Camp El Ranchito

A Natural Place for Kids

Who We Are

Established in 2007, Camp El Ranchito’s mission is to connect children with the natural world by providing an extraordinarily fun and inspiring nature-immersion experience. We believe that everyone benefits from access to nature.

El Ranchito strives to create an inclusive community where campers can be their authentic selves and belong. Our camp brings together youth from diverse backgrounds and identities, fostering growth, acceptance, and strength that resonate beyond camp into everyday life. We welcome all participants, provided we can safely meet the camper’s needs within the scope of our nature immersion program and healthcare team.

Camp El Ranchito has earned ACA-Accredited® Camp status from the American Camp Association®. All of our camps are held at the Campsite at Shield Ranch, which is located just 22 miles west of Austin. Campers and staff live in screened shelters among the trees and trails near Rocky Creek. The facility operates 100% off-grid, relying on rainwater collection and solar power, and serves as a learning laboratory for conservation. Shield Ranch is 6,600 acres of ecologically diverse wildlands, sustainably managed for the benefit of people and nature.

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FAQ

Nature Discovery Camp
Summer 2027

Nature Discovery Camp (NDC) is an overnight camp for 4th–8th graders. Activities include hiking, swimming in natural swimming holes and creeks, field trips to Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center and Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park, games and team-building challenges, singing and storytelling around the campfire, stargazing with visiting astronomers, nature-themed art projects, and a variety of high-adventure activities to help our campers grow.

Applications for the 2027 camp season will be open November 7. The deadline to submit a completed application is May 31, 2027. See deadlines for registration materials here.

Session 1: Rising 4^th–5^thgraders; June 20–25
Session 2: Rising 6^th–8^th graders; June 27–July 2
Session 3: Rising 6^th–8^th graders; July 11–16
Session 4: Rising 4^th–5^th graders; July 18–23

Conservation Corps
Summer 2027

Conservation Corps (CC) works on a project to learn conservation practices and about different future career opportunities, all while developing a work ethic, building teamwork, and experiencing outdoor adventures. The strong bond formed between members helps build long-lasting friendships. Our 13-day campers receive a $400 stipend for their work. Activities include climbing, canoeing, a camping trip to a state park, and other adventures.

New for 2027, Leadership Track for 16-17 year olds in the Conservation Corps Program! This track will build on what members have already learned in Conservation Corps with a focus on how to apply the skills and knowledge of conservation to educating and leading programs and what careers look like in conservation/outdoor education.

Applications for the 2027 camp season will be open November 7. The deadline to submit a completed application is May 31, 2027. See deadlines for registration materials here.

Session 1: Rising 9^th–12^th graders; June 20–July 2
Session 2: Rising 9^th–12^th graders; July 11–23

Scholarship Eligibility and Rates

Accepting 2027 Summer Applications starting November 7

El Ranchito was created to serve children and youth from families who may not otherwise have access to a residential nature immersion camp. Ninety percent of our camper families attend on full, bridge, or partial scholarships by qualifying for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school or for other financial needs. Campers are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarship and returning campers have priority admittance to camp.

Families that are part of Dell Children’s Health Plan’s CHIP or STAR Medicaid programs during the time of camp receive free tuition with costs covered by Dell Children’s Health Plan.

We ask families that qualify for a full scholarship to pay a tuition fee starting at $50 to attend Nature Discovery Camp or Conservation Corps during the Summer. Camp tuition includes lodging, meals, transportation, supervision, programs, t-shirt, pack, and water bottle, along with all other camp supplies and activities.

We recognize that many families who register for camp are living under a variety of financial circumstances and constraints, and/or returning camper families may have finances that fluctuate from year to year. To better serve our camper families we offer a tiered pricing structure to meet the needs of our diverse community. For more information on our tiered pricing, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

A small percentage of campers who are not eligible for scholarship tuition rates also benefit from increased access to a nature immersion camp and being in a diverse camp community. Families who are not eligible for scholarships qualify for our competitive and sustaining tuition rates. Non-scholarship families will be asked to pay a tuition fee starting at $800 for Nature Discovery Camp, and $1,200 for Conservation Corps. For more information on non-scholarship tuition rates, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable unless the application is denied, or the cancellation of your registration is no later than two weeks before your camp session. No fee will be returned after a camper has been admitted to camp. El Ranchito reserves the right to dismiss any camper, without a refund, whose conduct is not in the best interest of the safety and wellbeing of other campers.

Waitlist

We do offer a waitlist for all our programs. If space becomes available in a camp session, waitlisted applicants will be admitted into camp on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to scholarship and returning campers.

Families will have until May 31 to submit a complete application. Families will have up to two weeks prior to the first day of their camp session to submit their registration materials (camper tuition, camper physical, and vaccine records or proof of exemption).

Accreditation:

ACA accreditation means our camp has voluntarily submitted to a transparent, thorough review of our operation.  Our goal is to provide parents with as much information as possible about our camp.  Our voluntary participation in the professional development and accreditation process of the American Camp Association demonstrates our commitment to providing you and your child with the best possible camp experience. For more information about ACA accreditation, visit the American Camp Association website at ACAcamps.org.

We are Proud to Partner with:

Thank you to our Supporters:

El Ranchito provides access to children and youth from families who may not otherwise have a residential nature immersion camp experience. Camper families pay a modest registration fee. Thank you to our supporters who help make camp scholarships available!

Contact

Employment information: employment@elranchito.org
Camp registration information: registration@elranchito.org
512.710.8313‬

Camp El Ranchito is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). To file a complaint or share a concern, visit the Youth Camp Complaint Page.