About the Ranch

Since 1961, Teen Ranch has existed to introduce young people
to Jesus Christ through an affordable camping experience.

Teen Ranch exists to introduce young people to Jesus Christ through an affordable, enjoyable, educational, and safe camp experience provided by a community of caring, growing Christians.

PROFILE: Located in Cobbitty (one hour southwest of Sydney), Teen Ranch is a non-denominational Christian camp, registered as a non-profit charitable organisation, and has been in continuous operation since 1961. We are situated on the Nepean River overlooking the beautiful Camden Valley. Each year Teen Ranch greets approximately 5000 campers through its many camps. The full-time staff team consists of 30 people, and the volunteers number over 120 every year.

One Camp, Many Options

Teen Ranch offers three ways of camping:

• SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS ('Roundups'): Week-long camps conducted in the school holidays for individual young people aged 10-17.
• SCHOOL CAMPS: We arrange attractive mid-week programs and provide staff to run activities. Camps are offered from between 2 and 5 days (day camps may be available by negotiation).
• WEEKEND CAMPS: Book a weekend for your group where the Teen Ranch staff looks after the program and catering. These camps are available in second and third terms only.

A Rich History

Through the vision of founder, Doug Gibb (who enlisted help from some Canadians in the late 1950's while he was working overseas), the concept of Teen Ranch was enthusiastically accepted by many Australians. The result was many who donated time and funds to purchase this property in historic Cobbitty, where the official opening and dedication was held in 1961. With only one building on the site at that time -- the 'Whitehouse' (a heritage listed house dating back more than a century) -- there was a scramble to get others built in order to extend the quantity of campers. As the facilities developed over the many years, the camping program was indeed able to extend to include not only holiday camps, but midweek and weekend camps as well.

Great Leadership

Teen Ranch is managed by two Directors (living on-site) who answer to a Board of Directors. The first Resident Directors were in fact a Canadian couple, Mel & Janet Stevens, who stayed for the first five years before heading back to Ontario to set up Teen Ranch Canada (which is still going strong to this day). Kevin (and his wife Babs) Eastment, one of the original young team and a junior Board Member, made himself available to take over the reins for a six-month period and ended up staying as Resident Director until 1997! The subsequent Directors have all been past volunteer staffers as well: Peter & Bronwyn Rolfe (1997-1999); Jim Good (1999-2001): Rohan & Julie Offord (2001-present).

How We Operate

Teen Ranch is a non-profit organisation, and is not associated with one particular church or denomination. Because of this, any financial backing and support has had to be acquired mainly through donations and other independent means.

Recently, several new innovative business enterprises have been initiated, in part, to provide a stronger financial backbone to the mission. Our intention is to ensure our camp fees remain affordable for the average Australian.

How You Can Help

While monetary donations are always needed and appreciated, there are other ways to "donate" to the work of the Ranch. If you are interested in contributing to this ministry in some way, please see the Getting Involved page.

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