Nighthawk Ranch is a summer camp in the Colorado Rockies for kids ages 10–18 recovering from cancer.
Here, campers have the opportunity to live on a ranch and develop skills that will show them just how incredibly capable they are – they will ride horses, climb ropes courses, make friends, and remember what it feels like to just be a kid.
Campers
Acres
Free
Nighthawk Ranch is a safe, healing place that offers kids recovering from cancer a chance to rebuild hope and confidence, regain self-esteem, rediscover independence, and provides joy through real ranch experiences.
Camp, lodging, meals, and activities are completely covered. No family ever receives a bill.
Only 6–8 campers per week means every child gets personal attention and support.
A real working ranch with 24/7 medical support and trained staff who understand pediatric cancer care.
Over the course of a week, campers care for animals, tackle outdoor adventures, and share life with other kids who "get it." Our small sessions and caring staff create a safe space where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Founded by Tom and Dorothy Evans, Nighthawk Ranch was built on the belief that nature, responsibility, and community have the power to heal. On these 320 acres, kids discover they’re more than their diagnosis—they’re capable, strong, and ready for adventure.
Campers wake up bright and early each day to feed the cows and horses. On the ranch, campers will see deer, goats, rabbits, dogs, and other wildlife roaming around the ranch. If your child loves animals, this will be an experience that will stay with them forever.
We work with families to ensure each camper is ready for a safe, fun, supportive week.
Kids who’ve completed the first phases of treatment and are medically cleared for
camp activities.
Horseback riding, ropes course, archery,
fishing, camping, animal care, crafts, games,
and campfire nights.
Only 6–8 campers per session, with
experienced medical staff and
trained volunteers.
Thanks to donors and partners, families
never receive a bill for camp.
Every day mixes hands-on ranch work, outdoor fun, and time to just be a kid. Campers build confidence one small victory at a time—from learning how to care for the animals to exploring the 320 acre ranch on horseback.
Feed, groom, and ride your own horse. Help care for the ranch animals and learn responsibility.
Challenge yourself to accomplish new skills in a supported, encouraging environment.
Experience the true Colorado mountains, from catching Trout during the day to sleeping under stars like you’ve never seen at night.
Ping pong, air hockey, board games, unique take home crafts, and plenty of laughing with new friends.
Camp happens because people choose to support the cause. Your gift or time makes a lasting difference.
Send a Kid to Camp
Nighthawk Ranch is completely free for campers. Your gift covers meals, lodging, activities, and medical support—everything it takes to give a child a life-changing week at camp.
Tax-Deductible Gift • Secure Donation
Be Part of the Ranch Family
Love the outdoors and working with kids? Our volunteers help with everything from ranch chores to daytime activities—and often say the week changed their life too.
Flexible Roles • Training Provided
These stories show why families keep coming back—and why camp matters.
“We just arrived home. Tyler is settling in. It won’t surprise you to know that he talked the whole 2 hour drive home. He told us about his horse Oolie (and Salsa, his best friend), the other campers, and so much more! He loves Tom and Dorothy like they are his own grandparents … Thank you for the journal, the photo album, the pictures (unbelievable!), the awards, the belt buckle and all the love you showed my son this week. I think he wants to move to Colorado and visit Wyoming!”
From my heart always,
Karen
“Thank you Dorothy and Tom for hosting our amazing kids from Candlelighters of New York City. You have shared your home and your hearts with these little heroes who have endured so much and truly deserve and need the healing that your Nighthawk Ranch brings to them. God Bless you and all of your volunteers who made these times so special.”
Barbara Zobian, President, Candlelighters of NYC
“Your camp is the best that we have ever seen, we can’t thank you enough. The family was so impressed with all the little touches and the special souvenirs Dean brought home. We have never seen anything like that … those little details made a huge difference. We shared the pictures with family and friends, and the feedback was amazing. It is very clear to everyone that this is a unique and wonderful experience.”
Carole
“Hi Guys – I just wanted to say thanks for letting me go to the camp. I love horses and dogs and it was just the time of my life … I hope to come back next year and have the time of my life.”
Danielle
Trusted by Families • Accredited for Excellence • Transparent Operations
Gold Ribbon
COCA-I
GuideStar
Gold Seal
CKCA
Member
Angel Flight
Partner
