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What and where is Ensign Ranch? Ensign Ranch is a recreational property owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). It is located on the north side of I-90 about 7 miles West of Cle Elum, WA What should I bring? Take a look at our list of suggestions for camping. What are the accommodations like? Rustic. (It’s a campout, after all!) Camping and lodging facilities vary but all locations have access to potable water and toilet facilities. Showers and toilets are located at the lodge and are also available near Lockamora and Grotto campsites. Established campsites usually have picnic tables and a small fire place; although campfires will be prohibited if there is a fire ban in effect. Meadow and island campsites have no tables or fireplaces. Take a look at the Ensign Ranch website for maps and photos. Are meals provided? What should I bring to eat? Yes, some meals are provided. For other meals you are on your own. Please note that no lodge kitchen facilities are available for personal use. See our detailed schedule.
Can I register at the Ranch? Yes, but we prefer that you pre-register to enhance our advance preparations, and to help make sure that you get the right camp site. (The Ranch office cannot accept registration forms or payment at any time.) We encourage you to fill out the online registration form on this site and then mail your payment with a printed copy of the confirmation email. Make sure that your email address is listed on the printed page that you mail to us. What is covered by the registration fee? The fee covers the four day/three night campout; including ranch lodging, tent or RV camping, all campout activities including dances, several meals, and on-site activities such as the slippery slide, canoeing, outdoor activities, etc. Some off-site activities such as golfing or river rafting require additional fees. I am sharing a campsite with other Single Adults. How do we determine how much to pay for each person? The registration fee is per person, not per campsite location. Children are included on the registration with their accompanying adult. Are sites available for recreational vehicles? There are several spaces with hook-ups, and several additional parking locations that do not have hook-ups. Can we ride the horses at the Ensign Ranch? Horseback riding or hayrides are available through the ranch for no additional charge. However, due to limited availability, a lottery system will be used for those who sign up. A release form must be filled out. For children's horse rides, please email with the child's age and the time they would like to ride. Can we use the Slip-n-Slide at the Ensign Ranch? The Slip-n-Slide is available for all to use, but closed-toed water shoes must be worn. A release form must be filled out. Can we go fishing? Fishing is permitted in Crabtree Lake (surrounded by meadows) by permit available at the Ranch office for $2.00. Fishing in the Yakima River is subject to the State of Washington Game Department regulations. Can we bring pets? Sorry, no pets or animals of any kind are allowed. Where can I pitch a tent? There is ample space for tents, including some established campsites, and meadow locations. What are the campsites like? Established Yakima and Locamora campsites usually have a small fireplace and a picnic table. Yakima sites have room for tents. Lockamora sites have A-frames, and cabin tents on a wooden floored platform are at some of the sites. See the Ensign Ranch website for maps and photos. What can I expect with a meadow campsite? Meadow and Island sites have no tables or fireplaces. There are many nice places to pitch tents near the lake, and adjacent to or within trees. Impromptu “Tent Communities” are often established at the campout. What accommodations are available if I don’t bring a tent? Bunkhouses (10 person), lodge rooms (4 person), and summer cabins (8 to 12 persons) are shared lodgings with bunk beds. Participants with special needs have priority for Lodge rooms. In the Lockamora camping area, there are “rustic” A-frame cabins, and large cabin tents. There is more information at the Ensign Ranch site. What about water, toilet facilities and showers? Restrooms with hot and cold running water are located at the Lodge, and southwest of the Lockamora camping area. Portable “biffies” are situated in the vicinity of camping areas. Potable (cold) water is available at faucets near established camping areas. Can we swim or float in the Yakima River? There are no lifeguards, and Ranch-owned equipment (canoes, life jackets) can be used only in Crabtree Lake, but you may use your own gear (swim tubes, rafts, kayaks, canoes) if you wish to swim or float. How about swimming or floating in Crabtree Lake? Does it have leeches? The leech population is kept in check by the fish that are stocked in the lake. A swimming platform is positioned near the west end of the lake. Canoes for use in the lake only are available from the Ranch, or bring your own (canoe, inner tube, raft, etc.). How are the collected funds spent? The Campout is a bargain! Costs include: Ensign Ranch-camping, lodging and use of the lodge and facilities. Also equipment for activities, DJ services, food provisions, and other costs associated with preparation for this activity. What should I wear? Clothing should be selected for mostly outdoor activities, including some athletic events and water sports (bring a swimsuit). Daytime weather may be hot, and nights will be cool (cold!), so bring a jacket. Be prepared. Be comfortable. Absolutely NO tuxedos or formal gowns. J Is this event open only to members of the Church? No. Anyone who is single and age of 27 and up–and their single children–can attend. Familiar LDS Church Standards are expected, as always. Can I come if I am separated but not yet divorced? No. This event is only open to people who are not married. Any divorce must be final. Who sponsors this Campout event? It is sponsored by the Western Washington Multi-Stake Single Adult Groups of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Are there alternate accomodations? Yes, Cle Elum hotels. If you have further questions, please contact us. |
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