Roots & Rations

Embark on a wilderness adventure while learning essential survival skills and discovering practical ways to live off the land. Budding explorers will forage for edible plants in the garden, identify forest flora, and practice cooking simple, flavorful meals using natural ingredients. Along the way, nature-themed games and hands-on crafting projects will spark curiosity and creativity, deepening each child’s connection to the outdoors. Campers will build shelters, follow trails with confidence, and master the basics of fire-craft in a safe, guided environment, nurturing independence, resourcefulness, and a lifelong love for the natural world.

Session 2

June 29th - July 10th (closed 7/3)

Register for Session 2

Registration Opens February 16th

Ages 3-15

  • Jr. Farmers

    Ages 3-5

    Junior Farmers are our youngest adventurers, sparking curiosity through hands-on activities like meeting farm animals, crafting, playing games, and exploring nature. Farm-to-table experiences introduce them to fresh ingredients in fun, sensory ways. Families can choose half-day or full-day sessions to fit their needs.

    Jr. Farmers must be fully potty trained (no diapers or pull-ups) by the start of camp.

    Pricing 2-Weeks:

    Half-Day Jr Farmers $576

    Full-Day Jr Farmers $1,080

  • Ranchers

    Ages 6-7

    Ranchers take the next step in outdoor adventure, building confidence through creative projects, animal care, and nature hikes. They dive into farm-to-table activities, preparing delicious treats with fresh ingredients to share with new friends. This session offers plenty of time for imaginative play, exciting challenges, and outdoor exploration.

    Pricing 2-Weeks:

    Ranchers $1,080

  • Pathfinders

    Ages 8-9

    Pathfinders thrive as they stretch their independence and dive into ranch life with activities like hiking, creative projects, and connecting with animals. A special highlight is their opportunity to stay late and prepare and share a delicious farm-to-table dinner with friends, creating a memorable celebration of their camp experience. This session offers endless fun, friendship, and exploration.

    Pricing 2-Weeks:

    Pathfinders (ages 8-9) $1,125 (Includes camp-style dinner at the ranch on the first Wednesday)

  • Stewards

    Ages 10-12

    Stewards are our seasoned campers, ready for deeper connections to the Ranch through animal care, gardening, and farm-to-table cooking. They take on leadership through group projects and teamwork, culminating in an unforgettable overnight stay where they prepare and enjoy their own meal, bond under the stars, and wake up to the peaceful sounds of the Ranch. This session is the perfect mix of adventure, growth, and lasting friendships.

    Pricing 2-Weeks:

    Stewards (ages 10-12) $1,230 (Includes an overnight campout at the ranch on the second Wednesday)

  • Campers in Leadership Training

    Ages 13-15

    Campers in Leadership Training develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through hands-on activities and mentorship roles. They assist with camp programs, helping younger campers while deepening their connection to nature and the Ranch’s mission. This immersive experience builds leadership confidence, fosters lasting friendships, and nurtures a strong sense of community.

    Price 2-Weeks:

    CILTs (ages 13-15) $720

  • Interns

    Ages 16-18

    CREC’s Internship Program for high school students develops future environmental leaders through hands-on work in ecological systems, sustainable farming, and animal husbandry. Interns gain mentorship, lead activities, and support summer camp programs, working with CREC’s farm team and staff. They receive a seasonal stipend, learning the value of hard work and community service while exploring careers in nonprofit, environmental, and sustainable agriculture fields.

Sample Schedule

  • Campers ease into the day with light games, creative prompts, and a welcome circle to set the tone.

  • Guided outdoor activities and free play to stretch, move, and soak up some fresh air.

  • Campers will be responsible for brining their own lunch. Followed by Quiet time/drawing & Journaling.

  • Hands-on time to explore the daily theme—whether it’s art, building, storytelling, or movement.

  • We'll end the day with a closing circle before campers head home for the evening. Pick up from 3:30pm to 4:00pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

Program Details: Riley Smith, Program Director - riley@connollyranch.org or (707) 224-1894 x1003

Enrollment & Billing: ap@connollyranch.org or (707) 224-1894 x1001 and apply.

  • Campers participate in hands-on cooking experiences using seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients grown at Connolly Ranch. Recipes vary by week and age group and may include simple snacks, garden-inspired dishes, and collaborative meals that emphasize where food comes from and how it’s prepared. Activities are age-appropriate, interactive, and designed to build confidence, curiosity, and connection to food and the land.

  • Yes. Campers interact with a variety of farm animals throughout the week, with age-appropriate activities such as feeding, learning and implementing animal care, and discovering the importance of the animals in our society as well as in the natural world. Through observation, interaction, and stewardship, campers are sure to leave the ranch with a deeper connection and appreciation for the farm animals and all that they provide for us!

  • Yes. Connolly Ranch Summer Camp is a screen-free experience and takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine. Our program is designed to encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and connection to nature.

  • Camp Dinner and Overnight experiences are offered to the oldest campers on the ranch! The Pathfinders (ages 8-9) have the opportunity to spend extra time at the ranch on the first Wednesday of each session to participate in a Camp Dinner. Campers will set tables, make pizzas, and sit down together to enjoy a community meal! On the second Wednesday of each session will be the Stewards (ages 10-12) Overnight experience! Campers will have a full Camp Dinner, tell stories around a fire while making smores and sleep under the stars in the Grove! Pathfinders and Stewards will have dinner together on both Wednesdays on the first session. There will be no overnight for the first session. 

  • Camp runs rain or shine. We adjust activities as needed to ensure camper safety and comfort, including using shaded areas, modifying schedules, increasing water breaks, and adjusting programming during extreme weather conditions.

  • Detailed clothing lists, gear checklists, and health policies (including sunscreen and bug spray) are outlined in our Parent Handbook. You can download the handbook at the bottom of the registration page before you begin, or find it in your confirmation email after signing up. We also send a session-specific email to all families right before their start date to help with final daily preparations.

  • We take dietary safety seriously at Connolly Ranch. Please note all restrictions during registration so our counselors can be provided with a specific safety list for their group at the start of each session. We maintain a strict "no sharing food" policy and sanitize all surfaces after meal and cooking times.

    While our recipes are vegetarian-based (with vegan alternatives always provided), we do occasionally offer meat as an optional addition for specific dishes, such as pizza.

  • Our experienced educators create a welcoming, supportive environment and use small-group activities, routines, and relationship-building to help campers feel safe and confident throughout the week.

  • Counselors:Campers

    Half Day Jr Farmers (3-5) - 1:6

    Full Day Jr Farmers (3-5) - 1:8

    Ranchers (6-7)  - 1:8

    Pathfinders (8-9) - 1:9

    Stewards (10-12) - 1:10

  • Our cancellation and refund policy is outlined on the Summer Camp registration page and in the Parent Handbook. Please review these details carefully before registering.