Ranch Camp

Howdy!

At Ranch Camp we have been encouraging youth and adults 13+ with a range of cognitive disabilities, to come out to the country and enjoy our little slice of Texas since 1995. We are located 45 minutes east of Austin on Hwy 290.

Enjoy swimming in the 52′ pool, playing basketball, taking hikes, caring for animals or drop a line in the pond to see how quick a fish snatches the hook. It’s everything camp should be – and so much more.

A camp experience for everyone

Summer Camp Weekend Camp Day Camp Community Building

Ranch Camp is great for youth and adults 13 years and over, who are looking for a unique, safe and fun camping experience. Average age of campers is 35, with Campers ranging between 13 and 78. Campers who do well at Ranch Camp enjoy group activities and the hustle and bustle of camp life.

Campers have a range of cognitive disabilities including Traumatic Brain Injury, Genetic Disorders, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, IDD and more.

We operate within ratios of 1 counselor to 5 campers, but never go higher than 1 counselor to 10 campers. Teen camps are operated at a slightly lower ratio of 1:4, never going higher than a 1:8. Both overnight and day camps are offered throughout the year.

If the camper receives services through a Local Intellectual and Development Disability Authority (LIDDA) formally known as MHMR; the cost of camp can be subsidized or covered 100%

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Summer Camp

• Sunday between 2p & 5p through Friday at 10am; week-long overnight camp.
  • Monday through Thursday Day Camp options are available for those who do not wish to stay overnight – please inquire at camp@downhomeranch.org. Transportation must be provided to and from Ranch Camp.
• 40 spots in each of our one-week (6 nights total) sessions.
• Summer sessions start in June and end in July.

Sliding Scale – Summer

Include all income for everyone living in the household. If camper lives in a residential group home or with roommates, only include camper's income. The sliding scale cost is per summer session/week of camp.

Respite funds must cover the regular cost of $1125.

Yearly Household Income	Sliding Scale Cost – Per Summer Session
$60,001+	$1125
$35,001 – $60,000	$1050
$10,001 – $35,000	$960
$0 – $10,000	$870

Learn about using Respite Funding and how to apply for a Campership.

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Learn about using Respite Funding and how to apply for a Campership.

Sliding Scale – Weekend Camp

Include all income for everyone living in the household. If camper lives in a residential group home or with roommates, only include camper's income. The sliding scale cost is per weekend of camp.

Respite funds must cover the regular cost of $420.

Yearly Household Income	Sliding Scale Cost – Weekend Camp
$0-$10,000	$300
$10,001 – $35,000	$350
$35,001 – $60,000	$400
$60,001 +	$420

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Sliding Scale – Day Camp

Include all income for everyone living in the household. If camper lives in a residential group home or with roommates, only include camper's income. The sliding scale cost is per session of Day Camp.

Respite funds must cover the regular cost of $315.

Yearly Household Income	Sliding Scale Cost – Per Day Camp Session
$60,001+	$315
$35,001 – $60,000	$300
$10,001 – $35,000	$260
$0 – $10,000	$225

Learn about using Respite Funding and how to apply for a Campership.

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Sign up to be a Camper

• Email us with questions camp@downhomeranch.org or call (512) 856-0128 x 120
• Start your online application today!

Register for Ranch Camp 2024 Today!

How to Pay

• Payment is accepted by:
  • mailing a check and money order to Down Home Ranch 20250 FM 619 Elgin, TX 78621
  • pay through our online camp registration platform
  • email camp@downhomeranch.org to request an online invoice that may be paid by online e-check or credit card
  • billing an agency after camp is completed, such as
    • your residential provider
    • Bluebonnet Trails Community Services
    • MHMR of Tarrant County
    • Austin Travis County Integral Care
  • Send in a Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) with the Ranch Camp application.

Down Home Ranch is currently accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Respite through Texas Medicaid waiver programs can be used to pay for camp.

Respite Funding Per Session

• Is your service coordinator asking how many hours need to be authorized for camp? Many HCS Medicaid Waiver programs have an hourly rate, with a max of 10hrs paid daily. CLASS is different and is noted below.
  • Summer Camp should be authorized for 60 hours of respite
  • Weekend Camps should be authorized for 27 hours of respite
  • Day Camps should be authorized for 20 hours (adults) or 16 hours (teens) of respite
• CLASS Funding authorized hours:
  • Summer Camp should be authorized for 116 hours of respite
  • Weekend Camps should be authorized for 41 hours of respite
  • Day Camps should be authorized for 20 hours (adults) or 16 hours (teens) of respite

For more information on financial resources for Camp, check out this informational flyer. Request more information if financial support is needed by emailing camp@downhomeranch.org.

Camperships

For summer camp 2022, the Ranch granted over $23,000 in campership funds to local organizations, families and individuals to provide low cost options.

We also have the ability to do the same for individual campers on a case-by-case basis through DHR Camperships.

Click here to Download the Campership Application

The Ranch also partners with organizations who serve people with disabilities to either cover the entire cost of camp, or subsidize the cost of camp for multiple people.

Interested in Working, Interning or Volunteering at Camp?

Head on over to this link to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities to share your time and passions with Campers during 2024! Ready to apply? Click here to start your camp staff application today.

Camper Family Survey

It is important we hear from you. Let us know your thoughts by taking our camper family survey

QUESTIONS

• Ranch Camp FAQs.
• General Camp Informational Flyer
• Camp Card
• If you have specific questions not answered, email camp@downhomeranch.org or call (512) 856-0128 – press 9 and dial extension 120 when prompted.
• Did your Camper age out of Texas Lion's Camp or Elks Camp? We serve ages 13+.

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Stay Informed About Ranch Camp

Complete the Ranch Camp interest form to express interest in camp for yourself or a loved one. 

Click to Complete the Online Camper Interest Form