Rent the Ranch

Outdoor Education (OE) at Zajac Ranch

Connect your students to the wonder of nature by booking a trip to the Zajac Ranch for Children. Located in Mission, BC, on 41 acres of pristine forested land on Stave Lake, Zajac Ranch offers fully accessible facilities that can accommodate children and adults of all abilities. Three sleeping lodges sleep up to 100 people and our many amenities (including our picnic area, sporting field and amphitheatre) are sure to make your trip a memorable one.

For more information regarding our amenities, please check out our Facilities & Activities page.

Activities That Inspire and Challenge

Our diverse range of activities ensures every student finds opportunities for engagement and discovery:

  • Adventure Challenges: High-ropes courses, climbing walls, archery ranges and hiking trails build teamwork and resilience.
  • Land-Based Learning: Conservation projects and  plant identification cultivate ecological awareness.
  • Creative Exploration: Campfire storytelling, nature art, and reflective journaling inspire imagination and introspection.
  • Mindfulness and Regulation: Guided yoga, sensory walks, and journaling exercises promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Discover the Zajac Ranch OE Experience

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Zajac Ranch offers unparalleled outdoor education opportunities for students of all abilities. 

Our programs combine the power of nature with evidence-based learning frameworks to create transformative experiences that connect students to themselves, their peers, and the natural world.

Whether exploring the lush forests, engaging in team-building activities, or learning a new mindful practice, every moment at Zajac Ranch is designed to inspire growth, connection, and lifelong memories.

Programs Tailored for Your School

Spring and Fall Programs

From April to early June and September to October, Zajac Ranch hosts school groups for immersive outdoor education programs. 

Designed to align with the BC curriculum, our programs integrate experiential learning with holistic health and social-emotional growth, offering:

  • Day Programs for groups seeking short yet impactful nature-based experiences.
  • Overnight Camps ranging from one to four nights, providing deeper engagement and lasting connections.

Educational Focus

Each program fosters teamwork, leadership, and self-regulation while encouraging students to embrace active challenges in a safe, supportive environment. Our flexible, modular programming ensures alignment with your school’s specific goals and priorities.

Why Outdoor Education at Zajac Ranch?

Skill Development

Through hands-on activities, students cultivate critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, and resilience. Our programs also emphasize emotional regulation and self-awareness, equipping participants to navigate academic and life challenges with confidence.

Personal Growth

We create an environment where students feel empowered to step out of their comfort zones. Challenges like navigating a high-ropes course or building effective campsites encourage persistence and adaptability, fostering a growth mindset.

Connection to Nature

Zajac Ranch leverages the restorative power of nature to enhance learning and well-being. From mindful nature walks to ecological stewardship projects, our programs deepen students’ connection to the environment and their role in preserving it.

Activities That Inspire and Challenge

Our diverse range of activities ensures every student finds opportunities for engagement and discovery:

  • Adventure Challenges: High-ropes courses, climbing walls, archery ranges and hiking trails build teamwork and resilience.
  • Land-Based Learning: Conservation projects, Indigenous knowledge workshops, and plant identification cultivate ecological awareness.
  • Creative Exploration: Campfire storytelling, nature art, and reflective journaling inspire imagination and introspection.
  • Mindfulness and Regulation: Guided yoga, sensory walks, and journaling exercises promote mental clarity and emotional well-being.

Outdoor Education Programs: 

At Zajac Ranch, we believe every student deserves the chance to explore, grow, and connect. Let us partner with you to create unforgettable educational experiences that empower your students to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.

Land Learning and Stewardship

  1. Orienteering
  2. Plant and Animal Identification
  3. “Make Camp” Survival Skills activity
  4. Place-Based Project (PBP) / Indigenous Knowledge Workshops

Challenge-by-Choice Outdoor Activities

  1. “Climb Higher”*
  2. Low-Ropes Teamwork Challenge
  3. Lakeshore and Forest Hike
  4. Canoe and Kayak on Stave Lake*
  5. Photo Scavenger Hunt

Active Self-Regulation

  1. “Mindful Mornings” including ‘Mindful Nature Walks’
  2. Yoga and Animal Flow
  3. Animal-Assisted Learning
  4. Archery
  5. Art Therapy

Social Recreation and Community Building

  1. Campfires and Stargazing
  2. “Bundle Ups”
  3. Stage Performances
  4. Skynet*
  5. Pool Party
  6. All-Camp Programs: group Leaders can choose from a wide range of All-Camp activities, including:
    • Zajac Court
    • Talent Show
    • Capture the Flag
    • Running Charades
    • Photo Scavenger Hunt
    • Zayo waterslide/games


Availability

Zajac Ranch welcomes groups for bookings between the months of September – early June. We do host our summer medical camps between June – August and have no availability Monday through Friday. Should you be interested in a weekend booking, please contact us and we can discuss further.

For our complete availability contact rentals@zajacranch.com or 604-739-0444

The best part about renting the Zajac Ranch is that proceeds go to funding the Zajac Camper Allowance. By taking advantage of our facilities and activities, you help children with life-threatening and/or debilitating conditions experience the magic of summer camp.

“I would without hesitation recommend Zajac Ranch to other families and have already done so. Our child feels a sense of freedom to be who she is without judgement. She loves connecting with other campers and learning more about others’ struggles and challenges. She feels accepted and valued when she is at Zajac Ranch. We are ever so grateful to have found this amazing place.”

“We recently hosted a camp at Zajac Ranch and were so impressed with the improvements at the facility since last year. The counsellors and staff were communicative, engaged, organized and fun. In addition, the food was superb. Chef Chris happily accommodated our requests and our campers were well fed so they had plenty of energy to do all of the fun activities they were able to do throughout the week.”

“I have nothing but praise to offer about our experience at Zajac Ranch. The staff, the food, the accommodations, the activities were all top notch. I would think it would be the perfect place for future school camps.”

We had the most incredible time at Zajac Ranch and enjoyed every single minute of it. The staff as usual were terrific and accommodating, so nice to see some familiar faces from last year!

First of all, thanks SO MUCH for accommodating all of us and our friends! Both kids and adults had a blast and it was definitely a highlight of our summer…the kids keep asking us when they can go again!! The counselors especially were awesome for making accommodations and being flexible with our special kids, Alex, Adbul, Joe, Devon, Emily, Justina, etc….all amazing!

It was a thrill for me to be able to take both autistic children to camp and my son managed to stay for 2 nights there. They both enjoyed the horseback riding so much! Alex and Justina were extremely patient and kind, took their time with us during canoeing.

I just returned from another excellent camp at Zajac Ranch with my children. We really cannot tell you how much we appreciate all the hard work that goes into making a program of this quality and magnitude run! Thank you sincerely!

I want people to experience what they can do at this amazing camp. The can build things, create things. Start living their dream, go out and see the world. And that’s why I want people to join me on this amazing adventure.