Rain or shine policy

Sienna Ranch fosters an environment where participants learn to be respectful—toward themselves, one another, the staff, and nature—while also having fun! We deeply value self-care as a skill, and we appreciate the partnership of parents and guardians in preparing students and campers for a safe and exciting day at the ranch.

We embrace nature in all its rainy, sunny, windy glory, and participants are most comfortable and happy when they have the right gear for the job—whether that means staying dry, warm, cool, or shaded.

Please take a moment to review the suggestions for how your student or camper can thrive at Sienna Ranch, no matter the weather. While it is uncommon, we do reserve the right to refuse participation for students who are not dressed appropriately, as safety is our top priority, and the right footwear and layers are essential. If you have any questions about what kind of gear is best for our programs, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Rain

What is a rainy day like at Sienna Ranch? (October – April)

At Sienna Ranch, we embrace all kinds of weather, and rainy days are some of the most fun and memorable! Students love playing in our seasonal stream, splashing in puddles, and sliding along muddy trails. Our instructors make sure to balance the wet and muddy fun with time spent under our covered decks or around the fire, where participants can warm up with hot tea from our herb garden and enjoy fire-popped popcorn.

We believe there’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing! To ensure your child has the best experience, please dress them in warm layers made of synthetic or wool fabrics (no cotton). Be sure to include rain jackets, pants, and boots. Keep in mind, your child may be muddy by pickup, so many parents find it helpful to bring a fresh change of clothes for the ride home.

Shine

How do we beat the heat on sunny days? (May-September)

As the winter rains fade, the green hills turn golden, ushering in longer, drier days. To stay comfortable during the warmer months at Sienna Ranch, sun protection and hydration are key. Here are five tips to help your child make the most of sunny days at the ranch:

1. Pre-Hydrate: Start the day by ensuring your child is well-hydrated before they arrive at the ranch. Challenge them to drink and refill their water bottle at least once during the day, and ask them about it when you pick them up.
2. Pre-[sun]Screen: Please apply sunscreen before dropping your child off for their program. Instructors carry a small bottle of sunscreen in their first aid kits and are happy to offer it to students who wish to reapply throughout the day.
3. Label Layers: The morning chill tends to burn off quickly, and layers often get shed as the day progresses. We do our best to keep track of students’ belongings, but labeling their items—especially jackets—will make it easier to reunite them if something goes missing.
4. Check for Critters: Incorporate a head-to-toe tick check into your post-ranch routine. Deer ticks are a natural part of the Sienna Ranch ecosystem. If you have concerns about tick-related illnesses, please consult your doctor.
5. Hats, Yes—Sandals, No: We recommend sun hats for hiking and playing, and letting your child choose one they like can help ensure they’ll keep it on. For safety, please make sure your child wears socks and close-toed shoes—this helps protect their feet from blisters, splinters, and other hazards. Students in the Riding and Horsemanship programs have additional footwear requirements, which you’ll receive in your reminder email.

All programming continues, rain or shine. Some activities, like Horseback Riding, may be adapted if the temperature and/or humidity make it unsafe for the horses to exercise.

While we can’t predict every outdoor scenario – heat, sun exposure, and rain are the most common factors that can affect student comfort. If you have any tips or tricks for keeping your family safe and comfortable outdoors year-round, we’d love to hear them! Feel free to email us at [email protected] with your suggestions.