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
July 7-12
July 21-26
Our most popular camp for horse-loving gals, ages 8-15!
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
July 14- 19
This is a horse camp for boys (ages 10-15)
and girls (ages 8-15)!
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
- EARLY BIRD TIER PRICING -
*The earlier you register, the less you pay!*
T-shirt is included in tuition price!
AUGUST 1 - JANUARY 1:
$400.00 per week
AFTER JANAURY 1, 2024:
$450.00 per week
Teen Discipleship
**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.
**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 13-18)
**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.
- EARLY BIRD TIER PRICING -
*The earlier you register, the less you pay*
T-shirt is included in tuition price!
AUGUST 1 - JANUARY 1:
$275.00 per week
AFTER JANUARY 1, 2024:
$315.00 per week
Buckaroos & Cowpokes
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
- EARLY BIRD TIER PRICING -
*The earlier you register, the less you pay*
T-shirt is included for weekly campers!
AUGUST 1, 2023 - JANUARY 1, 2024:
$200 per week
AFTER JANUARY 1, 2024:
$250 per week
- DAILY PRICE -
$50 per day
Pastor Tom Ravasio
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
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.
Kelsey Martin
CAMP ADMINISTRATOR
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 past 13 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 Lil' 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!
"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
Matt Ledford
PROGRAM 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!”
Larissa Shepard
ASST. PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Larissa first started working at Shekinah Ranch last summer in 2022 as a Cabin Leader in Training. She clearly couldn’t get enough of it because she’s coming back for more!
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
RANCH HAND/EQUINE ASST.
Morgan Houser
WRANGLER/EQUINE ASST.
Morgan began her journey at Shekinah in 2018 as an overnight camper, and quickly fell in love with the camp, the staff, and of course, the horses. After a few years, being a camper just wasn’t enough and God led her to the discipleship program. There she was able to focus more of her time studying the Bible, spend time with others in the youth ministry, and express her love of horses.
Morgan was born and raised in the Pittsburgh suburbs. She was baptized and confirmed as a Roman Catholic. Morgan enjoys camping, running track, and working behind the scenes during many of her school plays/musicals.
Morgan is now excited to continue her exploration of Christ and his teachings as a staff member at Shekinah Ranch. She can’t wait to have the opportunity to share her experiences with new campers each week and continue to grow with Christ.
FAVORITE VERSE:
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”
- Ecclesiastes 12:1
Kim Scheeringa
DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
Kim Scheeringa comes to Shekinah Ranch all the way from Northwest Indiana where she was born and raised. Kim graduated from Anderson University with a Social Work degree, and currently works in the school system as an aide for students with special needs. Kim has been a part of the Shekinah family throughout the years, serving in the past as a cabin leader and discipleship director. Kim is very excited to be returning for yet another summer at Shekinah-- this time as a Cowpokes Day Camp Director! She cannot wait to see all the campers and staff this year (don't hesitate to ask her to sing you one of her favorite camps songs-- she even has a nickname that originated from it!)
LIFE VERSE:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
- James 1: 2-4
Debbie Carney
DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
This is Miss Debbie's second summer with Shekinah Ranch and as director of the Buckaroos. She has a B.S. in Biology from Penn State and a Secondary Education degree from Pgh. University. A former Lab technician, Biology teacher and Wildlife Biologist assistant ( in North Carolina) she has also worked at several Christian camps for over 30 years. Mrs. Debbie and her husband (of 34 years) were both born and raised in Washington, PA but currently live in upstate New York. They have one daughter who lives in Illinois and is 30 years old. Quite the accomplishment since Miss Debbie is forever 29. ; )
She loves God's creation, loves God and His redemptive power and loves kids. Great combination.
LIFE VERSE:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -Proverbs 3 : 5-6
DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
Jenna Buchheit
DAY CAMP ASSISTANT
This is Jenna’s first year at camp, she is a high school student who plays many sports and is in her school musicals. Jenna volunteers at her church’s vacation bible school and youth basketball tournaments.
LIVE VERSE:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that believes is him shall not parish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Kiley Johnson
DAY CAMP ASSISTANT
Kylie has been attending camp at Shekinah since she was 6 years old. It has been the highlight of her summer for many many years.
Kylie was born in Idaho but moved to P.A. just in time to start kindergarten. She currently attends California Area Middle School and is involved in volleyball, basketball, and track. She currently ranks volleyball as her favorite sport but enjoys all sports! She spent this past spring breaking multiple school records in track and her coaches can see major potential in her.
Kylie is always looking for new and exciting ways to be involved in her community. She raised over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life this year. She also is very actively involved in her church youth group. She hopes to one day be able to go on a mission to spread the gospel and help those less fortunate. She would like to continue her education and dreams of becoming a family physician one day.
She wants everyone to know that Jesus loves each one of us as individuals. She is looking forward to spending the summer bringing her high energy and enthusiasm to Camp Shekinah with a goal of making 2023 the best most fun camp year yet!
LIFE VERSE:
"For nothing will be impossible with God."
-Luke 1:37
GIRL CABIN LEADER
Monica Sundy
GIRL CABIN LEADER
Monica is blessed to be one of six children...All girls! She loves being active and playing sports. Her favorite is volleyball.
Monica has walked with the Lord from a very young age, and is continuing to grow in her understanding of the word.
She attends Cornerstone Prep Academy and Crossroads Ministry’s Church. She has been involved in a variety of ministries over the years, including being the mascot at VBS’s! Monica is so excited for this summer and is looking forward to having lots of fun!
Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Riviera Horick
GIRL CABIN LEADER
Riviera has been attending Shekinah since she was 12. She has been a camper and a part of the the discipleship program, and is excited this year to join the Shekinah Staff as a cabin leader!
Riviera gave her life to the Lord at 13 at her church’s ministry 10-day program called Narrow way. She is a student-leader at two ministries one called crossover and the other called Calvary Youth (the same church as narrow way). Throughout the years of leading at her churches, she has grown a deep and intimate relationship with the Lord; truly just wanting to seek Jesus in all that she does and letting all Glory be to God.
Riviera has grown a love for Shekinah over the years and seeing how the Lord works throughout the camp weeks. She can’t wait to be beside the girls as they grow with the Lord this summer!
Riviera loves helping others come to know Christ as she was once guided. She’s very excited for this summer and to meet all her cabin girls!
LIFE VERSE:
“But you, dear friends: build each other up on the foundation of your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep each other in the love of God, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, that leads to eternal life.”
- Jude 1:20-21
Sienna Nirella
CABIN LEADER IN TRAINING
Josh Cline
GUY CABIN LEADER
Josh Cline is a sixteen year old boy who lives in Belle Vernon, P.A. He attends Pittsburgh Christian Academy in West Mifflin PA, and is involved in many extracurricular activities. He is on the high school basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams.
Josh leads a weekly basketball program mentoring boys in grades 3-5th. He lives with his dad, mom, and big brother who all share a love of the outdoors. Josh also loves playing with his two dogs named Daisy and Kobe.
This will be Josh's 3rd year working with kids as a camp counselor. Joshua loves nothing more than doing what he can to help the kids have as much fun as possible while keeping them safe.
Isaiah Brooks
GUY CABIN LEADER
Isaiah is a sophomore who attends High School at Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy. He was born in Menomonie, WI but was raised in Pittsburgh, PA for the majority of his life.
Isaiah enjoys activities outdoors such as: hunting, camping, fishing, and backpacking. He also does a couple after school activities that include: soccer, basketball, baseball, and robotics.
Isaiah is trying to form a deeper connection with God and wants to surround himself with other people who seek the same goal.
LIFE VERSE:
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".
- Hebrews 11: 1
Aaron Baltzell
LEAD GROUNDS & MAINTENANCE
Aaron is ecstatic to serve the Shekinah Ranch community this summer for his very first time!
Aaron earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Gonzaga University. He has since worked in student services at the high school level for the past 20 years. Aaron enjoys the excitement and seeing how the experience of a Christ-centered Spirit-led summer camp impacts the lives of children. He has worked in other youth ministries and served at many other Christian camps as well.
You will also see Aaron‘s wife, Megan, at Shekinah's Day Camp program leading the younger children.
Their three children will also be camping/serving during their stay at Shekinah Ranch.
LIFE VERSE:
"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits." - Psalm 103:2
Nathaniel Pristas
GROUNDS ASSISTANT
Nathan is from the Pittsburgh area and attends school at Pittsburgh Christian Academy. He's on the Tech Team at school and church.
Nathan enjoys playing the guitar and is a member of the Worship Team at his school, church, and youth group. His favorite bands are The Beatles and The Monkees. He is always willing to help out when help is needed.
LIFE VERSE:
"Do to others as you would have them do to you."
-Luke 6:27-28
Brae Johnson
GROUNDS ASSISTANT
Brae has been attending camp at Shekinah since he was 8 years old. He always looked up to the staff at Shekinah, and the Christ-like example they set for him. He can't think of a better way to pay it forward than to spend his summer serving the upcoming campers!
Brae was born in Toronto Canada (EH!) He spent a few years living out west before moving to the beautiful state of P.A. He currently attends California Area Middle School and will be moving up to the high school after the summer break! He is involved in basketball, baseball, and soccer. He also enjoys camping and hiking!
If Brae could spend 24 hours a day outside he would! Speaking of that, if you see Brae around camp please remind him to reapply sunscreen. ;)
Brae is always looking for fun ways to serve the community. He spends every Memorial Day setting up thousands of American flags in the local cemetery with his youth group. He has plans to one day serve a two-year mission to spread the gospel. He dreams of one day becoming a Physical therapist.
Brae hopes that this summer will bring him closer to God through his service and being surrounded by so many God-loving individuals. He is looking forward to spending the summer learning new skills and making memories at Camp Shekinah.
When times get tough, Brae always likes to remember this script and it brings him peace and reminds him God will always provide:
"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"
-Luke 12:24
Bethany Klimko
CAMP COOK
Bethany is about to start her first season cooking in the kitchen a few days a week this summer. She will always say if it weren't for her husband, Paul, she wouldn't know what to do in the kitchen! If you Mrs. Beth, you'll likely find her her 9-year-old daughter, Emma, roaming not too far away around the camp.
If Beth is not in the kitchen, you might catch her around the campfire on Thursday evening worship.
She's been a part of Journey by Grace Church since 2012 and was baptized in the Shekinah pool in August of 2013.
So many verses come to mind, but with the way the world is, Romans 12:2 resonates strongly; along with Ephesians 6:10.
"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
"Shekinah Ranch has been a blessing to our family. My daughter absolutely loves staying there. Words can not express enough on how greatful I am for discovering Shekinah Ranch at the PA State Farm Show. Thank you Pastor Tom for the wonderful programs you provide for our youth."
-Terese Reppond
Discipleship Parent
"I went here 3 years in a row when I was younger and had an amazing time; I got rancher of the week and learned so much. I then went on went to school to get my equine training degree and am now working in the horse industry doing what i love. These are amazing people and im so happy to see how it has grown over the years. This place looks amazing you guys did a really good job!
-Tobi Balmer
Camper Alumni
" 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
"This is my daughter's 4th summer and my son's first at Shekinah. My children love this camp and all the staff! This is a great place to make memories and feel the presence of God."
-Raychel Renk
Day/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
"Pastor Tom is one of the most energetic people I have come across. Him and his staff show the kids how to take care of horses. They teach that God is great and so are every kid that comes to the camp."
-Matthew Rayburg
Discipleship Parent