SPEND S’MORE TIME OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER
YMCA Overnight Camps combine the excitement kids love with the meaningful experiences parents value. At YMCA Raintree Ranch in Julian, CA, campers will experience a welcoming, horse-focused community dedicated to horseback riding. With 42 horses, multiple arenas and scenic trails, every rider—from beginner to advanced—finds the perfect place to learn and grow. Along the way, campers build confidence, friendships and memories that last a lifetime through classic camp traditions, laughter and leadership opportunities.
Experience an overnight horseback riding summer camp in Julian, California, where campers ages 9–16 enjoy daily riding lessons, hands-on horse care, and lasting friendships in a supportive community.
The Pegasus Program builds leadership skills for teens aged 15–17, combining horseback riding, mentoring and hands-on camp experiences.
From first-time riders to advanced, our horsemanship program helps every camper grow skills, confidence and horse knowledge.
Weddings & Events
Our overnight camps provide unique experience with rustic charm. Our beachfront or mountain dining halls, campfire rings and cabins provide the perfect location for weddings and events.
Reconnect with friends and help make amazing memories for a new generation.
Our Facilities
Our quaint ranch-style housing and western-themed equestrian facilities are the perfect backdrop for an amazing summer experience for your camper. When the horses arrive in May, Raintree blossoms into the greatest horse camp ever!
Welcome to Raintree Ranch
Tucked away in the mountains of Julian, CA, Raintree Ranch is the horseback riding sister camp to YMCA Camp Marston. Just a short 10-minute walk from Marston, campers enjoy a calm, cozy setting where they can bond with friends—and their horses—while still having access to Marston’s classic camp activities. It’s the perfect blend of horse-focused programming and traditional overnight camp activities, making Raintree Ranch an ideal equestrian summer camp for kids and teens.
Meet the Staff
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Camp Raintree Ranch is a nut-aware facility.
Tree nut and peanut allergies: We do not use or buy nuts of any kind. We also label cereals that have been made in factories the process nuts.
Summer 2026 Overnight Registration
Secure Your Spot for Summer 2026! Register now for an unforgettable overnight camp experience at Raintree Ranch. Adventure, friendships and endless fun await—don’t miss out!
YMCA Raintree Ranch is a small specialty overnight camp focused on horseback riding, caring for horses and traditional camp fun! Our summer camp gives kids and teenagers (nine to sixteen years old) the unique experience of riding horseback, getting to know their horses’ personalities and learning how to care and feed their horse. For more information please contact Sharnaye Neale at [email protected].
“It's a great environment - fun, respectful, free; and the people are great - from the counselors, to the other adults, to the kids. She can be herself comfortably, which isn't always easy to do at home or at her school.”
– Camp Parent
Register Now!
- Session 1 June 7-12
- Session 2 June 14-19
- Session 3 Reserved
- Session 4 June 28-July 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Daily Schedule
6.30am: Tack Up (optional)
7:45am: Flag raising/Inspiration
8.00am: Breakfast
9.15am – Noon: Horses or Traditional Camp Activities
Noon: Lunch
1.00pm: Siesta
2.00pm: Horses or Traditional Camp Activities
5.15pm: Flag lowering/Inspiration
5.30pm: Dinner
7.00pm: Evening Activity
9.00pm: Showers/embers
10.00pm: Lights out
CAMP FAQs
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP BEGIN?
Wednesday October 1, 2026. You can register online via your CampInTouch account. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to hold your spot for each week of camp this summer.
CAN WE VISIT CAMP PRIOR TO SIGNING UP?
Yes. For safety reasons, however, we are very conscientious of who is visiting. We operate year round programs and very often have campers on site, so please call 760-765-0642 to arrange a guided tour. We will have informational zoom sessions throughout the winter and spring to join if you want to learn more about camp.
HOW MANY ADULTS ARE THERE TO HOW MANY CHILDREN?
We follow American Camp Association guidelines in maintaining a 2-10 ratio of staff to campers on camp at all times. In addition to this we make sure there is no time when campers are left unsupervised.
WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS SICK AT CAMP?
We have trained health care personnel on camp at all times. The Health Center provides a good space for short-term care, but we prefer not to house ill children for more than a day. We call parents when a child is ill and required to stay in the health center.
Experience has shown that many times rest and fluids is all they need to feel better. If however, an illness lasts more that a day, “there’s no place like home”. We will call you, ask for you to pick them up, and work toward re-scheduling the week.
IF I HAVE TWO CHILDREN ATTENDING CAMP, WILL THEY SEE EACH OTHER OR PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES TOGETHER?
The answer to this question is “it depends”. We group our into cabin groups by age, and campers rotate to day-time activities with their cabin. Raintree is a small facility so all the girls cabins are located in 1 large bunk house, and the two boys cabins are right next to each other. Campers have opportunities to mingle with other cabins during evening activities, free time, and meals.
MY CHILD DOESN'T KNOW MUCH ENGLISH, DO THE COUNSELORS SPEAK SPANISH?
Although we have some bilingual staff, they are scheduled in program areas by skills and may not necessarily be working with your child. As long as your child understands some basic English, we can utilize our staff and also other Spanish speaking campers to help translate. We do our best to make sure everyone understands what is expected and what the cabin group is doing.
CAN CHILDREN BRING A CELL PHONE TO CAMP?
No, we do not permit cell phones at camp. YMCA Camp is a safe place to let your children have a bit of freedom and independence. We want them to make new friends and face challenges, not to spend precious camp time calling or texting their friends back home.
Parents can choose to e-mail messages for their campers via an optional online service. Experience has shown that a call to Mom & Dad can often make an adjustment problem worse, not better. Lastly, the technology of cameras on cell phones also creates the potential problem of taking pictures in sensitive areas. Camper bathrooms and changing areas are not appropriate places for cameras.
If your child needs to have cell phone with them because of travel or other reasons, simply have them submit it to camp staff upon arrival. We will return it to them when they leave.
WHAT ABOUT BULLIES AND TEASING?
Whenever you have groups of children together, teasing and bullying can occur. We do everything we can to prevent this from happening. Our staff are trained in how to spot this behavior and put a stop to it. We have no tolerance for this type of behavior and a camper could be sent home for bullying or intimidating actions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD MISSES HOME?
Missing home can be a challenge for some campers. We have several steps to work with it. In most cases we will simply encourage the camper to stay busy and think positively. Most times this works quite well. The camper starts to enjoy them self and make new friends.
In some cases it may take a bit more help. At those times our practice is to call parents and talk to them about what steps we’re taking and what might work best with their camper. We want to make overcoming homesickness a success story for your child and may ask your help in doing so.
WHO DO I INFORM ABOUT MY CHILD'S FOOD ALLERGIES?
First, make sure you have listed all health concerns on our Health History form. Then, at Check-In, you can personally discuss your campers specific health issues with camp health care personnel. They will ensure the information is communicated to the other departments at camp, including your child’s counselor.
WILL THERE BE A SUMMER CAMP STORE?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD DOES NOT LIKE THE FOOD?
We think our camp food is some of the best around. We encourage each camper to try what is being served but we don’t force them to eat. If campers don’t like what is being served, we provide options.
At each meal there is a well-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. At breakfast, a buffet with hot and cold cereal is available along with the hot entrée. Our staff is trained to watch what campers are eating. If a child is not eating a healthy amount, they will report the matter to the health care staff.
WHAT IS A "HOLDOVER" AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
“Holdovers” are campers that are registered for back to back sessions. Holdovers are able to stay at camp over the weekend, so no need to pick up your camper between sessions! Typically, holdovers enjoy catching up on rest and various other “low-key” activities, such as feeding the animals or movie night! We take care of your camper’s laundry, so no need to pack double or pack detergent.
HOW MUCH TIME DO CAMPERS SPEND WITH HORSES?
The short answer – half of each day. Every camper has the opportunity to ride every day of camp.
With 40+ horses, we split the camp into “AM and PM” riders. From there, the riders separate into their smaller groups for “ground classes”, arena lessons and trail rides. Ground classes are non-riding classes that teach all about horse anatomy, health care, tack, and more. Arena lessons provide specific instruction in western riding skills within one of the three fenced instructional arenas. Once campers are proficient on controlling their horse, they are eligible to go on a 1-hour trail ride around our 230 acres of forests & trails.
Additionally, Monday through Thursday we have a 6:30am tack-up time. At tack-up campers come down to the barn early to help groom and saddle the horses for the day before breakfast. Many campers find this to be the best part of the day as they enjoy the extra time with horses. Some campers are required to attend tack-up once, twice or four times a week if they are going for a higher level Bolo. During arena lessons and ground classes, campers also learn and practice a riding pattern to be used on the Friday Horse Show.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
Please visit our Refund Policies page to see all information regarding refunds.
Fees & financial aid
CATEGORY
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
Explorers, Pathfinders & Adventurers
$1,080
$1,200
L.I.T.s
$1,620
$1,800
O.W.L.S
$1,530
$1,700
TRANSPORTATION
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
Mountain Bus
$50
$50
Scholarships Available – As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, the YMCA is committed to serving everyone in our community and ensure they have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive — which is why we provide financial aid through our ACCESS Scholarship Program, reducing the cost of memberships, program fees and child care services offered by the YMCA of San Diego County.
Why Families Choose Raintree Ranch
Raintree Ranch is a rustic, western-style overnight camp nestled in the mountains of Julian, CA. Campers experience hands-on horseback riding, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections in a smaller camp environment designed to help kids grow in confidence and independence.
Designed for Growing Campers
Raintree Ranch programs are thoughtfully structured for each age group, ensuring campers feel supported, safe, and challenged at the right level. From first-time campers to returning riders, our team creates an environment where kids can grow skills, take healthy risks, and feel confident being themselves.
Questions - contact a Staff Member
[email protected] or call (760) 765-0642
