Jameson Ranch Camp

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Jameson Ranch Camp

Come Home to Jameson Ranch Camp

Providing a respite from the pressures of urban life, Jameson Ranch Camp offers a unique opportunity to live on a working ranch situated in the majestic southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Our two-week program offers children aged six to sixteen the space to make lifelong friends, experience rustic living, and get away from it all.

Experiencing the outdoors, living in the moment, and enjoying the activities sure to delight your child, JRC campers are allowed to choose daily from a selection of programs, from horseback riding to rock climbing and swimming. Our hand-picked staff are there to help your child have an unforgettable summer experience. Join the JRC Family this summer and come home to JRC.

Our Program

The Jameson Ranch Camp program has been meticulously crafted to support the whole child. Using neuroscience, psychology, and best practices in parenting, JRC provides activities designed to bring out the best in campers, helping them thrive away from home, in a unique outdoor environment.

Our Program

The JRC program is a unique combination and balance of individual choice and community involvement for campers ages 6-16. Each camper chooses the activity they want to do during each activity period. We believe this is a great way to foster a child's individual interests and help them leave camp with new passions and skills.

Being on a working ranch is a great way to be part of something greater than oneself. Each camper contributes to ranch work by doing a chore every day. We emphasize the importance and value of participation to connect each child to their daily contributions.

We are a 100% outdoor program: think sleeping porches instead of cabins, outhouses, and rustic living. We excel in connecting people, growing potential, and living in the moment. Children looking for a place to belong, where their uniqueness is an asset, and where fun is just a smile away, thrive in our space. JRC has a history of inclusion for the quirky and bold, as well as the reserved and quiet—our camp has something for everyone seeking camaraderie among friends, a space to grow, and a place to belong.

Our History

The Jameson Family has been helping children grow since the early 1930s. Erica Jameson, granddaughter of our camp's founder, Roderick, is the director of JRC, overseeing every aspect of camp. Her parents, Ross & Debby Jameson, who ran JRC for over 40 years, lend a helping hand in the garden and Barn Dances. Caitlin Latta has been part of JRC since she was eight years old and is a close friend of the Jameson family. She and husband, Ryan Griffith, are Assistant Directors, supporting JRC each summer with their incredible talents.

Camp Through The Decades

Life At Camp

Trenting

These crazy activities are sure to leave campers laughing. Pure fun and nonsense. Trenting can be anything from chicken catching, seaweed-monster dress up, or ambushing other activites with songs!

The Garden

We teach children how to grow the food that we eat; campers learn to shuck corn, pick beans, and take care of gophers in our garden.

Campfires

Saturday nights are spent around the campfire roasting 'smores, swapping stories, and singing songs!

Lakefront Activities

We have sailboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing nooks, and even a ropeswing on our own private lake!

Backpacking

Every session campers have an opportunity to go on an overnight backpacking trip.

Horseback Riding

We have one of the most comprehensive horseback riding programs in California. Our campers learn Western and bareback riding, as well as cattle herding and trail riding. Lessons are given daily for all levels, from the first time rider to the advanced wrangler.

Barn Dance

On Friday nights we put on our best clothes and share song and dance in front of the barn--always a camper favorite.

Rock Climbing

There are plenty of rocks around to climb at JRC. Our staff teaches basic rock climbing skills like belaying and rapelling.

Milk A Cow!

During morning chores, you might get the chance to milk the JRC cow, a unique way to start the day!

Director's Breakfast

Once a session we move the kitchen outside and the camp directors prepare a special breakfast for all of camp--but you'll have to earn your pancakes with good catching skills.

Archery

Take aim at one of our haybale target stacks

Corn Eating Competitions

Sometimes, it's OK to play at the dining table--campers and counselors hunker down on fresh corn from the garden, seeing who can make the best nibble face.

Talent Show

Our campers are a talented bunch, and each session we let them show off their skills at the talent show.

Work Crew

Learn to operate the log splitter with Ross on the work crew.

And So Much More

Plum golf, slip and slides, meadow mucking, ultimate frisbee, water fights, and lots lots more happens at JRC!

Accredited!

JRC is proud to be an ACA and WAIC accredited camp, as well as a Green Camp Member, adhering to the strictest standards of camp safety and fun.

Family camp

Our sister company, Jameson Ranch Retreats, runs Family Camp at JRC. For more information on Family Camp, Alumni Weekend, or Farm-to-Table programs, visit their website.

Family camp

Our sister company, Jameson Ranch Retreats, runs Family Camp at JRC. For more information on Family Camp, Alumni Weekend, or Farm-to-Table programs, visit their website.