Rancho Compasión Summer Camp

Rancho Compasión, 2600 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio, CA 94946

NatureAnimals
Availability!

Sign up for week-long day camps at Rancho Compasión, where kids will spend each day outdoors at our beautiful sanctuary. We will connect with the animal residents, learn about growing food, do arts & crafts, play games, enjoy nature, and more!


We are located on 17 acres in the hills of West Marin, and provide a lifelong, loving home to 100 rescued animals -- cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas, alpaca, pigs, chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys call the sanctuary home. While other animal sanctuaries host camps and youth programs, the integration of our educational garden is what makes us unique. In the garden, participants get immersed in the processes of producing food for ourselves as well as the residents, and find empowerment in their ability to grow, harvest, and prepare fresh and delicious food.


Camp activities include:

  • Preparing food for the animal residents
  • Spending time and bonding with residents
  • Barn chores
  • Gardening — planting, weeding, mulching, composting, etc.
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Camp games and songs
  • Water games
  • Music
  • Yoga
  • Cooking with food from the garden
  • …and more!


Camps are open to children ages 5 — 11 years old (those entering elementary school through those entering middle school). High school students ages 14 — 18 years old may join us as CITs (counselors in training). CITs help our staff in setting up and leading camp activities, keeping track of the younger campers, with chores and projects, and other tasks as needed or based on specific individual goals. This is a great opportunity for teens to develop leadership skills, learn about gardening and animal care, and to spend summer time outdoors. Please complete this application form if you're interested in joining us as a CIT.


Three weeks of summer camp will be offered this year. We will spend each day with the animals and in the garden, planting, playing, exploring, and caring for the sanctuary residents. We may even learn a bit while we’re at it.


Campers will receive all food onsite, including lunch and two snacks (morning and afternoon) each day — be sure to complete our intake form upon registering to inform our staff of any allergies your child may have. This policy is to ensure we remain meat and dairy free at the sanctuary. Please do not send any food with your child to camp unless it is fully vegan.


If you would like to donate to our scholarship fund to provide camp opportunities to local low-income families, please click here!

Policies

Cancellation PolicyYou will be eligible for a refund (minus a $100 processing fee) if your cancellation is made at least 4 weeks before the session start date. Cancellations received with less than 4 weeks' notice will not be eligible for a refund unless a replacement is available to take your spot.
Sibling DiscountA one-time discount is available for siblings enrolled in the same session. To be eligible, you must register all participants at the same time. Choose your session above, select 2 or more from the Quantity dropdown, and add to cart.
Sanctuary GuidelinesBehavior Around the Animals:
As a farmed animal sanctuary, our animal residents are a top priority. Our rescued residents have come from various situations of neglect, exploitation, etc. and therefore not all are comfortable around groups of people. We ask that any person who steps foot on the property respect our residents' agency, safety, and the fact that this is their home. That means allowing them to walk away if they choose, refraining from chasing or touching animals, keeping all gates closed and not entering habitats without staff permission, not feeding them anything without approval, etc. We are NOT a petting zoo - some animals enjoy contact, but please ask a staff member prior to touching any of the residents. Similarly, it is important to keep voice levels down and refrain from running or moving quickly around the animals.

Attire:
The sanctuary property is a natural space and home to 100 different animals. Expect to encounter poop and get muddy and dusty and dress accordingly with comfortable, durable clothing. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes (ideally with ankle support) as ground is natural and uneven. Prepare for any weather, as the microclimate is at times unpredictable.

Food on the Property:
We are a strictly vegan organization and property in respect of the animals we work to protect and care for. Any food or beverage brought to or consumed on the property MUST BE FULLY VEGAN, meaning free of any flesh, animal dairy, eggs, honey, or other secretions. If you have any questions about this, feel free to get in touch.

Location

Rancho Compasión, 2600 Nicasio Valley Road, CA 94946
Rancho Compasión Rancho Compasión

Rancho Compasión is a farmed animal sanctuary and education center in Nicasio. Our youth education program, Friends and Food, allows children the opportunity to interact with and learn about our rescued animal residents, as well as spend time time learning in our education garden, where we grow food for the residents, staff, visitors, and students. The beautiful property housing the sanctuary provides endless opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors, making this a sanctuary for all who step foot on the land.

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