SKY RANCH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Dear Parent, Each year, countless students from schools all over Texas and Oklahoma make their way to Sky Ranch under the careful guidance of their school administrators and teachers for the highest quality off-site school programming. Sky Ranch is located near Van, TX, an hour and a half east from Dallas. Sky Ranch has been in operation for 70 years and is recognized as one of Texas’ leading summer camps. Serving over 7,000 children each season, Sky Ranch is a long-trusted name in quality programming for children. Sky Ranch School Programs serves as an extension of the classroom, delivering educational content in alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Students will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities which will develop their awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the outdoor environment. Led by an exceptional staff, your child will have an enriching experience you can feel secure about. An overview of our program can be found on our website here: SkyRanch.org/Pages/Schools. This packet contains information you will want to know for your child's trip to Sky Ranch. It includes: • FAQ’s and Emergency Numbers • Packing List Your child’s school is providing adult chaperones who will assist students throughout the day and provide supervision during the non-instructional times. The Sky Ranch instructional staff is trained in basic first aid. However, the school will be responsible for administering any necessary medications. If you have any questions regarding your your child's trip to Sky Ranch, feel free to call us at 800.962.2267. You can also reach our team by emailing SchoolPrograms@SkyRanch.org. Sincerely, The School Programs Team
WILL THERE BE A NURSE PRESENT DURING MY CHILD'S STAY AT SKY RANCH?
WILL MY STUDENT NEED TO SPEND MONEY WHILE AT CAMP? IF SO, HOW MUCH SHOULD I SEND WITH THEM?
If the school chooses to visit the Sky Café or Sky Ranch Corner Store, as a part of their recreational time, we recommend students bring $5-$15 cash. Items for purchase range from snacks and milkshakes to basic souvenirs - such as stickers, toys, hats, and t-shirts. Please contact your school’s lead teacher to find out if this will be included in their schedule.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS SKY RANCH A PEANUT FREE FACILITY?
To ensure students have immediate medical care available, each school is responsible for bringing a nurse. Should a student need additional medical treatment, the school has directions to nearby medical facilities. For additional questions regarding medical needs of students, please contact your school’s lead teacher for the trip.
All medicine will be turned into the school and administered by the school nurse who should be in attendance of the trip. For further questions regarding student medication, please contact your school’s lead teacher.
While Sky Ranch is not peanut free, we have limited the number of peanut products in our food. Menu alternatives can be provided in the case of severe food allergies. For further questions regarding allergies and food safety, please contact us at FoodService@SkyRanch.org.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT HAS SPECIFIC DIETARY NEEDS?
HOW WILL MY CHILD GET HIS OR HER MEDICATION?
Our Food Services team provides three meals per day. We are aware that there are many different dietary needs and we strive to accommodate all requests within reason. Our team is accustomed to accommodating dietary needs such as: gluten, dairy, tree nut and peanut allergies, diabetic, vegetarian, and vegan diets, as well as many other less common requests. All dietary restrictions are now collected through SmartWaiver and should be provided by the parent or guardian when completing the Participant Agreement. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at FoodService@SkyRanch.org.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MY STUDENT'S SKY RANCH OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP?
Please direct all questions regarding payment or refunds to your school’s lead teacher. All payments will be processed through your child's school.
Please reference the packing list included in this packet.
Since 1955, Sky Ranch staff members have been trained to evaluate everything we do through the lens of safety. It isn’t just in the big things, but also in the small things. We are accredited by the American Camp Association, but more importantly, safety is a part of our culture.
DOES SKY RANCH TEACH RELIGIOUS CONTENT?
WHAT ARE THE CABIN ACCOMMODATIONS?
All room assignments will be gender specific and based on the Sky Ranch recommended ratios. The school will provide a set number of adult chaperones to stay in the cabin as well. All cabin accommodations have heating and air conditioning, as well as indoor showers and restrooms with private changing areas.
WHAT IS SKY RANCH'S SAFETY POLICY?
The Sky Ranch School Programs department exists to support the educational development of all students from our partner schools and their selected educational curriculum. The instructional content is in alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills; therefore, religious content is not incorporated into the curriculum.
In the case of light rain and colder temperatures, we will continue to hold classes outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, all classes and recreation time will be held indoors. The Sky Ranch leadership team will be tracking potential threatening weather conditions and have plans in place that will be communicated to the school’s lead administrator. Sky Ranch provides radios in every cabin to stay in communication, if needed, during nighttime hours.
WHAT SHOULD MY STUDENT PACK FOR THEIR OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP?
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CASE OF BAD WEATHER?
Yes, you may contact Sky Ranch and we will connect you with the lead teacher for your child’s school. When you call, please be ready to provide us with your name, your student’s name, and the name of the school they are attending camp with. Sky Ranch Guest Services: 800.962.2267 Sky Ranch Security phone: 903.352.0916
WILL I BE ABLE TO CONTACT MY CHILD IN CASE THERE IS AN EMERGENCY? HOW?
WILL MY STUDENT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN HIGH ROPES/CHALLENGE COURSES?
If the school chooses to select it, students will have the option to participate in a range of ropes activities. At Sky Ranch, we operate under the “challenge by choice” mentality. Your students will be encouraged to participate in activities that challenge and push them out of their comfort zone, but only to the degree they desire. Staff leading challenge course activities are trained through an Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) preferred vendor. All challenge course elements and equipment are inspected annually by an Association of Challenge Course Technologies (ACCT) preferred vendor.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
FOR CLASS TIME:
We recommend that students bring comfortable clothes as they will spend much of their time exploring outdoors, hiking, and potentially sitting on the ground. Be sure to pack rain wear and warm layers for the cold nights and mornings, as the classes will be outdoors. We always hope for good weather, but during light rain showers and cold weather, we will continue to hold class outside if there is no lightning, strong wind, or freezing weather.
Alcohol, tobacco, guns, weapons, illegal substances, expensive jewelry, game systems, or anything valuable or breakable. Sky Ranch is not responsible for lost or broken articles.
Small backpack or drawstring bag Water bottle Journal pages from your teacher Pencil or pen
PLEASE BE SURE TO PACK:
Close-toed shoes - Crocs cannot be worn for ropes/water activities Sleeping bag OR twin sheets and blanket Pillow and pillow case Towel (shower/hand towel/and washcloth) Raincoat or poncho Pajamas Blue jeans/long pants/shorts Basic toiletries Swimsuit and beach towel (if school has scheduled water activities for trip and weather permitting) T-shirts or tops Hat Flashlight Bug spray Sunscreen LABEL EVERYTHING (follow your schools instructions for labeling items)
PACKING LIST