Ekone Summer Camps

Since 1985, Ekone Summer Camps have provided children and young adults with a unique opportunity to experience life on a working ranch, connect with the natural world, learn horsemanship skills, and foster positive peer relationships.

Ekone Ranch is located on 1300 acres of permanently protected forests, meadows, and steppe at the edge of the Columbia River Gorge in south-central Washington State. The land is stewarded by Sacred Earth Foundation, and provides many miles of scenic wild lands for trail rides, hikes, overnight camp-outs.

Ekone Ranch is home to almost 30 horses, most of which have been raised and trained right here on the ranch. This allows campers the very special chance to see some of the work we do with the foals and young horses, in addition to horseback instruction with our experienced camp horses. Because of our small camp sessions, we are able to spend more time working one-on-one with the campers, and the children are able to spend more time riding, grooming, and getting to know the horses...which our horses enjoy almost as much as the campers do!

While most children come to Ekone because of our horses, our camps also include many other activities such as swimming, crafts, hiking, gardening, cooking, and games.  Work projects include putting hay in the barn, fixing fence, stacking firewood, and building projects.  In everything we do at Ekone Summer Camp, our focus is on helping children develop self-esteem and purpose, while teaching cooperation, consciousness, and a strong work ethic. 

Campers sleep in the A-frame longhouse, in tipis, or under the stars.  Evening activities include campfires, music, games, and of course bedtime stories!

At the core of life on Ekone Ranch is a commitment to developing sustainable lifestyles and living in harmony with the Earth, and with each other. We have always been “off the grid”, utilizing solar panels, windmills, and our homemade biodiesel for power and fuel.

Much of the produce for summer camps is grown in our garden, which the campers help to plant, care for, and harvest for dinner! Campers also participate in our sustainable forestry program, helping to maintain the health of the forest and learning about our diverse ecosystem at the same time.

Come join us for an exciting and wholesome summer camp experience that will provide a lifetime of memories!