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 aim to have ratios of 1 counselor to 5 campers, but never go higher than 1 counselor to 10 campers. 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.
- Day Camp options are available for those who do not wish to stay overnight – please inquire at camp@downhomeranch.org.
- 30 spots in each of our 8 one-week sessions.
- Starting June 4th and ending July 28th.
Cost
Early Bird Discount (9/1 – 11/30): $870Advanced Discount (12/1 – 01/18): $915- Regular (After 1/19): $960
- First time Camper (9/1 – 7/31): $870
Payment Options
- Option #1: Full Payment at time of application
- Option #2: $50.00 application fee then 50% 2nd Friday in February and 50% 2nd Friday in March
- Option #3: $50.00 application fee then 50% 2nd Friday in April and 50% 2nd Friday in May
- Option #4: 3rd party Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) submitted with the application; no need to send in an application fee.
Learn about using Respite Funding and how to apply for a Campership.
Adult Summer Sessions
Session #1: June 4th – June 9th– WaitlistedSession #2: June 11th – June 16th– WaitlistedSession #3: June 18th – June 23rd– Waitlisted- Session #5: July 2nd – July 7th – Only male spot left!
Session #6: July 9th – July 14th– Waitlisted- Session #7: July 16th – July 21st – Only female spots left!
- Session #8: July 23rd – July 28th
Adult sessions are for ages 18-99
Teen Summer Session
- Session #4: June 25th – June 30th – Only female spots left!
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 spots in each of our 8 weekend sessions.
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
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.
| Yearly Household Income | Sliding Scale Cost |
| $0-$10,000 | $300 |
| $10,001 – $35,000 | $350 |
| $35,001 – $60,000 | $400 |
| $60,001 + | $420 |
Adult Weekend Respite Camp
- Weekend #1: Jan 27th – Jan 29th
- Weekend #2: Feb 24th – Feb 26th
- Weekend #3: March 24th – March 26th
- Weekend #4: April 21st – April 23rd
- Weekend #5: Aug 11th – Aug 13th
- Weekend #7: Oct 27th – Oct 29th
- Weekend #8: Dec 8th – Dec 10th
Adult Weekends are for ages 18-99
Teen Weekend Respite Camp
- Weekend #6: Sept 1st – Sept 3rd
Teen Weekend is only for ages 13-17
Adult Fall Camp
- Sunday between 2p & 5p through Friday at 10am; week-long overnight camp.
- Day Camp options are available for those who do not wish to stay overnight – please inquire at camp@downhomeranch.org.
- 20 spots in the week-long session.
- Registration Opens April 1, 2023
Cost
- Early Bird Discount (4/1 – 5/31): $870
- Advanced Discount (6/1 – 7/30): $915
- Regular (After 7/31): $960
- First time Camper (4/1 – 7/31): $870
Payment Options
- Option #1: Full Payment at time of application
- Option #2: $50.00 application fee then 50% 2nd Friday in July and 50% 2nd Friday in August
- Option #3: $50.00 application fee then 50% 2nd Friday in September and 50% 2nd Friday in October
- Option #4: 3rd party Letter of Authorization (or Letter of Guarantee) submitted with the application; no need to send in an application fee.
Learn about using Respite Funding and how to apply for a Campership.
Adult Fall Session
- Session #1: Nov 5th – Nov 10th
Adult Weekends are for ages 18-99
Day Camp – Coming Soon!
- Usually offered the 2nd or 3rd week of the month throughout spring, summer, fall and winter.
- Monday through Thursday 8am until 6pm; day time camp.
- Between 5-10 spots for each session.
- Transportation is included from two predesignated pick up/drop off points in Hutto and Manor, east of Austin.
- More info coming soon!
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!
- You can learn more about COVID-19 camp protocol here.
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
- Summer Camp should be authorized for 60 hours of respite at $16.00/hr.
- Weekend Camps should be authorized for 27 hours of respite at $15.55/hr.
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 2023! 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.