I loved performing on stage
and modeling in the fashion show. I learned how to shoot a
bow and arrow, and how to do synchronized swimming. I wrote
a 'Snoopy' column for the newspaper. In fact, a lot of the
things I loved then are things I still love today. Shannon McCann
Years at camp: 1966-1975
I am still amazed and in awe of the subtle and mysterious
way that simple activities and experiences weave together
to leave an indelible impression of love ... confidence ...
appreciation. They seem so simple there in the moment ...
the singing of camp songs, Friendship Circle at the end of
an evening program, the Cowpoke/Wrangler drawing, saddling
a horse for the first time, scooting down the rapids ... but
each song, with each tug on the halter rope, with each stroke
of the canoe oar, with each ring of "Goodnight, campers!"
a new brush of color is being painted on her childhood experience.
From those "colors" spring forth amazing women as
evidenced by the many remarkable people that now call themselves
Rocky River alumni. Alyson Stringer Steakley
Years at camp: 1982-1989, 1993
The experiences at camp gave me a confidence and feeling
of accomplishment. First, just being able to take care of
myself away from home (with the counselors help, or course)
allowed me my first feelings of independence. Being able to
try different activities in a non-threatening environment
— things I probably never would have tried at home —
was a great way of discovering who I was. Then, later on having
the responsibility of caring for children by being a big sis
to a younger camper and then CIT, gave me a life-long heart
for children. Enough so I became a registered nurse working
in the pediatric intensive care. I don't believe I would be
the person I am today without those many experiences at camp. Stephanie Shupp Wilson
Years at camp: 1978-1983
All campers at
Rocky River Ranch have five activity periods each day. The
camper chooses the activities she wants to concentrate on
for each week and attends the same class at the same time
each day. Campers attending a two-week session may choose
different activities the second week.
Programs are fitted to the child, not the child to the program.
All activities are closely supervised by Counselors and Instructors.
We provide a free-choice program so campers can plan their own creative endeavors.
There's always a lot of excitement on Sports Day when the
"Cowpokes" and "Wranglers" stage competitive
games and relays. At the close of each session, the campers
present a Watershow at the pool and an exhibition of Western
Riding in the large arena.
There's so many choices! •
Archery •
Arts & Crafts •
Camp Crafts •
Cheerleading •
Climbing Wall •
Dance •
Drama •
Fishing •
Free Swim •
Health & Beauty •
Horseback Riding •
Kayaking •
Nature Study •
Newspaper •
Photography •
Rappelling •
Rifle Shooting •
Swimming •
Synchronized Swimming •
Team Sports •
Tennis
Rocky River Ranch has an exceptional
horseback riding department with an extremely high safety standard.
Our program is certified and horses are matched to each camper
with temperament and experience in mind. Our Equestrian Program
has produced three national champions and the horses used in
our camp program have been trained just as our show horses,
so campers learn on competent, gentle and well-behaved animals.
In addition to proper riding techniques, we also focus on proper
care of horses and tack.
•
Archery 
