Quick answers for Scottsdale families

Rancho Summer Camp FAQs

Everything parents need to know about camp hours, free extended care, swimming, snacks, registration, safety, staff, and preparing for a great week at Rancho Summer Camps.

Rancho Summer Camps campers enjoying a group activity in Scottsdale
The essentials

What Families Want to Know First

Rancho combines a full day of summer fun with practical flexibility for working families.

Camp Day: 9 AM–3 PMMorning and afternoon extended care make the day easier to plan.
FREE Extended CareIncluded from 7:30–9 AM and 3–5:30 PM. Use it by the day or week.
Swimming IncludedInstructional swimming for Day Camp and recreational swimming for other programs.
Daily Snack IncludedA daily snack and program materials are included with tuition.
Adult-Led TeamsWell-trained, background-checked staff lead small, age-appropriate groups.
New Themes Each WeekChoose one week or combine multiple themes for a fuller summer experience.
Planning note: You do not need to reserve extended care in advance. Families can activate it—even the same day—through the Camp App.
A typical day

Camp Day & Family Convenience

Clear answers about schedules, arrival, snacks, and what campers should bring.

What are the regular camp hours?

The regular camp day is 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Morning extended care is available from 7:30–9:00 AM, and afternoon extended care is available from 3:00–5:30 PM.

Is extended care really free?

Yes. Morning and afternoon extended care are included at no additional charge. Families may use extended care by the day or week, without reserving it in advance, through the Camp App.

What happens during extended care?

Campers can relax or continue the fun with age-appropriate choices such as outdoor play, sports, playground time, board games, reading, puzzles, and other rotating activities. Afternoon extended care also includes snack time.

Are snacks and project materials included?

Yes. Tuition includes a daily snack and all project materials used in the camper's program. Families may also send a labeled snack from home.

What should my camper bring?

Send sunscreen, comfortable athletic clothing, closed-toe athletic shoes, a labeled water bottle, and—on swimming or water-play days—a swimsuit and towel. Review the current Parent Handbook and preparation information before camp begins.

How do drop-off and pick-up work?

Rancho uses an organized curbside process for arrival and dismissal. Detailed instructions are provided to enrolled families before camp so everyone knows the correct route, timing, and check-in procedure.

Does Rancho provide transportation?

No. Rancho Camps does not currently provide bus transportation.

Do campers need to be potty trained?

Yes. Campers must be fully potty trained to participate.

Build a fuller summer

Enroll in More Weeks. Save More Each Week.

Every week brings a different theme, new projects, and new opportunities to build confidence and friendships. Multiweek and sibling savings are available.

3%2 sessions
5%3–4 sessions
7%5+ sessions
Choosing and securing your weeks

Registration, Savings & Policies

Enrollment is intentionally limited by program and age group to support quality, safety, and a personal camp experience.

Can my child attend for only one week?

Yes. Families may select one weekly session or combine several weeks. Each week offers a different theme, so campers can return for new experiences throughout the summer.

Do Rancho programs sell out?

Yes. Weekly enrollment is intentionally limited by program and age group. Registering early gives families the best selection of programs and weeks.

How late may we register?

If a session still has space, registration may remain available close to the first day. Availability changes quickly, so families should check the registration system or contact Rancho for the latest status.

What discounts are available?

Multiweek savings are 3% for two sessions, 5% for three or four sessions, and 7% for five or more sessions. Sibling savings are also available. Review the Registration Details page for current terms.

What are the current payment, deposit, cancellation, and refund terms?

These terms should be reviewed directly on the Registration Details page and during checkout because deadlines and options may change by season. Contact Rancho before purchasing if you need help understanding a policy.

Can friends be placed together?

Campers in the same program and age group are generally together throughout the camp day. Contact Rancho before the session if you have a specific friend-placement question.

Prepared and parent-friendly

Safety, Allergies & Health Information

Families share important health information during registration so the leadership team can prepare before camp begins.

How does Rancho handle allergies?

Families must disclose allergy information during registration and complete any required health forms. Rancho leadership shares necessary information with the staff members responsible for the camper. Review the current Parent Handbook and contact the team about individual needs before camp.

How are medications handled?

Medication and emergency-care information must be submitted through the required camp forms and follow the current Parent Handbook procedures. Medications must be current and properly labeled. Contact Rancho before camp if your child may need medication or emergency support.

Where do we find camp forms?

Required forms and next steps are provided through the registration and post-registration process. Enrolled families should follow their confirmation messages and Camp App instructions. Contact Rancho if a required form is missing.

What are the behavior expectations?

Campers are expected to treat others, staff, equipment, and the facility with respect; remain with their assigned group; follow safety instructions; and keep hands and feet to themselves. The full behavior policy is provided in the Parent Handbook.

For a child's specific medical, allergy, behavioral, or accessibility need, contact Rancho before registering or before the session begins so the team can discuss appropriate support.
A Rancho-only location benefit

Swimming at Rancho Camps

Rancho is one of the three camp locations—along with Cincinnati and Columbus—that has swimming.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is included at Rancho Camps. Day Camp includes age-appropriate instructional swimming, while campers in other programs participate in recreational swimming.

Is swimming mandatory?

No. Parents and campers may opt out of swimming. Rancho provides an alternative activity when a camper is not participating in pool time.

How does instructional swimming work?

Day Camp swimming focuses on water safety, confidence, and skill development at an age-appropriate pace. Campers are grouped by ability and supervised by the aquatics team and camp staff.

How does recreational swimming work?

Campers who choose recreational swimming follow the facility's swim-test and safety procedures. Campers who do not participate are offered an alternative activity.

People parents can trust

Staff, Training & Camp Groups

Rancho programs are adult-led and designed around small, age-appropriate groups.

Who leads Rancho camp programs?

Rancho programs are led by adults who are selected for their experience, positive energy, ability to work with children, and commitment to a safe and encouraging camp environment.

Are staff members background checked?

Yes. Staff members complete required state and nationwide background checks before working at camp.

How are staff members trained?

Rancho provides extensive pre-camp preparation covering safety and security, group management, age-appropriate instruction, anti-bullying practices, communication, and team building.

How are campers grouped?

Campers are placed in small, age-appropriate groups so activities, pacing, guidance, and transitions fit their developmental stage and selected program.

We are here to help

Still Have a Question?

Our team can help you choose programs, understand registration details, or prepare for your camper's week.