2025 Summer Camp
June 16th through August 8th
At Connolly Ranch, summer camp is a journey filled with magic, excitement, and endless possibilities. Nestled in our enchanting outdoor setting, every day offers new experiences and opportunities for discovery. Our inquiry-based curriculum is designed to embrace the unexpected, allowing children to learn from the world around them as it unfolds. Through spontaneous moments, campers become dynamic learners, creative thinkers, and mindful leaders.
This summer, we focus on the power of friendship, gratitude, and curiosity. Campers will explore the world through all five senses, noticing how each day is different and how tomorrow brings new adventures and questions to explore. Every week unfolds with fresh experiences, creating a landscape of ever-changing exploration and fun.
Campers will thrive as they engage in eco-art projects, interact with friendly farm animals, embark on exciting hikes, play games, craft, garden, and enjoy music and movement. And, of course, they’ll enjoy hands-on farm-to-table cooking, discovering how to create delicious meals with fresh ingredients straight from the farm. Each activity is carefully designed to ignite imagination, inspire growth, and foster lasting connections with the land and each other. Connolly Ranch is not just a place to learn—it's a place to grow, play, and create magical memories that last a lifetime.
2025 Session Dates and Themes
Session 1 - 6/16 through 6/27
Theme: Sunbeams & Shadows
A Summer Solstice Celebration
In Session 1, campers will explore the magic of the summer solstice through art, science, and nature-based activities that celebrate the longest days of the year. Creative projects like designing suncatchers, crafting sundials, and exploring shadow art will teach children about light and shadow in the natural world. They’ll also build solar ovens and experiment with UV-reactive art. Guided nature walks will highlight how plants and animals adapt to summer, and sunbeam yoga will help campers relax and connect with the solstice. This session is a fun way for kids to discover the wonders of the sun and create lasting memories with friends.
Session 2 - 6/30 through 7/11
(Closed 7/3 & 7/4)
Theme: Flavors of the Farm
A Farm-to-Table Adventure
In Session 2, campers will dive into the world of farm-to-table cuisine, exploring fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Ranch’s garden. Through hands-on cooking, they’ll whip up sweet ice cream treats for warm afternoons and hearty savory bites for cool mornings, with recipes suited to their skill level. Campers will harvest herbs, veggies, and fruits from the garden to create meals while learning about how plants and animals work together in healthy ecosystems. With farm-themed games, crafts, and daily tastings, this session is a fun, flavorful way for kids to build culinary skills, environmental awareness, and a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.
Session 3 - 7/14 through 7/25
Theme: Bloom & Buzz
A Pollinator's Paradise
In Session 3, campers will dive into the world of pollinators and plants, discovering how bees, butterflies, and other critters keep our ecosystems thriving. Through hands-on activities, they’ll embark on pollinator hunts, build bug hotels, and plant wildflowers to attract more pollinators. Campers will also experience interactive games, taste honey, and create nature crafts like butterfly feeders and pressed flower art. Along the way, they’ll learn how plants, pollinators, and the environment are all connected. This session is a fun and creative adventure into the natural world, fostering a love for the pollinators that keep our world buzzing!
Session 4 - 7/28 through 8/8
Theme: Legends & Lore
From Fables to Forests
In Session 4, campers will explore the world of nature-inspired myths, magical creatures, and ancient legends, where storytelling and outdoor adventure come together. They'll dive into captivating tales about forest spirits, fairies, and mythical creatures, while discovering the plants, animals, and landscapes that inspired these stories. Campers will craft their own magical creations, such as fairy houses and woodland creature sculptures, and take guided nature walks to uncover the mysteries of the outdoors. Perfect for young adventurers, this session lets campers bring stories to life and embrace the enchanting side of nature through creativity and exploration.
Camp Options for Every Age!
Junior Farmers
(Ages 3-5)
Junior Farmers are our youngest adventurers, delighting in hands-on experiences tailored to spark curiosity and foster a love for nature. Each day is filled with activities like meeting friendly farm animals, creating fun crafts, playing silly games, singing songs, and exploring the world through sensory play and gentle nature walks. Farm-to-table experiences introduce little ones to fresh ingredients in ways they can taste and touch, making every moment an exciting discovery. Families can choose half-day (8:30 AM–12:30 PM) or full-day (8:30 AM–4:00 PM) sessions to fit their needs.
Ranchers
(Ages 6-7)
Ranchers embrace the next step in outdoor adventure, building confidence through creative projects, animal care, and exploring the Ranch through active games and nature hikes. These campers dive into farm-to-table activities, helping prepare tasty treats with fresh ingredients they’ll love sharing with new friends. Full-day sessions (8:30 AM–4:00 PM) ensure plenty of time for imaginative play, exciting challenges, and outdoor exploration that parents and kids alike will love.
Pathfinders (New!)
(Ages 8-9)
Pathfinders thrive in a program designed to let them stretch their independence and dive deeper into ranch life. Each day is filled with engaging activities, from hiking new trails to creating projects that let their creativity shine. In addition to farm-to-table cooking and connecting with animals, Pathfinders enjoy a special late-afternoon experience where they are invited to stay late to prepare and share a delicious farm-to-table meal with their friends—a unique opportunity to celebrate their time at camp in a memorable way. With a full-day program (8:30 AM–4:00 PM) and endless opportunities for fun, friendship, and exploration, Pathfinders is the ultimate summer experience that your child will cherish long after the season ends.
Stewards
(Ages 10-12)
Stewards are our seasoned campers, ready for meaningful adventures and deeper connections to the Ranch. Along with caring for animals, exploring gardens, and engaging in farm-to-table cooking, Stewards venture further into leadership and exploration through exciting group projects and teamwork activities. Their camp journey includes an unforgettable overnight stay on the Ranch where they will prepare and enjoy their own farm-to-table meal before bonding under the stars and waking up to the peaceful sounds of Ranch life. Full-day sessions (8:30 AM–4:00 PM) provide the perfect mix of fun, growth, and friendship.
Campers in Leadership Training
(Ages 13-15)
Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs) are our future leaders, ready to develop valuable skills and make a positive impact at Connolly Ranch. In this special two-week session, CILTs will dive into leadership development, focusing on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in the mornings through hands-on activities and group projects. In the afternoons, they’ll assist with farm-to-table programs, helping younger campers explore cooking, gardening, and sustainability. This immersive experience offers CILTs a chance to step into mentorship roles while deepening their connection to the Ranch’s mission. CILTs will leave this session not only with enhanced leadership skills but also with lasting friendships and a deeper appreciation for nature and community. Offered only during our Session 2, this program is the perfect next step for campers ready to lead!
Interns
(High School Students)
Stay tuned for more information about our Summer Internship Program!