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"So many favorites... The tree bed experience, the mud pit, survival shelters, rope course. She has built several tree beds since she returned, and has an understanding of survival shelters, and building fires with no paper (she taught me that technique when she returned)."
- Skylark Ranch parent, 2010
Skylark Ranch is a camp alive with traditions that keep girls coming back year after year. From our comprehensive horseback riding program to singing around the campfire with new friends, Skylark Ranch has provided exciting outdoor adventures and enriching opportunities for girls since 1953.
Camp sessions range from 4-11 days, with a different group of a campers arriving each session. Girls register in the spring for a group program. Programs range from a sampling of camp activities to specialized programs such as horseback riding or fine arts.
Campers live in units based on their program and age. Most units range in size from 12-24 girls. Girls not only have the opportunity to participate in the activities for their specific specialized program, but there is a wide range of all-camp activities that are available to all girls at camp.
Most campers ride the chartered bus to camp and, as girls in the same group sit together, it's a great way to get to know other campers you'll be living with during the week. Once you get to camp, you'll settle in your living unit and get to know them. The first night will be a special campfire with just the girls in your program. This helps really get to know everyone and feel comfortable to you can enjoy the rest of your session.
The second night at camp is our traditional all-camp opening campfire to welcome everyone. Through out the week you'll enjoy other special all-camp events, such as theme meals, mystery hunts, talent shows or carnivals. The last night is our final closing campfire where we look back over the fun and events of the session, share songs, stories and special memories.
Meals at Skylark Ranch are served family style in our unique circular dining hall. During resident camp we provide three meals a day, plus additional snacks and alternative menu options with our sidebar. We can accommodate most special dietary needs including vegetarian and vegan. Contact the Outdoor Program Department with questions about food at happycamper@girlscoutsnorcal.org.
Although each group of campers has a slightly different schedule, a typical day at camp might look like this:
| 7:00 am | Ringing of the Wake-Up Bell |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast in the Dining Hall |
| 9:00 am | Unit Clean up Time |
| 9:30 am | Morning Activities (what ever the group has planned) |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Camper Time (personal time to relax, read, write letters home, etc.) |
| 2:00 pm | Afternoon Activities |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Activities |
| 9:00-10:00 pm | Lights out, Depending on age of camper |
Ceramics, paint, sculpt or create a world of your own at Skylark Ranch! Visit the Art center and receive instruction in a wide range of fine and studio arts. All girls have the opportunity to visit the Art Specialist where they will work on activities that are appropriate for their age.
Skylark Ranch offers a comprehensive Horseback Riding program for all riders! For Beginning through Advanced riders Skylark Ranch offers girls an opportunity to ride English, Western or experience Vaulting! Lesson are taught with a minimum of 2:6 instructor to camper ratio, and skill are taught depending on the groups age and skill level. If you are interesting in learning more about our horseback riding program, and to find out what program is right for you read our horse program brochure, check out our horse program page, or contact us at (408) 287-4170 x256.
Banana slugs, bats, llamas...oh my! Visit the interactive Nature Center to learn about the environment surrounding Skylark Ranch. With the help of the Nature Specialist girls might have the opportunity to explore the inter-tidal, redwood or chaparrals habitats surrounding Skylark.
When you are finished exploring our many trails throughout camp, come by and visit our lovely llamas! This summer we welcome some new llama friends to join our veteran llama"D'Argent". Learn about our wooly friends, take them for a walk around camp, or maybe feed them a snack!
For campers entering 4th grade and up, take to the range and see if Archery is right for you. Under the watchful eye of our Archery instructor you will receive instruction about how to shoot, and then have an opportunity to try your skill at hitting that bull's eye!
Skylark also is the home of a High Adventure Ropes Course and Low Element Challenge Course. Designed to help you and your unit work together, girls experience challenges that help bring everyone together for fun! The Low Element Challenge Course is available for all girls at camp, and is an opportunity to try the Wild Woozy, All Aboard or some of the other elements that we have available! For those girls in 4th grade and up, then take a swing on our new High Adventure Ropes Course.
In addition, girls will have the opportunity to cook over an open fire, sing campfire songs, make friendship bracelets or take a trip to the beach.
Chartered bus transportation provided from San Jose or Santa Cruz.
