Welcome to Circle K Ranch, the heart of Camp Kern’s Horse Camp experience!
Our programs are designed to build confidence, encourage unplugged fun, and help kids develop problem-solving skills. Campers will enjoy riding lessons, scenic trail rides, and hands-on time at the barn—all across our beautiful 485-acre camp.
Ranch Day Camp (Ages 8-13)
Day Camp: Monday - Friday
A ranch-focused day camp for novice and experienced riders alike. Get in the saddle, hit the trail, and sharpen your child's skills as a budding equestrian.
Horse Camp (Ages 9–16)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
Campers spend a full week at Circle K Ranch mastering horseback riding and horse care—ranging from lessons and trail rides to stable chores—while enjoying classic camp fun like swimming and archery in an overnight camp setting.
Advanced Horse Camp (Ages 12–16)
Residential/Overnight Camp: Sunday - Friday
FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS ONLY
Designed for experienced riders, this residential camp elevates skills with mounted and ground classes—like mounted drill, jumping design, farrier demos, and equine science—after passing a riding evaluation.
Your Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern
Discover what your kid's can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Horse Camp! From cabins to campfires, explore the daily routine, activities, and supportive environment that make our overnight camp unforgettable.
7:30 AM – Wake-Up & Morning Chores
8:30 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
8:45 AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – On Horse Activities (Trail Ride, Arena Ride, Lessons, etc.)
12:45 PM – Lunch
1:45 PM – Rest Hour
3:00 PM – Ground Lesson (Grooming & Tack, Learning about Horses, etc.)
4:15 PM – Camp Activity (Team Building, Climbing, Archery , etc.)
5:30 PM – Dinner
6:30 PM – Evening Program (All-Camp Game, Talent Show, Campfire)
7:45 PM – Swimming
9:00 PM – Get Ready for Bed & Round Up
10:00 PM – Lights Out (older campers)
Outdoor Adventure & Nature
Nature Hikes
Wilderness Skills (fire building, shelter making)
Creek Exploration
Environmental Education
Animal Encounters (camp farm animals)
Bug Hunts
Star Gazing & Astronomy
Water Fun
Canoeing
Kayaking
Swimming in the Pool
Lake Play (stand-up paddleboards, splash games)
Water Olympics
Challenge & Ropes
Climbing Wall
High Ropes Course
Zip Line
Team-Building Low Ropes
Trust Falls & Group Challenges
Creative Arts
Arts & Crafts
Tie-Dye
Nature Art
Face Painting
Friendship Bracelets
Camp Journaling
Sports & Games
Archery
Gaga Ball
Basketball
Soccer
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Camp-Wide Capture the Flag
Counselor Hunt
Scavenger Hunts
Drama & Performance
Skit Night
Improv Games
Talent Shows
Lip Sync Battles
Campfire Songs & Storytelling
Evening & All-Camp Programs
Opening & Closing Campfires
Cabin Challenge Nights
Themed Dance Parties
All-Camp Games
Glow Night
Night Hikes
S’mores & Reflections
Sunday – Welcome Campfire
Kick off the week with songs, s’mores, and getting to know your cabin.
Monday – Village Games
Start your week off with friendly competition amongst the other campers in your village.
Tuesday – Camp Out/Cook Out Night
Sleep under the stars after a night of fire-cooked food, stories, and classic camp fun with your cabin.
Wednesday – Big Game
Team up with your cabin mates solve the mystery and save Camp Kern from the villain of the week!
Thursday – Closing Campfire & Vespers
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, reflection ,and meaningful goodbyes.
Friday – Underseige, Camp Dance & Talent Show
Finish your week with an epic tag game, dancing, and memories to last forever.
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs
Pancakes with syrup
Turkey sausage
Fresh fruit
Cereal & milk
Water & 100% juice
Lunch
Grilled cheese or deli sandwich
Tomato soup
Veggie sticks with ranch
Apple slices
Cookie
Water or lemonade
Dinner
BBQ chicken
Mac & cheese
Steamed broccoli
Dinner roll
Salad bar
Water or fruit punch
Snack
Trail mix
Granola bar
Frozen fruit pops
Goldfish crackers
Water jugs available all day
Smiles, Adventures, and Unforgettable Moments
We’ve captured the best moments: big smiles, new friendships, and exciting adventures in the great outdoors. Whether it’s their first canoe ride or the final campfire of the week, every picture tells a story.
