Orange County resort relaunches outdoor immersion program for community youth
powered by Cox Communications and The Ocean Institute
The Ranch at Laguna Beach today announced the launch of Adventure Camp, an immersive youth outreach initiative aimed at connecting kids with the great outdoors. Formerly known as the Camping Outreach Program, Adventure Camp is powered by The Ocean Institute and Cox Communications and provides no-cost camping experiences at The Ranch at Laguna Beach for nonprofit youth organizations.
Adventure Camp offers unique locations for daytime activities and primitive overnight camping experiences during the summer months. The program is exclusively available on a limited basis to Southern California-based nonprofit groups focusing on youth mentorship, enrichment and learning for at-risk and low-income kids.
The camp is held in partnership with The Ocean Institute at The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Scout Camp, a storied location which served as an activity site for YMCA and Girl Scouts in the 1940s. With this meaningful setting as its backdrop, Adventure Camp empowers mentorship organizations to make a difference in young lives by connecting campers with nature and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the great outdoors.
With Adventure Camp, The Ranch at Laguna Beach also provides camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns and more, as well as access to permanent bathrooms, potable water, limited electrical power for general camping use, guided arrival and departure through the property, and overnight security as needed. Campers can also take part in on-site activities like organic gardening, bird-watching, wildlife observation, and plant study. Transportation to/from The Ranch at Laguna Beach is not included.
“The Ranch at Laguna Beach and its Scout Camp are culturally significant locations, and the land is deeply meaningful to the community. When we became stewards of this incredible landscape, we recognized a responsibility to continue its legacy of making a positive impact on young lives,” said Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager of The Ranch at Laguna Beach. “We are proud to launch Adventure Camp and appreciate the support from Cox Communications, whose generous donation enables The Ranch at Laguna Beach and The Ocean Institute to continue this enriching outdoor program for kids who need it most.”
In the summer of 2018, The Ocean Institute and The Ranch at Laguna Beach partnered to host 12 campouts for 314 participants from Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Through these campouts at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, kids from across SoCal engaged in summer camp activities, nature-focused explorations, overnight tent campouts and beach time, with many kids experiencing such activities for the very first time.
“We’re excited to support families in the region through a program that fosters hands-on education, exploration of the great outdoors and appreciation for our environment,” says Jodi Duva, Vice President of Cox Business in Orange County. “Growing up I didn’t always have the opportunity to have experiences like this, so I’m proud to work for a company that is enriching summer for kids from all walks of life in a beautiful coastal city like Laguna Beach!”
The Ranch at Laguna Beach will host “A Day in the Canyon” on Thursday, August 22 to celebrate the launch of the newly rebranded Adventure Camp program. This community event will be open to the public and held on the resort grounds, featuring activities, food and beverage, outdoor games and more, with all proceeds benefitting Adventure Camp. Additional information will follow as event details are finalized.
Nonprofit youth organizations interested in applying for Adventure Camp can submit an application at https://www.theranchlb.com/ranch/adventure-camp. Those with questions on how to apply can contact Patricia A. Pegram, Outdoor Education & Summer Camp Program Manager for The Ocean Institute at 949.496.2274 ext. 311 or ppegram@oceaninstitute.org.
Adventure Camp program dates are fully committed for 2019. Select spaces remain available for the 2020 summer season, and applications for 2021 campouts are currently being accepted. The Ranch at Laguna Beach recommends organizations seeking to partner with Adventure Camp apply approximately two years in advance due to the popularity and exclusivity of the program.
ABOUT THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH – Laguna Beach, California www.ranchlb.com
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is nestled in the majestic Aliso and Wood Canyons in the heart of Orange County. The iconic piece of land, where canyon and sea meet, has been re-envisioned and is now home to Southern California’s premier boutique coastal ranch resort. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a perfect blend of the rich history of this storied canyon and the artistry that is Laguna Beach. Spread over 87 acres, The Ranch LB offers 97 guest rooms and suites reflecting the culture and rich history of this iconic beach community. The resort also features the only golf course in Laguna Beach and a 3,000 square foot indoor/outdoor Sycamore Spa by Hudson. Guests indulge in seasonally handcrafted, California comfort food and drink at HARVEST restaurant. Additionally, Ben’s Pantry, reminiscent of a treasured country bakery and cafe, offers upscale grab-and-go options for beach outings and homemade pastries. The resort also features land and beach pursuits including dolphin safaris, yoga, stargazing, sand volleyball and bocce ball courts, Junior Explorers Kid’s Program, and several distinctive corporate, social and event venues. This authentic, refined retreat is the ideal getaway for guests seeking to capture the vibe of this unique beach locale. The Ranch LB is also a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.
ABOUT COX COMMUNICATIONS
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
