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 9-14
July 23-28
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 16- 21
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 - DECEMBER 30:
$400.00 per week
AFTER DECEMBER 30:
$450.00 per week
Teen Discipleship
**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)
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 - DECEMBER 30:
$285.00 per week
AFTER DECEMBER 30:
$315.00 per week
Buckaroos & Cowpokes
Day Camp
The Buckaroo's Program is designed for ages 5-7 year olds
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 - DECEMBER 30:
$200.00 per week
AFTER DECEMBER 30:
$225.00 per week
- DAILY PRICE -
$45 per day
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 - DECEMBER 30:
$225 per week
AFTER DECEMBER 30:
$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" enjoy 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!”
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
BARN/EQUINE DIRECTOR
DISCIPLESHIP DIRECTOR
COWPOKES DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
COWPOKES DAY CAMP ASST.
BUCKAROOS DAY CAMP DIRECTOR
GIRL CABIN LEADERS (ages 8-10)
BUCKAROOS DAY CAMP ASST.
GUY CABIN LEADER (ages 8-10)
GIRL CABIN LEADER (ages 13-15)
GUY CABIN LEADER (ages 11-13)
GIRL CABIN LEADER (ages 11-12)
CAMP COOK
BARN/PETTING ZOO ASSISTANT
"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