Kids loved it! Great memories made. I would give it a test except that it’s so expensive.
My daughter had a wonderful camp experience and looks forward to returning next year.
This year, we had several challenges dealing with minor medical issues while Colette was at camp. The first was a challenge getting a new prescription to Colette. I don't understand why the camp does not have someone who can run out to the closest pharmacy to pick up medication as needed. Instead, it was left entirely to us to figure out. our options were to find a pharmacy that could deliver to the camp, fill the prescription near our home and drive it to camp or fill the prescription and pay to overnight Fedex it to camp. I really do not think this should be an issue left to the parents to figure out. There should be a protocol in place at camp with someone local who can go out once a day to pick up prescriptions as needed for any campers in need. We live an hour and a half away and to be asked to "just run it up here" was not a viable option.
Additionally, we got a call from the nurse when there was a possibility Colette developed strep throat. The nurse seemed to want her to get a Strep test, but again, there was no option where the camp was handling this by bringing her to a local clinic for a test. We are working parents, and i cant just drop everything, get home from the city and then drive an hour and a half to pick her up in the middle of the week so i can take her to a clinic near the camp, return her to camp and then drive myself home. We have friends who send their kids to many different camps and they were all shocked by this experience that we had and the fact that FVL has no plan in place to deal with these minor medical issues.
On a totally separate issue, i wish you would update your smugmug system of sharing pictures every day. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to scroll through hundreds of pictures each day hoping to find one of your child. There are AI tools that can be used and you can have just the pictures that include my daughter show for me. Again, many other camps have had this capability for years.
Lastly, with the Trading Post, we should be able to set an alert to email me when her balance gets below a certain level so i know to replenish it, rather than me trying to rememebr to check it every week.
thank you for the opportunity to share this feedback. My daughter really enjoys the camp each year and that means alot!
This my daughter’s second summer at Ranch Camp and she LOVED it. The community, the friendships, the horses. Everything. My only regret is that I didn’t find Fairview Lake YMCA camp sooner.
My daughter was angry that she had to come home. If that's not a testament to the experience, I don't know what is.
Camp was so much fun! I made so many friends, lots of memories, and lasting relationships. I highly recommend going to Fairview Lake YMCA Camps for Ranch Camp. The counselors are so energetic and make the time there so much fun.
Great counselors A lot of horseback riding
Ranch Camp has given my child a place to hone their riding skills, learn about horse care, and have fun with theme days and general camp activities, all while learning to nagivate social dynamics and new challenges. The staff is caring, attuned, and supportive. It's been a great experience!
My daughter's first time at sleepaway camp and it exceeded every single expectation. She went knowing no one and left with a group of friends that I have no doubt will last a life time. When I emailed concerned with inclement weather, I heard back within minutes that all the campers were safe and having the best time. The inclusion of families at home to help with color war was so much fun! The pictures, the experiences, all of it was incredible. We are now a Fairview Lake YMCA family for life.
Amazing program and staff and very well run!!!
daughter had a great experience
My daughter always enjoy her time a lot and cannot wait to go back. She makes friends and enjoys all the activities. The horses are well kept. All the camp staff are very friendly and helpful. The food is excellent. The best of all, no phones!
The counselors were kind amd fun, and there was plenty of time with the horses. Also, the cabins were nice and the food was good.
Our son loved Ranch Camp! He loved being able to care for one horse that was carefully chose for him after a thorough assessment of his skills and comfort level. He loved being able to ride every day and to learn more about how to build his equestrian skills. He loved evening activities where he got to participate in field games and take advantage of others parts of the Fairview facilities. Our son is not much of a swimmer, but this week he loved swimming in the lake! Since coming home, he has taught us camp songs, games, and community building activities that definitely enriched his time - and is now enriching our whole family! He spoke highly of all his counselors, commenting on their fun and kindness. From his comments, we could tell there are rigorous and thoughtful systems in place to ensure camper safety and well being at Fairview Lake. We highly recommend Fairview Lake Ranch Camp to anyone interested in learning more about how to care for and ride horses, and for anyone looking for a fantastic experience with sleep away. Maura & Tom McCrum
Routine and structure and lots of fun
My daughter enjoyed being at the camp. She liked the camp counselors, the cabin/house, the food, horseback riding, and overall tight group that she had. My daughter will be coming back for the summer of 2025, thank you for everything.
Our daughter had a great time. We appreciate the various options for length of stay.
My daughter enjoyed it and wants to go back next year. That's enough for me as a mom!
My daughter had an amazing time. She enjoyed the instructors and fell in love with her beautiful horse. Now I have to find extra money for lessons!!😩😩😁 But 10/10. Thank you
The inclusiveness and respect for gender identities.
My daughter absolutely loved the camp and wants to go back next year for longer.
My kiddo loves ranch camp so much! It has been a wonderful opportunity for my child to be around horses, and they have really thrived under the guidance of the counselors. Highly recommend!
Our daughter had lots of fun and felt at home with the other kids at ranch camp
Built confidence, made new friends, can't wait to go back next year! Thank you!!!
It is fun...the people are very nice and I got to jump, cantor, and gallop!
No cellphone/electronic devices policy is great. My daughter came back happy, confident, made friendships based off in person interactions. Ranch camp also provided much needed interactions with horses, being responsible for your own really builds character, self confidence.
My daughter had the best time and was so so happy!
Nina loved working with the horses, and meeting new friends. S
My daughter loved her bonding experience with the other campers, her horse and her counselors. It's good value for the experience for mom.
My daughter had the best time ever! She came home and we signed up for 3 weeks next summer. Thank you for making her time there so special.
Our kiddo loves Ranch Camp! It is the highlight of their summer, and we are so grateful that they get to experience this safe, supportive, and positive environment year after year.
Enjoyed making friends and riding horses!
This was the first year my daughter attended the ranch camp. She had a blast! She enjoyed every aspect that was offered for her 2 week adventure. We are very happy that she had a great time. She already mentioned that she would like to attend the ranch camp, two week program next year. As soon as the 2024 registration is open, we will sign her up again. We are a definite yes for Fairview Lakes, YMCA!
A lot of time horse riding, creating unity within the cabin, great food (according to my kids), and opportunities to do a little bit of the extra camp things
Quality of horses Barn facility / quality Not enough qualified supervision Not enough exposure to traditional camp activities