Bates Bar J Ranch is a year-round working ranch located in the foothills of the Rockies, 64KM Northwest of Calgary, Alberta. The ranch has 3000 acres nestled in a beautiful valley where the Little Red Deer river junctions the Grease Creek close by the main lodge. The ranch has registered Paints, Percherons and Quarter horses and the usual farm pets plus a resident herd of not so wild mule deer.

The ranch is tucked into the foothills away from public roads and traffic. You can hike or ride for miles through the open valleys, ford rivers, climb hills, and stop at pure fresh springs for a refreshing drink. The lodge has a modern kitchen, dining room, two large sitting rooms, one with a stone fireplace. Bedrooms and dormitories accommodate approximately 80 guests. We have added a 2000 square ft. recreation center near the lodge. This is ideal for group activities, dances, games and band practices, etc., etc. A balcony across the front of the lodge overlooks the river.

We wish to meet and enjoy people who love the beauties of the natural outdoors and who cherish wholesome ideals and standards.

July and August Camp Program

Camp is for boys and girls ages 8 years to 15 who would enjoy a western holiday.

A high standard of moral character is maintained at the Bates Bar J and enrollment is exclusive to young people who fit this standard.

The aims of the camp are to promote good fellowship, appreciation of outdoor beauty, wildlife and domestic animals and to strengthen high standards in moral character. Young people should develop new skills, make new friends, improve character, assimilate the beauty of mountains, hills, streams, wildlife and woodland, all the while having good fun.

Boys and girls will participate in real ranch life featuring horseback riding. They are taught riding, grooming, feeding and care of horses. Proper use and maintenance of tack and rigging is also included. The program also includes swimming in a natural pool in the creek, fishing, games, campfires, crafts,wagon rides, trampoline and a Friday night dance. A nature awareness program offers hiking and wilderness survival.

Bates Bar J Ranch camp season is during July and August

Directors and Staff

Bates Bar J Ranch is a family operation. Family members who have life-long experience or trained instructors handle all riding and activities pertaining to horses.

A full-time cook and kitchen staff provide tasty nourishing meals in a modern kitchen.

The counselor staff are chosen and qualified to lead different activities and to meet the safety standards of the camp. For example, all have their first aid certification, some their Bronze medallion in swimming for life guard duty, and all are capable of leading camp activities listed under the camp program.

The councilor ratio is approximately 1 to 5 campers.

A Typical Day's Schedule

7:30 Wake up bell.
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Clean up dormitory quarters & inspection.
9:00 Breakup for supervised group activities, eg: Groups A,B,C go to the horse corrals to ready their horses and ride. Group X, wilderness survival, Group Y, crafts, Group Z, obstacle course.
12:00 Completion of morning activities, Horseback riders put their horses in stable and feed them.
12:30 Dinner and free time.
2:00 X, Y, Z go to horses and riding. A, B, C, wilderness survival, crafts and obstacle course.
5:00 Completion of activities.
5:30 Supper and free time.
7:00 Outdoor games and campfire.
9:30 Bed time snack.
10:00 Bed time.

Note: This is one typical day. The riding is scheduled every day, but the stay back activities are rarely duplicated. In one week, weather permitting, each camper will ride every day and participate once in wilderness survival, obstacle course, team and wagon ride, nature awareness walk, etc. Swimming is included at the river swimming hole on warmer days.

A tuck shop with a limited amount of confectionery is opened one evening a week at the ranch. It is suggested the campers have a small spending allowance.

Parents whose children will arrive by bus or plane can make arrangements with the ranch to have them picked up or delivered at minimal charge.

Clothes washing is available for campers staying longer than one week.

Suggested Clothing and Equipment

Hat Gloves
Sleeping bag Running shoes
Pillow Old shoes for river walks
Toilet articles (toothpaste, combs, etc.) Cowboy boots* (if convenient, not lace up boots)
Towels, wash cloths Rubber boots (essential)
Bluejeans, shorts Warm sweater
Shirts and T-shirts Warm jacket
Ample socks and underwear Rain coat
Swim suit Outfit for dances
Warm bathrobe Pajamas
Laundry bag

* Cowboy boots are for safety and comfort in the stirrup.

If not available, rubber boots with a heel and comparatively smooth sole are required for riding.

Optional

Baseball Glove Backpack
Fishing gear Camera
Safety hard hat for riding

Important, Please Note

Every article should be name tagged and a complete list of belongings should be attached to baggage where it can be referred to when packing to leave. The ranch cannot be responsible for lost or damaged clothes or other articles.

As used clothing cannot be sent COD the ranch cannot accept the cost and responsibility for finding and mailing countless items of clothing left behind. If not called for within 30 days all items will be donated to charity.

Please Note: Sunday: All arrivals please book in between 2:30 and 4:30pm.

Saturday: Please pickup between 6:00 and 8:00pm.

All weekly terms start on a Sunday and end the following Saturday.

A reservation deposit is required, balance of the tuition payable upon arrival at camp by certified cheque, cash or money order. Personal cheques are accepted for reservation deposits only. Anyone arriving ahead of booked term dates or departing a day later will be charged a daily rate accordingly.

Withdrawals and cancellations

Since all councilors and staff are booked well in advance and horses and equipment scheduled, there can be no refunds in tuition, or reduction for withdrawal. Reservation deposit will be refunded for cancellation up to June 1st; after this date there will be no refund.