Camp El Ranchito
Shield Ranch Camp Wood, 10400 Crumley Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78738
About
Camp El Ranchito offers activities such as hiking, swimming in natural swimming holes and creeks, and field trips to Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center and Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park. Campers take part in games and team-building challenges, singing and storytelling around the campfire, stargazing with visiting astronomers, nature-themed art projects, high-adventure activities, climbing, canoeing, a camping trip to a state park, and other adventures.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
• Schedule: Nature Discovery Camp sessions in Summer 2026 run June 14–19, June 21–25, July 5–10, and July 12–16, and Conservation Corps sessions in Summer 2026 run June 14–26 and July 5–17.
• Price: Conservation Corps 13-day campers receive a $400 stipend for their work. Ninety percent of camper families attend on full, bridge, or partial scholarships by qualifying for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school or for other financial needs. Families that are part of Dell Children’s Health Plan’s CHIP or STAR Medicaid programs during the time of camp receive free tuition with costs covered by Dell Children’s Health Plan. Families that qualify for a full scholarship are asked to pay a tuition fee starting at $50 to attend Nature Discovery Camp or Conservation Corps during the summer. Non-scholarship families are asked to pay a tuition fee starting at $800 for Nature Discovery Camp and $1,200 for Conservation Corps. Camp tuition includes lodging, meals, transportation, supervision, programs, t-shirt, pack, and water bottle, along with all other camp supplies and activities. Tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable unless the application is denied, or the cancellation of registration is no later than two weeks before the camp session, and no fee is returned after a camper has been admitted to camp.
Camp El Ranchito was established in 2007. The program’s mission is to connect children with the natural world by providing an extraordinarily fun and inspiring nature-immersion experience. The camp is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
El Ranchito was created to serve children and youth from families who may not otherwise have access to a residential nature immersion camp, with camper families paying a modest registration fee. El Ranchito strives to create an inclusive community where campers can be their authentic selves and belong, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds and identities. The Shield Ranch Foundation operates El Ranchito nature-immersion summer camp for youth, and scholarship and returning campers have priority admittance to camp. A waitlist is offered for all programs, with waitlisted applicants admitted on a first-come, first-served basis and priority given to scholarship and returning campers. A small percentage of campers who are not eligible for scholarship tuition rates also attend and are part of this diverse camp community.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
• Schedule: Nature Discovery Camp sessions in Summer 2026 run June 14–19, June 21–25, July 5–10, and July 12–16, and Conservation Corps sessions in Summer 2026 run June 14–26 and July 5–17.
• Price: Conservation Corps 13-day campers receive a $400 stipend for their work. Ninety percent of camper families attend on full, bridge, or partial scholarships by qualifying for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program at school or for other financial needs. Families that are part of Dell Children’s Health Plan’s CHIP or STAR Medicaid programs during the time of camp receive free tuition with costs covered by Dell Children’s Health Plan. Families that qualify for a full scholarship are asked to pay a tuition fee starting at $50 to attend Nature Discovery Camp or Conservation Corps during the summer. Non-scholarship families are asked to pay a tuition fee starting at $800 for Nature Discovery Camp and $1,200 for Conservation Corps. Camp tuition includes lodging, meals, transportation, supervision, programs, t-shirt, pack, and water bottle, along with all other camp supplies and activities. Tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable unless the application is denied, or the cancellation of registration is no later than two weeks before the camp session, and no fee is returned after a camper has been admitted to camp.
Camp El Ranchito was established in 2007. The program’s mission is to connect children with the natural world by providing an extraordinarily fun and inspiring nature-immersion experience. The camp is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
El Ranchito was created to serve children and youth from families who may not otherwise have access to a residential nature immersion camp, with camper families paying a modest registration fee. El Ranchito strives to create an inclusive community where campers can be their authentic selves and belong, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds and identities. The Shield Ranch Foundation operates El Ranchito nature-immersion summer camp for youth, and scholarship and returning campers have priority admittance to camp. A waitlist is offered for all programs, with waitlisted applicants admitted on a first-come, first-served basis and priority given to scholarship and returning campers. A small percentage of campers who are not eligible for scholarship tuition rates also attend and are part of this diverse camp community.
Last updated July 17, 2026.
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