My daughter has attended White Pines for the past four years, and that alone says a lot. After her very first week at camp, I picked her up and the first thing she asked was, "Can I come back later this summer for another week?" Since then, she has returned every year and now attends for two separate weeks each summer because she enjoys it so much. What makes this especially meaningful is that she has attended other overnight camps, including Keystone Science School in Colorado and a ski camp in Wisconsin. White Pines is the only camp she has consistently asked to return to year after year. I think White Pines does an exceptional job of helping kids build independence, confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories. The staff creates an environment where children can unplug, try new things, and truly immerse themselves in the camp experience. That said, no camp is going to be the perfect fit for every child. If a camper is expecting all the comforts and conveniences of home, they may need some adjustment time. But for kids who are open to adventure, friendship, and a traditional camp experience, White Pines is something special. Food has never been an issue for my daughter--she's an adventurous eater and has always been happy with the meals. As for the cabins, things like the fans have simply served as comfortable white noise for her. As a parent, there is no stronger endorsement I can give than this: after four years, my daughter still counts down the days until she can return. White Pines has given her experiences, friendships, and memories that will stay with her for a lifetime. read more

I just went in 6th grade in 2022 and it was fun we went hiking and more the showers have curtains for privacy it the bathroom and that's soooooooo good. read more

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I went to White Pines for my 5th grade field trip and thirty-some years later, I was able to see my own daughters experience White Pines with their Girl Scout Troop (which I am co-leader of). As a Troop leader, I loved that I didn't have to plan meals or activities - I was quite impressed with the scheduling of activities - everything is planned for with activities to choose from almost every hour on the hour. White Pines Staff were wonderful - a family-run business, many staff members multi-task - the same person teaching archery and horse grooming would be serving meals at lunch, etc. It was great to see all-hands-on-deck in action, with all staff members contributing fully to the greater team. The cabins were simple but clean. Carpeted, climate controlled, bunk beds with mattresses (the kind you can wipe down). For larger groups, a 3-4 vanity sink would be helpful, but the 2-vanity worked out okay for a smaller group. None of the bathroom stalls had functional locks, so that can be easily fixed. Showers were small, but clean - a little run down, like the rest of the washroom facilities and general camp, but functional. Stables were meticulous and safety of was never a concern. In all, it was a wonderful trip. Suggestions for improvement: Some white noise machines in the cabins would really help! I brought my own and it made a world of difference. It never quite felt like meals were diverse enough - it was the same iceberg lettuce EVERY meal with the same toppings. They don't quite accommodate well for vegetarians or nut allergies. Sloppy joes were good, but kids aren't big fans so most just ate bread that day - maybe replace with pizza? They are quite flimsy with desserts - 1 cookie each, or one small slice of something. It would have been nice to see perhaps some more options at meals. Breakfasts were great! The lack of vegetables was quite apparent after a few meals - and canned string beans just aren't that appealing. But, in all, you can't expect 4-star meals - this is a ranch. I think it's great that they involve the kids in clean-up after meals. It would also have been nice to offer more snacks - just grab and go or perhaps snacks before bedtime that are more substantial than a cookie for example. The hay ride was a bit boring - some history of the ranch or taking advantage of the night to learn about stars would be a great way to add some learning into the ride. Or perhaps a "things to look out for" scavenger hunt - just some ideas. Long story short - overall it was a WONDERFUL experience for our Girl Scout Troop and the girls are eager to go back again. Two thumbs up! read more

White Pines Ranch - Campgrounds Near Me - Oregon, Illinois

Girl Scout parents and leaders take note - one of their staff berated one of the girl scouts in front of troop leaders, parents and girl scouts making her cry! As parents, we approached this staff member and were met with unprofessionalism, ignorant, biased and incompetent come backs. Speaking with the manager and subsequent calls to the owner was just the same. read more

My family recently participated in one of the public trail rides here. It was all of our first time horseback riding - including our 9 year old - and we were all a bit nervous. The staff were great, friendly and attentive. I would have liked a bit more instruction before starting, but it was sufficient for what was needed on the ride. It seemed that had pony rides for younger kids, as well as other activities like archery and hayrides available. I docked a star for too much wait time. We were asked to arrive 45 minutes early, but our check-in process went by very quickly. We spent a lot of time just sitting around before the ride, especially since the others riders joining the group arrived much closer to the start time. We're already looking into their summer camps for next year! read more

Our daughter has gone to White Pines Ranch (WPR) for four summers in a row now and in fact this past summer she spent two weeks there. Every time has been a great experience for her. She loves the various activities they have each day, making new friends, meeting old friends, swimming, the food and of course riding horses. Although she does not go until the July or August time frame, she starts talking about horse camp at WPR in February and the anticipation builds up. She has several favorite horses and looks forward to meeting them each year and having the chance to ride them. From a parents perspective, this place works out very well. There are a ton of councilors there, well trained, very energetic, they keep the kids busy and in line when needed. The sleeping and eating facilities, although not 4 or 5 star conditions, it fits right in with what you would expect of a horse camp.. it's clean, shows it's age a bit, but it all works out very well. If you're thinking of sending your kid(s) to a horse camp for a week, then I would strongly recommend coming to White Pines Ranch. read more

It's been over ten years since I've been to this place on a 5th grade field trip, but I LOVED it. The rock quarry, the horseback rides on the trails, the pets on the ranch, the tire swings, the wooded land, the log cabin-ish dining area, rocking chairs on the porch, etc. It was also fun (as a ten-year-old) to sleep in a giant room filled with bunk beds with all my classmates (boys and girls separate, of course). I have fond memories of this place and this trip. I have no idea if the place is the same now, though. read more

My daughter has done 2 week intervals at summer camp. This is home. She is so comfortable here. The grounds and accomidations are beautiful. The staff are amazing along with the amazing herd of horses and the critters in the critter corral. Best experience ever read more

"A Dude Ranch Just For Kids", a phrase that expertly describes White Pines Ranch, in the best way. My kids have been attending this summer camp for 5 years, and each year is filled with hours on horses, nonstop, fun activities, and enough new friends to fill their contact lists. In fact, my daughter's best friend went last year and said, "That was the best week of my whole life". Ask anyone, and they are sure to know at least one person who has been to White Pines. Our family has developed friendships with each staff member, because it's clear that they all care about their jobs and all of the campers. read more

I've been to White Pines with Girl Scouts for 2 separate weekends over the years, so I decided to send my daughter to camp for a week this summer. We just got a call that the camp has bed bugs in the dorms. Though the staff was trying to be nice, they told me that they have had the bugs for 5 months and that they just found out now. They also said they weren't treating the dorms and the girls had to stay for one more night in a bug infested cabin. It's up to us to disinfect our children and their clothing when we pick them up from camp. When I complained, they told me that they weren't obligated at all to let the parents know that they had a bug problem. Hmmm.... I was ready to pick up my daughter tonight but she begged to stay because she was finally having a good time. I just expected the bugs to be mosquitoes, not bed bugs. I will not be sending my daughter back which is too bad, because she probably would enjoy it. But 5 months infestation without knowing? That's a cause for alarm. read more

What a great experience for my son and I. We're on our way back from a two night outdoor education field trip and he is already asking when we can go back! Big thanks to Kendra for running a tight ship and making the kids have responsibilities while at the ranch. Another huge thanks to Flynn. Flynn made my extremely anxious son feel comfortable and got him on a great horse! read more

I went to this camp 40 years ago. My daughter went there last year and will be going this week. The camp is well staffed, safe and fun. Everything from swimming to archery to horseback riding everyday. Your kid will have a good time lots of memorys and some good adventures. read more

Last year I would have rated this camp a six star which is why we returned this year. Really do love the camp, helpers and all the things they offer - daughter would even love to return next year. The problem was daughter came home with head lice and when I told them about it and also seeing another girl there with a lot in her hair - they said my daughter must have had it already. My daughter had a hair cut and hair check 5 days before camp as a lot of camps have the precheck of this before letting your child attend - my daughter was clean. White Pines does not do this check yet Girl Scout camps and most other overnight/wkly camps do. All I wanted from them was to start doing a check like this to prevent others from having the same problem. They don't seem to think its important and yet I'm still hopeful they change their mine as I did really like what they offer and would like to return yet do not want to go through this lice thing again. read more

I've been going here since I was a kid. Nothing has really changed. This is a great way to building lasting, loving, fond memories for your children and your children's children and their children! Family-owned and operated, White Pines Dude Ranch will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart and in my life! My four-year-old LOVES being there! Thank you!!! read more

This overnight summer camp accepts transgender kids without any socioemotional support in place nor do they have facilities to accommodate them. Completely unequipped and untrained staff to handle difficult situations that come up. Andee (director) is verbally abusive towards kids and is incapable of meeting the needs of transgender or boy/girl identifying children. They also do not know the difference between transgender and gay. They will however take your money and your kid. No communication between camp and parents in case of disciplinary actions. Do not send your kid here without asking some serious questions, especially if your child is transitioning or identifies as opposite gender read more

This was my daughter's (age 10) first experience at this ranch and she absolutely loved it! She is already counting the days until she can return next year and is hoping to spend two weeks there next time. We visited the ranch before we signed up to see the facilities. Everyone was very nice and informative. Andie (one of the owners) took time to answer our questions and show us around. There was never any pressure or hard sell to get us to attend. Her concern was more that the ranch was the right match to what our daughter wanted in a camp experience. The counselors at the camp were great. My daughter said they helped the girls when they were feeling homesick and in making new friends. There were many different activities at the camp like fossil hunting and archery. The kids have several choices each day and can repeat the same thing or do different things. The big draw of course was the horses. The kids got to go on trail rides every day and help take care of the horses. It was a good introductory to horseback riding in a controlled situation. If you're an advanced rider I'm not sure if this camp would teach new skills or not, but it worked for my child who is a beginner. I definitely recommend checking this camp out! read more

Great place for adult camp. To be honest, since this is mainly a kids camp and designed to be as such, its not the greatest facility for adults. But the reason I highly rank the place is because the staff is incredibility friendly and accommodating. That is huge for this type of business. To be brief: facilities = decent for adults; food = ok and limited; activities = above average; staff = excellent read more

My 13 year old daughter just came back from White Pines and had a fantastic experience . She has a gluten allergy and they even made her a special desert banana surprise without wheat . This camp is 2 hours away from chicago and is a real ranch so it looks very western . The bunk houses are air conditioned and the bathroom is attached to the girl's dorm so this hot hot summer she was nice and cool . My daughter rode 5 days straight twice a day on trail . She really thought her counselors were kind and really made an effort to make the daily activities fun and included everyone .No electronics are allowed but there is a nice sized swimming pool on the girls side . The kids were low key and she said their was some girl drama but the counselors discouraged any meanness or bickering . My fussy daughter said the food was tasty and varied with salad and lots of fruit . You can buy sweet /snacks at their store . The camp makes you leave an allowance for your child and encourages you to buy a dvd of there time there .I found the ranch clean and organized with the pretty horses on display in the paddock . What is fun is they have theme weeks like super hero week : she got to wear her super girl cape and shirt and it relaxed her since it was her first time there . We plan on going back next summer and think it has good value . Anyone who has a horse crazy kid would love it , it has a relaxed mellow vibe and the sleep away camp is a good way to introduce independence . read more

I have two daughters who have attended WPR over the years. They love it! The minute I pick them up, they are planning for next summer. As a parent, the staff is great to work with. The facilities are just what you'd want summer camp to be. read more

My 2 kids went to this camp many yrs ago, about 10. My daughter was about 12 and my son about 8. They had been to other camps before this and many after. They loved all the other camps and went back to them year after year, but HATED this one! They said the other kids were horrible, very mean! My son who was very shy at the time was made fun of the whole time he was there by all the other boys and the counselors knew it and did nothing. They heard the kids calling him names like "fat ass" and did nothing. No one talked to him or befriended him the whole time there. Worst childhood experience. He was a only little chunky too, can you imagine what they would have done to a kid who was really overweight?! My daughter said the same about the girls, very snobby and mean! This camp was also a little more expensive at the time then some of the other camps they went to so maybe they should have used some of that money to get better help or better trained the ones they had. Hope it's changed. read more

My 2 kids went to this camp many yrs ago, about 10. My daughter was about 12 and my son about 8. They had been to other camps before this and many after. They loved all the other camps and went back to them year after year, but HATED this one! They said the other kids were horrible, very mean! My son who was very shy at the time was made fun of the whole time he was there by all the other boys and the counselors knew it and did nothing. They heard the kids calling him names like "fat ass" and did nothing. No one talked to him or befriended him the whole time there. Worst childhood experience. He was a only little chunky too, can you imagine what they would have done to a kid who was really overweight?! My daughter said the same about the girls, very snobby and mean! This camp was also a little more expensive at the time then some of the other camps they went to so maybe they should have used some of that money to get better help or better trained the ones they had. Hope it's changed. read more