Love horses and still want the full camp experience? Ranch Camp gives you the best of both with plenty of time in the barn plus all the classic Willson adventures.
Ranch Campers Discover Who They Are While Having Fun
Spend your week with your new best friends: some with two legs, some with four! You will find the horse that perfectly matches you and spend the week riding and caring for your new pal. During that time, you'll learn from one of our instructors and enjoy unique camp activities all over our 500 acres.
We offer ranch overnight summer camps for kids grades 1-11. Our no-electronics policy allows campers to be their authentic selves.
Our Ranch
Howdy, Partners!
We pride ourselves on providing Ranch Campers with a well-rounded experience. While ranch campers learn about and spend a lot of time with our horses, they’ll also experience more camp fun, such as boating on our lake, flying through the air on our Giant Swing and other age-appropriate activities.
Each ranch camper gets the same horse all week. Many ranch campers start with limited experience and progress at a pace that’s right for them. Some may work toward skills like cantering or small jumps, depending on readiness and instructor guidance. No experience is needed; campers must be comfortable around large animals.
Ranch Camp
Grades 1-11
Campers will spend their days riding and caring for their new pal. They’ll learn from a ranch instructor and enjoy many traditional camp activities.
Ranch Dates & Rates
| Week | Dates | Status | Cost |
| Week 1 | June 7-12 | Open | $850 |
| Week 2 | June 14-19 | Open | $850 |
| Week 3 | June 21-26 | Open | $850 |
| Week 5 | July 5-10 | Open | $850 |
| Week 7 | July 19-24 | Open | $850 |
| Week 8 | July 26-July 31 | Open | $850 |
| Two Week Camp | June 14-19, 21-26 | Open | $1500 |
| Week 6 (Mini Week) | June 12-15 | Open | 450 |
| Week 9 (Mini Week) | Aug 2-7 | Open | $450 |
Wrangler-In-Training Camp
Grade 11
Our Wrangler-In-Training (WIT) program fosters and develops group dynamics, problem-solving leadership and camping skills in future staff members. This camp, which has a ranch focus, helps teens take on responsibility that will benefit them at camp and at home. Additionally, we ask WITs to volunteer for at least one week during the summer.
For 2025 only: Any 17-year-old may sign up for this camp. Starting in 2026, our WIT program will require that campers first attend Leader-In-Training the summer before.
WIT Dates & Rates
| Week | Date | Status | Cost |
| Week 4 | June 28-July 3 | Open | $450 |
Our Staff
Role Models Work Here
Our well-trained, diverse YMCA staff provides your child with an exceptional camp experience. We carefully choose our summer camp staff for their enthusiasm, talent and dedication– many counselors are former campers!
All staff participate in pre-season training to further develop their skills and create an environment where our campers feel cared for, accepted and encouraged.
Our Ranch staff are the best! They are at least 18 years old and train at our Ranch for at least a week; most come from a ranch camp background.
Activities
Choose Your Adventures
Educational Activities
- Horse Nutrition and Care, including medical care, grooming, bathing, and feeding
- Common Horse Terms such as Parts of a Saddle or Parts of a Horse
- English and/or Western Riding
- Horse Movements (gaits, jumping, etc.)
- How to Clean Up After Your Horse
- Petting Zoo Care for our Pigs and Goats
Fun Activities
- Arena Rides
- Horse, Goat, and Pig Treat making
- Horse Stall Decorating
- Pool Noodle Horse Craft
- Pretty Pony (horse decorating)
- Jump Course (with pool noodle horse)
- Campouts
Training
All staff complete around 40 hours of training covering child safety, emergency procedures, and camp best practices to prepare them to be exceptional counselors. Additional instruction includes horseback riding, waterfront skills, and high-adventure activities to ensure a safe and fun experience for all campers.
Safety
Our lifeguards receive advanced Red Cross training to supervise all waterfront activities. We train staff in first aid & CPR, ropes trainings/horseback and policies & procedures specific to camp programs. All staff are subject to reference and background checks.
Repeat Staff
Our well-trained and dedicated staff return year after year because they want to help campers develop activity-based skills while providing a fun environment for making friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
"She LOVED it, and we can't wait to return! Thank you for all the efforts to ensure a wonderful summer for all involved!"
— Summer Camp Parent
Financial Assistance & Discounts
Everyone Deserves to Camp
We recognize that families may have differing abilities to pay, so YMCA Camp Willson offers financial assistance thanks to our generous donors.
All campers will have the same experience regardless of what rate they pay. This system allows us to continue offering an incredible camp experience with exceptional staff, activities and facilities while making camp accessible to as many families as possible.
YMCA Member Discount
YMCA of Central Ohio members will receive a $50 weekly discount per child.
Daily Schedule
Packed with Outdoor Fun
| 7:45 am Rise and Shine | 3:50 pm Water Activity |
| 8:00 am Breakfast | 5:00 pm Horse-based Activity |
| 8:30 am Riding Groups | 6:00 pm Dinner |
| 10:30 am Ground Lessons | 7:15 pm Free Time |
| 12:00 pm Lunch | 7:45 pm Evening Program (Main Camp) |
| 1:30 pm Siesta | 9:00 pm Get Ready for Bed |
| 2:40 pm Land Activity | 10:00 pm Lights Out |
Dining
Nutritious & Delicious Meals For Every Camper
Ranch campers eat breakfast and lunch together at the Chuckwagon; they join Main Camp for dinner. Most meals are served family style, with staff supervising each table.
We support and can accommodate ALL food allergies and special diets. Please indicate these during the registration process.
Cabins
Cabinmates Become Best Friends Here
Campers stay in age-appropriate cabins under the supervision of our adult counselors, with a ratio of 1 counselor to 6 campers.
Bring A Friend
Feel free to make bunk requests with a friend during the registration process. We attempt to honor one per child, and the request must be mutual. We assign cabins when campers arrive.
Cozy Summer Home
The main camp cabins have electricity, ceiling fans, air conditioning and bunk beds. Campers should bring a sleeping bag or sheet, blanket, pillow and pillowcase.
Bathrooms and showers are located conveniently near cabins.
Packing List
Cabinmates Hang Together
Ranch campers spend most of their day with their riding groups based on their abilities.
They spend mornings at the Ranch. In the afternoons, ranch campers enjoy our other camp activities together.
Raising The BAR For Youth
YMCA Youth Development programs empower youth to reach their full potential by fostering a sense of belonging, realizing and celebrating achievement and cultivating positive relationships. Our Youth Development programs are guided by our YMCA core values and take place in safe and inclusive spaces.
Our programs are intentionally designed to focus on our primary outcomes:
Belonging
Youth are respected and welcomed into a community where they can express their individuality.
Achievement
Youth build new skills, and their accomplishments are recognized.
Relationships
Youth form meaningful connections, promoting well-being and combating social isolation.
Core Values
Youth are guided by our Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Safety
Youth are protected from physical and emotional harm.
Inclusion
Youth receive equal access to opportunities and resources.
