Ranch Kids Days

RKD Program Description

Travel back in time with your 3rd grade class to the early 1900s to find out what it would be like to live on a coastal dairy farm. Today’s students learn how to live in the past while they participate in many chores that they would need to know for their survival on the farm. 

The Ranch Kids Day program at Wilder Ranch follows the curriculum guidelines set by the State of California. The program is designed for third grade students. We offer a unique hands-on interpretive living history program. During the environmental studies program (ESP), students in period dress assume the lives and activities of the past. They learn to help the ranch run by participating in hands-on activities just like the families of the dairy farm did one hundred and twenty years ago. Activities may include: wagon rides, preparing period meals, forging metal in the blacksmith shop, old-fashioned laundry processes, animal care, gardening, vintage games & crafts, journals, music, and stories.

RKD Program Information

ATTENDANCE
The program is designed to accommodate 2 classes per program, with 40 - 50 total students being ideal. A modified schedule may be available for up to 60 students

Chaperones - parent involvement is required for a successful program. A minimum of 1 chaperone for every 6 students is required, up to a maximum of 7 chaperones per class. Chaperones may be assigned to lead groups, assist docents, or help with setup and breakdown.

MEALS
Snack and lunch are provided for the students in the program. Students prepare lunch during the program stations. Chaperones are encouraged to bring their own lunch, just in case there is not enough to share.

SCHEDULE
The program is held on alternate Fridays; the fall season is held from the end of September through November; The spring season is March through May. The program runs from 9:30am-1:30pm (for groups up to 50) or 9am-1:30pm (for groups over 50).

SINGLE OR COMBINED CLASSES
The program is designed for 40 – 50 students. This is usually 2 classes. (Because some schools have class sizes over 30, we can accommodate a group of 50 – 60 with a modified schedule.) You may apply as a single class or combined class. 

If you apply as a combined class, you will fill out 1 application with a main contact teacher as well as a second classroom teacher.  Submitting two separate applications is not allowed.

If you apply as a single class, please list a contact teacher, and leave information about the second teacher blank. We reserve the option to combine your class with another class for the program. It is more cost effective to participate with 2 classes. Students from the 2 classes may work together in a group.

FEES
$4 per student. After your acceptance to the program, additional information will be provided.

LOTTERY
All completed applications received by August 31 will be equally eligible for the lottery. Applications will be randomly drawn, and classes will be placed in their highest available preference accordingly. Applications drawn after spaces have been filled will be placed on a wait list.

CONFIRMATIONS
If your school has been selected to attend a Ranch Kids Day program, you will be notified by email on or before September 15.  All other schools will be notified by September 30 of their wait list status.  If your school was not selected to participate in a Ranch Kids Day program, you are encouraged to schedule a 1-hour Ranch Tour, which is held on Thursdays or Fridays during the school year. 

COMMITMENT
By entering your application in the lottery you are committing to the available dates and to the fees. You are also committing to participation in the requirements of an environmental studies program.