For Parents

Nighthawk Ranch is located in the hill country of South Park County in Guffey, Colorado, surrounded by Pike National Forest. Guffey is a small mountain town less than one mile off CO Highway 9 at mile marker 21.

The ranch is approximately 130 miles southwest of Denver, 60 miles west of Colorado Springs, 32 miles north of Cañon City, and 72 miles northwest of Pueblo. Nearby landmarks include Eleven Mile State Recreation Area, the Royal Gorge, Hartsel, Cripple Creek, and Cañon City.

The ranch sits at over 9,000 feet in elevation. Summer days average around 85 degrees, while nights cool to about 50 degrees. Afternoon breezes and thunderstorms are common. The dry mountain air feels comfortable, but sun exposure can be intense — sunscreen is always provided.

Campers must be between the ages of 10 and 18 at the time of camp to be eligible to attend.

Each session is limited to 6–8 campers. This allows for individualized attention, strong camper connections, and a supportive environment.

Campers must have completed the first phases of treatment and be medically cleared to attend camp.

Nighthawk Ranch is a working ranch. Campers are expected to participate in light household and ranch chores, including helping feed animals.

Campers should be physically able to walk trails, ride horses, ride on ATVs, and participate in daily ranch activities.

Absolutely nothing. Camp is 100% free to the families of campers. All expenses are covered by Nighthawk Ranch thanks to donors and supporters.

In addition to recreational activities, campers help with daily chores such as light household tasks, garden work, kitchen help, and ranch duties.

Activities may include horseback riding, low ropes course, archery, camping, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, stargazing, campfire stories, air hockey, ping pong, basketball, team-building games, and more.

All activities are adapted so every camper can participate safely.

A typical day includes feeding animals before breakfast, light household and ranch chores, and planned activities from mid-morning through noon.

Lunch is served around noon, followed by rest or downtime. Afternoon activities begin around 2 pm Dinner is served around 6:30 pm, with evening activities such as campfires, storytelling, games, swimming, and group time.

Safety is our highest priority. All program areas are regularly inspected, and all staff maintain required certifications for their roles.

Staff and counselors are carefully screened, background-checked, and selected for their experience working with children in outdoor settings. All staff complete intensive training before each session, including briefings specific to the campers attending that week.

A Registered Nurse is on site at all times, and a physician is on call. Medical staff provide routine care as prescribed by the camper’s primary or specialty physician. In addition, the children are accompanied by an EMT during all activities.

On arrival day, parents meet with the nurse to review medical care, medications, special needs, and restrictions.

Nighthawk Ranch is staffed 24/7 with licensed emergency room nurses and a paramedic or EMT during all camp sessions.

The ranch has a fully equipped Advanced Life Support station and access to an on-call physician. If additional care is required, campers are transported off-site. Parents and the child’s physician will be contacted regarding any significant medical concerns.

The Southern Park County Fire District is located less than 2 miles from the ranch and provides fire protection, rescue, and ambulance services.

Pikes Peak Regional Hospital and Surgery Center is approximately 35 miles (about 45 minutes) from the ranch and provides full-service emergency and medical care.

Nighthawk Ranch has the ability to accomodate emergency air transport if needed.

Yes. All medications and supplies must be sent with your child in original prescription containers.

Families must provide a current medication list with dosages and schedules. Oxygen needs or special equipment must be arranged in advance. Medication permission forms are completed as part of the application process and reviewed with the nurse upon arrival.

Yes. Nighthawk Ranch carries comprehensive liability insurance. Parents and campers are required to sign standard consent and release forms as part of the application process.

Campers stay in a roomy bunkhouse located on the second floor in the main ranch house. The bunkhouse accommodates 4–8 campers and includes a full bathroom and living area with a small kitchenette.

Staff and counselors stay in separate nearby accommodations and are available to campers at all times.