Welcome to Camp!
We’re so excited to welcome your camper to Mountain Meadow Ranch. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and joyful arrival.
Arriving by Car
Check-in is open from 10am-3pm. We do not recommend arriving between 12-1pm as you may experience delays at Check-In while our staff cycle through lunch.
To get to camp, follow directions on Google or Apple Maps to “Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp”. This year, all families will park in our designated lot and enjoy a short walk to the check-in party—our driveway is now car-free for a safer, more relaxed arrival. Bring backpacks and any medication to turn in to the Camp Nurse, we will handle moving the heavy luggage to a central location for an easier move-in process.
Once at Check-In, the adventure begins! You’ll receive:
- Your camper’s cabin assignment
- A map of camp
- A name badge that doubles as an orientation passport for your camper!
There will be refreshments and snacks, along with our friendly Directors and staff, at check-in. The Directors are happy to answer any last-minute questions and provide encouragement (and maybe a hug!).
After check-in, you can move through orientation (see below) in any order that suits you. Families are welcome to join us for lunch, connect with our staff, and soak in the summer vibes!
Getting to Camp
Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp is a location in Google Maps. We recommend following these directions. If you put in the physical address (704-950 Wingfield Rd.) it will take you up into the mountain about 3 miles away from camp. Oops!
*Please no dogs in the main camp area, our Directors will let you know the best spot to let them out*
Arriving by Bus
The bus departs promptly at 1pm, please arrive by 12noon.
You’ll meet our staff in the designated waiting area by Door D near Baggage Claim on the ground floor. Our team will be there to welcome your camper, help them get settled with the group, and start building the excitement for the journey to camp!
Arriving by Solo Flight
The bus to camp departs promptly at 1pm, flights must arrive between 9am-12noon.
A Mountain Meadow staff member (look for the shirt and sign!) will meet your camper right at their arrival gate in Reno, help with bags, and walk with them to the camp bus — no matter their age or U.M. status.
Once they get to the camp bus, our team will be there to welcome your camper, help them get settled with the group, and start building the excitement for the journey to camp!
The Great Orientation Adventure
Your camper can tackle orientation in any order, as long as they complete all four. At check-in, they will receive a name badge that doubles as an orientation passport.
Let the Adventure Begin
Opening Day isn’t just for Orientation, safety rules, and health checks – it’s also a very important day that sets the stage for the session. Whether your camper is jumping in with both feet, connecting with old friends and welcoming in the new, or is still testing the waters with a toe dip and feels more comfortable with their cabin counselor, there is a space for it all. Once your camper has finished all of the required details mentioned above, there will be a few activity and points of interest throughout camp:
-
Pickleball + knockout basketball games
-
Bead bracelet making
-
Postcard decorating & writing (we’ll mail them home that day—guaranteed mail from your camper!)
-
Corn hole and other field games
- Color Wars team rosters – that’s right, on Day 1 you’ll know what team your camper is on for all-camp activities!
-
And more!
Once everyone has arrived and families have bid farewell, we will gather as a camp family for All-Camp Orientation. This is where we lay out the boundaries that we all dance and play within, for safety and fun. Next up:
🍔 Traditional Burger Barbecue – there’s nothing like that first meal together under the canopy!
🏃♂️ Meadow Capture the Flag – whether you’re decked out in camo or dancing across the meadow in a tutu, it’s the perfect way to start off a session.
🎉 Cabin Parties to close out the night, with time to bond, laugh, and settle into camp life.
It’s a full day, and the perfect start to a summer that won’t be forgetten.
The Power of a Confident Goodbye
One of the most powerful ways you can support your camper on Opening Day is by giving them the gift of independence — right from the start. We kindly ask that families keep their visit to no more than two hours after arrival. We totally understand the urge to linger (those goodbye hugs can be hard!), but we’ve seen time and again that shorter goodbyes lead to smoother transitions.
A long farewell can actually make it harder for campers to dive into those first important connections, settle into their cabin, and start feeling like part of the community. Your confidence in them goes a long way — when they see you trust the journey, they’ll feel ready to jump in. Thank you for helping us create the space for campers to grow, connect, and thrive from day one!
Local Recommendations
We highly recommend families that are able to take a mini vacation on their way to camp. There are so many beautiful and unique sights to see! We’ve highlighted a few below.
The Journey Home...
It’s hard to believe it’s already time to say “see you next time!” We’ve had an incredible time together, and we’re here to make your camper’s journey home as smooth and simple as possible.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about Closing Day at Mountain Meadow Ranch.
Pick-Up at Camp
Pick-Up at Camp
Arrive between 8:00–11:00 AM to pick up your camper directly from camp.
-
Unlike Opening Day, Closing Day is a quick goodbye — there are no scheduled tours or activities.
-
Bathrooms, coffee, and tea will be available for your comfort.
-
Please arrive on time: late pick-ups can feel lonely for campers who are already packed and ready to go.
Important: At pick-up, we must verify the pick-up person’s physical I.D. against the authorized name on file — even if you’re the parent, even if we know you! Please check out with a Director before departing.
Pick-Up at Airport
Camp staff will meet you at the same location as Opening Day drop-off (see airport map). Please plan to arrive during the 9:00–10:00 AM window to keep the transition smooth for all campers.
Important: We must verify your physical I.D. against the name you provided on the “Airport Pick-Up Person” form. Please check out with a Director before departing.
Airport travel day contact: Brandon Whitestone 530-310-4762
Solo Flight Home
Staff will accompany your camper through check-in, security, and all the way to their gate. We stay with every camper until their plane takes off from the gate — no matter their age or whether they are flying as an Unaccompanied Minor.
Please book flights that depart between 9:00 AM–1:00 PM.
Airport travel day contact: Brandon Whitestone 530-310-4762
Still have questions? Reach out to us or consult the trusty Meadow Guide!
Mailing Address | PO Box 610, Susanville, CA 96130
Google Maps | Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp
Phone 530.310.9281
Email [email protected]
