JCC Ranch Camp.

I love Ranch Camp so much. It is truly an incredible experience both as a camper and as a staff member. It has changed by life and defined my Jewish identity. Love love RC <3

I so much wished I would not have to review this camp. I spoke with the camp director as well as the Board of Directors in hopes that our conversations could turn the negative experiences around. In the end, I did not feel they were honest with me, and I was incredibly disappointed they would do nothing to make things right. The EQ Program. What we were told – their program was designed for beginners as well as intermediate riders with two separate groups, there would be AAHS Certified instructor and a highly qualified assistant, there would be an off-site field trip like a show or visit to get tack, there would be a competition “buckle” series, campers would spend 5 hours a day with their horse riding 2x day morning and afternoon 6 days a week, riding time would be split between arena work and trail riding. What actually happened – there were only beginner students and instruction was only at beginner level, The instructor, presumably certified, was not a good teacher and would give a bunch of empty “good jobs” instead of teaching beginners. She offered nothing to the three intermediate riders (2 of which were my kids and their one friend). The “highly qualified assistant” was not. No off-site trips, and no competition event. At most 3 hours a day spent with their horses and usually less. They only rode once a day. There was very little time in the arena (where instruction and form can be assessed) because the two arenas designated to EQ were dilapidated (more on that). In addition, at least one of the horses in use was severely underweight and appeared to have health issues. The arena. There are actually 3 arenas at ranch camp. One good one is used for campers not in the EQ program. EQ makes use of two dilapidated arenas with poor footing. Even footing is essential for safe riding. It doesn’t need to be expensive, sand is fine. But it needs to be maintained. These two arenas were lumpy, with rocks and weeds. Overnight rains flooded areas of these arenas. Anything more than walking is not safe. Director told me it was fine. Only one of the arenas was fine. I focus on EQ because that was the big draw for us. We could have found a camp closer to home that would have saved us travel costs. We also could have selected another camp like Ramah of the Rockies that only costs $3,200 instead of the $5,375 we paid for JCC Ranch Camp for the same amount of time, better location, and more time with horses. But we didn’t because of the misinformation provided to us on the JCC Website and in all of our conversations with them before camp. When my kids told me after camp about everything that was missing, I thought there must have been some last minute problem. Had there been a last minute issue, a call from the camp to tell us how our program would be different than what was advertised would have been very much appreciated. Then we could have decided whether to go ahead with it or not. But we were not given that choice. Turns out some of what they advertise hasn’t happened for years. Additionally, we had no contact with our kids as their letters did not start to arrive until after they returned from camp. Had we known it would be so different I would not have sent them there. But there were other issues as well that non-EQ campers should know about. Main dish food rationing, half a piece of fruit as “snack”, shower/bathroom breakdowns – unavoidable? But how do you explain lack of supplies and cleaning? Open camper files in full view in front office, updates to parents were very vague and non-specific. There was an accumulation of things like this that indicated it was just not administered well. To be fair there were some good things. Most of the counselors were very good, some were amazing. They bring in a number of foreign counselors from all over the world and that was a good exchange. And my kids made friends and enjoyed the other kids. My kids made the best of it and made it through the entire session. But this camp they attended was not at all the camp they advertised to parents.

This place is great, and the people are amazing. Very big place and the property is huge.

Hey! I am a camper at JCC Ranch camp and it is my absolute favorite place IN THE WORLD! Almost every day I'm away I miss it becuase of all the kind people, fun activities, games, the brisket on the last shabbat, and most of all, the memories. I still remember some things from my first year which was over 4 years ago! The people are great! if you go to camp and dont get anybody's contact, trust me, you'll regret it. (i know from experience) it still sucks to be away from camp for all the time but one of my favorite parts is meeting new people, making new friends and getting to see old ones again. Fun fact, JCC Ranch camp also owns the land that a battle scene in "Narnia" was shot in! Anyways, JCC Ranch camp is so fun. I recommend coming, or sending your child here. It's more magical than Disney land!

Phenomenal! This is where your kiddo goes to have the best summer camp experience ever. This is my most favorite summer decision for my kiddo by far and JCC will be put on repeat every summer going forward. There are so many reasons I love JCC Ranch Camp. My child was able to learn a little independence away from home, build friendships, experience new things, increase cultural awareness and gain a deeper connection and appreciation with the culture. A round of applause for the Camp Counselors who provides your child with personal attention and care. Great job JCC!!!!!!💙

We had a wonderful retreat at Everland in Oct 2020. The location of Everland is in a pristine mountainous area with hiking trails throughout. While we were there we had the privilege of enjoying temperatures of from 70 to 7 degrees during our stay. The lower temps transformed the location into a beautiful winter wonderland. The staff at Everland are very attentive and worked very well with our requirements. They were in the process of adding many additional upgrades at Everland including beautiful outdoor art installations. The rooms and beds were very comfortable and the meeting room is spacious for large groups. Also they are conveniently located near Denver. Check out Everland for your retreats.

Me and my crew used this camp for a retreat last year and are thrilled to be coming back. Gina, the camp director, and her staff are incredible. They worked so closely with us to make sure all our needs were met and exceeded. The staff is incredible, including Brad the corgi. The actual piece of land that this facility sits on is breathtaking and exceptional. The facility itself is a mixture of historic and updated. It’s super clean and spacious. The camp activity offering are are special as the grounds itself. I can’t recommend this camp enough.

We have hosted a couple retreats here and Gina and her team are amazing. They are very accommodating and helpful. The space is beautiful and there are lots of options for lodging for participants and leaders. There is a commercial kitchen that is well stocked making cooking for your group easy. We will return soon!

We have had the pleasure of conducting several men's retreats at the JCC Ranch Camp every year since 2008. It's a beautiful facility on a beautifully forested site!! JCC maintains the facility well and continues to make improvements each year to better accommodate its summer youth camp programming and our retreats of about 100 men. Management and onsite support staff have been wonderful to work with. The Kosher kitchen and dining area are very large and well equipped. Groups can choose to prepare meals themselves within the Kosher guidelines provided by JCC or contract with catering services familiar with Kosher requirements. We look forward to conducting many more retreats at JCC Ranch Camp!

I hated it in 6th grade and I still have flashbacks. I’m now 20 years old. I re read my journal and it made it worse. Riding horses was chill though. Maybe it’s better now but I am still distraught.