ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
WHO
The word Shekinah (She-khi-nah) means "The place where God's glory dwells." Shekinah Ranch is a Christian based, non-profit camp welcoming youth of any faith and race.
WHAT
We encourage young lives to grow spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically in an exciting fun-filled adventure. Campers are reminded regularly of God's love and His perfect plan for each of them.
WHY
We believe there is a great need for a place where youth can connect their lives to God. Shekinah has developed activities to create an atmosphere of creativity, diverse interests, and adventurous spirit.
OUR CAMPS
Overnight Camp
Reiner Camp: July 13-18 (ages 11-16)
Bambina Camp: July 20-25 (ages 8-11)
Our most popular camp for horse-loving gals, ages 8-11 and 11-16!
Includes a full week of riding, horse theory, care, safety, and games that will be fun and challenging for every experience level. As with the other camps, campers will experience all Shekinah Ranch has to offer.
* See the FAQ page for Check-In/Pick-up Times & Packing List
This is a horse camp for boys and girls!
Boys and girls will sleep in separate cabins but will participate in most daily activities with other groups or all together. Includes a full week of riding, horse theory, care, safety and games that will be fun and challenging! As with the other camps, campers will experience all Shekinah Ranch has to offer.
**See the FAQ page for Check-In/Pick-up Times & Packing List
This is a NEW camp at Shekinah, for boys and girls!
Boys and girls will sleep in separate cabins PLUS one night "Under The Stars" in separate areas of the campground, after putting all their Adventure Skills to the test.
Campers will participate in activities such as Glow-in-the-dark Zip Line, Camp Survival Skills 101, Shelter building, Wilderness first-aid, and more!
**See the FAQ page for Check-In/Pick-up Times & Packing List
- 2025 PRICING -
T-shirt is included in tuition price!
Bronco, Rancher, Bambina and Reiner Camps
$495.00 per week
Adventure Mini Week (6/29-7/2)
$375.00 per week
Teen Discipleship
** ALL participants MUST have already participated in at least 1 week of Shekinah's Summer Discipleship program AND/OR have 6 months of riding and horse training lessons in early 2025 prior to attending/enrolling in the Discipleship Program.
*Please call the office for details- 724-483-4343*
Discipleship Campers are required to register for the Bootcamp training on Saturday, June 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
**See the FAQ page for Check-In/Pick-up Times & Packing List
Discipleship 19:11 is a Biblically-based
Christian Leadership Work-based Program.
(Females Only: Ages 13-17)
**ALL participants MUST have basic horse experience/safety training AND have participated in at least 1 week of Shekinah's Overnight program BEFORE registering for Discipleship.
Discipleship Campers are required to register for the Bootcamp training on Saturday, June 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Teen Discipleship participants are biblically trained and stretched in their thoughts, views, beliefs and actions; not only in the classroom, but through daily onsite community living and horsemanship training.The discipleship program is a residential training, combined with classroom and outdoor camp ministry experiences.
COURSES/TRAINING OFFERED FOR DISCIPLESHIP PARTICIPANTS
The Nature and Character of God
Knowing sides of God will help students to increase their faith as they encounter different situations in their lives.
Developing a Prayer Life and Faith Story
This course addresses necessary aspects of developing a personal prayer life. It further helps the student form effective corporate church-based prayer strategies.
Discovering and Understanding Your Temperament
The temperament of students is like an artist’s canvas. It is their God given style. It is the way they are wired. Generally speaking, two of the basic temperament types are outgoing or extroverted and three are more inward directed or introverted.
Developing a Christian World View
In this course students will discover how every young person tries to make sense out of life. "Where did everything come from? Who am I? Why are we here? What’s right and wrong, and who decides? What happens when we die?" The Bible provides answers to all of life’s most important questions.
Horsemanship 101
In this course the student will learn how to prepare and clean stables, maintain the health and well-being of horses, prepare horses for use, load and unload horses under supervision, ensure their actions reduce risks to health and safety and maintain effective working relationships
Basic Care and Health of the Horse
Equine Health and First Aid provides a basic understanding of horse health issues so that the student will understand and recognize common injuries and illnesses. Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make critical decisions and aid their horse to recovery.
- 2025 Pricing-
T-shirt is included in tuition price!
$220.00 per week
Day Camp
The Buckaroo's Program is designed for ages 5-7 years
The Cowpoke's Program is designed for ages 8-10 years
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
**See the FAQ page for Check-In/Pick-up Times & Packing List
The Rodeo Program is designed for ages 5-10 years
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
New to Shekinah Ranch Camp in 2025!
Sign your child up for a Western Day Camp experience they will never forget! Including but not limited to the following activites:
Mutt n’ Bustin
Remuda Games (apple bobbing, sack races, cow-tail-chasin', etc.)
Live Rodeo
Ropes and Trick Roping
Barrel “Bull” Riding
And More!
**See the FAQ page for Packing List
- 2025 PRICING -
T-shirt is included in tuition!
Buckaroo and Cowpoke Camps
$270.00 per week
Rodeo Week *
* Daily Pricing NOT available
Mini Week (Monday 6/30-Wednesday 7/2)
$180.00
July 28- August 1
$300
- DAILY PRICING (Not available for Rodeo camps) -
1 Day- $60
2 Day- $120
3 Day- $180
4 Day-$240
Pastor Tom Ravasio
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CAMP FOUNDER
Pastor Tom is the Founder & Director of Shekinah Ranch Camp. He has been blessed to work with horses since his childhood, but it wasn't until his mid-thirties that he sensed God nudging him to learn more. Pastor Tom has been trained in everything from breeding, raising foals, and working with a broad range of horses and horse related issues. His most enjoyable part of horsemanship happens at Shekinah Ranch; helping youth safely experience horseback riding. Pastor Tom has dedicated his life to serving God, and strives to teach campers how to make Godly choices, enjoy safe riding and practice kind communication to horses and one other.
Jonah Simons
CAMPGROUND DIRECTOR
Jonah comes to the Ranch from his home state of West Virginia. Along with him, is his wife Jessica and their four children; Jonathan Creek, Silas Oak, Juniper Grace, and Solomon Rain.
Jonah has been involved in youth ministry since the early 2000s and brings an in-depth background in Christian Camping. After attending Appalachian Bible College, he felt called to camp ministry. He attended a two year internship in camping called GPS and then attended Mountaineer Baptist College to better equip him for ministry. He has a passion for youth and the outdoors. He has a love for horses and animals. If you come Shekinah and he is not in the barn, you will probably find him with his family.
Life Verse:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. -2 Timothy 4:1-5
Kelsey Martin
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Kelsey has been blessed to serve alongside Shekinah Ranch since 2014. She holds a B.A. in Media Design & Public Relations, and has invested the last 15 years of her working career with non-profit organizations.
Kelsey was born and raised in Florida but moved to P.A. from Clemson, SC (Go Tigers!) in 2017 to serve full-time with Shekinah.
Kelsey is an introvert at heart, but holds a deep value for authentic community and witnessing how God can radically save and change a life (He certainly did for her!)
Kelsey is a full-time #BoyMom to her own buckaroos, Roman & Kayde (look for them around camp-- they think they run the place!)
"The Martin Trio" enjoys traveling, anything in the sunshine & outdoors, board games and reaching and teaching the love of God with their church family!
Life Verse:
"You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever."
-Psalm 73:23-26
Larissa Shepard
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Larissa first started working at Shekinah Ranch in summer 2022 as a Cabin Leader in Training. She clearly couldn’t get enough of it because she keeps coming back for more! She is excited this year to be returning to Shekinah for her third year, moving up in the ranks from Head Cabin Leader to Assistant Program Director.
Larissa wants to help lead and guide the people around her to the Lord through all that she does. She always wants to help the littler ones in her K-12 school, and she loves the opportunity she has at Shekinah to get to share the love of Christ with her campers.
Larissa loves to sing, play sports, and so many other activities, so don’t be afraid to ask her to pull out her guitar or pass around a volleyball! She can’t wait to meet you all!
LIFE VERSE(S):
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
"I will love You, O Lord, my strength." - Psalm 18:1
Matt Ledford
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Matt gave his life to Jesus at camp in his home state of North Carolina at the age of 15, so camp ministry has always been close to his heart. Matt first served at Shekinah Ranch in summer 2014 while he was pursuing his future wife, Kalyn (Pastor Tom's daughter!)
After Matt & Kalyn married in 2016, the two served with Shekinah Ranch as the program and staff directors. At the end of the 2016 season, Matt & Kalyn spent the following 5 months living & serving God in Indonesia. Upon their return, they both continued to serve with Shekinah until, once again, God called them back overseas in 2019 to share the love & truth of Jesus; this time for 11 months in 11 different countries!
Having returned to the states in 2020, this dynamic duo jumped right back into the swing of things; serving once again as Shekinah's Program and Staff Directors. In most recent years, Matt and Kalyn became parents to Ember Rose in August 2021 and Lily Lynn in September 2022! They truly believe it is one of Gods greatest gifts to be parents.
Matt is a "Disc Golfer" (it's ok if you don’t know what that is, but when your child comes to camp they will surely learn!). To sum him up simply: Matt is pretty much a lover of every sport out there, with a passion for youth and worship. Outside of camp, Matt also has the incredible opportunity to serve as the full-time youth Pastor at Journey By Grace Church in Belle Vernon, PA.
A Word From the Ledford’s:
“Camp runs in our blood. There is no place we have found better than camp to experience an adventure with Jesus. Being surrounded day and night with incredible fun & faithful fellowship is a rarity, and it breaks down walls like nothing else can do. Once the walls are down the freedom of a relationship with God can be fully lived out. Environment is the key, and nothing is better for a God-centered environment than a camp. We cannot wait to be a part of your child’s journey with Jesus through the power and joy of camp!”
"Shekinah is my daughter’s favorite camp! This was her 3rd year in the row. We live 500 miles away and we drive her every summer.She loves everything about Shekinah- horses, friendships, bible study, all the activities and staff!
Pastor Tom, Kelsey and Matt are amazing people who really love what they do! My favorite part is a No Electronics rule. It’s a wonderful screen detox. The camp is beautiful, clean, well taken care of and safe place for the kids!
My daughter will definitely be back next summer to make more memories!"
-Karolina Noskova
Overnight & Discipleship Camp Parent
Our daughter has been attending Shekinah Ranch summer camp for several years. These last two years she has been in Discipleship, and her love for God grows stronger as she shares His love with her and the amazing camp staff and fellow camp mates. We are so grateful for Shekinah Ranch Camp. We love that our daughter talks non stop when we pick her up at the end of the week about the awesome time she had and friends she made and Bible study. Greatest camp ever! Incredible staff and always in attendance, Our Almighty God!
-Robert Lawhead
Discipleship Parent
"Shekinah Ranch is a wonderful Summer Camp. My daughter Amalia loved it so much; she can’t wait to get back there next year. The entire staff is friendly and well trained. The cabins are clean and the activities are fun and educational. Amalia is doing horse riding in her home state of Florida, so it was such a nice experience for her doing horse riding in another state. She loved it so much, specially her horse Thea. Thank you for everything and the good care about my daughter."
-Thomas Heupel
Overnight Camp Parent
"All three of my children have been day and overnight campers at Shekinah Ranch since 2005. We have watched as they’ve grown and expanded their program from its beginning; and we have LOVED every moment of it. Every year my children beg to go back, therefore, we usually attend multiple camps each season! I can’t say enough wonderful things about Tom Ravasio, Shekinah Ranch, and their program. I accredit this program to my daughters current love of horses, equestrian skills and her strong faith in Jesus Christ. She was one of the original campers to Shekinah, starting out at five years old in the lil' buckaroo day camp during their second season. She has grown into a wonderful well rounded young lady and some of her fondest childhood memories were made here at Shekinah. Now, her little brothers (6 & 8 years old) attend camp every year and she is always excited to share her stories and memories with them & to hear about their experiences as well!"
-Lynn Ann Belluso
Day & Overnight Camp Parent
My kids spent the entire summer here. Without a doubt this will be one of their most memorable childhood memories. Every day they returned with stories of their adventures. There is plenty to do. Anything from rock climbing, swimming in the pool, zip line or horseback riding, they have it all.Older kids even have the opportunity for a week long overnight campout.
To top it all off, this is a faith based camp where the kids went only entrained but also spiritually fed.
-Jeremiah Johnson
Day, Overnight & Staff Parent
" It’s Shekinah! Only like the best summer camp ever! There’s so many things to do, you were never bored at camp, and that was like 5 years ago I’m sure there are more activities now than what there were before. I remember the cleanest room competition in the morning to riding horses (obviously) to the arts and crafts down to the rock wall and the hikes and paintball...Whenever I see pictures of me being at camp with my friends I see nothing but smiles! And I’m pretty sure I will always remember what was on the back of all of the shirts that I still have today... “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” So if your debating sending your kids here. Please send them, they will have the time of their life, I know I did."
-Taylor Holmes
Camper Alumni
Our second summer here and it was just as amazing as the first. Our daughter has grown closer to her faith and has learned how to take care of horses. Shekinah keeps her mind, body and soul engaged. We will be back every summer until she leaves for college. Thank you all for what you do.
-Michelle Campbell
Overnight Camp Parent
"My son got back from Basketball Camp, and it is still the only thing he can talk about. He learned so much, and not just about basketball. He loved his time here...and loved the staff at the camp. He cannot wait to come back next year!!! Thank you everyone at Shekinah for making his first camp experience so awesome!"
-Jennifer Thomas
Overnight Camp Parent
Horses, swimming, zip lining, rock climbing, go carts, all set in a Christian framework... There are many other activities to do plus arts & crafts, as well. We are about to start our 7th consecutive year here and will be checking in a couple of hours from now. I can never explain how much fun my daughter has had at Shekinah. Pastor Tom, Kelsey, and all the staff/counselors have an unwavering commitment to the children and a genuine love of Christ.
-Jennifer O' Really
Camp Parent