FAQs

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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. Please note that all applicants must pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.

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.

We love volunteers and welcome involvement from our Ranch families! To support camper independence and peer connection, however, we do not allow parents, guardians, or other immediate family members (such as grandparents) to volunteer on-site while their camper is also in a camp session. We do make one exception: an adult sibling (18+ years old) who is not a legal guardian may serve as a volunteer counselor paired with their sibling with a disability. This allows for meaningful shared experiences while still preserving appropriate boundaries within the cabin community. The heart behind this policy is to ensure that every camper experiences camp as their space – where they can build friendships and fully engage in activities without feeling supervised/distracted by a caregiver. When family members are not present, campers typically try new things, rely more on peers, and grow in confidence.

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.

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.

Currently, Ranch Camp has various sessions for ages 13 and up. For a list of camp options for campers under the age of 13, please check out these resources:

• Texas Autism Society
• Navigate Life Texas

We aim to have ratios of 1 counselor to 5 campers for the sessions for ages 18+ and 1 counselor to 4 campers for the teen/young adult sessions (ages 13-21). Ranch Camp never goes higher than 1:10 and 1:8 respectively.

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

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.

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.

Camp registration covers all activities, evening programs, lodging, meals and equipment usage. Campers attending a summer session will also receive a t-shirt.

While we currently share pictures through a weekly slideshow on the final day of camp – and make all photos downloadable afterward – we are actively exploring a new platform that will allow us to upload pictures daily for parents to view during their camper’s session. Our goal is to provide more frequent glimpses into the fun and meaningful moments happening throughout the week, while still prioritizing camper safety and staff supervision. We look forward to keeping you more connected as enhancements roll out!

Yes! We encourage you to send letters to your camper – everyone loves getting mail at camp. At this time, we do not offer an email delivery service, as our team needs to stay fully focused on camper care and activities rather than checking and printing messages.

If you’d like to send mail, you may either:

• Mail letters before camp begins so they arrive during your camper’s session, or
• Drop off labeled letters at check-in (with your camper’s name and the day you’d like each delivered), and we’ll hand them out throughout the week.

Please note: we cannot accept care packages (boxes with gifts, food, etc.). This is to create a more equitable camp experience for all campers. All care packages will be declined or returned. Simple letters and flat cards only, please.

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.

We are able to accommodate many common dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other similar restrictions. Our kitchen team is experienced in preparing safe and appropriate meals, and we do our best to ensure campers with dietary needs can still enjoy delicious food alongside their peers. If your camper has more complex medical-based or highly specialized dietary needs, please reach out to the Camp Director at camp@downhomeranch.org so we can discuss accommodations prior to arrival. This helps us plan properly, ensure safety, and make mealtimes a positive experience for every camper.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Camper's check-in time will be emailed to you the week before camp starts.

Summer: 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.

Weekend: Check in is from 5-6pm for all campers on Friday evening. Check-out is from 9:30-10am Sunday morning.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The criteria is the same as outlined for our residency program.

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.

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.

We'll send you the official packing list once you're on the Camp Crew, but you'll 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).

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.

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

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.

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

Camp sessions run from Noon on Sunday to Noon on Friday. Staff have a 48 hour break between sessions. Daily, from Monday through Thursday, staff will also receive a 2 hour break, alternating either 1pm-3pm and 10pm-12am.

We are able to accommodate many common dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and other similar restrictions. Our kitchen team is experienced in preparing safe and appropriate meals, and we do our best to ensure staff with dietary needs can still enjoy delicious food alongside their peers. If you need to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out to Camp Director at camp@downhomeranch.org.

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

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 $350/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!