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
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%
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.
Private Pay Cost
- Regular: $1125
- Sliding Scale: $870-$1050
Payment Options
- Option #1: Full Payment at time of application
- Option #2: Payment Plan (split total cost of summer in two)
- Option #3: 3rd party Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) submitted with the application; no need to send in an application fee
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.
Adult Summer Sessions
- Session #1: June 9th – June 14th
- Session #2: June 16th – June 21st
- Session #3: June 23rd – June 28th
- Session #5: July 7th – July 12th
- Session #6: July 14th – July 19th
Adult sessions are for ages 18-99
Teen Summer Session
- Session #4: June 30th – July 5th
Teen session is only for ages 13-17
Weekend Camp
- Friday at 5pm through Sunday at 10am; weekend-long overnight camp.
- Occurs throughout spring, fall and winter.
- 10 Camper spots in each of our adult weekend sessions
- 8 Camper spots in each teen (ages 13-17) session
Private Pay Cost
- Regular: $420
- Sliding Scale: $300-$400
Payment Options
- Option #1: Full Payment at time of application
- Option #2: Payment Plan customized for your needs, email us at camp@downhomeranch.org
- Option #4: 3rd party Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) submitted with the application
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 |
Adult Weekend Camp
- January 10-12, 2025
- February 7-9, 2025
- February 28- March 2, 2025
- March 28-30, 2025
- September 12-14, 2025
- November 8-10, 2025
- December 12-14, 2025
Adult Weekends are for ages 18+
Teen Weekend Camp
- April 11-13, 2025
Teen Weekends are only for ages 13-17
Day Camp
- Weekday and Weekend day camps scheduled
- Two days per camp session
- Adult Day Camp 9am-7pm daily
- Lunch and dinner included
- Teen Day Camp 9am-5pm daily
- Lunch included
- Between 8-10 spots for each session
- Transportation is included from two predesignated pick up/drop off points in Hutto and Manor, east of Austin.
Private Pay Cost
- Regular: $315
- Sliding Scale: $225-$300
Payment Options
- Option #1: Full Payment at time of application
- Option #2: Payment Plan customized for your needs, email us at camp@downhomeranch.org
- Option #3: 3rd party Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) submitted with the application; no need to send in an application fee
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.
Adult Day Camp Sessions
- March 16-17, 2024
- March 18-19, 2024
- September 28-29, 2024
Adult sessions are for ages 18+
Teen Day Camp Sessions
Teen sessions are only for ages 13-17
Community Building
Workshops
- One day special interest workshops taught by a local artisan
Field Trips
- Scheduled one day event, which includes the opportunity for work teams to bond and groups of children, teens or young adults to volunteer and take part in the life at the Ranch.
Dances
- Dances are open to everyone to come out to the Ranch to see old friends and make new ones!
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!
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.
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+.
Stay Informed About Ranch Camp
Complete the Ranch Camp interest form to express interest in camp for yourself or a loved one.