FAQS

What are the cabins like?

All cabins are air-conditioned bunkhouses. Cabin placements are determined by age and grade. Rocky River honors bunkmate requests as much as possible for girls who are up to one year apart in grade. Cabins house both campers and staff, with a very high ratio of staff to campers. View photos or our facilities »

What does the camp fee cover?

Room, board, laundry during Sessions 2 & 5, and camp activities are covered. The Ropes Course (Trainees and SIT 1’s only), Horseback Riding, and laundry during Session 3 are an additional fee.

What should we pack in? Is a trunk required?

While some girls prefer to pack in a camp trunk, they are not requried. We often suggest (especially for younger campers) buying some inexpensive, clear, plastic stacking drawers. These work well for several reasons - they can separate their items a little better, they tend to stay more organized and they also serve as a little side table for things like water bottles and books on the side or foot of their bed. You can use a duffle or other bag to pack their towels, shoes, bedding, etc.

Each cabin has a different layout and trunks are tricky specifially in the Wagons and in Circle B due to space. Stacking drawers work really well in these cabins! The staff are really good at helping the girls figure out the best placement with whatever they end up bringing. Note: the beds in the Wagons have a 13.5" clearance so a longer "under the bed" storage container works really well in those cabins too.

How does Canteen Store work?

The Canteen is our camp store. Girls go to the Canteen each day for a snack and then once a session for souvenir shopping. During registration $30 was paid and that is what she will be allotted on her shopping day. Keeping with our mission of growing independent girls, we let them choose their own souvenirs. You can see our merchandise online through your account and also order stuff year round! Check out the special care packages available. The camp store is open on closing day for additional purchases.

This will be my camper’s first camp experience. What can I do to prepare her for camp life?

The best thing to do is talk to your camper about what camp life will be like. Explain to her that she will not be able to see or talk to you while at camp and that you know she will do great while here. Call to set up a time before the summer to visit the camp and speak with a director ─ we’ll be able to show you cabins, where activities are held, where campers eat, etc. Pack for camp with your camper ─ allow her to write her name on her clothing, choose a special stuffed animal to bring, and which books she’d like to read during downtime. Allowing her to see the camp and know what she’ll be doing and what she is bringing will help alleviate any natural anxiety she may be experiencing, enabling her to have the best time possible while here.

My camper wants to change her class schedule - is that possible?

Absolutely. Campers can change their schedule online via your account any time until the week before arrival. Class info online is in real-time and waiting lists are managed if classes are full. Also, your camper will have the option to change her classes at camp until Tuesday at noon.

What happens if my camper gets sick at camp?

Rocky River takes healthcare very seriously. Our wellness center is well equipped, staffed and maintained for our campers who need special care, and our camp doctor is on-call throughout the season. Our counselors are trained in CPR and First Aid. Should any concerning health issue arise, a staff member will contact the parents.

If your camper is running a fever greater than 100.4*, we will contact you directly to make a plan together on how to proceed. You, or your approved emergency contact, must remain within 6 hours of availability to pick up your daughter if, after discussions, it is necessary for her to go home. Please make sure your approved pick up list is updated to reflect that. As always we strive to maintain open communication while your daughter is here at Rocky River Ranch, and we will provide you with a direct cell number if you would like to express concerns or check in about your campers health and happiness.

The pandemic taught us a lot - we will encourage lots of hand washing, cleaning of common areas, good personal hygiene practices and teaching the girls the importance of personal space. These are all great lessons! We will also strongly encourage you to monitor your camper before her arrival. Please do not send your camper to camp if she is sick. It's better to contact us to reschedule her session than to have to come back and pick her up. 

The safety of our camp community is top priority and we are committed to doing all we can to keep everyone healthy. We are also committed to singing, dancing, running around outside, making new friends, gaining independence and learning new skills.

Is Rocky River Ranch a religious camp?

No, Rocky River is not a religiously affiliated camp. We welcome campers from all religious backgrounds. We love having a diverse community.  Our long time traditions do include singing grace before meals and ending the day with a Friendship Circle, which includes saying The Lord’s Prayer.  During these times, campers are encouraged to do what is comfortable for them while remaining respectful of others. On the second Sunday of longer sessions, our older campers plan and lead the entire camp in a character based chapel service.

My camper is non-binary, gender fluid or in transition. How can Rocky River Ranch meet their needs?

As youth development professionals, the owners and directors of Rocky River love, encourage and are advocates for every child. And as camp professionals, we feel strongly that every child can benefit from a positive camp experience; not only benefit, but we believe that a positive camp experience can be life changing! We want to be partners with parents to support and lift up every child and also help find the best camp experience for them, whether that is RRR or not.

Our mission at Rocky River Ranch will always be focused on ‘Growing Independent Girls’. For this reason, we feel that campers who identify as male, or biologically male campers in transition, will be better served and have their specific needs met, at an all-gender camp. We would love to support your campers needs with resources and sharing of other camp programs - please reach out to us for information and specific questions.

If your camper is non-binary or gender fluid, we would love to talk with you before their arrival. Please call the camp office and speak with the camp director to discuss details of the camp program and their desire to participate in an all girls camp. Every child is unique and we want to ensure the best possible camp experience for every camper. Over the years we have learned that open communication with parents prior to arrival is the best way to make this happen.

My camper eats a special diet (or is just picky!) What is the food like at camp?

The food at RRR is not your regular camp food! Many campers list it as one of the top reasons for coming back each year. We are able to accommodate most special diets, such as vegetarian, lactose-free or gluten-free (contact the camp office if your daughter is diagnosed with Celiac Disease). Be sure to include your camper's allergies or special needs on the Health History form, and contact the camp office with any questions or concerns.

We start each day with a yummy breakfast including cereal, fruit and yogurt as additional options to the day's hot menu item. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed eating family style in the cabin groups. A salad bar and PB&J sandwiches are always available at lunch and dinner. Dinner gives campers the opportunity to sit with friends they have made outside of their cabin groups and consist of classic meals like pizza, chicken nuggets, and tacos.

When are my balance and camp forms due?

All balances and completed forms are due by April 1st. You can make payments online through your account using a credit card or check (we prefer check as it helps keep the cost of camp down for everyone).  You can find the required forms in the Document Center of your account from the dropdown menu in the top left corner of your screen. All forms, other then the copy of your campers immunization record, can be filled out online. 

What is the refund policy?

Cancelations made before April 1st will receive refund of fees paid minus the non-refundable deposit. Please submit your cancelation in writing as soon as you know your plans have changed so that we can process your cancelation as quickly as possible. Non-refundable deposits are $100/wk for resident camp, $100/week for day camp, $100 for each Mother/Daughter and Great Escape Weekend.

Can I call or visit my camper while she’s at camp?

Rocky River campers do not have access to phones while here. And for the safety of the camp community, Rocky River does not allow visitors on the campsite while camp is in session. We do post lots photos of activities throughout the session so you can see her and get a glimpse into what she's doing.  If you have a question, or would just like to check in, please feel free to call the office anytime.

If your questions or concerns were not answered, please email us at  info@rockyriverranch.com

Rocky River Ranch | Summer Camp Programs

Summer Camp Programs

The perfect summer is waiting for your daughter aged 5 to 14 at Rocky River— filled to the brim with new friendships, challenging activities and, most importantly, lots of fun! Check out our day camp and resident camp options.

Rocky River Ranch | Weekend Programs

Weekend Programs

In the hot summer months, we’re an all-girls camp, but the rest of the year, we offer year ‘round fun at our Great Escapes for women and Mother-Daughter weekends!

Rocky River Ranch | Event Rentals

Event Rentals

Rocky River Ranch is the perfect solution for your special event! We host family reunions, church retreats, teacher work days, company picnics, Girl Scout groups, and more with lodging for up to 135 guests.

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Rocky River Ranch experience

 

The truth is I would not have become the person I am today without RRR! Making decisions for classes at 7 years old (with the help of a big sister and Rue as my counselor), remembering to wear your bathing suit under your jeans so you could go from the barn to the pool without the dreaded trip back to your cabin, remembering not to sign up for your pool class right before horseback … I could go on and on. The mistakes we made there were safe and there was a support system to catch you if you fell. Later I enjoyed working with the campers younger than me. First in WE as a big sister myself and later as a CIT Mom. In 14 years I grew and strengthened my commitment to myself. I felt loved unconditionally and I formed everlasting friendships. Some of them recently re-kindled after a 15-20 year gap as if no time had passed at all. In the last year I received a letter from a former CIT that spoke of my influence on her life. How it made her a better mother and a better woman. I have saved that letter for my children to read one day. I will always feel like Skeet and Sandy helped raise me and they always saw the person I could be! I can never thank them enough for that.

‒  Sunni Becker Markowitz Years at camp: 1974-1988

Another favorite camp memory that lives on is the camp songs. I have sung them to my kids when they were babies … and still sing to them to wake them up in the morning ("Good morning to You!"). Last summer my daughter went to camp for the first time (at age 6). She had a great time and is looking forward to going again this summer. She sings camp songs almost daily (I'm ready for her to learn a few new ones other than "Boom Boom, Ain't it Great to be Crazy?" and "I Wish I Were a Little Bar of Soap")!

‒  Patti Scott Gillman Years at camp: 1972-1985

I had a wonderful experience of being a counselor at RRR 1960-61 and 1966-67. Those first 2 years I knew and loved both Mama Knolk and Jane. Later, I was there with Skeet and Sandy. I have great memories of all those special people and all the fun times at camp. I'm so glad the camp is still going strong!

‒  Mary Jane McDuffie Dillard Years at camp: 1960-61, 1966-67

My years at Rocky River were some of the most wonderful times in my life. My sister (Laura) and I still spend hours talking about our fun times there. We still remember our days of swimming in the river, riding horses and water skiing. I can't wait until my little girl can experience all the joy and fun I had as a child for herself.

‒  Debbie Merian Polasek Years at camp: 1976-1987

I loved RRR from the second I saw it. The smell of the cedar trees sure was heaven compared to the pollution of Dallas. I only got to stay for two weeks that first summer, which was way too short a time. I rode the horses, shot up targets, and made stuff in the crafts hut. I know I made it down to the river a few times. It was the year that I got my red tie in the horseback department and I was sooooo proud! I got to stand in front of the campfire while the campers all went berserk over my accomplishment. I feel so lucky to have the memories that I do and those are of RRR. I don't remember much about my childhood, but I remember everything about RRR and how much I loved going there every summer. It was heaven on earth.

‒  Libby Walker Dunagan Years at camp: 1965-1967, 1969-1974

Mama Knolk — what a wonderful and gentle lady. She always wanted the best for us and for us to be our best.

‒  Jeanette Brian Lawrence Years at camp: 1960s