Me and my mom went to Pathfinder Ranch for a few days in the winter for a field trip and it was so much fun! First of all, our naturalists name was Kestrel. She was amazing and made sure that we were all having a good time. We did many activities such as archery and canoeing. All the naturalists put down very strict rules to ensure everybody's safety. Here is a list of all the activities our group did (keep in mind that the activities that your group will partake in will be different depending on what your school bought): making a fire activity, compass activity, night hike, shelter building activity, rock climbing, team challenge, farm, herpetology, mad science fair, gold hill hike, canoeing, horse back riding, and archery. This is the schedule that I went through. Lights on was at 7:00 am, but some woke up earlier to shower. Then breakfast began at around 7:30 and went until 8:00, then we went to do one activity with our activity group after a 15 minute break period. After that activity we would go to lunch from around 11:45-12:30 (I don't remember the exact times those are just an estimate). Then we would go do two more activities with a 15 minute break between the two. We would have dinner around 5:15-6:00. After dinner we would have 1 hour of free time to talk with our friends or go play in the rec room (you should bring a card/board game to play with your friends, I brought twister!). After the hour (so around 7) you would do a night activity. One example of this is the night hike. After the night activity, which is normally an hour long, we went to bed. Lights went out at 9! The schedule was so compact that me and my friends were never bored. Something was always happening, and you were always having fun! The cabin situation was as you would expect for 30 or so kids in one room. It was really chaotic. I would recommend bringing some ear plugs, because the talking was no joke. In the middle of the night it was funny, but once you had to wake up at 7 to go on a 3 hour long hike it wasn't anymore. In each cabin, there were two wings where students would sleep, with one chaperon sleeping area in the middle. Each wing had about 15 bunk beds. In each cabin there were also two bathrooms, which all contained three stalls, three sinks, and three showers. The bathrooms were very clean which I and everybody else who had to use them appreciated. Now for the food. For the taste, it was a hit or miss. Here is a list of some things that we were given (I might have forgotten some): fried chicken, pizza, burgers, tacos, barbecue chicken, pasta, brownies, cookies, and s'mores. The only two meals that I didn't like were the fried chicken and pasta. I did appreciate the salad bar that they had available for any kids who didn't like the food served though. They had a system of having a kid chosen everyday from the table to serve as the "waiter" (they were called a hopper), which I liked as well. If the pitcher needed refilling or there wasn't anymore food on the table the hopper would go and take care of it. Overall, the whole experience was super fun! Though I barely got any sleep, it was a small price to pay for all the fun I had with my friends. 5 stars, will definitely never forget!! read more

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Fantastic nonprofit ranch for children fully supported by Palm Springs Boys & Girls Club. Must see it to believe it.

I went here on a weeklong school field trip in 2018 and made lifetime memories. I still remember my camp counselor going by trail mix! I miss her a lot. read more

The staff was great. They were very energetic and got along well with the kids. The kids seem to enjoy all of the different activities and never seemed bored or had any unnecessary downtime. The plumbing in some of the cabins could use a little work more than half the water used during showers was wasted due to the fact that the pipes and fittings leaked and water sprayed everywhere. Only a small portion came out of the showerheads. It wouldn't have been as much of an issue if the staff didn't emphasize being green as much as they did especially with meals. I love them, teaching kids not to be wasteful, but it was slightly hypocritical to have plumbing that was as bad as it was. read more

Staff are very friendly and engaging with the kids. They could be more knowledgeable but overall did a great job. The food is awful. Downright awful. The sleeping quarters and bathrooms are ok but not super clean. The property is also ok, not amazing. The activities were fun for the kids but not scheduled well so some activities they got to do for 45-60 minutes (archery) while others they only did for 15 minutes (horseback riding and kayaking). While other groups only got 15 minutes for archery but were able to spend more time doing the other activities. Overall, we would not recommend this place as it is. It has the potential to be a really great camp if some monies tweaks were made. Hopefully they will be able to make them and make it a great camp! read more

So I'm torn on giving this comment. Ponderosa is amazing Pan is amazing However Colleen over at horses needs a new job. My experience was good, even though I didn't get the best dorm to sleep. We were there 3 days and it was amazing experience except for 2 things. They schedule an all day hike for my daughter, one of the days. I think they need to break it down: 1 day rock climbing 1 day canoe 1 day archery & horses Then have each day have hiking. We'll my next problem ruined everything. I would of just gave 5 stars no matter what, but Colleen literally treated me like a dog. I was on a horse that did what it wanted and it's not even the horses fault. She yelled at me several times. I got feedback from ppl that went on the same horse and they all said the same thing. The kids even told me Colleen yelled at them too. It was embarrassing time for me. When the teacher and principal came to take pics she stopped yelling at me. It was so weird. I was like yell at me in front of these ppl so they know, and she was acting super sweet. There needs to be cameras on the trail so she stops the abuse. She could of used her word the right way example: can you please try to guide Queen in? Instead of "Queenie get in or I'm going have to throw you off the horse" or "if you can't listen I'm going to take you off the horse immediately" like who says that to anyone??? It was weird. I wouldn't allow abuse at my camp. The horse is amazing smart. I have nothing bad to say about the horse. My daughter is in high school and is president to a few clubs, even travel club. The first day I told my husband I'm going to talk to the principal and have the kids go here 2-3 days also. I was super excited to let my daughter know. Now I'm scared, someone might yell at her. Even my husband and I donate to an organization each year for tax write off and we usually pick in December. We have tons of polo friends in Carlsbad and Indio. That I was like we should donate for our 501C tax write off. It broke my heart when Colleen worked there. I was surprised this person doesn't like her job or she thinks she's above everyone. I love pathfinder ranch I do recommend everyone going there and experiencing it. They are Awsome!! I liked the food too. I just do everything except riding the horses. I think pathfinder needs to look at the parents as an opportunity to market the ranch. Not just the teachers and principal. I love the teachers and principal they did a wonderful job.. read more

My kids loved Pathfinder Ranch! They went for a week of summer camp. They can't wait to go back next year.

!Loved this experience it was amazing! Are naturalist name was goose she was really kind she joked and she even had skits for skit nights she thought us how to do stuff like how to work together be positive no matter what big foot was really cool too he had a lot of energy fun guy too will never forget this read more

Came here with my daughter's 6th grade class as one of the chaperones. We all had a wonderful time, since the moment we arrived at the camp site and were greeted and welcomed by Fawn, then we were given orientation by Ranger Ryan the coordinator. We were told from the beginning what was expected from us and how busy we were going to be because all of the fun activities we will be doing since early in the morning. All of the kids enjoyed the stay very much, the instructors/naturalists were amazing with the kids and I loved how they explained things to the kids and how they were respectful towards the kids as well. The food was AMAZING!! Our bungalow was very clean also. We loved all of the meals! The food was wonderful. This is a great camp, beautiful place and the staff is so aweso, all of the people we came across were fabulous, helpful and always with a smile on their faces. My daughter did not want to leave the camp. We made beautiful memories there. Thank you all at Pathfinder for doing such a great job. read more

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BEWARE: If there is thunder (not rain, just thunder), activities will be "Thundered Out" (closed). Apparently, they are really, really scared of lightning out there. Our daughter wanted to try Canoeing [thundered out], Climb Alpine Tower [thundered out], Archery [thundered out], Zip-line [closed due to needing to be tightened]. Archery was finally offered as a Friday elective, but was filled quickly and so no dice for my daughter. By the way... The "campfire" did not even include a campfire. When I spoke to Chris, the camp director about this, his crass response was that the campfire experience isn't actually about the "fire." "So, the campfire activity never includes a fire?" I asked--to which Chris responded, in a cavalier manner, "Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't." Well, apparently this was one of the times that they didn't. So sad that my daughter came back disappointed and now hates Summer Camp. I feel that the $587 I spent (I paid the full rate, not the hugely discounted rate offered to some schools and clubs) would have been better spent to just buy her a bow and some arrows and spend the week learning something. When I asked the camp director for any solution such as perhaps my daughter could come back even for just one day to try any one of the activities that she missed. He said that there was no solution and that he felt that the whole story was "hyperbolic". I didn't even waste my time suggesting even a partial refund as I could tell by his attitude, that he only cares about my money, but not my kid. read more

As a 6th grader, my son and his school take a traditional science camp trip towards the end of the school year. Only because they were in desperate need of female chaperones, did I decide to help out and volunteered. I had read the handout and went to the parent meeting so I knew this was not going to be a vacation and that chaperones were on duty most of the day. I went in guarded but came back so grateful that I had taken the opportunity to be there to witness the kids experience the great outdoors. Most of the kids, had never experienced nature to this extent so seeing them embrace the new experiences was priceless. It was even nice as a chaperone to be able to partake in a couple of the activities along with the kids. The amount of activities that are mixed with the instruction is impressive - talk about hands on learning! The Pathfinder Naturalists were very knowledgeable and patient and you could tell that they truly enjoy their jobs. This was not only a special opportunity for the kids but for me as well; yes, I was exhausted and didn't think I could handle the "big hike" but I did and I survived and I think it even made me appreciate my bed more when I got back home. By the way, the campers sleep in dorms which have full bathrooms. And I should also mention that the kids raved about the food, even my son who is finicky enjoyed the food. Pathfinder also had options for the kids with food sensitivities\allergies, were vegan, vegetarian, gluten- free or dairy free. Kudos to Pathfinder for a job well done all around! read more

If you are a parent, Pathfinder Ranch is indeed a challenge. You will be with a group of kids non-stop for 2.5 days straight. You will be extremely active. You will be exhausted and way behind on your social media feed by the time it is over. But for the kids, I cannot imagine a more engaging, challenging, educational, active and FUN experience for them. This is the type of camp event that will "imprint" on them. They will remember their experience here all their lives. In our event, the highlights were the team challenges and obstacle course, the climbing apparatus and horseback riding. The staff was excellent exhibiting sternness when required and mostly extreme patience, always issued with a positive attitude. Our naturalist was Trail-Mix who is either a natural-born teacher, trained psychologist, or both. In this world of 24-hour connectivity, this was a nice reminder of how we should engage with our children. read more

This place is amazing, the staff out does themselves every time I have been a chaperon 5 out of the last 6 years of my schools yearly Science Camp trips in the Fall.... just returned from this years trip and all ready cant wait for next year.... read more

I went here as a kid and it was an amazing experience. Everyone was so caring and it was a blast. If they had an adult summer camp here I would sign up :) read more

Had a wonderful time here with my daughter and her classmates for 5th grade Science Camp. The staff and naturalists were very knowledgeable, encouraging, and friendly. They knew how to handle groups of 10 year-olds and keep them engaged for 3 days. I am glad I took a few days off from work and attended camp with my daughter as a chaperone. Good life-long memories for us were made here. Thanks Pathfinder! read more

I loved this place my child and I attended with a school I was so vary impressed with the staff. My children do not interact much with other kids, at pathfinders they got the opportunity to meet other children and look into there world as some children problem solved and others just looked around. I could see the sparkle in there eyes and others seem to forget a hard life at home, but for a couple days they all played and learned togthere as some forgot they had disabilities as the staff treated everyone the same. read more

Pathfinder Ranch - Summer Camps Near Me - Mountain Center, California

They have a bed bug infestation and only tell you after they have exposed your child and packed all their belongings away in the chaperones cars. I have solid proof they gave similiar letters like the one they sent home with my child about finding them in a cabin. Yet they allow new campers in same cabins later that day and each time have claimed it as a new seperate incident they have under control. My child was covered in bites and although Pathfinder has a record of her getting treated for bed bug bites by their nurse the day she left, but the camp didn't call us. After i posted on this on local sites and exposed the truth, they were forced to send letters home informing parents with upcoming field trips that they do in fact have an issue with bed bugs and your child may be exposed. I hope they are doing this for all schools not just my area ones. I hope they grasp the nature of what they are dealing with soon, accept liability. Shut down and get it taken care of right by professionals. It's a great camp and i hate to see it close because they continue to ignore their problem. read more

Pathfinder Ranch - They have a bed bug infestation and only tell you after they have exposed your child and they were bitten terribly!! - Summer Camps Near Me - Mountain Center, California

Pathfinders was very fun. Me myself as a sixth grader went and had a blast. The food wasn't great.... Cloud ( Jill) was a amazing leader. She made me feel so welcome and made me had so much fun that I didn't really think that I was so far away from my family. Horseback riding was fun I rode GMo. He was a very good horse. The night hike was miserable we played tag and I sat in a bed of goat heads. Canoeing was fun but challenging. read more

I had an opportunity to go as a chaperone with our 5th graders from Avaxat elementary. I'm one of those nervous parents and wasn't ready to let my 11 year old venture out on her own. If you ever have any doubts. Please know I was super impressed with the Ranch my child walked away from there with some amazing experiences regarding teamwork, communication and self confidence building on herself. As well as learning so much outdoor education from recycling to conservation of water to learning about different plant life and how to use survival tactics. The Naturalist are so amazing and patient with all the students and truly make them accountable. A big shout out to our Naturalist for the day " Fungi" who helped my daughter conquer her fear of archery as she finally stood up there among her peers and shot her bow and arrow not once but multiple times with his encouragement and patience. I was even impressed with camp food and how it was prepared. Everyone there really went out of their way to make this a great experience for every child. Stacy Nunez read more

My school recently went to this camp. We took our 5th graders, and the kids had a blast. The educational part of the stay was top notch. The naturalists were knowledgeable and had great management skills with the kids. Unfortunately, the adults had a terrible time. We had to stay with the kids 24 hours a day. The staff at the camp would not/could not be alone with students. The only time the staff took the kids without our assistance was on the horseback ride, which was an activity that we, the adults, would have enjoyed doing! We were not allowed to ride their horses, for whatever reason. While our adults had to eat the kids' food, the camp staff had a separate menu. All I can say is, if you are planning to go to this camp because it is much cheaper than other camps in the area, be prepared to work like dogs because the camp staff will not help much at all. read more