A year-round interdenominational Christian Ranch for well over 50 years; family-oriented & personal; providing youth with a safe & suitable Christian environment. Western horseback riding, swimming, archery, cooperative games, low ropes course & more! Highly motivated & caring staff (2:1) whose patience & good humour instill a sense of well being & a spirit of cooperation. Campers come from around the province and even around the globe. We are blessed to have 3rd generation campers!
Campers (and staff) become part of our extended family - a wonderful benefit of a family run camp! We believe in demonstrating and teaching life skills through our programming and activities. We've seen the results throughout the years. Walking the talk is of utmost importance and we do our best to demonstrate our love for the Lord and His expectations of us. Alumni campers and staff share their appreciation.
Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Rocky Ridge Ranch currently has 3 programs available; 3 TBD.
Registration for camp opens up in December. Some weeks fill more quickly than others - Christmas in July in particular! Our first week is what we call Teen Week and is focussed on those who are 13 - 15. All ages camp weeks begin the fourth week of camp and continue for the rest of the summer. Many campers wish to add another week after they have completed their initial week. This is absolutely possible depending on available space. There is a free T-shirt for registrations prior to March 1st. A $150 per week deposit is required for overnight camp and $100 per week deposit for day camp. Deposits are non-refundable after May 15 and prior to May 15 there will be a $50 cancellation fee.
Rocky Ridge has been run by the same family for over 50 years at the same location. That means something, namely that the program remains consistent with the ideals that it was created with all those years ago. If you’re looking for dedication, this is an example of that in spades. The property is very large—indeed, it would be difficult to get a plot of this size and feel in this part of Ontario today—and it's absolutely accessible to families throughout the GTA. For them, it delivers all the hallmarks of an overnight camping experience, yet still being able to be home at night in their own beds. Another hallmark of Rocky Ridge, and one that is a principle draw, is the Christian focus. For the kids that attend it provides a welcome opportunity to engage with peers of a like mind, and who share a faith tradition.
Rocky Ridge Ranch is a very unique experience. If you're expecting a camp that’s, like, on the side of a busy highway, that's not what it is. You're going to be driving from bigger roads to smaller and smaller roads until you finally get to a path through a forest leading to the ranch. So it is an experience in itself for your kids, just going there and getting away from civilization and joining a group of people just separated from the world for a week.
That's only the beginning, though. The staff—the family that runs the camp—they're dedicated. That's their slogan, which you hear over and over again. That's their mission. And they've really dedicated their lives to the development of kids. And it's a wonderful experience. It's extremely unique and it's hard to explain unless you've really been there to experience it. So the camp has, I'd say, a very well-balanced program for children. They check all the boxes for the body, mind, soul, and leadership.
How did you know Rocky Ridge Ranch was the right fit?
There are activities for every kid's needs—and for kids to push themselves in all those different areas. So they will certainly tire your kid out. There are a lot of activities that kids can pick from. They have a great course. You go for the horses, you go to ride, you go to learn what it takes to get on a horse and control a horse. So obviously, that's the big part of the camp. But there's also swimming, there's sports, there's games, the list goes on and on. So they really do cover all the bases.
It is a Christian-based camp, so there's an opportunity for kids to learn who God is, to read Scripture, and ask questions. So that's a big part of the camp, too, which is very important. And it's just a really well-balanced experience for your child.
My wife and I have three children. All three girls have attended the ranch and they've all had great experiences. And the two of them just took to the camp like it was the best thing ever. “Can we stay for another week?” It was really just a fit.
Our third daughter, she was a little on the edge and she was homesick, and there was some hesitations at first, but by the end of the week, she had friends, she was sharing, she was standing up and talking in front of the group. And she has been back for another week again.
I think every parent knows when it's time for a week away—to get away and push your kids a little bit. And I think it's up to each parent to kind of know when that time is.
I think the kids always learn stuff at camp. There's always that personal development side. They don't realize they are going through it. They're having too much fun to realize that they are growing. There are skills they learn: from being responsible for picking up your clothes, making sure you bring home all your socks at the end of the week, to budgeting.
They have a tuck shop where they give you a card with your money that you have to spend on your ice cream every day. And you learn to budget your money every day so that it lasts for the week. So all those little skills—kids don't realize they're learning skills while they're there.
Was there any noticeable personal growth in your daughter after their time at Rocky Ridge?
That's the beauty of camp: they grow and they develop. They're hesitant to get on a horse at the beginning of the week and by the end, their horse is their best friend. They know it by name, they know what it likes to do. They know what horse it doesn't get along with or it does get along with. Kids just grow: they develop and a week away they’re immersed in this. It's really good for them.
Our oldest daughter, she's got a lot of natural leadership. She wants to lead. And she continued to go back for many years as a camper. And then she went back for a week one summer as a staff member. So she actually worked in the barn for the entire summer. She loved it that much. So just that confidence, that ability to know: I can take on this, I can be by myself, I can take care of myself. And I want to help other kids and work with other kids, too. So every kid is different and the ranch is very accommodating for different kids’ abilities to do their best.
How can parents overcome their hesitancy to send their children away to overnight camp?
Just come and put your heart into it and have some fun, I guess, as a parent. Well, as a child, I did go to Rocky Ridge Ranch too. So I've known the camp for a very long time. And when I first thought, let's see if our oldest is ready to go, I had no hesitation. You know the site, you know the program, you know the family. For me, it was more about: is the child ready to go?
And I would encourage any parent: you need a break, too. That's the quiet part that we don't want to talk about in front of our kids too much. But you do need a break in the summer and it's great. You can send your kids away to a safe spot and you know they're going to have fun. And I'll just warn you that on your ride home, they're going to talk your ear off. You will just hear story after story after story, so be prepared for that. As a child gets older … you have to give the reins to them a little bit and let them live their life a little bit without you watching them 24 hours a day.
And camp is a great experience to allow your children to get away, be responsible for themselves, make friends, and have social time. We've been locked up for too long where kids have not been able to get out and be with other kids. They need to get outside. They need to have experiences like this just to develop skills in themselves.
What does your child say about Rocky Ridge Ranch?
So the number one thing they say is: When can we go back? Can we stay for another week? Can we go back? Can we go in the winter? They have days in the winter that they do special events. It's always so positive about getting back together again. At the ranch, you will feel like family after a week. After a couple of years, you will feel like a cousin of the family there. They make you feel at home, and you certainly will want to go back and see how they're doing and see how the horses are doing and just really connect. So it's not just one week in the summer—it becomes part of life. And I've been there for many years as a child going to camp, and I worked there in my summer when I was in high school.
Any final thoughts?
I met so many great people on staff from all over the place. And it's an experience that teaches you things without you knowing it, and you use those skills in life, so it's just very worthwhile. I just encourage kids when you're there: Don't be afraid. Just go to camp, have a good time, get to know the kids in your cabin. Everyone brings something different to the table. You can learn from each other. It's an experience. And you got to push yourself a little.
You might be a little hesitant, you might not want to get on that big animal and try to control the animal and do what you want it to do. But by the end of the week, you'll be talking about it: “Hey, I got my horse to trot, and I could do it all the way from one end to the other.” Maybe swimming is your thing. Maybe you learn to swim underwater for the first time, or you can do 10 laps or whatever it may be. There's an opportunity for you to push yourself and develop yourself a little bit at Camp Rocky Ridge.
I was a camper at the Ranch from 8 – 14 years of age, and also worked at the Ranch from 14 to 18 years old. I found out about the Ranch from a friend in grade 3 and we went together, and when she stopped going, I continued. There were always so many campers to meet that even going alone was not a problem.
-Playing “Capture the Flag” or “DC”. I loved dressing in camo from head to toe and trying to infiltrate the other side and find their flags or pegs was something I always looked forward to.
-I liked hanging out beside the pool. It was refreshing on a hot day.
-I usually went to the Ranch on the week that my birthday fell in. As a summer birthday, many of my friends at home were away so celebrating at the Ranch was always fun and special.
-The large water fights were always fun too.
-As a staff member, I felt like part of the Ranch family. I went up on weekends to help with groups, and also other holidays. I worked out or swam at 6 am with Karen, Kirsten taught me how to knit and make my first sweater, and Bill made me feel comfortable in the barn. Everyone was so caring.
Meeting good friends, many of whom are now Facebook friends as we keep in touch, as well as one very close friend who I see when I come home to ON, and who flies out to visit me. Camp friendships are special.
Camp was my first time away from home overnight for a week and it helped show me that I could do this.
I learned more about my faith and many individual lessons of how to live my life as a Christian.
I learned not to be afraid of horses, and to love them by the time I stopped working at the Ranch. I went from riding a pony bareback to teaching others how to groom, saddle, and ride horses. I will never forget “head, tail, sky, ground” when it comes to tying a knot to hold the cinch.
I learned that having the Ranch kids on your team for Capture the Flag usually resulted in winning, they knew all the good paths through the playing area.
I am very grateful for the years that I attended camp at RRR. I have happy memories that involve horse back riding, swimming, walks in the woods, yummy meals, and just an over riding feeling of being welcome and safe. Camp helped deepen my faith. When my daughter is old enough, she will definitely attend camp. I think it is an essential life experience for children/teens ...Show More
Dave, Alum
Can't Wait!
The love and attention the owners and staff put into the young lives here is nothing short of amazing. I loved going here as a camper and was encouraged and molded into a man as a teenager and when my kids are of age I will not hesitate to send them here!!!!!! ...Show More
Jessica, Alum
Memories
Went here as an early teen, was such an amazing experience
Matt, Parent
Camp 2019
My girls went to sleepover camp here for 1 week. They loved it! We were blown away how really nice and rustic this place was, and never even knowing it was so close to home. Very friendly owners/operators. Girls loved learning about, and riding their horses ...Show More
Carolyn, Parent
Camp 2019
Our daughter had a wonderful time at this camp. Lots to do and see, and meet new friends. The camp days are filled with so much fun! The staff are simply wonderful, but in control for safety. The moment our daughter came home after the camp, she wanted to go right back. We were unsure at first because it was a new camp for us, but when our daughter came home from camp she had nothing but great things to say, and upon attending the Rodeo on the final day of camp and meeting the staff first hand, we were convinced that we would send out daughter back again and again. We would highly recommend this camp for anyone! We don't usually write reviews but we felt that this camp earned it ...Show More
Richard, Parent
Family
Always an amazing experience. Fantastic staff and stories. Beautiful scenery on the rides, and great accommodations. An awesome family tradition.
T. L, Parent
Thank You!
Just wanted to let you know that S had a blast at the camp this past week.
She, like many kids, has spent the past 2 years in our dining room doing grade 9 and 10 with little physical interaction with her friends and family due to covid.
This camp did what we hoped it would do and that is to give her some sense of interaction, bonding and a spiritual lift.
I think we can all use some that right now....so thank you.
...Show More
SQ, Parent
Camp!
So, a few things...my kids raved the entire 2 hour drive home about their amazing week so much so that they would like to come back for another week this summer. Let me know if you have any openings for the weeks for older kids. N understands that his friends AZ and AM are there all summer and S believes that her friend SV is back for another week this summer as well.
Also, I'm told that I must ask for the meatloaf and cookies recipes because my kids claimed they were the best they ever tasted!!! Hahahaha
...Show More
Rocky Ridge Ranch is a family-run operation with its prime goal - sharing Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, by example with everyone who comes through our gates.
The Ranch has operated year-round over 50 years!!. We invite you to visit our website to become more familiar with our multi-dimensional programming.
Our summer Ranch camping season offers a new lifestyle adventure for our special guests. We include them in balanced activities for their personal development - physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social. Each week has a theme developed by campers and staff. Friendly competition culminates with the winners capturing the "Bob Hardy Memorial Cup".
Parents register their camper with anticipation. The campers enjoy an enriched experience. They depart with indelible memories and immediately plan their next visit to Rocky Ridge Ranch!
Staff and Counsellors
We have a wonderful staff who are handpicked for their skill, integrity, commitment and love for the job they wish to do - be it barn, counselling, kitchen or whatever. Many of them have been through our camping system and wish to give back. We require they complete an Expert Online Training course and appropriate government requirements, i.e., Safety Awareness. The first week of camp involves brief staff training sessions pre-breakfast. First Aid qualifications are an asset. We are indeed fortunate that many of our staff return summer after summer ... and even after they've moved on to their careers.
10486 5th Line Nass. RR #2, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada
Property Details
Sports facilities
Archery Range
Basketball Court
Soccer Field
Swimming Pool
Landscape
Forested Area
Nature Trails
Open Field
More details about property: Multi-Purpose Complex, Mini-Putt, Low elements ropes course, Large Park Area
Is your property accessible for persons with disabilities?
Accommodations
Sleeping Accommodations
Cabins
Amenities
Electricity in Sleeping Area
Washrooms Facilities
Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)
Are meals provided?
Yes.
Our meals are prepared from scratch and are served family style. Menus are created using Canada's Food Guide as a basis for proper diet and nutrition while also including kid favourites like mac 'n cheese! One of the most common memories from campers past and present come from the dining hall and the enjoyable and tasty food.
Is Rocky Ridge Ranch technology free?
Yes.
We ask campers to leave cell phones, ipads, tablets, etc. at home. Safety issue plus we do not accept responsibility if any electronics go "missing". Cell phones must go home with parents or are handed in at the office to be returned upon departure. Landline is available for emergencies, etc.
Rentals & Services
Offers children's birthday party packages: Yes
Book a birthday party! Choices include a pony/horseback ride and/or hayride. Other activities include tetherball, use of the ball-court, volleyball court, outdoor chess/checkers/connect four etc. Meal options are available; bring your own cake if you wish. Call or email for further information.
Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
Throughout the school year, Rocky Ridge Ranch offers Outdoor Education with a variety of programs and activities tailored to the needs and expectations of your group. No matter what area of the Ontario School Curriculum you are striving to meet we have the capability to assist you. We have a retired elementary/middle school Principal with expertise in Outdoor Ed, Special Needs and Physical Education on our staff. We strive to build ongoing long-term relationships with School Boards and individual schools. This enables both parties to share wonderful experiences and meet expectations.
We host a variety of public, separate, private schools, and programs at the elementary, middle and secondary levels. Schools can choose from day and overnight programs. Many separate secondary schools have used the Ranch for their one-day spiritual retreats, while all levels of private, public and separate schools have spent time in outdoor education meeting curriculum criteria, bonding and/or celebration experiences and team building.
Rocky Ridge is a family-run operation; our full time staff lives on site and are available to assist you with both day and evening programming, which are listed on our website. Sports equipment is provided and safety gear i.e. helmets (also provided) must be worn for riding.
We believe that the experiences each and every student has at Rocky Ridge Ranch will have a direct impact on their relationships and results back at school, in the classroom and the community. They will understand more clearly the importance of life-long learning, safety, cooperation and collaboration, etc., combined with enjoyment and their role in each individual’s overall life’s experiences. An outdoor educational trip to Rocky Ridge Ranch is the perfect opening to provide students with opportunities to develop new friendships, enhance old ones and work together as a team achieving a common goal. It also gives students and teachers time to interact in a recreational and fun experience outside of the classroom setting.
Available for private rentals: Yes
Mini-Conferences:
You choose how much time. We’ll provide the facilities and food. Three indoor locations are available for meetings, seminars, etc.
Retreats :
These can be one day, two days, a full weekend – whatever length of time required to meet your needs. We can assist you in tailoring a program. Please call for further assistance or information.
Music Workshops:
Our facilities can accommodate vocal and instrumental groups, including sectional practice areas. Choirs and orchestras rave about our complex’s acoustics.
Corn/Weiner Roasts/Hayrides/Campfires:
Call for further information.
I posted this article on our website but thought it would be a good addition here as well!!
I was reading Erin Davis’ blog (CHFI 98.1) about their time broadcasting from Tim Hortons for the Tim Hortons Camp Day. Erin writes, “We also got to spend time with the amazing Hannah Alper, who shared advice for kids going to camp for the first time. Her opening tip was the one that touched me most, like the line from the Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram song ‘Somewhere Out There’: if a child is missing his or her parent, simply look at the moon and know that they're both looking at the same thing, seeing the same moon. A lovely thought, isn't it? If you'd like more of this 13-year-old's incredible wisdom (she really is phenomenal) - go to www.callmehannah.ca.” So I looked up Hannah’s blog and here’s what I found. Good ideas even for repeat campers!!
MY 10 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR KIDS WHO ARE GOING TO OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR FIRST TIME
By Hannah Alper (http://callmehannah.ca/my-10-pieces-of-advice-for-kids-who-are-going-to-overnight-camp-for-first-time/)
Last year I went to overnight camp for the first time. At first I was really nervous about being away from home for 10 days. I won’t lie and tell you that it was all easy. But I will tell you that after the first two nights I started to get comfortable at camp. I was supposed to be there for 10 days and then my parents were coming for Alumni Weekend (my mom went to the same camp) and the plan was that I would go home with them. But you know what happened? I loved camp so much that when my parents arrived, I asked if I could stay for another 12 days.
Here is some advice for people who are going to overnight camp for the first time:
Make friends with the people in your cabin. You will make new friends starting from the bus ride up there and have lots of people to hang out with. Also, introduce yourself to everyone. I always had not just my friends in my cabin but other people in my camp were my friends too. It is always good to have a lot of friends to get you through the lonely or homesick times.
If it’s your first time at overnight camp, it’s probably also the first time for most of the kids in your cabin. You are not the only one. It will make you feel better to know that.
I was mostly nervous about the nighttime. My Mom’s advice to me was “all you have to do is make it through the night and then you will have so much fun in the day.” The days are so much fun at camp. Remember this at night.
Try talking to your counselors if you’re feeling homesick. It feels good and they can make you feel better. They were also first-time campers – a really, really long time ago, though!
When you’re packing for camp, collect some pictures of your family and bring some tape so that you can have them on the wall at your bunk.
You know the list of things they tell you to pack? When it comes to clothing, bring extra t-shirts BUT…
Don’t take your favourite t-shirt. You will probably lose it.
My Mom and I had a special deal that we would both go outside at 9:30 every night and look up at the stars and say goodnight. When I looked up, I knew that she was looking up too.
Take a notebook so that you can write down the phone numbers and email addresses of your new friends to stay in touch until next year.
Make the most of every day. It goes so fast you’ll be home before you know it and instead of wishing you were home you’ll be wishing you are back at camp.
That is my advice for people who are going to camp for the first time. I am so excited to go to go back to camp and to see my friends. I’m not nearly as nervous as I was last year. I am going to have so much fun and hope you do, too!
Sorry it has taken so long to write since our retreat weekend. As soon as I got home I had 2 weeks of studying for exams. But now I'm finished for the semester.
I just wanted to say THANK YOU from my small group members and myself for a great weekend. My group really enjoyed our time with you and the message you shared with us!
Thanks to everyone for making us feel so welcomed, and for the extra bonus for both the ladies and gentlemen to have attached bathrooms in our accommodations! This was a nice treat to have!
Thanks to Bill for the extra ride we got in on Sunday, it was really nice to go out twice!
Thanks to everyone who cooked, my group is raving about the delicious food served!
We've really enjoyed coming up the past 2 years, and hope this will be a staple for years to come.
Thank you so much for giving my children the time of their lives every summer. Nothing can compare to the confidence and the independence they gain from going to Rocky Ridge Ranch. All three of them were so sad to leave camp this year and they are already planning for longer stays next summer! : ) We feel so fortunate to have found this hidden gem!! I feel such gratitude to each and every one of you for the experience you give our children.
I just wanted to say a big thank you for giving S such a wonderful week at the Ranch last week. I have never seen her so excited about camp before and she has been to several. S even cried going home ....I guess next year seems so far away. S really felt like she spent a week with her second family as you all made her feel at home and part of your family even though you all just met her. She felt that she could really be herself. Bruce...she especially enjoyed your talks during chapel every night and mentioned that it was one of her favourite parts of camp. Kerstin treated S like one of her kids and took wonderful care of her special gluten free meals and everyone else was great as well....I could go on and on. You all care deeply for all the campers and S really felt loved. (She is a very sensitive girl)
It was great seeing you all again and please pass on my thanks to the rest of your family, your wife and to the staff. I will include your ministry in my prayers and S will of course be back next year. She is even talking about volunteering there when she is older. I have to say, the Ranch was the highlight of all my summers growing up and I'm pleased that my horse/animal loving daughter has a chance to enjoy some of what I experienced as a kid.
All the best and have a great summer.
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