Camp apprentice programs
Leadership programs designed to prepare teens to mentor younger campers in our Apprentice programs
Cultivating leaders for the future
Sienna Ranch offers 4 distinct apprenticeship programs aimed to develop the next generation of naturalist leaders. Each class features a curriculum that prepares teens to become positive role models and mentors in leadership roles.
In our camps, apprentices support younger students by facilitating a variety of activities including group games, animal interactions, crafts, and nature exploration.
Apprentices Develop Essential Skills for the Future
Teens gain real-world experience making valuable contributions while building essential skills to prepare for leadership roles with greater responsibility.
- Professional Etiquette: Practice respectful interactions with mentors and children.
- Organizational Skills: Follow a schedule and remain focused under pressure.
- Self-Reflection and Adaptability: Embrace feedback for growth.
- Self-Management: Identify physical and emotional needs; manage stress effectively in demanding situations.
- Career Development: Present yourself confidently in applications and interviews; set actionable and achievable goals.
Naturalist apprentice
The Naturalist Apprentice Program begins with a 5-week class in Session 1 where apprentices practice a wide range of skills including regional plant and wildlife identification, shelter building and natural navigation. Participants will build confidence and independence through active hiking, team building games and activities. We will go out in all weather conditions. Since we will be spending a lot of time in Briones please come prepared and on time for this class. The program culminates with participation in one of our holiday camps during which apprentices share their curiosity and passion for the world around them and apply their leadership skills in a hands-on outdoor setting.
Open to both new and returning participants.
- Engage in meaningful leadership opportunities
- Share nature experiences and enthusiasm with younger kids
- Learn through close-up observation of experienced naturalist educators
Students in this program are:
- Ready to be outside in all weather conditions and get dirty
- Up for hiking minimum 1 mile/40 minutes with a full backpack
- Willing to participate in group games and active play activities
Price: $336 (Includes the 5 Classes + Select Holiday Camp)
Session 1 Class Time: Tuesdays 3:00pm-6:00pm
Session 1 Class Dates: 9/16/25 | 9/23/25 | 9/30/25 | 10/7/25 | 10/14/25
Thanksgiving Camp Dates
(Monday-Wednesday, 8:45am-3:00pm)
11/24/25
11/25/25
11/26/25
Winter Camp #1 Dates
Monday 12/22
Tuesday 12/23
Winter Camp #2 Dates
Monday 12/29
Tuesday 12/30
Wednesday 12/31
Spring Break Camp Dates
(Monday-Friday, 8:45am-3:00pm)
3/30/26
3/31/26
4/1/26
4/2/26
4/3/26
New Applicants
Apply Now Here. Due August 1st, 2025
*Application and class enrollment approved on rolling basis**
Animal apprentice
The Animal Apprentice Program begins with a 5-week class in Session 3 where apprentices learn animal handling, housing, nutrition, health care and first aid. They develop skills in caring for goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens, including monitoring health and making positive emotional connections with animals. Whether a first-time animal enthusiast or a seasoned animal lover, participants develop life skills and build a basic foundation for ranch animal handling in order to assist with our seasonal camp programs.
Great for students interested in biology, veterinary, or other animal pursuits.
Open to both new and returning participants.
*The animal Apprentice does not participate camps *
If students are interested in participating in the summer programs, please inquire about attending both the Animal and Farm Hands apprentice program.
- Engage in meaningful leadership opportunities
- Prepare for careers in agriculture and veterinary fields
- Foster appreciation for agriculture and food systems
- Learn through close-up observation of experienced animal care team
Students in this program are:
- Comfortable working in versatile environments both in animal pens and around the ranch – rain or shine
- Willingness to engage directly with animals and work through discomfort
- Ask questions! Curiosity drives discovery and student engagement enriches the experience.
Price: $336 (Includes the 5 Classes + Spring Break Camp)
Session 3 Class Time: Tuesdays 3:30pm-6:00pm
Session 3 Class Dates: 1/13/26 | 1/20/2026 | 1/27/2026 | 2/3/26 | 2/10/26
Spring Break Camp Dates
(Monday-Friday, 8:45am-3:00pm)
3/30/26
3/31/26
4/1/26
4/2/26
4/3/26
New Applicants
Application Coming Soon! Due November 17, 2025
*Application and class enrollment approved on rolling basis*
Farm hands apprentice program
The Farm Hands Apprentice Program begins with a 5-week class in Session 4 where apprentices practice group facilitation, conflict resolution, and animal interactions. They observe experienced instructors to strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
The program culminates with at least two weeks of participation in Summer Camp. During this time, apprentices assist with activities, support campers, and apply their leadership skills in a hands-on outdoor setting.
Open to both new and returning participants.
- Engage in meaningful leadership opportunities
- Share nature experiences and enthusiasm with younger kids
- Learn through close-up observation of experienced instructors and their classes
Summer Camp Apprentices (ages 12-14 by March 2026) must:
- Be prepared for outdoor activities in all weather.
- Attend every day of their selected camp.
- Assist with leading activities, guiding campers, and supporting daily responsibilities like cleanup and restroom escorts.
Price: $336 (Includes the 5 Classes + 2 weeks of Summer Camp)
Session 4 Class Time: Tuesdays 3:30pm-6:00pm
Session 4 Class Dates: 3/17/26 | 3/24/26 | 4/7/26 | 4/14/26 | 4/21/26 *no class 3/31/26
Summer Camp Dates
(Monday-Friday, 8:45am-3:00pm)
Week 1 – 6/1-6/5
Week 2 – 6/8-6/12
Week 3 – 6/15-6/19
Week 4 – 6/22-6/26
Week 5 – 6/29-7/3
Week 6 – 7/6-7/10
Week 7 – 7/13-7/17
Week 8 – 7/20-7/24
Week 9 – 7/27-7/31
Week 10 – 8/3-8/7
Week 11 – 8/10-8/14
New Applicants
Apply Now Here. Due February 2026.
Returning Apprentices:
- Join for Class AND Summer! Email admin@siennaranch.net
- Skip the class and join for Summer only: Email education@siennaranch.net with summer availability no later than March 2026
*Application and class enrollment approved on rolling basis*
Equine apprentice program
The Equine Apprentice Program begins with a 7-week class in Session 4 where apprentices learn horse handling, grooming, tacking, and husbandry. They train alongside the Equine Coordinator to develop skills in natural horsemanship, equine health, and an emotional connection with animals. Whether a first-time horse enthusiast or a seasoned animal lover, students will build a basic foundation for horse handling and husbandry in order to assist with our summer horse camp program.
The program culminates with at least two weeks of participation in Summer Camp. During this time, apprentices assist with the riding lessons, lead grooming sessions for campers, and apply their leadership skills in a hands-on outdoor setting.
Open to both new and returning participants.
- Able to safely lead, groom, and tack/untack our horses
- Understand animal behavior and handling
- Teach younger children how to groom a horse
- Clean the horse stalls
- Learn how to safely and independently interact with and care for our animals
NOTE: This is not a riding program and focuses on safely handling horses while children are riding.
Summer Camp Apprentices (ages 13-16 by March 2026) must:
- Be able to complete the horse handling assessment during the spring class.
- Be able to respond to verbal directions in a distracting outdoor environment.
- Attend every day of their selected camp.
- Assist instructors with campers and daily responsibilities like cleanup and animal care.
Price: $660 (Includes the 7 Classes + 2 weeks of Summer Camp)
Session 4 Class Time: Saturdays 10am-1:00pm
Session 4 Class Dates: 3/21/26 | 3/28/26 | 4/11/26 | 4/18/26 | 4/25/26 | 5/2/26 | 5/9/26
*No class 4/4/26
Summer Camp Dates
(Monday-Friday, 8:45am-3:00pm)
Week 1 – 6/1-6/5
Week 2 – 6/8-6/12
Week 3 – 6/15-6/19
Week 4 – 6/22-6/26
Week 5 – 6/29-7/3
Week 6 – 7/6-7/10
Week 7 – 7/13-7/17
Week 8 – 7/20-7/24
Week 9 – 7/27-7/31
Week 10 – 8/3-8/7
Week 11 – 8/10-8/14
New Applicants
Apply Now Here. Due February 2026.
Returning Apprentices:
- Join for Class AND Summer! Email admin@siennaranch.net
- Skip the class and join for Summer only: Email animals@siennaranch.net with summer availability no later than March 2026
*Application and class enrollment approved on rolling basis*
Learn More About Teen Opportunities
