EmpoweRanch Fall Adventure Camp
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Located in south Phoenix near South Mountain, EmpoweRanch is proud to be an ESA Vendor on ClassWallet Direct Pay and an AFFCF Preferred Provider. EmpoweRanch is also a PATH Intl. Center Member. We offer partial scholarships to private pay families, thanks to the AZ State Parks Heritage Fund grant. Teen campers may participate in a more immersive role as part of our Teen Leadership Development Program.
Give your child a fall break filled with the kind of adventures, animals, friendships, and accomplishments they will talk about long after camp ends.
At EmpoweRanch Fall Adventure Camp, children and teens do far more than visit a ranch. They become part of ranch life. Campers learn how equines think and communicate, develop skills in grooming, leading, groundwork, and care, and build a foundation for safe mounted horsemanship. They help care for horses, a mule, mini donkey, mini pony, chickens, and other ranch animals while learning the responsibility, patience, awareness, and respect that excellent animal stewardship requires.
Throughout the week with the guidance of our team, campers explore nature and wildlife, practice safe and responsible outdoor skills, work in the garden, contribute through ranch service, solve problems, and take on challenges that grow with their abilities. They spend their mornings outdoors, moving, exploring, getting their hands dirty, laughing with new friends, and experiencing the pride of mastering skills that once felt unfamiliar.
Every day offers something to anticipate. A camper might build trust while guiding an equine through an obstacle, notice a subtle change in an animal’s body language, learn how daily ranch work supports animal health, help solve a group challenge, discover something new in the natural world, or realize that they are capable of more than they expected.
What makes EmpoweRanch a top-tier camp experience is the professional knowledge, preparation, and individual attention and support behind every adventure. Camp is designed and directed by Jessica Voss, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, AAEE Certified Environmental Educator, and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Our interdisciplinary team brings experience in therapeutic recreation, behavioral health, horsemanship, outdoor recreation, environmental education, animal care, and youth development.
EmpoweRanch maintains no more than four campers per team member and often operates with approximately one team member for every two campers. This exceptional level of support allows us to truly know each child, recognize their strengths, respond to their needs, teach skills thoroughly, and provide the patient encouragement children need when trying something new.
Safety is woven into the complete camp experience. Campers receive clear instruction and close supervision, learn how to read and respect animal communication, and progress through foundational unmounted horsemanship before participating in mounted activities. Experiences are adapted thoughtfully according to each camper’s readiness, environmental conditions, and the health and well-being of our animals.
Children have an incredible time because they are not simply being entertained. They are actively participating, forming connections, gaining competence, contributing to the ranch, and sharing discoveries and accomplishments with other campers. The result is an exciting week filled with animals, adventure, friendship, growing confidence, and memories they will carry home.
Dates: Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily
Ages: 6–17
Teen Leadership Development Track: Available for ages 13–17
Location: EmpoweRanch near South Mountain in Phoenix
Registration includes the complete five-day camp experience. Space is limited.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.