2016 Champions Rodeo Information

Champions Rodeo
Summer Information
2016
www.S kyr anch.org
903.266.3300
Index
Welcome from Linda S. Paulk ..........................................................................................................................3
Welcome from Rope Myers ..............................................................................................................................4
Instructors for 2016..............................................................................................................................................4
Getting Ready Checklist......................................................................................................................................5
Packing Tips.............................................................................................................................................................5
What to Bring and What NOT to Bring...........................................................................................................6
Important Things to Know..................................................................................................................................7
Health Information................................................................................................................................................9
General Policies and Guidelines.....................................................................................................................11
Staying Connected with Sky Ranch Social Media....................................................................................12
LifeMap....................................................................................................................................................................13
Helmet Release Waiver......................................................................................................................................14
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Welcome from our President & CEO, Linda S. Paulk
Dear Camper Parents,
Thank you for providing Sky Ranch the opportunity to serve your family this summer. It has been a privilege to
serve families for more than 60 years, providing a fun, Christ-centered encounter for all of our campers. We are
so excited about what God has planned for summer 2016 at Sky Ranch.
It is our desire to communicate effectively with all of our families in an effort to manage your expectations,
answer your questions, and provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your child is in great hands at Sky
Ranch. Within this packet, you will find up-to-date information, FAQs, and other material that will be helpful as
you and your children prepare for their week at Sky Ranch.
Please read the information carefully. Once you have had a chance to review the materials, please do not
hesitate to contact our Guest Services department at 903-266-3300 with any additional questions or concerns
you might have.
Thank you again for selecting Sky Ranch for your child’s camp experience. We are looking forward to a terrific
summer. Please know that it is an honor and a pleasure to provide an environment where your children can
relax, have fun, build life-long relationships, and most importantly, learn how to be the full expression of what
God has created them to be!
See you soon!
In His Grip,
Linda S. Paulk
President and CEO of Sky Ranch Camps
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Welcome from Director of Champions Rodeo, Rope Myers
Dear Rodeo Families,
Thank you for the privilege of serving your family at one of our rodeo programs this summer. As serious rodeo
competitors, we are prepared to help you reach a “new level” during your time with us at Sky Ranch. Both our
outdoor and covered arenas will be in full use. Our covered facility is equipped with lights and great, big fans to
help with the East Texas summer heat.
Please make sure you read over the articles in this site, for general information about Sky Ranch and camp.
There are some areas that are specific to the rodeo camps, such as arrival and departure information. If, after
reading through the information, you still have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are two ways to do that: Guest Registrations 903-266-3300 or the Livery Office 903-569-8925. It is our
desire that this be one of the most amazing weeks of your life – in every way.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Rope Myers
Director of Champions Rodeo
Instructors for 2016
Lynn McKenzie.........................Barrel Racing
Hannah Beth Tems......................Goat Tying
TBD...................................................Calf Roping
Boogie Ray.................................Team Roping
Rope Myers............................Steer Wrestling
The above instructors are tentatively confirmed for Summer 2016. Please continue to monitor our Facebook
page for additions or changes: www.facebook.com/SkyRanchChampions.
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Getting Ready Checklist
Please be sure that all of these items are completed before your camper attends camp.
Complete the Health Form ONLINE - through the Parent Portal at www.SkyRanch.org/Register
Complete the Helmet Release Waiver and return to Sky Ranch.
Review the packing list and purchase necessary items or things for night events.
Arrange for care package(s) to be sent to your camper (most campers will receive mail, email, and
packages during the week).
Pay balance for camp in full.
Confirm roommate requests through the Parent Portal.
Add money to the Ranch Bank Store Card.
Remember to bring your driver’s license to camp - it’s required to drop off your camper!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in this packet, please feel free to call
Guest Services at 903-266-3300 or email us at [email protected].
Packing Tips
As you prepare for Sky Ranch Summer Camp, we have provided a list of items you will need to pack for your
camper. On the following pages, we’ve included extensive lists for “What to Bring” and “What NOT to Bring”.
Before we jump into packing, we wanted to share a few tips.
Helpful Hints
Please pack using a large suitcase or trunk (no larger than 40Lx37Wx16H)
Don't buy a lot of new clothing - this is camp, and we will most likely get wet and dirty!
Use ziplock bags to waterproof items.
Don't send anything that you consider irreplaceable.
Clearly and boldly label all of your child's belongings.
Strapless clothing, mini-skirts, or t-shirts with large cut outs are not allowed.
All shorts must be a modest length (fingertip length) and we have a NO ROLL rule.
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What to bring and what not to bring to camp
Required:
Optional Extras:
Clothing: Please make sure to label all of
your camper's belongings!
Blue jeans/long pants
Raincoat/poncho*
Tennis shoes (2 pair)
Boots
Baseball cap/hat*
Towels (shower and beach)*
Socks
T-shirts/tops (no strapless)
Shorts (modest length please)
Lightweight jacket/fleece
Swimsuit (one-piece only)
Water shoes* or old sneakers
Twin bed sheets/blankets/sleeping bag
Pillow & pillow case
Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)*
Disposable cameras*
Sunscreen*
Insect repellent
Bible/journal/pens*
Wash cloth
Water bottle*
Flashlight*
Laundry bag*
Stationary/stamps* (Pre-addressed, please)
Care Packages**
Rodeo campers should bring any equipment
for their event (ropes, strings, etc.) as well as
tack, feed, buckets, and supplements for
their horses. Sky Ranch will provide
necessary feed, tack, and equipment for
anyone renting a horse for camp.
*For your convenience, these items are available for purchase in the Corner Store, located in the Legacy Center.
**Care Packages - One of the highlights of the Sky Ranch camping experience is receiving mail or care
packages from friends and family. Sky Ranch offers the option to purchase pre-made Sky Packs for cabin
delivery or you are welcome to bring your own care packages. For more information, see the “Important Things
to Know” section.
What NOT to Bring to Camp
Any electronic device that can access the internet breaches our security policy. If discovered by a counselor, it will be
collected and stored until the end of the camper’s session. In addition, Sky Ranch cannot be responsible for lost or
broken articles. Please do not bring anything that would break easily or cause loss if misplaced.
Any web-enabled devices
Cell Phones
Computers
iPads/Tablets
Money (please see the section on Ranch Bank)
Handheld video game systems
Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Tobacco products
Weapons (including pocket knives and multi-tools)
Pets
Fireworks
Personal sports equipment (everything you need will be provided for your activities)
- Paintball guns or gear
- Archery equipment
- Skeet shooting equipment
- Climbing gear
- Wake boarding equipment
- Bikes
- Scooters
- Skateboards
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Important Things to Know
Dates
Champions Rodeo Camp is held during Session 9 of Sky Ranch summer camp. Dates for 2016 are:
• Boys Section - July 24-27
• Girls Section - July 27-July 30
Arrival and Departure
Sky Ranch staff will be at the arena, and available to help you with check-in, between 2:00 and 4:00 on opening
day of Champions (July 24 for Boys, July 27 for Girls). You will then proceed to regular check-in for your cabin.
There will not be anyone available to assist with stalls and check-in until that time. Champions campers have a
special demonstration rodeo for their Closing Ceremonies, on the last day of their respective camp. Parents
may meet their campers at the covered rodeo arena for this rodeo, which begins at 8:00 am. You will have the
opportunity to retrieve your child’s luggage, view and purchase photos from the week, and complete the
check-out process on the main camp once the rodeo is completed.
Camper Check-Out Policy
Campers will be released only into the care of their parent or legal guardian. Before you pick up your child, you
will be required to show your driver's license to our check-out staff and place your signature on the check-out
form. No camper will be released to any individual for any reason without following this check-out policy. Your
camper will only be released to authorized individuals listed in your Parent Portal under the “Additional
Questions” tab. We will not release your child to anyone not on this online list.
Airport Transportation
Transportation is available for campers flying in to DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field. The cost for
transportation is $130 each way. Below are the required schedules for airport transportation.
ARRIVALS:
DFW - Sunday 11am - 2pm
Love Field - Sunday 2pm - 4pm
DEPARTURES:
DFW or Love Field - Saturday 10am - 12pm
Transportation is secured through The Parent Portal (www.SkyRanch.org/Register) on the “transportation” tab
in the itinerary.
Maps and Directions
Maps and Directions to Sky Ranch locations are available on our website at www.SkyRanch.org/Locations.
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RV Hookups for Parents
We do have limited RV hookups available at the outdoor arena, for parents who choose to stay on site during
Champions camp. You can reserve a hook-up through your Parent Portal.
Ranch Bank Store Card
The Ranch Bank helps campers manage their spending money. The recommended amount is $60 per week.
Because campers are not permitted to carry cash, each camper deposits spending money in their private Ranch
Bank account and debits purchases to it. Campers can purchase snacks, souvenirs, gift items, books, t-shirts,
caps, and much more. Parents can contact Guest Registration at 903-266-3300 or go online to the Parent Portal
to make additions to add funds to Ranch Bank. After camp, unused Ranch Bank funds may be donated to the
Sky Ranch Scholarship Program or refunded.
Letters and Packages from Home
You may bring mail and care packages on Check-In Day and drop them off at the Mail Station located in the
Legacy Center. Please indicate your camper’s name, cabin number and desired delivery day. Be sure to put any
food in a re-sealable container, please send only non-perishable food items, and please do not send gum. **We
request that your camper’s packages be no larger than the size of a normal shoebox. We encourage you to
arrange for your camper to receive email, mail and care packages during the week. Most campers will receive
one or more during their stay. The Sky Ranch Corner Store, located in the Legacy Center, sells ready-made care
packages called Sky Packs. For more information on Sky Packs and Snack Packs please visit our web site.
Additionally, any item purchased in the store on Check-In Day can be delivered to your camper on the day of
your choice.
Lost and Found
Please check the Lost and Found table before leaving on Saturday. If you realize your camper did not make it
home with an item, please call Camp Works at 903.266.3394 and leave a message describing the missing
item(s). Claimed items will be returned C.O.D. Items will be held for one week. Unclaimed items will be donated
to charity. Please label all items and make sure that you have all of your camper’s belongings before you leave.
Please note that Sky Ranch cannot be responsible for lost or broken articles.
Session Videos & Camper Photos
Session DVDs and photos of your camper, their cabin mates, and counselors will be available for purchase on
day of departure.
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Health Information
Every Sky Ranch camper is required to fill out the Sky Ranch Health Form online in the Parent Portal. This should
be completed prior to your session start date. Please go to the Parent Portal at www.skyranch.org to complete.
Special Dietary Requirements
Sky Ranch is concerned about your child’s health and will gladly work with you regarding special dietary
restrictions and requirements. We can accommodate a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. Please contact Sky Ranch’s
Food Service Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 903-266-3368 to review our menu and
make the appropriate substitutions if available.
Lice Policy
For the safety, health and comfort of all campers, no child with untreated lice (bugs) or lice eggs (nits) on their
person or belongings will be admitted to camp. Each child will be checked for lice/nits upon arrival to camp. If
lice/nits are present, they must be treated prior to admittance to camp. Parents are responsible for treatment of
both their camper’s belongings and camper’s head when lice and or nits are found at camper check-in. Please
check your child within 48 hours of arriving at camp (see www.headlice.org for more information). In order to
properly perform a lice/nit check, ponytails must be removed prior to check. We will do our best to do lice
checks around braids but any signs of lice or nits will require that braids be taken out. In the event that lice/nits
are found, you may choose to have Sky Ranch perform a lice/nit treatment on your child for a fee of $300.
Health Care Reminders
At Sky Ranch, safety is our number one priority. Your child’s safety and health are of the utmost importance to
us and we will provide professional and responsible care while they are at camp. To maintain our standards of
excellence, we follow the regulations of the Texas Department of State Health Services for Youth Camps and
subscribe to the American Camp Association standards. Below are some suggestions that will improve your
child’s experience and expedite your check in process on Sunday.
• We have a No Nit, No Lice policy. Please inspect your child(ren) 48 hours prior to camp for lice and/or
nits. If found, please treat and remove ALL nits so that they can be admitted to camp. (There are a
number of resources available that can assist you in this process. For your convenience, here is a
sample website you can review: http://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Child's-Hair-for-Lice.) Please note
that every child is also checked on their arrival day by a counselor and/or Health Care Professional.
• All medications are required to be in the original packaging and contain only the medication identified
on the container. Do not put two or more different medications in the same container.
• If your child requires a prescription medication, the prescription label must be legible with the camper’s
name on it. Please do not use old bottles or those belonging to another family member as they will not
be administered per state law.
• Please check the medication’s expiration date. Expired medication will not be administered per state law.
• The ONLY medications that are permitted to be kept with the counselors are RESCUE inhalers and EPI
pens. These are the only medications that our counselors are trained to administer. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact our Health Care Administrator prior to camp. We do not allow
campers to keep these medications themselves as it poses a threat to other campers. A counselor that
has your child’s rescue medication will be with your child at all times. The counselors are allowed to
keep glucometers.
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• Please contact the camp Health Care Administrator as soon as possible at [email protected]
if your child has one or more of the following conditions:
• Requires any injectable medication
• Any seizure disorder
• Autism
• Asperger’s Syndrome
• Any special situation that requires our attention. It is very beneficial for us to have this
information as soon as possible so that we may prepare our counselors and staff.
• If your child’s medication will be coming with someone who is not familiar with the dose and administration time, please be sure to send a note with the exact information. Medication administration times
are 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and at Bedtime. Please choose
which med call times you will prefer.
• If your child has surgery, a fracture or serious injury within six weeks of camp, please contact our Health
Administrator as a physician’s release will be required.
• If contagious illness 7 days prior to camp, please contact Health Care Administrator to discuss specifics.
• All medications will be returned on Saturday. Medications that are left over are disposed of so please
be sure to stop by our Medication Return table in Legacy on Saturday.
Please feel free to contact our Health Care Administrator at [email protected] with any questions.
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General Policies and Guidelines
Roommate Requests
At Sky Ranch, we will do our best to honor up to three roommate requests per camper if they have been
accepted through the Parent Portal, for a total amount of four in a respective cabin. Roommate requests must
have an “accepted” status 14 days before your session of camp begins to be honored.
You can submit your roommate request through the Parent Portal on the “roommate request” tab. Please email
any questions to [email protected].
Cancellations
Campers who cancel before April 15, 2016 will be refunded all payments except the non-refundable deposit of
$100. If this reservation is cancelled for any reason after April 15, 2016, all monies paid will be non-refundable.
All cancellation requests must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All payments are
non-transferrable. Registrations not paid in full by April 15, 2016 may be subject to automatic cancellation.
Contacting Your Camper
If an emergency arises you can call our office 24 hours a day and one of our staff will assist you. If your camper
needs to contact you we will facilitate that as well. “I know my child is doing great, it’s me that is lonely!” We
understand... here is a tip - send an e-mail or letter to your camper. The address for all regular mail
correspondence is:
Camper’s Name and Session Number
Camper’s Cabin Number
24657 CR 448
Van, TX 75790
You can also send emails using your Parent Portal account and kids love it! Your e-mail will be delivered directly
to your camper with the daily mail call. This service is optional and will incur an additional fee.
More information will be provided at Check-In or you may visit www.SkyRanch.org for complete details.
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Stay Connected with Sky Ranch Social Media
Stay Connected During Camp Week (and All Year Long!)
Sky Ranch has an active presence in several areas of social media. You can find our official Sky Ranch fan pages
on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and stay connected with us through a variety of blogs.
Please visit www.SkyRanch.org/Media to view the variety of ways you can communicate with us, get to know
us better, and stay connected all year long.
Live Updates on Twitter
Get the latest camp news by following @SkyCamperUpdate on Twitter. We’ll be “tweeting” throughout the day.
If you think it would be fun to hear little bits of detail from daily camp life as a way to “follow” your child’s week,
then this is for you. We will not use camper names or personal information in our “tweets,” rather we will be
trying to capture something from every cabin each day. However, for privacy purposes, we will not use
individual camper names.
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The Sky Ranch Life Map
At Sky Ranch, we are honored to have the opportunity to impart solid Christian principles and the Word of God
into your child’s life. Sky Ranch’s faith and character development program is divided into three parts, and it’s
called the LifeMap. As your child grows older, he or she will progress through each phase until the completion
of the program.
Phase 1: Learn
Beginning with our first-time campers and going through the early teen years, Phase 1 creates a culture where
kids learn foundational concepts that build strong character and vibrant faith.
Phase 2: Experience
In Phase 2 camps students begin the C.O.R. Leadership Track based on I Corinthians. These camps are designed
to stand alone or tie together over the course of six summers to help develop a deep faith and the character of
a servant leader. Campers are challenged to dig deeper beyond their childhood beliefs as they begin to challenge their thinking and their faith. Phase 2 is an immersion into experiences that help turn teens into
Christ-centered servant leaders.
Phase 3: Become
As young adults, some campers choose to become counselors. Phase 3 is the fusion of content, context, and
the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of young adults as they prepare for their adult years, all while giving back
to the next generation of children.
It is our hope that the Sky Ranch program can have an eternal impact on your child’s life by being an instrumental element of their spiritual and personal growth. We hope each phase will challenge them and help them
move forward to become the person God created them to be.
experience
learn
become
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SKY RANCH EQUESTRIAN PARTICIPANT
HELMET ACKNOWLEDGEMENT WAIVER
WARNING
UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE AND REMEDIES CODE), A
FARM ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE
DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE
INHERENT RISKS OF FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES.
THE AMERICAN CAMPING ASSOCATION REQUIRES THE USE OF HELMETS AT
ALL EQUESTRIAN EVENTS TAKING PLACE AT AN ACCREDITED FACILITY.
BASED ON COMMONLY ACCEPTED RODEO PRACTICES, SKY RANCH ALLOWS
ATTENDEES OF THE ELITE AND CHAMPIONS RODEO CLINICS THE OPTION TO
USE A HELMET AT THE DISCRETION OF THE RIDER, OR, IN THE CASE OF A
MINOR, THE RIDER’S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. SKY RANCH REQUIRES
THE USE OF HELMETS AT ALL EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES EXCEPT ELITE AND
CHAMPIONS RODEO CLINICS AND PROVIDES HELMETS AT NO ADDITIONAL
COST AT ALL EVENTS.
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT (For purpose of this Agreement, Participant and
Parent/Guardian will be referred to collectively as “Participant”). In consideration of
the opportunity to participate in any Sky Ranch Equestrian activities, Participant
acknowledges and agrees to make an informed and voluntary decision regarding the
following:
This is a helmet waiver for Sky Ranch Equestrian Participants only. All guests
participating in a Sky Ranch equestrian event, other than a rodeo event, are required to
wear a helmet every time they are on a horse. Participant understands an approved
equestrian helmet is available at all times, should Participant choose to wear one.
Participant understands the risks involved with participating in equine activities. Horses are
capable of unpredictable actions at any time such as: bucking, running away, spooking
sideways, and rearing. Participant understands that a fall from a horse can be from a height
of 4 to 8 feet, and that wearing an approved equestrian helmet could greatly reduce risk of
injury.
Participant understands that Sky Ranch is not liable for property damage or damages arising
from the personal injury or death of a participant in a farm animal activity or livestock show if
the property damage, injury, or death results from the dangers or conditions that are an inherent
risk of a farm animal activity or the showing of an animal on a competitive basis in a livestock
show, including:
(1) the propensity of a farm animal or livestock animal to behave in ways that may
result in personal injury or death to a person on or around it;
Equestrian Helmet waiver (12 9 2014)
Revised: 12/10/2014 3:43 PM
Page 1
14
(2) the unpredictability of a farm animal's or livestock animal's reaction to sound, a
sudden movement, or an unfamiliar object, person, or other animal;
(3) with respect to farm animal activities involving equine animals, certain land
conditions and hazards, including surface and subsurface conditions;
(4) a collision with another animal or an object; or
(5) the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to
injury to the participant or another, including failing to maintain control over a farm
animal or livestock animal or not acting within the participant's ability.
As Participant of Sky Ranch Equestrian activities, Participant will act responsibly, using good
judgment when working around horses to further reduce risk of injury.
Participant hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, release, and hold harmless Sky Ranches, Inc.,
its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, and/or affiliates
(hereinafter, “the Released Parties”) from and against any claims, causes of action, losses, or
damages arising from, or alleged to arise from, Participant’s participation in Sky Ranch’s
equestrian activities or farm animal activities, including, but not limited to, any claims for
personal injury or death allegedly caused, in whole or in part, by the negligence of the
Released Parties.
Participant agrees that any disputes, lawsuits, claims, or actions arising from Participant’s
participation in Sky Ranch Equestrian activities, including the interpretation and/or
enforcement of this Waiver, shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the state of Texas.
Participant likewise agrees that the venue for any disputes, lawsuits, claims, or actions arising
from Participant’s participation in Sky Ranch Equestrian activities, including the
interpretation and/or enforcement of this Waiver, shall be Smith County, Texas.
Printed Name of Participant
Signature of Participant
Date
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date
.
Equestrian Helmet waiver (12 9 2014)
Revised: 12/10/2014 3:43 PM
~.\
.
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