Camp Life

Camp should be magical

It is our goal to create a camp environment that feels separate from ‘real life’. An environment where every camper can explore their passions, choose their own adventure, opt for fun whenever possible, and be kind, caring, and helpful to everyone within the camp community. One of the best parts of camp is the fact that everyone is removed from the real world so that the group can craft an atmosphere whereby kids, and adult staff members, can relax in a way that allows them to enjoy the small things, the big things, and the in-between. At camp, we want everyone to be able to be their Camp Selves. As your Camp Self, you discover what makes you happy, what makes you psyched, and what can be so special about not only the NOW, but your future potential. The day is structured as shown below in hopes to facilitate every camper’s ability to rock their Camps Selves all session long.

Optional Pre-Breakfast Activities @ 7:00 AM:

We will have one pre-breakfast activity option - choices will alternate throughout the summer with activities such as Yoga, Old Timey Calisthenics, Thai Chi, Meditation, POLAR BEAR CLUB (with hot chocolate of course), and others.

Official Wakeup Gong @7:30 AM:

Ranch life doesn’t sleep in! Upon waking up, campers get dressed, make their bed, brush their teeth, and check in with their counselor before heading to breakfast.

Breakfast:

Before breakfast, campers participate in the morning camp traditions. Raise the camp flag, sing some GOOD MORNING songs, and jump about as crazy as possible to warm your limbs and prepare your energy for the day. To see breakfast options click here.

Morning Ranch Job:

Campers participate in making the ranch operate and can choose to be part of some of the following morning ranch jobs that rotate throughout the summer:

• Feed and care for the chickens (hopefully, collect some eggs)

• Thistle killing crew (kill the invasive plants!)

• Music-making (serenade those doing other jobs)

• Art projects to beautify camp

• Help with the garden (if the animals haven’t destroyed it)

• Work briefly on whatever ranch project our operations manager is working on (great way to learn a new skill)

• And others!

Morning Activity Period:

Counselors will announce in a melodramatic fashion the activities they will be offering during the morning activity period. Activities will vary from day to day and it is our philosophy that each camper gets to choose the activity that they would like to participate in. We never will force a camper to do an activity. This is important because it gives each camper agency to craft their own day and follow what they think will be fun! Of course we want every camper to branch out and try new things, so hopefully as the session goes on, campers continue to choose new activities that are offered to them during the activity periods. To see Ajax Sleepaway activity options, scroll down.

Lunchtime:

After morning activities we gather back at the basecamp area for lunch. To see lunch options click here.

Rest/Chill Time:

After lunch, we have a rest time to re-energize for the afternoon fun. Campers go back to their bunks and can play quiet games, read a book, take a nap, or ponder the meaning of life.

Afternoon Activity Period:

After the rest/chill time, counselors will offer a variety of activities from the Ajax Sleepaway activity list below and of course Campers are again given the choice from the options provided by the counselors what they would like to do that afternoon.

Pre-Dinner Hiatus:

Often one of the most popular times of the day, campers and counselors get a chance to hang out and swap stories from the day, work on an arts and crafts project, and get ready for dinner. A great time for showers as well!

Dinner Time:

Dinner will be buffet-style in the crisp mountain air. To see dinner options click here.

After-Dinner Activities:

Typically after dinner, the program director will organize an all camp activity. Here are some examples of activities we will provide: Ajax’s famous counselor hunt, talent show, newspaper fashion show, lip-sink kareoke, cabin night, ‘drive-in movie’ (if raining) and other after-dinner activities that either campers request or counselors invent throughout the summer.

Night-Time Campfire:

Every night, we will have a campfire (weather permitting), and s’mores will be roasted (yes, every night… sorry, parents, but we can’t resist!). Songs will be sung as the evening stars illuminate the sky. 8K Ranch has some of the best sunsets and stargazing in all of Colorado.

Bedtime:

Campers will head to their cabins after the campfire, brush their teeth, and get ready for bed. We ask that all campers respect the lights out and quiet time, as a good night’s sleep is essential for energetic and fun days!