Frequently Asked Questions

The Campsite at Shield Ranch is in Southwest Travis County: 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620.

Pick-up and drop-off for all camp programs takes place at El Buen Samaritano in South Austin: 7000 Woodhue Dr, Austin, TX 78745.

El Ranchito is primarily for families accessing scholarships. To better serve our camper families, we offer a tiered pricing model that allows each family to select the tuition rate that best suits their current needs and circumstances.​

• We recognize that many families who register for camp… ​
• Are living under a variety of financial circumstances and constraints,​
• Are returning campers may have fluctuating finances, ​
• Benefit from a diverse community that may also include financial diversity.

A small number of families may pay to participate in each session camp without scholarships, however scholarship families are given priority.

Dell Children’s Health Plan: Full scholarships or families covered by Dell Children’s Health Plan. Submit your Medicaid # and whether your plan is STAR or CHIP to have all tuition covered for camp. (Note: Must be enrolled in Dell Children’s Health Plan during the month of camp session)​

Tier 1: Full scholarship tier for families who qualify for the federal free-and-reduced lunch program, Medicaid, foster care, and/or are experiencing significant financial hardship and need the lowest rate to attend camp. This is the majority of our camper families.​

Tier 2: Bridge scholarship tier for families who recently, but no longer, qualify for the federal free-and-reduced lunch program and/or Medicaid, but are not making significantly more income. Paying at a higher tier would affect the family’s ability to meet their basic needs.

Tier 3: Partial scholarship tier for families not able to afford the full cost of camp due to unexpected financial hardship or economic distress (Ex: Illness, injury, unexpected unemployment, death in the family, divorce). Paying at this tier will not impact the family’s ability to afford necessities but will require carefully accounting for it in tight monthly finances.​

Tier 4: For families who are willing and able to pay a competitive rate compared to other overnight camps in our region. Finances are not a barrier to attending camp and the family values high-quality nature programming and being a part of a diverse community.​ Available each session to a small number, with priority given to scholarship campers.

Tier 5: For families who can afford the cost of overnight camp and who would like to help support making the cost of camp accessible for others. The family values high-quality nature programming and being part of a diverse community and wants to help make this possible for others. Available each session to a small number, with priority given to scholarship campers.

• Apply for a camp session of your choice at www.elranchito.org.
• Once your camper is admitted into a camp session, families will complete registration by paying their camper’s tuition.
• Every camper will need to submit documentation for a physical exam or wellness check for the past 12-24 months.
• Every camper will need to provide up to date immunization records or proof of exemption.
• Keep an eye out for camp updates in your email. (Be sure to check your spam/junk folders).

See our sample camp activities from camp.

• Outdoor Girl and Nature Discovery Camp have a ratio of 4 campers to 1 camp staff.
• Conservation Corps has a ratio of 5 campers to 1 staff member.

Camper and staff health and safety are our highest priority. Staff receive safety guidelines and training to ensure a safe camp environment. We have a Health Team consisting of an on-call Pediatric Physician, multiple Registered Nurses, and our staff are First Aid and CPR trained (Red Cross Training). Many of our staff are also Lifeguard certified for our swimming and water activities.

Camp El Ranchito respects the privacy of our campers and their families. We do not share or sell personal information. Additionally, we do not collect immigration-related information or documentation. Our registration system complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines to ensure the security and privacy of health information. We are committed to providing a safe nature immersive camp experience to all families regardless of their circumstances.

For more youth to be able to experience camp, we encourage families to apply for a single camp session during the Spring Break and/or Summer. If space allows, campers may be permitted to attend multiple camp sessions on a case-by-case basis.

Campers are not provided with the opportunity to call home during camp. Parents are welcome to check in with camp staff to see how their camper is doing. Campers and their families will be able to speak over the phone if an emergency occurs. We encourage families to send drop off a letter with their camper which we will deliver during their stay.

See our camper packing list.

Yes, we ask campers to pack for active fun outdoors to keep them safe and comfortable. Please see our Camp Dress Code.

Electronic devices are not allowed at camp. The intention is for our campers to unplug and have a full nature immersion experience during their time at Camp El Ranchito. Additionally, text messages and social media applications can increase the likelihood of homesickness during camp.

Yes, each year we host a Fall Family Reconnect event for camper families, and in the spring, we host 1-2 Open House events at the Campsite at Shield Ranch. Follow us on @elranchitocamp on Instagram and keep an eye out for event announcements.

Chef Addie cooks fresh, balanced, tasty meals using seasonal ingredients that offer variety for many tastes and diets. Look at meals from our previous camp sessions.

Yes, Chef Addie has been a fixture in the camp kitchen for many years and can accommodate any dietary restrictions or food allergies your child may have. Addie has also worked with many picky eaters over the years and is confident we will be able to meet your campers’ needs.

No outside food at the Campsite please. Food in the shelters can attract wildlife and insects such as mice, snakes, ants and other species. Snacks are readily available in the dining area.

Contact our registration team at registration@elranchito.org or call (512) 710-8313.