Safety

Safety and security of our guests has been and always will be paramount to the ministry of Sky Ranch. For detailed information on our dedication to this, please read the letter below from our President and CEO, Linda S. Paulk. 

As a ministry that is committed to the safety of ALL guests, Sky Ranch asks that you refrain from bringing tobacco products of any kind, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, alcohol, marijuana, fireworks, firearms, or illegal drugs to any Sky Ranch campus.

Jump to information on:

• Emergency Procedures
• Abuse Prevention
• Activity Safety
• Food Safety
• Health Care
• School Programs
• Retreats
• Summer Camp

Culture of Excellence

At Sky Ranch, safety, care and excellence are woven into everything we do. We exceed industry standards in many areas because we believe every guest deserves an experience that is not only fun and meaningful, but also secure and well-supported. Our team is present, prepared, and committed to caring for your family.

ACA Accredited

Sky Ranch is accredited by the American Camp Association* (ACA), an independent organization that establishes and evaluates best practices for camps nationwide. Through regular, in-person evaluations by trained ACA camp professionals, our programs are reviewed against rigorous standards for safety, operations, staffing, and programming. We are proud to not only meet - but often exceed - these standards.

*Horn Creek and Champions Rodeo programs are not currently accredited.

Outstanding Facilities

Our facilities reflect our commitment to preparedness and care. All cabins are equipped with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and clearly posted emergency procedures. Our maintenance teams perform routine inspections and ongoing preventative maintenance across all buildings and program areas. Guest security is regularly evaluated, and improvements are made as needed to ensure a secure, well-maintained environment for everyone on site. 

Full-Time Professional Team

Every full-time staff member is careful selected through a comprehensive hiring process that includes interviews, background checks (including the national sex offender registry), reference checks, and a voluntary disclosure statement. All staff are trained and expected to never be alone in a private setting with guests. Daily oversight is built into our operations through a system of checks and balances involving Ministry Team Leaders, Activity Managers, the Healthcare Director, the Director of Risk and Compliance, The Vice President of Operations, and seasonal leadership teams. This structure allows for consistent monitoring and accountability across all of our camp programs.

Emergency Procedures

Sky Ranch maintains comprehensive emergency procedures and action plans for a wide range of scenarios including severe weather, power outtages, fire, wildife encounters, medical emergencies, intruders, missing campers, evacuations, and active threat situations. Staff are trained on their roles and responsibilities in these situations.

Abuse Prevention

Sky Ranch partners with Ministry Safe (MinistrySafe.com), a nationally recognized leader in abuse prevention training. Through this partnership our staff are trained to identify concerning behaviors, understand appropriate boudaries, and help prevent situations that could lead to abuse. We regularly evaluate potential risk areas on our properties and adjust systems and facilities to further protect campers and guests. In compliance with Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado law, any suspicion or report of abuse is immediately reported to the appropriate authorities.

Activity Safety

Waterfront and Pools

• Trained American Red Cross Lifeguards are present at all water activities
• Non-swimmers are required to wear a life jacket 
• Life jackets are required at all waterfront activities
• Boat drivers receive specialized training 
• Pool water is tested regularly to meet state health standards

Challenge Course

• Facilitated by staff trained through an Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) preferred vendor
• All elements and equipment are professionally inspected annually 

Other Activities

• Shooting sports are led by specifically trained staff 
• Horseback activities are facilitated by staff trained in equine safety and instruction

Food Safety

Our licensed kitchens and staff meet the same regulatory standards as a public restaurant. We accommodate all nine major allergens, provide special diet lines, and offer menu alternatives when needed. While not peanut-free, peanut products are limited. Menu alternatives are available for guests with severe food allergies. Please contact Guest Services at 800.962.2267 for assistance. 

Health Care

For our summer camp programs, we provide various types of health care depending on the program. See the program in the list below for specific details. You can also find information about nearby medical services for each of our sites below.

Program Specifics

School Programs

Highly Qualified, Well-Trained, Carefully Selected Staff

Sky Ranch is committed to providing exceptional Outdoor Education staff. Our instructional team exceeds industry staffing norms and is made up of full-time professionals with college degrees. Through a partnership with Dallas Baptist University, many instructors continue their education by earning graduate degrees while serving at Sky Ranch. Our nationwide recruiting and multi-stage screening process ensures we select instructors who are skilled, relational, and mission aligned. Once hired, staff complete a one-month training that includes certifications, curriculum training, and student care. Staff members participate in weekly in-service trainings to refresh skills already learned, as well as on-going staff development designed to improve their skills. Instructors are certified in CPR, AED and First Aid by the American Red Cross.

Medical Care

To assure students have immediate medical care available while they are here, each school brings a nurse or other first aid-trained individual. Should a guest need additional medical treatment, the schools are given directions to nearby medical facilities.

Supervision and Managing Health

We use a buddy system at all times and recommend adult supervision when students are separated from their group. Sky Ranch staff are on site 24/7. Hydration, sun protection, hygiene, and illness prevention are built into daily routines through scheduled water breaks, sunscreen application, handwashing, and a full-time housekeeping team. 

Retreats

Upon arrival, our team will orient group leaders and provide best practices for group supervision and care. We recommend supervision guidelines consistent with public accommodation settings.The buddy system is encouraged, and children and youth should be supervised by adults at all times. Staff members are on call and available to assist with everything from simple needs to unexpected situations. 

Summer Camp

Well-Trained, Carefully Selected Summer Staff

Each year, Sky Ranch recruits more than 2,000 college students from over 30 colleges and universities nationwide. From those applicants, we intentionally select approximately 700 summer staff members. Nearly 40% are returning staff or individuals who have been trained through our leadership camp programs, bringing experience and continuity to our teams.

Our selection process is intentional and begins with a candidate’s first interview. From day one, staff are trained to “Care for the Legacy,” and that mindset starts even before interviews begin. Former Sky Ranch staff actively recruit on their campuses, seeking out Godly, character-driven role models who align with our mission and values.

Qualified applicants participate in an in-depth, 60-minute interview with a trained Camp Ministry Team leader. These conversations explore personal background, character, faith, and responsibility, allowing us to ensure each candidate meets the high standards we set for those entrusted with caring for children.

Candidates who move forward complete comprehensive background and character checks, including reference checks and a national sex offender registry screening conducted by an outside agency. Our Human Resources team also reviews character references to confirm consistency between a candidate’s personal life and the expectations of our staff.

Once hired, Sky Ranch facilitates two weeks of on-site training. This training serves as a probationary period, and only those who demonstrate the ability to be outstanding caregivers and role models are invited to serve during the summer.

Throughout the year, our full-time staff and board pray intentionally over the recruiting and hiring of these students, trusting God to bring the right people to care for your children well.

The Decentralized Difference

Sky Ranch is unique in the summer camp world because we operate a fully decentralized program. In practice, this means cabins function as close-knit communities. Your child stays with the same group of campers and counselors for the entire week - traveling together, learning together, and growing together. This consistency allows counselors to truly know each camper and provide thoughtful, individualized care.

Each cabin community is intentionally staffed with counselors who bring a mix of personalities, strengths, and backgrounds. We believe one size does not fit all, and this approach helps ensure every camper can connect with a trusted role model who understands their needs and temperament.

Built in accountability. Because campers are always part of a team, we avoid situations where a camper is alone with a single counselor in a private setting. Staff are trained to prohibit private, one-on-one settings, creating a built-in system of accountability and clear expectations for appropriate conduct.

Dedicated leadership and oversight. Each cabin is overseen by a trusted, well-trained Senior Counselor who is assigned to only one cabin and remains closely involved throughout the week. Senior Counselors receive ongoing training and evaluations and are equipped to recognize and respond to concerns such as bullying, health needs, or homesickness.

Senior Counselors report directly to a Ministry Team Professional - a full-time leader whose primary role is to oversee the safety, care, and wellbeing of campers. These leaders remain actively engaged with the cabin communities they support.

Clear roles, exceptional care. We intentionally separate relational care from activity instruction. Counselors focus on building relationships and supporting campers emotionally and spiritually, while trained specialists lead activities. This allows staff to excel in their specific roles and ensures campers receive both personal care and high-quality instruction.

Regardless of role or employment status, every staff member shares responsibility for the emotional, physical, and spiritual safety of our campers. Clear accountability systems are in place, including documented feedback and disciplinary procedures when standards are not met.

Exceptional ratios and standards. Sky Ranch maintains an approximately 1:6 staff-to-camper ratio, exceeding state requirements. We also surpass state standards for abuse prevention training and testing, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in care and safety.

Skilled Certified Medical Team

During the summer, Sky Ranch provides licensed and certified healthcare professionals on site, including registered nurses, paramedics, nurse practitioners, and trained healthcare assistants. At our Van, TX location, medical staff are available 24 hours a day. Ute Trail is supported by a registered nurse for each Sigma session. At Horn Creek, a registered nurse works on site alongside healthcare assistants.

All summer camp healthcare is overseen by the Sky Ranch Healthcare Director, a registered nurse. Medical protocols at each site are regulated by a local physician and reviewed annually to ensure best practices are maintained.To learn more about health care for summer camp, click here.

All lifeguards, senior counselors, and senior assistant counselors are certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED use through the American Red Cross, and AEDs are available at every Sky Ranch property. Each cabin also includes counselors certified in CPR.

Daily health practices are built into camp life. Rigorous handwashing, hygiene routines, and a full-time housekeeping team help reduce the spread of illness. Campers are encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the day, apply sunscreen regularly, and carry filled water bottles, with counselors proactively supporting these habits.

Abuse Prevention

We encourage parents to talk to their camper about what to do in an uncomfortable situation, empowering them to communicate what they are experiencing. Each cabin includes a message lock box that allows campers to anonymously share concerns. These are checked regularly by Camp Ministry Team leaders and provide an additional, child-accessible layer of protection. As required by law in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado, all suspicions or reports of abuse are immediately reported to the appropriate authorities.