FAQs

We have three funding sources: Home and Community Based Services (HCS), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), and private pay.

We do not have a specific criteria on a level of need that would exclude someone from admission. It is important for those interested in residency to complete a trial visit. The visit will help the family and the individual to evaluate if the Ranch is the right setting for them.

Residency and Day Program – You won't hear any update until there is an opening.  However, we will periodically ask that you update the Day Program Interest Form or Residency Interest Form.

Respite and other programs – You should receive an email or phone follow up within a few days of submitting the form. 

The usual process:

• Contact – Email or phone contact will be made to let you know there is an opening.
• Tour – We will set up a time for yourself or loved one to come out to see the Ranch and meet the Ranchers.
• Paperwork – If the Ranch seems to be a good fit, we will give you an application along with a few other documents that will need to be completed.
• Trial – After completing the tour and paperwork, a 3-14 day trial is recommended. 
• Enrollment – Based on the trial, we will notify yourself or your loved one of acceptance.

Review the residency webpage to see current program openings. 

When a vacancy occurs, the residency interest list is consulted to find potential matches for the living situation and residential option available. All other factors being equal, a potential Rancher who has shown interest longer may not be offered programing before those who have been on the list a shorter time.

 

Learn more about ICF and HCS, look at this Comparison Chart 

For individuals who are not residents of Down Home Ranch, Day Program is from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday.

It’s based on availability, but 3:00pm-5:00pm can be attended for an additional nominal fee per hour.

Day Program is closed on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. We are also closed for the week of Thanksgiving (Monday through Friday), as well as the week of Christmas until January 2. We are also closed for a week during our bi-annual Down Home Ranch cruise which is typically the second or third week in January.

You are more than welcome to bring your own lunch everyday. A nutritionally balanced lunch is served at noon Monday through Thursday for $3.00.

The individual will be notified the week of for any activities that will have a fee.

A bill will be sent each month to the physical or email address on file. If payment is not received within 30 days of the due date, the individual may be discharged from services until payment is received in full.

If an individual has a fever at or above 100.4 and/or has vomiting or diarrhea, it’s requested that the individual not attend Day Program until symptom free for at least 24 hours. If an illness develops during Day Program, contact will be made with the individual’s responsible party to coordinate pick up.

Residency and Day Program – You won't hear any update until there is an opening.  However, we will periodically ask that you update the Day Program Interest Form or Residency Interest Form.

Respite and other programs – You should receive an email or phone follow up within a few days of submitting the form. 

The usual process:

• Contact – Email or phone contact will be made to let you know there is an opening.
• Tour – We will set up a time for yourself or loved one to come out to see the Ranch and meet the Ranchers.
• Paperwork – If the Ranch seems to be a good fit, we will give you an application along with a few other documents that will need to be completed.
• Trial – After completing the tour and paperwork, a 3-14 day trial is recommended. 
• Enrollment – Based on the trial, we will notify yourself or your loved one of acceptance.

Our camp staff positions all receive a weekly salary in addition to their room and board covered. Salaries vary by position, but are all priced competitively in the camp market. Counselor salaries starts at $300/week with bonuses for returning staff. Internship positions may have a stipend available in addition to room and board. Ranch Hand positions have meals provided while at camp. Of course, regardless of where you're serving at camp, the smiles, laughs and memories are plentiful and you can't put a price on that!

Check out our COVID-19 Information Page

Your Camper's check-in time will be emailed to you the week before camp starts. Check in will be staggered by team and will be a specific window between 2-5pm. Check your email for your Camper's specific time. Camp Closing Ceremony starts at 9am on Friday. Campers are expected to be picked up by 10am Friday. 

Camp payment may be refunded if a written request is received at least 30 days before the start of the particular session. If the Ranch cancels camp, you will receive a 100% refund.

Campers will visit the Camp Canteen (gift shop) throughout their camp session to purchase snacks, drinks, apparel and other items. Campers will need to pre-load a Canteen deposit on their Camp Brain account before camp starts. The average family loads $5-10/day of camp. Canteen dollars can be spent at any camp session within the calendar year they were purchased. At the end of the calendar year, all unspent canteen funds will be donated to the DHR Campership fund. 

Application fees are non-refundable. Camp payments may be refunded if a written request is received at least 30 days before the start of the particular session. If the Ranch cancels camp, you will receive a 100% refund.

While we hope to provide your Camper a full 5-night experience at camp, we understand that vacations and other obligations might cut camp short. If your Camper/family voluntarily chooses to leave camp early, there will be no refund or pro-rating of camp fees.

Ranch Camp's application extensively covers all aspects of camper health and behavior history. We use historical information provided by caregivers to make an informed decision on acceptance or referral to other camps. Our goal is always to keep campers happy, healthy and safe during camp. Camp staff are certified in CPR/First Aid, AED, Basic Lifesaving and trained in verbal and physical de-escalation techniques through Satori Alternatives to Managing Aggression (SAMA). These techniques allow us to address behavior issues or health concerns that may happen during camp. We also employ a Camp Medical professional who carries a EMT, LPN, LVN or RN designation and is onsite during all camp hours.

If misrepresentation is made as to a camper's health or behavior, or if the camper becomes ill enough or engages in behavior seemed serious enough to warrant dismissal, they may be dismissed from Ranch Camp. If a camper is dismissed due to health or behavior considerations, it is the guardian or emergency contact's sole responsibility to pick up this camper on the day they are notified. No refund will be issued for dismissal under health or behavioral reasons.

The goal of Down Home Ranch Camp is to provide a safe and encouraging environment where relationships are built, memories are made and growth is fostered through new experiences and recreational opportunities.

Ranch Camp is a place where memories are made and relationships are built. Campers have an opportunity to gain independence, expand social skills, build self-confidence, learn new interests, connect with others and do things they’ve never experienced before. Camp provides respite for families who wouldn’t otherwise get it and therefore strengthens families.

Yes! Down Home Ranch is willing to contract and accept payment from 3rd party payers (responsible entities).

We have contracted with many Local Intellectual Development Disability Authorities (LIDDAs) and private residential providers.

If the responsible entity would like to pay once camp is completed, a Authorization Letter or Letter of Guarantee must be submitted with the camper's application.

For questions about contracting, please email us at camp@downhomeranch.org.

As of 2019 many Texas IDD waivers will only allow for respite funds to be used at camps that are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Ranch Camp IS an accredited ACA camp. 

Camp sessions run from Noon on Sunday to Noon on Friday. Staff have a 48 hour break between sessions. Staff will also receive one evening and one rest period off a week.

The majority of our staff live in air-conditioned cabins with the Campers. Cabins have bathrooms with showers, bunk beds and large porches with rocking chairs.

No, but you do have to have a heart for serving others. We'll teach you the rest! Honestly, the Campers aren't that different from you. They just might need some extra support to make their camp experience a success.

Yes, we have laundry facilities on site and promise we won't make you wear dirty clothes all summer.

Better than you probably think it is! We offer a main menu for each meal with some a la carte items available. Highlight meals during the week are cookout, where cabin teams cook dinner over a fire, and a night of celebration, where staff and Campers are served a sit-down themed dinner. We also offer camp canteen every afternoon where Campers and staff can get snacks and treats.

Seriously, let the fun begin! We offer diverse activities including arts & crafts, sports & games, nature activities, geocaching, barnyard with horses and chickens, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, outdoor cooking, drama, swimming and lots of fun evening activities such as talent show, camp dance and campfire with s'mores.

We'll send you the official packing list once you're on Team Camp, but you need weather appropriate clothes for camp activities, a foot-locker is recommended, twin bedding for your bunk, closed-toe shoes, hygiene products, games and bunk décor (optional).

Our COVID policies follow the CDC and local health department guidelines. We have extra disinfecting protocols in place and the health and well-being of our staff and Campers is priority. We strongly encourage staff and Campers to be fully vaccinated prior to coming to Camp. Please note that these protocols are evolving as guidelines and recommendations change. We'd be happy to discuss specific concerns or questions with you.

Because we’re serving so many, it’s not always possible for us to meet special dietary needs. However, sometimes we can make an exception. If your child has any kind of food allergy or dietary need, please contact us before registering to see if we can meet your child’s needs.

It's not unusual for campers, especially those away for the first time, to feel a bit homesick at first. Most get over it quickly and go on to have a wonderful time. We provide structure and keep campers busy from the moment they arrive, which helps to shift their focus away from home to new friends and having fun. In the rare instance that a camper is truly struggling, we will contact you.

Everyone loves getting mail. If you would like to send your camper an email, we will pass those along to your camper before the next meal time. Please send your email to camp@downhomeranch.org and in the subject line please make sure your camper’s name is there (For example: Hello Mary Sue).

You will not have day-to-day viewing of your camper's activities, however, a slideshow of the week's activities will be played on the final day of camp and will feature pictures from each day of camp. All photos will be available to download, share and enjoy for years to come!

Camp registration covers all activities, evening programs, lodging, meals, Ranch Camp t-shirt and equipment usage.

Texas summers are full of sunshine. The average highs get into the 90s and the lows into the 70s. Adequate amounts of shade, water and breaks will be allowed to ensure the safety of your camper.

If rain impacts any outdoor programming, we have alternate indoor activities to accommodate rainy days. 

Should the Ranch experience severe weather while camp is in session, rest assured that we have an emergency response plan that outlines our protocols for multiple weather related scenarios. Your camper's safety is of the upmost importance to Ranch Camp. 

At Down Home Ranch, we hire only those that are passionate and excited about working with individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities. All camp staff have been interviewed, passed a background check and are certified in CPR. Along with this, all counselors are required to attend training which addresses various aspects specific to Down Home Ranch Camp.

Once your camper’s application is accepted, we will send you a packing list in your confirmation email. 

We aim to have ratios of 1 counselor to 5 adult campers and 1 counselor to 4 teen campers, but never go higher than 1:10 and 1:8 respectively. 

Currently, Ranch Camp has various sessions for ages 13-17 and separate sessions for adults, 18 years of age and older. For a list of camp options for campers under the age of 13, please check out these resources:

• Texas Autism Society
• Navigate Life Texas

Your camper’s safety is the utmost importance to our staff. All Camp Staff have CPR & First Aid training. Additionally, Ranch Camp employs a healthcare professional (RN, LPN, LVN or EMT) who will be able to take care of any minor wounds and injuries. For emergencies or a sickness that requires for your camper to leave camp early, we will contact you immediately. Should we need to take a camper to the ER, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Taylor, TX will be our primary hospital.

Yes! Down Home Ranch is willing to contract and accept payment from 3rd party payers (responsible entities).

We have contracted with many Local Intellectual Development Disability Authorities (LIDDA) and private residential providers. If the responsible entity would like to pay once camp is completed, we will need an Authorization Letter or Letter of Guarantee submitted with the camper application.

For questions about contracting, please contact us camp@downhomeranch.org.

As of 2019, many Texas IDD waivers will no longer allow for respite funds to be used at camps that are not accredited by the American Camp Association. Ranch Camp IS accredited by ACA and we have a certificate on file to send as requested. 

At the end of camp there will be a Lost and Found Box where campers can look before leaving. We encourage all families to label their camper's items. If something is left behind, we will hold onto the item for 30 days for you to collect either by coming to the Ranch or by having items mailed to you at your expense. After 30 days, all items will be donated to charity.

We love volunteers! In order for Campers to get the full camp experience however, we do not allow camp families to volunteer alongside their campers during camp. We do however welcome families to volunteer in other areas of the Ranch while camp is going on. These areas include our horticulture and maintenance programs. Please inquire by emailing camp@downhomeranch.org.

Camp staff will review your application and follow up with any additional information needed for your Camper. If Ranch Camp is a good fit for the Camper, an acceptance email is sent out with information on how to make a payment, packing list and important dates to remember for camp. Please note that if you do not meet payment deadlines or requests for additional information in a timely manner, the Camper’s spot will be forfeited and it will be offered to the next person on our waiting list.

Our goal is to provide the Ranch Camp experience to as many individuals as possible. We will consider partial scholarships on a case by case basis. An additional Campership application is required for consideration. Please download an application and email the completed form and additional documentation as requested to camp@downhomeranch.org. 

Yes! There are organizations and programs that will scholarship or pay for camp. If the entity would like to pay once camp is over, the Ranch needs a letter showing this information.

For those using medicaid waivers, please review the FAQ related to this topic.

We can accommodate mostly medically necessary diets. Review page #7 of the Ranch Camp Application, under the heading Eating/Diet for more information. 

We aren’t able to ensure a sterile environment from wheat products for those with Celiac disease.

Yes, since Down Home Ranch is a provider of HCS, we meet the requirements of many Texas waiver programs to provide respite services. Send us an inquiry to find out more info@downhomeranch.org.

The criteria is the same as outlined for our residency program http://www.downhomeranch.org/our-programs/residency/

Respite is based on availability. A respite stay can start any day of the week. Each situation is unique and we are willing to be flexible to meet your needs.

Yes, if the individual has a nurse in their waiver program who determines a task may be delegated to our trained staff.

When staying in the group home or the independent setting, breakfast and dinner are included at no cost. These meals are balanced and approved by a dietician in most instances.  While attending Day Program a hot lunch is served at no cost Monday – Thursday. Lunch on Friday is typically a packed lunch or item purchased during a shopping trip.

The first day on the Ranch, the individual will choose what courses, clubs and skills training they want to participate in during their stay; there are a lot of options to choose from. Check out the Day Program site http://www.downhomeranch.org/our-programs/day-program/ and recent newsletters http://www.downhomeranch.org/news-and-events/newsletters/ to learn more about our programming.

Each week there are activities planned for the weekend that can include baseball games, Special Olympic events, shopping trips, etc. If respite occurs over the weekend the individual will select activities that are of interest to him/her.

The individual will need to bring spending cash with them during their respite stay. Typically $20.00 – $50.00 is enough to cover any entry fees and shopping trips. If additional money is needed, a phone call will be made to the responsible party to confirm a dollar amount that can be disbursed to the individual. The responsible party will be billed along with any administrative cost incurred.

If an individual has a fever at or above 100.4 degrees and/or has vomiting or diarrhea, it may be requested for the individual to return home.

Payment must be received before respite begins. Refunds will only be given if canceled 30 days before the start of respite. A partial refund may be given in the event of an illness that requires the individual to return home.

Down Home Ranch must have an agreement in place with the provider before respite begins. The respite will be billed after the respite stay is completed.

Residency and Day Program – You won't hear any update until there is an opening.  However, we will periodically ask that you update the Day Program Interest Form or Residency Interest Form.

Respite and other programs – You should receive an email or phone follow up within a few days of submitting the form. 

The usual process:

• Contact – Email or phone contact will be made to let you know there is an opening.
• Tour – We will set up a time for yourself or loved one to come out to see the Ranch and meet the Ranchers.
• Paperwork – If the Ranch seems to be a good fit, we will give you an application along with a few other documents that will need to be completed.
• Trial – After completing the tour and paperwork, a 3-14 day trial is recommended. 
• Enrollment – Based on the trial, we will notify yourself or your loved one of acceptance.