Goats, Gardens, Growing Up
When I think back to my childhood summers, one of the most meaningful experiences was Slide Ranch camp. I attended camp from 2013-2015 with my little brother Lucas and my friend Cole. We had just moved to Marin and we were looking for something fun to do and a place to meet other kids. Slide isn’t a typical day camp in a hot classroom; it’s a place where kids get their hands dirty and connect with the land in ways that stay with you long after summer ends.
Biggie, a Goat with a Big Personality. One of my favorite activities was taking care of the goats. There was one goat in particular, Biggie Mediums, who quickly became my favorite. That’s me and Biggie in the photo below. He had a big personality and always made me laugh. Each morning, we’d feed and brush the goats, learning how much care goes into raising animals. Taking care of them taught me responsibility and gave me a new appreciation for where our food actually comes from.
Getting Sticky with Rhubarb Pie. Another unforgettable moment was when our group made, or at least tried to make, rhubarb pie. From harvesting the stalks to mixing and baking, the whole process was a lesson in patience for a group of fidgety 10-year olds. I remember the sweet, tangy smell as the pie baked. It wasn’t just about eating the pie, it was about the feeling of creating something from the land with our own sticky hands. To this day, the smell of rhubarb pie reminds me of camp and the sense of accomplishment I felt that day.
Friendships that Last. Beyond the animals and activities, what truly makes Slide Ranch special are the people. Chloe, Cole, Kelly and I became fast friends that summer. We laughed while working in the garden, helped each other during chores, and swapped snacks from our lunchbags. The best part? I’m still friends with them today! I reached out to Chloe last week to tell her about writing this blog. She was very excited to hear that I was still thinking about us as little kids at camp. Those bonds are proof that the camp experience goes far beyond the summer. Slide plants seeds of friendship that keep growing into adulthood.
Learning from the Land. Slide Ranch is about connecting with the environment. We learned about animals, gardening, composting, and how the whole Ranch ecosystem fit together. It taught me about the deep connection between people and the land. When I was a junior at Redwood High School, I did my AP Environmental Science project at Slide Ranch on tidepools. I spent a few days observing the ecosystems along the rocky shoreline, documenting species like sea stars, anemones, and hermit crabs. The project taught me how interconnected marine life is, and deepened my appreciation for how Slide Ranch helps people connect science and nature firsthand.
Camper to Counselor. The outdoor instructors at Slide inspired me to become a CIT and then a counselor at Angel Island camp. The instructors at Slide seemed like really cool “big kids” and we all looked up to them. They taught us compassion and respect for the land and each other. Even now, when I run into my former campers around Tiburon, they still call me by my camp nickname, “Clucks”. Every time I hear it, I’m instantly transported back to the simple joy of summer camp.
So if you’re a parent wondering whether Slide Ranch is worth it: Yes! Your kid will come home dirty, tired, and full of goat anecdotes — but also more grounded, more connected, and maybe even still talking about it a decade later.
P.S. Get early access to 2026 summer camp registration, beginning December 1, with an Annual Membership of $350 or more today.
