A Special Note For First Time Camper Parents!

We are so honored that you are entrusting us with your precious camper in a few short weeks! We know there is a lot to do to get prepared and we believe getting ready should be PART of the FUN – for you AND your camper! Since this is your very first summer here at Sky Ranch, we thought you might appreciate a short list of the MOST IMPORTANT things you need to know. All of this information can be found at any time at https://skyranch.org/pages/new-parent-orientation .

Night Events – There is a themed event every evening for your camper’s specific program, with a recommendation on how to dress up. Some campers go ALL OUT for every event, every night – with crazy costumes, face paint and wigs. Other campers might just put on one article that represents the theme – a bandana or theme colored t-shirt or crazy hat. You know your camper best and they will for sure let you know how ‘into character’ they want to go. There are no requirements – except having fun! Theme nights will be found in the Summer Prep section.

Packing List – a complete list of everything your camper will need, as well as what they should not bring to camp can be found in their specific program https://skyranch.org/pages/summer-prep .

Camper Mail – Sky Ranch has an in-house mail service and we encourage you to use it! Most campers receive mail during the week – some every day, some only once or twice. You can drop off your camper mail at The Legacy Building. We ask that care packages be no larger than a shoe box and any food items be sealed. You know what your camper would enjoy – snacks, funny cards, trinkets – or maybe even pictures of their pets. Campers love to know you are thinking about them and praying for them while they are at camp. We are happy to do the work for you and have Sky Packs available filled with amazing Sky Ranch Swag, delivered daily.

Camper Emails and Photos – We offer one-way email service for $15 per family providing you the opportunity to email to your camper. Emails must be received before 10:00 am for same-day delivery. You can sign up for this service through your online account, simply click on the Emails and Photos link in your camper’s registration. You’ll want to get familiar with this tab in your account and visit it often to see the amazing pictures taken daily. Photos are available for purchase and a great way to see all the fun your camper is having while they are here!

Don’t forget to decorate your car! Kids LOVE putting polish on those windows – and we get so excited seeing you come through the gate with Sky Ranch, I’m With the Band and even your camper’s cabin on the windows!

Speaking of coming through the gates – when you arrive at Sky Ranch, you will be directed by our amazing staff to a parking spot, where we will meet you at your vehicle, load up your luggage and deliver it to the cabin. Hop on a trailer to your camper’s cabin where you will meet the counselors and make your camper’s bunk. Kiss the kiddo(s) goodbye and take a trailer to The Legacy Building where you can drop off meds and camper mail, visit the café and grab some Sky Ranch Swag for yourself in our fabulous store. When you are ready to leave, hop on a trailer back to the parking lot. Be sure to listen to the Parent Camp Podcast on your way home – and throughout the week, to stay up-to-date on what your camper is learning and how you can pray for them while they are here.

PACKING TIPS FROM THE PROS (The parents who have gone before you)
• Label a large ziplock bag for each day of the week and pack camper clothes for that specific day. This is a great space saver and increases the odds your camper will have on matching socks and a clean shirt!
• Labelled large ziplocks work great for theme nights too! Put one together for each theme and your camper will have everything they need all in one place!
• Send a small laundry bag (mesh works best) to put all their dirty clothes in.
• Be sure to send TWO towels – one for the shower and one for water activities. Send your camper with a simple S hook to put on their bunk – it’s the perfect place to hang a wet towel!
• Shower caddies are super helpful to keep all their toiletries together and easy to carry.
• Girls must wear a one-piece swimsuit. The older they get, the harder these are to find – shop early!
• All of our campers do not come with trunks – a large suitcase or duffle works just as well. Please nothing larger than 40” wide x 36” deep x 16” high.
• A small rope or sling backpack makes it much easier to keep up with water bottles and water shoes as your camper travels around camp throughout the day.
• Label EVERYTHING!!
• Decorate your car!
We are praying Sky Ranch will be the BEST WEEK of your camper’s summer! Please know we are here to help you every step of the way! We love hearing from you and look forward to serving you in any way that we can. Give us a call at 800-962-2267 or email us at GuestServices@SkyRanch.org.