Learn the tradition of Western riding
Spend your summer learning to ride, care for, and connect with horses while bonding with "your own" steed! Experience the daily routine of cowboys and cowgirls as you learn elements of horsemanship: riding, pack trips, polocrosse, and gymkhana events.
What is a gymkhana?
Our end-of-session gymkhanas give riders of all ability levels the opportunity to put their skills to the test through three events: barrels, poles, and keyhole. Whether you are new to riding or have some experience under your belt, you’ll have plenty of skills to show off!
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Learn more about our Horsemanship programs
Sky Valley Horsemanship Rising 3rd- to 8th-graders
Whether you’re a beginner or already a seasoned rider, Sky Valley Horsemanship is a blast as you learn from our talented corral counselors. This program is designed for all riding levels, with campers divided into ability-based patrols after they arrive, so your session can be filled with intentionally planned lessons and opportunities – all atop a horse specially chosen for you.
Throughout each session, riders grow their skills through arena work, trail rides, gymkhana events, cattle working, and polocrosse. The session rounds out with a three-day trip in the Rocky Mountains (also tailored to each patrol’s riding level and including some on-property trips) and the end-of-session gymkhana.
Round-Up Horsemanship Rising 9th- to 12th-graders
Riders of all abilities in Round-Up Horsemanship are excited to dig into equestrian fundamentals as they learn reining skills, train for gymkhana events, work in the arena, and establish a strong and joyful relationship with their horses. You also learn to play polocrosse, work cattle, and camp out with your horse on a three-day pack trip. The session culminates in the end-of-session gymkhana.
Advanced Horsemanship Rising 8th- to 12th-graders, Session 1 only
Riders in Advanced Horsemanship can’t wait to embrace opportunities to progress on horseback. Through this program, you’ll advance your reining skills, refine your technique in gymkhana events, play competitive-grade polocrosse, learn team sorting and cutting with cattle, learn to jump both in the arena and on a cross-country course, and adventure in the mountains on an advanced pack trip. Campers registering for this program should have at least two years of camp riding experience or one year of regular riding lessons. Contact us if you are new to camp and wondering if Advanced Horsemanship is a good fit for you!
Polocrosse Rising 9th- to 12th-graders, Sessions 2 and 3 only
Our polocrosse program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to experience the “king of the one-horse sports.” A combination of polo and lacrosse, polocrosse helps riders develop a balanced seat under competitive conditions as they learn the racquet skills and strategy necessary to play the game. As a culmination of the polocrosse experience, players and their horses travel to compete in a polocrosse tournament and participate in the traditional end-of-session gymkhana. Campers registering for this program should have at least two years of camp riding experience or one year of regular riding lessons. Contact us if you are new to camp and wondering if polocrosse is a good fit for you!
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Check out Dates & Rates
Come for one, two, or all three sessions!
2024 Dates
15-day session
- Session 1: June 22 – July 6
- Session 2: July 8–22
- Session 3: July 24 – August 7
8-day session
- Session 1: June 22–29
- Session 3: July 24–31
2024 Rates
- 15-day session: $2,445
- 8-day session: $1,525
Additional fees:
- Horsemanship programs: $250/per session
- Mountain Biking program: $200/per session
- Stay over between sessions: $125
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Register for Youth Camp
Registration for 2025 programs will open soon!
Please note: There are times during the year when registration is not available for certain programs because we are switching the application over to a new calendar year. Check back soon!
1 Gather required info
Filling out the registration form should take 10-15 minutes. Before you start, gather the following information:
- Employment information for each parent or legal guardian (work address and phone number)
- Christian Science Practitioner’s name, phone number, and address
- Emergency contact information for two people who are different from the camper’s parent(s)/legal guardian(s) (name, phone number address)
- Payment information (credit card or e-check)
2 Create or log in to your CampInTouch account
Your CampInTouch account helps you stay in the loop with camp, update your child's store account, make payments, and keep track of any forms you need to fill out before your child comes to camp.
If you have an existing CampInTouch account, don’t make a new one – just log in as usual.
Questions? Call us at 888.543.4849 x201.
3 Fill out the registration form
In your CampInTouch account, register your child for the session(s) and program(s) they would like to participate in. Remember to hit save after each page in order to keep your progress!
After registering, return to your CampInTouch account to complete additional forms:
- Transportation information
- Camp store account setup
- Medical exempt or immunization forms
Questions? Call us at 719.395.2468 x201.
4 Explore financial aid options
Financial aid is available through The Campership Fund (TCF), an organization that supports individuals attending any Christian Science camp. To apply for funds, fill out TCF’s campership application. They can meet up to 75% of tuition costs (including program and stayover fees). If TCF awards less than what you request, the additional need is passed along to us – no need to fill out a separate A/U Ranches campership application.
Got Questions?
If you have any questions, or need additional information, feel free to contact us:
Refer a friend, earn a discount
Do you know of a camper who you think would enjoy A/U Ranches programming?
If the camper you referred attends Youth Camp, you will receive a $300 discount toward your own camper’s tuition (within the same year).
No doubt you have lots of questions! And we have answers.
As the saying goes, this is not our first rodeo! We have gathered information to help your youth camper(s) plan for the best possible experience at the A/U Ranches.
Youth camp planning guide, which includes a link to the packing list
Summer camp menus
Parent webinar
How to prepare for your adventure
After you’ve registered your camper for camp…we recommend you read through all the resources that follow, even if they've attended youth programs at the A/U Ranches. Times change, and so do we!
Forms to be completed
All registered? Go into your CampInTouch account to complete the following forms:
- Transportation information
- Camp store account setup
- Medical exempt or immunization forms
A/U Ranches property maps
Helpful information
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Check out photos from camp!