Summer Prep
Family Camp Prep
Follow this list and you will have everything you need by the time camp rolls around!
Screenshot the list with your phone to save.
Now
- Log into your Online Account:
- Confirm your account is paid in full.
- Finalize any incomplete items on your family's registration.
- Answer the “Registration Questions" to ensure we are prepared for your family's needs!
- This is where you will inform us of any allergies or special dietary needs you may have.
Two weeks before camp
- Check the packing list.
- Download the Bunk1 App and log in using your Sky Ranch username and password. Make sure notifications are turned on so you can receive important updates about camp!
- Check your snail mail for a Family Camp Travel Catalog! Not only will it have important camp information, but it will also help keep you entertained on your drive to Colorado!
One week before camp
- Plan night event outfits.
A few days before camp
- Check your email. You'll receive an email with TWO action items. Your family's Health Questionnaire and Participant Agreement.
- Make sure you have everything together. (Check the packing list again.)
- Start packing up the car - or suitcases if you are flying! Head to camp whenever it works best for your family!
Day of camp
- Decorate your car!
- Arrive at your favorite place on Earth! (Hint: It's either Horn Creek or Ute Trail!) We'll see you at 4:30!
What to Bring
Clothing |
Toiletries |
Miscellaneous |
| Warm weather clothing | Toothbrush | Bible |
| Cool weather clothing | Toothpaste | Journal |
| Close-toe shoes | Soap | Backpack/tote bag |
| Hat | Shampoo | Water bottle |
| Light Jacket | Hair dryer | Sunglasses |
| Sleepwear | Personal first-aid kit | Sun block |
| One-piece swimwear | Allergy medication | Lip balm |
| Attire for Night Events | Headache/fever/pain meds | Insect repellant |
| Water shoes (optional) | Prescription medication | Flashlight |
| Rain jacket (optional) | Other personal items | Camera |
| Fishing gear (optional) |
What NOT to bring
| Alcohol | Archery Equipment |
| Climbing gear | Fireworks |
| Illegal drugs | Paintball |
| Marijuana | Scooters |
| Skateboards | Skeet gear |
| Tobacco products | Weapons |
| Pets |
*Sky Ranch provides linens, pillows, wash cloths, and bath towels. The store on camp has a variety of sundries and snacks for purchase.
Sky Ranch cannot be responsible for lost or broken articles. Please do not bring anything that would break easily or cause loss if misplaced.
Arrival and Departure
Check-in is at 4:30 pm on Sunday. We can't wait to see you!
Check-out is at 9:00 am on Saturday. Don't forget to turn in your pre-registration form to secure your spot for next year!
Camp Addresses
Ute Trail: 1329 State Highway 149 Powderhorn, CO 81243
Please note that when driving south on State Highway 149, you will pass through Powderhorn, CO, and proceed to mile marker 83. Some of the online mapping systems do not provide accurate directions. If you are flying into Colorado, we recommend arriving at Montrose Regional Airport (1 hour 30 minutes), Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (1 hour), Colorado Springs (4 hours) or Denver International Airport (5 hours).
Horn Creek: 6758 County Road 130 Westcliffe, CO 81252
Horn Creek is off of Highway 69. There are signs that will help direct you to camp. Turn onto CR 140, then turn left onto Macey Ln (CR 129). Turn right on CR 130 and follow this all the way to camp. We do not recommend turning off Highway 69 onto CR 130 because this section of the road is not paved. If you are flying into Colorado, we recommend arriving at Colorado Springs Airport, which is two hours away.
Sample Schedule
Below is a tentative schedule of what to expect each day. Don't forget to read about your Off-Camp Adventure Day!
Sunday - Arrival Day
| 4:30 pm | Check-In |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Welcome Orientation |
| 8:00 pm | Activity |
Monday through Friday - A Typical Day at Camp
*This is a sample schedule for each day. A full schedule will be given upon arrival.*
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Family Devotions |
| 9:30 am | Connection Time |
| 11:00 am | Free Time |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 pm | Afternoon Activities |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Night Events |
| 9:00 pm | Free Time |
Saturday - Departure Day
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Departure |
Night Events
Each night, we will have a themed event fun and exciting things to do! Some families go CRAZY and dress all decked-out. Some keep it cool and classic. You know your family best, and we encourage you to do what fits your family best!
Flannel Fest (Meadows: Monday - Lodge: Tuesday)
Step into a lumberjack festival full of flannel, food, and fun! Families will be competing at various games and challenges to see whose team has the most skilled lumberjack. Come in your best lumberjack gear--think flannels, suspenders, overalls, boots, and buffalo plaid.
Western Night (Meadows: Tuesday - Lodge: Monday)
Join us outdoors at the arena for Western Night! The evening kicks off with a delicious outdoor BBQ and western-themed games. After a knee-slapping melodrama performed by our staff, our boots are going to hit the dance floor to a mix of classic country songs that all ages can boot-scoot to. Round up your cowboy hats, boots, and denim and get ready to "yee-haw" all night! Click here for line-dance tutorials from our Family Ministries team!
Kid's Night (Meadows: Wednesday - Lodge: Thursday)
KIDS ONLY night event! We will play fun games, eat snacks, and party without our parents. Parents have the option of enjoying a personal picnic dinner or dine in town. Some parents go in groups, others make it a date night. Either way, enjoy your evening! We will take care of the kids.
Coffee House (Meadows: Thursday - Lodge: Wednesday)
Join us for a one-of-a-kind, world class evening of entertainment brought to you by... well, you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or want to finally try out that comedy routine you've been practicing on your dog, this is your moment! From music and poetry to magic tricks or yo-yo mastery, we want to laugh, cry, cheer or say, "Wait... how'd they do that?", all while enjoying a refreshing cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Come dressed in your favorite coffee shop outfit ready to encourage your friends.
Campfire (Friday)
After a time of Family Blessing, we will conclude an extraordinary week of Sky Ranch Family Camp by gathering around the campfire to reflect on what the Lord has done in our families and in our own hearts. We will worship in song and have the opportunity to reflect and share meaningful moments from the week.
Flannel Fest
Step into a lumberjack festival full of flannel, food, and fun! Families will be competing at various games and challenges to see whose team has the most skilled lumberjack. Come in your best lumberjack gear--think flannels, suspenders, overalls, boots, and buffalo plaid.
Barn Dance
Starting with dinner and ending with western dancing - bring your cowboy boots and duds! Click here for line-dance tutorials from our Family Ministries team!
Kid's Night
KIDS ONLY night event! We will play fun games, eat snacks, and party without our parents. Parents have the option of enjoying a personal picnic dinner or dining in town. Some parents go in groups, others make it a date night. Either way, enjoy your evening! We will take care of the kids.
Coffee House Chill
Join us at our Coffee House Chill! Relax under the stars with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate in hand, as the soft glow of string lights sets the perfect atmosphere. Grab a cozy spot with friends and dive into a variety of board games, or just unwind and chat with old friends and your family. Whether you're looking to compete in a friendly game, share stories, or simply enjoy some quiet time, this is the perfect way to wind down your day at camp. Come for the coffee, stay for the fun, and leave with great memories!
Nuke 'Em & Family Blessing Night
Friday night is a very special evening to end an extraordinary week. We will have our traditional Nuke Em'tournament, then join together for a time of worship and Family Blessing. This night concludes with a campfire and special time of sharing what God has done.
Climate and Weather
WEATHER – We enjoy over 300 days of sunshine every year and a cool, dry climate. Summer daytime highs are typically in the 70s or low 80s, with lows sometimes in the 40s or even 30s. Temperatures at higher elevations are usually lower than in town. A warm jacket and/or sweater will be necessary for your visit during the summer.
Thunderstorms are typical daily occurrences during the summer, especially during July and August. Stay off of ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightning strikes. Longer hikes are best started early in the morning so you can be down off the mountain if there is lightning.
OUTDOORS – It is essential to wear eye protection, a hat, and sunscreen when outdoors. The sun is much more intense here than in areas of lower altitudes. Insects and mosquitoes love Colorado, so be sure to pack insect repellant and use it frequently when you plan on being outdoors. We do not recommend drinking from rivers, lakes, or streams.
ALTITUDE – Gains in altitude can affect anyone, especially when traveling above 7,000 feet. Sometimes, the effects can include: headaches, breathlessness, fatigue, inability to sleep, swelling of the hands, face, or feet, nausea, or vomiting. You can reduce your symptoms by avoiding strenuous activity for the first day or two of your visit, and drinking extra water before and during your week of camp. We suggest filling up a water bottle and staying well hydrated throughout the day. Check with your doctor before going to high altitude if you have a heart or lung condition.
Off-Camp Adventure Day
While you are at camp, your family will have the opportunity to spend the day off-camp together. There are many things to do in and around the area. Take time before camp to find a fun outing that your family would enjoy while visiting the area. Remember to make a reservation if needed. (Off-camp day is encouraged, but optional. You are welcome to stay on camp if you wish.)
*At Horn Creek, Lodge will be Wednesday and Meadows will be Thursday.
Ute Trail Off-Camp Ideas
*At Ute Trail, Off-Camp Day will be Thursday.
Ranch Bank
While you are at camp, there are a few places where you can purchase awesome souvenirs and delicious snacks. Because it can be a hassle to carry cash, we will provide wristbands for each family member upon arrival. These wristbands will be linked to your credit card on file, so everyone can make purchases throughout the week. If you don't want your children to make purchases, do not give them a wristband. You are welcome to carry cash or use a credit card if you prefer.
When your family visits the store, we will scan your wristband. This will create a running tab that will be charged Wednesday after your visit has ended. This draft will be processed to your credit card on file for all purchases made. Please make sure your card on file is up to date! If you log into your Online Account to look at your deposit schedule on your profile, you will see this date reflected.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Our staff is here to serve you with excellence and make your week at Family Camp as enjoyable and meaningful as possible. A few helpful things to remember:
Check-in & Out – Check-in begins at 4:30 pm on Sunday and check-out is at 9:00 am the following Saturday. If you will arrive at camp later than 6:00 pm on Sunday, please email your Camp Manager listed below:
- Ute Trail - Kyle Hess (KyleH@SkyRanch.org)
- Horn Creek Meadows - Jake Auerbach (JakeA@SkyRanch.org)
- Horn Creek Lodge - Carleigh Walker (CarleighW@SkyRanch.org)
Linens – All bedding, towels, and washcloths are provided. If your bedding needs to be cleaned or changed, please let us know. We visit your cabin or room to take the trash out and provide fresh towels on Wednesday.
Laundry – If you need to do laundry, we have a laundry facility on camp that you can use. It is stocked with everything you may need. At Ute Trail, you may even have a laundry unit in your cabin.
Dietary Restrictions – If you or your child has any dietary restrictions, please let us know at least one week before your arrival, so we can prepare for you.
- For Ute Trail, please contact Ben Walker (BenjaminW@SkyRanch.org)
- For Horn Creek, please contact Ryan Kenyon (RyanK@SkyRanch.org)
Connection Time – Throughout the week, we will be offering Connection Time for both kids and parents. Kids will connect with other kids through an age-appropriate Bible study, and parents will have an informal round table discussion time led by our host couple. This year's discussion will be centered on community.
Wifi – If you have an emergency need access to wifi, please connect with a staff member while you are at camp for help.