Since 2011, Big Shoulders Fund has partnered with Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming to provide students attending a Big Shoulders Fund school with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to explore new adventures, discover the great outdoors, and push them to do more than they ever thought they could. This program is offered to campers at no cost to the families.
Starting with just a spark of an idea to open a camp for middle-schoolers, continued interest and excitement has fanned the flames, growing the initial singular camp into a multi-faceted suite of programs for students of all ages. Today, approximately 300 students travel to Wyoming each summer to participate as a Staddle Camper or Junior Counselor.
Staddle Camp Students
Staddle Camp is a priceless experience filled with tons of opportunities for campers to learn by doing, explore nature, and try things they never thought they would!
Starting in January, selected students participate in a unique set of enrichment sessions focused on science, leadership and service. Students also engage in an ongoing assignment that provides historical and scientific context preparing them for their trip in the summer.
Each week during the summer, groups of students accompanied by an adult Chaperone from multiple schools across the Big Shoulders Fund network travel to Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. Disconnected from the internet and cell-phones, students are truly able to learn about and appreciate the nature around them, have fun and connect with other students, and experience activities they’ve never tried before.
Schools and Chaperones
Schools interested in participating in Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming must meet the following criteria:
- Schools must have an adult Chaperone that can commit to all programmatic expectations and activities, including the one-week trip to Wyoming during the summer.
- Schools must be able to identify a minimum of four and a maximum of eight sixth and/or seventh graders who can commit to all programmatic expectations and activities, including the one-week trip to Wyoming during the summer.
- Schools must be able to communicate fully with all participating students and their families, as well as hold them accountable for meeting program expectations.
Junior Counselors
Junior Counselors play a vital role in helping our newest Staddle Campers have the best experience possible.
Having attended camp only a few years before, Junior Counselors can share a unique perspective that can help completely transform a camper’s week. Big Shoulders Fund staff email eligible alumni with application materials for the Junior Counselor program in the fall each year.
Alumni
To receive future updates, information, and opportunities on the Brush Creek Ranch Summer Camp, please send your most updated email to Golaleh Yazdani gyazdani@bigshouldersfund.org.
Criteria
In order to be eligible to be a Junior Counselor at Staddle Camp, you must…
Commit to attending all required pre-trip activities and the 6-day trip to Staddle Camp during the summer.
Currently be in 10th grade or higher.
Have previously attended Staddle Camp.
Exhibit leadership potential among their peers and in their community.
Have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work easily with adults and younger students alike.
Expectations
An ideal Junior Counselor is able to…
Reinforce programmatic and camp-based rules.
Ensure campers have the most positive experience possible.
Set a good example for all campers.
Support Lead Teachers and Chaperones during activities.
If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please contact Golaleh Yazdani. gyazdani@bigshouldersfund.org