration, you will be asked to provide detailed information regarding any allergies. You will also receive a separate form where you may complete and share all information about your camper as well as any medications (preventative or not) that our leadership team should be aware of pre-camp.

    Additional details about our Allergy and Medication Policies may be found in the Rancho Parent Handbook.

    Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have prior to the start of camp or at any time while camp is in session.

    We look forward to working together to provide a SAFE and fun summer.

    What is Rancho's medicine protocol?

    We are overly cautious and well-trained to ensure children with medical conditions enjoy a safe experience at Rancho Camps. If your child has any medical conditions you will have the opportunity to share that information with the Rancho Safety Team during registration.

    Additional details about our Allergy and Medication Policies may be found in the StemQuest Parent Handbook.

    Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have prior to the start of camp or at any time while camp is in session.

    We look forward to working together to provide a SAFE and fun summer.

    Important Disclosure

    All details of your child’s allergy or medical information must be brought to the attention of Rancho Camps during the enrollment and registration. We want to be 100% certain we are aware of all details and information regarding your child’s allergies prior to the start of camp.

    Our full-time Director of Summer Camp Operations will be certain your child’s onsite Site Leader, your child’s Leadership Team Member, and the Camp Medical Personnel on-site have all of the information they need to best care for your child.

    Note: All information is considered confidential and will be shared only with our camp staff who will be working directly with your child on location.

    How do I access camp forms?

    All forms are online and may be accessible either:

    1. From the enrollment confirmation email you receive post-enrollment
    2. From our Forms page on our website

    These digital forms will need to be completed and submitted during two separate periods before the start of camp:

    1. Immediately following registration
    2. A week or two prior to the camp start date

    Examples of some of our forms:

    • Allergy Form
    • Medical Form
    • Release Form
    • Immunization Record Form
    EpiPen & medicine procedures

    If your child has an allergy and a prescription for Epinephrine, we must have at-least one dose of injectable Epinephrine on the camp location at all times. The Epinephrine, and any other medications, may be given to the Site Leader before your child’s first day or on the morning of your child’s first day of camp.

    EpiPens and and all other medications must be current and not expired.

    • Your child’s life-saving medicine will be carried by the instructor (on their person) supervising your child at all times throughout the camp day.
    • Your child’s healthcare provider must complete the Medication Consent Section of the Health History Record for any medications your child may need while at camp. This serves as the “order” for our Camp Medical Personnel should any medications need to be given.
    • Please double check that the medication you will be providing does not expire before your child’s last day of camp.

    Additional details about our EpiPen and Medicine Procedures may be found in the StemQuest Parent Handbook.

    Access the Camp Handbook

    You may access the Rancho Camps Parent Handbook on the Camp Handbook page of this website.

    Bullying & Camper Behavior

    At IDEAS Camps, we respect and protect all of our customers, campers, families, and employed staff. 

    Camper Expectations and Behavior Management Plan Expectations for Campers

    • Keep hands and feet to self.
    • Talk to others (campers and staff) with respect.
    • Listen attentively when spoken to.
    • Treat all camp material and property with care and respect.
    • Be safe while having fun.The following behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:
    • Swearing/Foul Language
    • Leaving group or camp without permission
    • Hitting, biting or any other method of physical harm
    • Stealing
    • Destruction of property
    • Bullying another camper
    • In possession of/use of a weapon

    In extreme cases of unacceptable behavior that is physically threatening to other participants or staff or in direct violation of the camp safety, the camp reserves the right to immediately remove a participant from a program. There is a Zero Tolerance Policy for verbal threats or actions toward the physical well-being of other campers or staff. This behavior will result in the immediate dismissal of the camper.

    No refunds will be issued if your child has been removed from the program for disciplinary reasons.

    Therefore please note that there are no refunds for any camper who is asked to leave camp-either for a day, a session or the entire summer – due to behavioral challenges (bullying, fighting, verbal or physical abuse or any other form of misconduct) as assessed and determined, with full discretion, by the Site Leader and the IDEAS Camp Administrative staff at Camp Headquarters.

    Registration Information and Policies FAQs

    Do Rancho Camps sell out?

    Yes, Rancho Camps sell out.

    To ensure an intimate and safe camp environment, we limit the enrollment to accommodate a limited amount of campers per grade group, per weekly session.

    We strongly recommend you enroll early to secure your spot. Please remember you may register and only pay a 33% deposit through April 1st.

    Once a weekly session sells out, our enrollment team will initiate a waiting list on a first come, first serve basis.

    How late may I register?

    If camp is not sold out and space is available, you may register your camper(s) up until the morning of the first day of the weekly camp session.

    Our enrollment team is available throughout the summer and during the weekends to answer any of your questions, so please either register online or contact us at any time if you have questions about the upcoming week of camp.

    What are the payment options and deposit amount?

    Our secure online registration platform accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We do not accept echeck.

    Upon checkout, you will have the option to either pay in full or pay a per session deposit.

    After April 1st, you will only have the option to pay in full.

    The deposit is 33% tuition per session. This deposit is non-refundable and the remaining balance will be automatically collected on April 1st. The balance will be charged to the same credit card you originally used when you first registered.

    Does Rancho Camps offer Discounts?

    Yes, a variety of discounts are available and offered until camp sells out.

    Rancho Camps also offer Sibling Discounts and Group Discounts.

    Our most popular discounts apply when campers enroll for multiple weeks of camp. The more you enroll, the more you save.

    Review all of our discounts on the Registration Page.

    What is the camp cancellation policy?

    Due to the limited availability and the popularity of the Rancho Summer Camp programs, there are no refunds for any Rancho Camp Programs.

    Please visit the Registration Page to read more about our cancellation policy and refund protection plan.

    Do You Have “Registration Cancellation Insurance”?

    Due to the limited enrollment and popularity of Rancho Summer Camp Programs, there are no refunds. We are sorry, but there are no exceptions.

    Why do the camps sell out at an amount of limited campers per grade group?

    The full-time Rancho Camps team believes in safe, quality and personal experiences. Not only do we pride ourselves on providing an incredibly safe experience, but we appreciate the opportunity to get to know each camper on an individual level.

    In our experience, we have noticed many children become overwhelmed by the hundreds of other campers participating in a single weekly session.

    Therefore, to preserve an incredible experience and to ensure we exceed the expectations of both parents and campers, Rancho weekly camp sessions will sell out at a limited amount of campers per week, per grade group.

    How does Rancho manage “friend requests”?

    The majority of the Rancho Camps team has their own children between the ages of Pre-K to 12. So, we know from personal experience how important it may be for a child to attend a camp session with friends. While it is great (and encouraged) to make new friends at Rancho Camps, it is always comforting to know that a familiar face will be attending and waiting to greet your child each morning.

    Since Rancho Camp programs sell out at a limited amount of campers per weekly session, per grade group, campers are with one another at all times throughout the camp day.

    Therefore, there is no reason to make a request that your camper be placed in the same group with another friend so long as the campers are in the same grade group session (Day Camp, Xpedition, Pathfinders, etc.).

    If you have any questions or if you want to ensure that your child will be in the same group as his/her friends, please contact us at any time.

    Camp Day FAQs

    What are the hours of operation?

    Rancho Camps hours are 9am to 3pm.

    Rancho Camps offers complimentary extended care both in the morning and afternoon:

    AM Extended Care is available from 7:30am to 9am.

    PM Extended Care is available up until 5:30pm.

    What do campers do during extended care?

    Extended care activities are designed to accommodate campers who enjoys relaxing after camp and also campers who want to continue “the action” long after the camp day ends.

    Below are examples of a typical session of extended care:

    Morning Extended Care

    • Arrival & Check-in
    • Choose between a variety of rotating activities including:
      • Outdoor play/sports
      • Playground time
      • Traditional board games
      • Reading
      • Puzzles, riddles, and other mystery-like games
    • Clean-up
    • Morning Assembly (start of camp)

    Afternoon Extended Care

    • Transition & Check-in
    • Brief rest period
    • Snack
    • Choose between a variety of rotating activities including:
      • Outdoor play/sports
      • Playground
      • Traditional board games
      • Reading
      • Puzzles, riddles, and other mystery-like games
      • Gaming & coding activities
      • Interactive sports and games
    • Dismissal upon parent/guardian arrival.
    What is “curbside pick up and drop off”?

    Before your camp session begins, please become familiar with all of the Drop off and Pick up instructions provided in the “How to Best Prepare For Camp” PDF.

    Curbside pick up and drop off means that parents/guardians do not need to get out of their vehicles in the morning or in the afternoon during arrival and dismissal times.

    Rancho Camp instructors are prepared and ready to assist you and all of the campers in your vehicle as soon as you drive onto campus.

    Please understand we have an extremely detailed, yet organized drop off and pick up system to account for safety as well as attendance and efficiency.

    Morning Drop off

    • Starting at 8:45 AM campers will be greeted curbside and assisted by our camp staff who will open car doors and direct campers to the proper meeting location.
    • Campers should arrive no earlier than 8:45 AM as we are unprepared to safely welcome them onto campus (unless you have enrolled in our AM Extended Care program).
    • Although parking spaces are available, we are completely prepared and equipped to have you drop off your camper in the carpool lane.
      • Having said that, if you would like to park and walk your camper to the proper meeting location on the first day of camp, then please follow the proper signage on location to check in.
    • In the event of inclement weather during the morning drop off, all campers will follow the same protocol unless otherwise instructed once you arrive on campus.

    Afternoon Pick up

    • There is never a reason to park your car to pick up your camper(s).
    • Rancho Camp instructors are always on hand to assist you with the pick up process to make your experience both efficient and safe, so please follow their lead.
    • NO CELL PHONES PLEASE. We thank you in advance for keeping our carpool lanes phone free. For safety purposes, we also appreciate if you put your phones down as soon as you enter the campus and do not access them again until after you leave the campus.
    • Our camp programs have been 100% safe for 25+ years, however:
      • Sadly, every year across the country young children are hit and seriously injured by moving vechicles in school parking lots and/or carpool lanes when drivers are not 100% focused.

     

    Swimming Programs and Safety

    Safety, above all, is the #1 priority – there are no exceptions.

    Each day the pool area is safely over-staffed with highly-trained certified professional lifeguards as well as water-safety instructors.

    Each week all enrolled campers have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in one of the two pools on campus. We are well-known for our instructional swim program, offering campers enrolled in Day Camp (ages, 3 to 6) daily swim lessons. All other campers participate in recreational swim (free swim). Swimming is not mandatory and parents/campers may opt out of swimming either for the week or on certain days.

    We Offer Two Swim Programs

    • Instructional Swimming for Children Enrolled In Day Camp.
      • The instructional swimming program is an integral and fun part of our Day Camp Program.

        Designed for young swimmers of all levels, swimming instruction is geared towards helping children improve their skills in the water while becoming confident and safe swimmers.

        Our experienced swimming instructors teach children water skills and strokes one step at a time and at their own pace, with an emphasis on water safety. Of course, we also give the children time to just have fun cooling off and playing in the pool under the supervision of our lifeguards and swim instructors.

    • Recreational Swimming (free swim) For All Other Campers.
      • Safety is our #1 priority during any swim activity. Campers enjoy daily recreational swim, which gives them time to have fun, cool off and play in the pool under the direct supervision of our lifeguards and aquatics staff (whom are situated in lifeguard chairs, walking around the perimeter of the pool in zone coverage as well as in the pool with the campers.

        The goal of the recreational swim period is for the campers to enjoy swimming and and/or semi-organized pools games (ie: Sharks & Minnows), while being safe and upholding the pool rules at all times.

    Instructional Swimming FAQs

    Please read below for all information related to our instructional swimming program.

    • THE PROGRAM
      • The Rancho Camps Swim Program is centered on safety, instruction, and fun. Under the constant supervision of certified instructors and lifeguards, campers will learn swimming and safety skills they can use for the entire summer and the rest of their lives.
    • THE GOALS
      • SAFETY
        We maintain safety & uphold the pool rules at all times. Staff the pool with an abundance of  lifeguards.
      • DEVELOP
        We help campers develop and improve their swim skills in a relaxed, non-pressured environment.
      • FUN & CONFIDENCE
        We build confidence while encouraging campers to try new skills. When we accomplish this goal, swimming becomes more and more fun!
    • OUR APPROACH
      • On the first day of camp each Day Camper will be tested to determine their skill level and establish a starting point for swim instruction.
      • Once their level has been determined, day campers will then be grouped with children with a similar skill level.
      • We aim for a ratio of 3:1 camper to instructor during instruction.
      • In addition counselors (who they are with all day) and our lifeguards are present at the pool to provide additional supervision and encouragement during the instructional period.
      • Our Aquatics Director is also present to assist our instructors with new and innovative instruction techniques and games.
    • SWIM PROGRESSION & SKILLS 
      • Campers will progress through a set of skills.
      • Each skill is specifically designed to teach, develop, and improve swim strokes.
      • The strokes will focus on freestyle, combine stroke (elementary back arms with flutter kicks), elementary backstroke, backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke.
      • When a camper completes one skill or stroke, the camper is then encouraged to move onto the next skill or stroke.
    • Progression of Skills List
      • Blow bubbles
      • Comfortable with face in water
      • Enter & exit pool independently
      • Front and back float
      • Front and back glides with kick
      • Jump from pool edge
      • Diving
    • WEEKLY SCHEDULE
      • Instructional swim takes place on four days of the camp week.
      • Typically, Friday is a well-supervised swimming game/activity day for the Day campers where chlildren may enjoy a more relaxed, non-instruction environment as a reward for their hard work during the week.
    • IMPORTANT NOTES
      • Swimming is not mandatory.
      • Parents and campers can opt out of swimming or water play any and all days if they desire.
      • Rancho Camps always offers campers an alternative activity during pool time.
      • Our staff is accustomed to working with Day Camp campers whose parents may wish for them to swim, but the campers do not. Through patience, positive encouragement and gradual steps, we do our best to work with all campers and their individual needs and comfort levels to get them involved in our instructional swim program.
    Recreational Swimming FAQs

    Please read below for all information related to our instructional swimming program.

    • MANDATORY SWIM TEST
      • On the first day of camp, each Rancho Solano Campers who would like to participate in swimming, take a swim-test.
      • The mandatory swim test determines which campers can safely swim in the pool without a swim vest during recreational swim.
      • The test involves swimming approximately 20 yards, unassisted, and without touching the pool wall or lap lane.
      • Once a camper passes our swim test, they are no longer required to take the test again that summer.
      • If a camper does not pass the swim test or opts out of the test, school facility/pool rules state he or she must either:
        • 1) not swim that day or
          2) swim with a swim vest.
        • Campers who do not pass or opt out of the swim test always have the opportunity to take the test again on the following day.
    • THE GOAL
      • SAFETY
        • We maintain safety & uphold the pool rules at all times. Staff the pool with an abundance of  lifeguards.
    • SWIMMING IS NOT MANDATORY
      • Parents can opt their campers out of swimming for the week or day by day.
      • Alternative activities are offered to those choosing not to swim.
      • Parents/Guardians have the option to choose either an opt-in or opt-out option during the online enrollment process.
    What should my camper bring to camp?

    Before your camp session begins, please become familiar with Rancho Camps’ “How to Best Prepare For Camp” PDF.

    In summary, we recommend the following:

    • Sunscreen for sun protection.
      • We recommend you apply sunscreen to your child before arriving to camp in the morning.
    • Comfortable athletic clothing & sneakers.
      • Sneaker Note: For safety reasons we highly recommend all campers wear sneakers or fully covered Crocs to camp.
        **Please no flip flops.
    • Water bottle with camper’s name clearly marked (we provide plenty of water at all times, so this is not mandatory).
    • Swimsuit and towel
      • For Water Play days (pre-announced)
      • It is recommended that campers come to camp in the morning with their swimsuit already on (under their outerwear) to maximize water play time and decrease change time.
    Does Rancho Camps offer bus transportation?

    At this time, Rancho Camps does not offer transportation services.

    However, if you believe that your community would benefit from a bus service to and from a Rancho Camps location please contact us.

    We continually seek new ways to make your overall camp experience more convenient and enjoyable and less complicated.

    Camp Supervision & Staff

    Who does Rancho hire to work as instructors?

    Our Instructors Join Rancho Camps, Because They Cherish The Opportunity To Work With Children In A Safe & Friendly Environment

    Rancho Camps has an adult-led staff and aims for an average camper to counselor ratio of 6:1 to 8:1.

    We hire experienced professionals who are already working within education or individuals who are pursuing an undergradute or graduate degree in education, computer science, technology or engineering.

    Our Talent Acquisition Team has extremely rigid hiring procedures and all members of the Rancho Summer Camp team undergo a full background check and drug test prior to working on location.

    Each instructor is hired due to their supportive energy and commitment to their profession while making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children.

    Rancho Camps create an extraordinary summer platform steeped in tradition and filled with memories to last a lifetime.

    Those who work at Rancho Camps understand that it is far more than just a part time job or a seasonal position. Instead Rancho Camps is a place where instructors and counselors may feel at home, where new experiences can be tried and old skills improved.

    Our values and goals are reflected in every aspect of each week of camp; from our carefully planned programs and premier facilities to our emphasis on individual achievement in a family atmosphere.

    Rancho Camps is truly a special place not only for our campers and their families, but for our incredible team of instructors as well.

    Are the instructors background checked?

    All candidates undergo mandatory State and Federal criminal background checks.

    After potential staff undergo a series of in-depth interviews with our Director of Talent and Hiring Department, instructors and counselors who are hired undergo the following background checks:

    • State CORI (criminal)
    • State SORI (sexual)
    • National FBI fingerprint

    No staff member is invited to mandatory training or permitted to be on campus without passing all of the aforementioned tests.

    What is the training methodology and approach for Rancho Camps' instructors?

    Our training methodology is based on our company core values.

    We continously search for professionals seeking a fantastic summer camp experience. Therefore, our training process mimics the very same approach we tap into during the hiring season.

    We conduct staff orientation and training programs that focus on a series of camp and child-related topics, which include: safety and security procedures, group management strategies, anti-bullying training and team building.

    Each staff member receives at least 20+ hours of training before the first day of camp begins.

    The overall goal is to maximize the skillsets and talent of our top-notch, professional educators and encourage each and every one of them to exercise their exceptional creative teaching skills towards the development of each camper.

    Throughout training we stress the importance of continually offering a helping hand to provide each camper the confidence necessary to try all camp activities.

    We challenge our instructors to encourage campers to grow, to learn, to trust in their abilities and to believe in themselves.

    Above all, full-time members of the Rancho Camps provide an environment and platform for our instructors to succeed.

    We emphasize and remind all members of our team that it is their own determination and dedication that truly makes a difference in the lives of the children who attend Rancho Camps.

    To learn more about our hiring process please visit our hiring page to view the expectations we set with all potential candidates.

    Miscellaneous Information

    Information Collection and Use

    At Rancho Camps, we respect and protect the privacy of our customers and those who use our website. The following Privacy Statement provides details about how your personal information is collected and used.

    Rancho Camps is the sole owner of information collected on this site and through our registration provider’s site, Active.com. We will not sell, share, or rent this information to others in ways different from what is disclosed in this statement. Rancho Camps may collects information from our users at several different points on our website. Our website offers several opportunities for visitors to register for promotional and informational mailings. These registration forms are often linked to Rancho Camps’s mailing lists and request users to provide contact information (such as name and email address). We use this contact information to send users information about our company and its products and services if requested or necessary. Users may opt-out of receiving future mailings at any time (see the choice/opt-out section below).

    Bullying and Behavior Management Policy

    At IDEAS Camps, we respect and protect all of our customers, campers, families, and employed staff. 

    Camper Expectations and Behavior Management Plan Expectations for Campers

    • Keep hands and feet to self.
    • Talk to others (campers and staff) with respect.
    • Listen attentively when spoken to.
    • Treat all camp material and property with care and respect.
    • Be safe while having fun.
    • Wear masks when required for Covid (only if the camp is in a mask-mandate based on the recommendations from the CDC).

    The following behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated:

    • Swearing/Foul Language
    • Leaving group or camp without permission
    • Hitting, biting or any other method of physical harm
    • Stealing
    • Destruction of property
    • Bullying another camper
    • In possession of/use of a weapon
    • Removing mask when within 6-feet of a camper or staff – for Covid (only if the camp is in a mask-mandate based on the recommendations from the CDC)

    In extreme cases of unacceptable behavior that is physically threatening to other participants or staff or in direct violation of the camp safety and/or COVID-19 guidelines and protocols(only if the camp is in a mask-mandate based on the recommendations from the CDC), the camp reserves the right to immediately remove a participant from a program. There is a Zero Tolerance Policy for verbal threats or actions toward the physical well-being of other campers or staff. This behavior will result in the immediate dismissal of the camper.

    No refunds will be issued if your child has been removed from the program for disciplinary reasons.

    Therefore please note that there are no refunds for any camper who is asked to leave camp-either for a day, a session or the entire summer – due to behavioral challenges (bullying, fighting, verbal or physical abuse or any other form of misconduct) as assessed and determined, with full discretion, by the Site Leader and the IDEAS Camp Administrative staff at Camp Headquarters.

    Sharing and Usage

    Rancho Camps will never share, sell, or rent your personal information with third parties for their promotional use. Occasionally, we enter into contracts with third parties so that they can assist us in servicing you (for example, providing registration service). The contracts prohibit them from using any of your personal information for their own purposes, and they are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information we provide to them. We may disclose or report personal information in limited circumstances where we believe in good faith that disclosure is required under the law. For example, we may be required to disclose personal information to cooperate with regulators or law enforcement authorities, to comply with a legal process such as a court order, subpoena, search warrant, or law enforcement request.

    Use of Web Technologies

    We use a variety of technologies on our site. Among these are cookies; a piece of information that our websites provide to your browser when you visit our sites. Cookies allow us to verify the login status of customers on our website, support our online registration process, and to track and measure the success of a particular marketing campaign. Cookies also allow us to track overall site usage and determine areas users prefer, enabling us to make your visit to our website easier by recognizing you when you return and helping to provide you with a customized experience. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on our site. If you choose to disable cookies, you may still use our site; however, you may have limited access to some areas within our websites. We may access and set cookies using web beacons, also known as single-pixel GIFs which are invisible graphical images. These web beacons provide us useful information regarding our site such as which pages users access. When we send you emails, we may include a single-pixel GIF to allow us to determine the number of people who open our emails. When you click on a link in an email, we record this individual response to allow us to customize our offerings to you. We also keep track of activity on our website via log files stored on our web servers. We collect information such as IP address, browser type and version, and the pages you view. We also keep track of how you landed on our site and any links you click on to leave our site. Once you leave our site, we do not track you. We use your website activity to assist us in offering you a personalized Web experience, assist you with technical support, diagnose problems with our server, administer our websites and to tailor our product and service offerings to you.

    Links

    Our site provides links to third-party websites, such as those of our business partners. Because Rancho Camps does not control the information policies or practices of these third parties, you should review their privacy policies to learn more about how they collect and use personally identifiable information.

    Security

    We take every precaution to protect the confidentiality and security of your personal information by using industry-recognized security safeguards such as firewalls, coupled with carefully developed security procedures to protect your information from loss, misuse or unauthorized alteration. When we ask for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, we protect it through the use of encryption during transmission, such as the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. Rancho Camps takes care to reinforce the importance of our website visitors’ security and privacy among our employees. Our employees are trained and required to safeguard your information and, using physical, electronic and procedural safeguards, we restrict access to personal information to those employees and agents for business purposes only. Additionally, we use internal and external resources to review the adequacy of our security procedures.

    Choice/Opt-out

    Rancho Camps provides users the opportunity to opt-in, opt-out or change preferences via a link in the footer of most email messages. These options are made available when you sign-up for our email lists and in email messages delivered from our company. Alternatively, you may email us at info@ranchosummercamps.com Some communications (e.g. course and billing information) are necessary for all Rancho Camps’ customers. You must not be signed up for a future Rancho Camps program to unsubscribe from these communications. To cancel a Rancho Camps program, please email us at info@ranchosummercamps.com.

    Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

    If you are from the European Economic Area (EEA), Rancho Camps’ legal basis for collecting and using the personal information described in this Privacy Policy depends on the Personal Data we collect and the specific context in which we collect it.

    Rancho Camps may process your Personal Data because:

    • We need to perform a contract with you You have given us permission to do so
    • The processing is in our legitimate interests and it’s not overridden by your rights
    • For payment processing purposes
    • To comply with the law
    Your Data Protection Rights Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

    If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights. Rancho Camps aims to take reasonable steps to allow you to correct, amend, delete, or limit the use of your Personal Data.

    If you wish to be informed what Personal Data we hold about you and if you want it to be removed from our systems, please contact us.

    In certain circumstances, you have the following data protection rights:

    • The right to access, update, or delete the information we have on file. Whenever made possible, you can access, update or request deletion of your Personal Data directly within your account settings section. If you are unable to perform these actions yourself, please contact us to assist you.
    • The right of rectification. You have the right to have your information rectified if that information is inaccurate or incomplete.
    • The right to object. You have the right to object to our processing of your Personal Data. The right of restriction. You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information.
    • The right to data portability. You have the right to be provided with a copy of the information we have on you in a structured, machine-readable and commonly used format.
    • The right to withdraw consent. You also have the right to withdraw your consent at any time where Rancho Camps relied on your consent to process your personal information.

    Please note that we may ask you to verify your identity before responding to such requests. You have the right to complain to a Data Protection Authority about our collection and use of your Personal Data. For more information, please contact your local data protection authority in the European Economic Area (EEA).

    Analytics

    We may also use Google Analytics and Google Analytics Demographics and Interest Reporting to collect information regarding visitor behavior and visitor demographics on some of our Services, and to develop website content. This analytics data is not tied to any Personal Information. For more information about Google Analytics, please visit www.google.com/policies/ privacy/partners/. You can opt out of Google’s collection and Processing of data generated by your use of the Services by going to tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

    Notification of Changes

    If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on ranchosummercamps.com so our users are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it.

    The policies on this page are subject to change. Policies were last updated on 1/1/2021.

    Please see our Parent Handbook for any additional information and/or edits to the aforementioned provided above.

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