Small Church Retreat
- A weekend retreat for families and individuals from small churches in Mission PresbyteryLearn More and Register HereThis retreat is a collaboration between the Austin College ACtivators, the Mission Presbytery Connect Committee, and John Knox Ranch.
Where: John Knox Ranch. 1661 John Knox Rd. Fischer, TX 78623
When: February 27 - March 1, 2026
Why: Many small churches would love to have a church retreat, but do not have enough participants or resources to make that feasible. By combining with members from other small churches, you, too, can experience time away to reflect and reset in the beauty of God's creation at John Knox Ranch.
Who: For families and individuals from small churches (membership of 75 or less) who would love to have a church retreat, but would benefit from combining with members from other churches.
Cost: All-inclusive pricing ranges (lodging, meals, program) from $75 per person to $175 per person, depending on housing selection. Scholarships available!
Keynote: John Williams, Austin College Chaplain. “Being Presbyterian Right Here and Right Now”
About John Knox Ranch
At John Knox Ranch, we foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation. JKR is the camp and retreat ministry program of Mission Presbytery, part of the Presbyterian Church USA. We've preserved this special place for people to gather, to learn, have fun, and grow. Reconnect and recharge with us at John Knox Ranch! We are accredited by the American Camp Association
- Pre-Summer Tours of CampSchedule a tour of campCamp is on the way, and we would love to invite you and your family to see camp! Come on out to see where the magic happens! Whether this is your kiddo's first summer with us, or if you'd like a more in-depth view into what your camper does at camp, these tours are a resource to all of our camp family. All tours will be conducted by a member of our full-time staff. Click the link below to schedule.
Flood Monitoring and Safety Plan for Camp
The flooding tragedy in the Kerrville area last summer was devastating and very scary. Our hearts are with all of the camp community and families impacted. We know that kids need camp experiences. John Knox Ranch is committed to camper safety.
The implementation of the new camper safety law, passed following the tragedy in summer 2025, is currently being debated by Texas Department of State Health Services. As an American Camp Association accredited camp, John Knox Ranch is well-suited to meet these new requirements with a few adjustments to our site, training, and policies. Once the final guidelines are set by the Texas Dept of State Health Services, John Knox Ranch will finalize our plan. We will share our Emergency Action Plan on our website as well as with any preexisting camper registrations.
The implementation of the new camper safety law, passed following the tragedy in summer 2025, is currently being debated by Texas Department of State Health Services. As an American Camp Association accredited camp, John Knox Ranch is well-suited to meet these new requirements with a few adjustments to our site, training, and policies. Once the final guidelines are set by the Texas Dept of State Health Services, John Knox Ranch will finalize our plan. We will share our Emergency Action Plan on our website as well as with any preexisting camper registrations.
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Invest in Summer Camp
Donations allow us to give camp scholarships, conserve our 300 acres of Texas Hill Country Heaven, maintain and improve our facilities, and much more. Thank you!
College Winter Weekend
College Winter Weekend is a retreat for campus ministry groups. Participants will meet new friends, do fun camp activities, worship, and relax in the beauty of God's creation.
Dates: Feb 20-22, 2026
Who: This is an ecumenical gathering of Campus Ministry groups from Texas and beyond!
Cost: per person includes lodging, food, and programming. Cost varies depending on housing selected.
Dates: Feb 20-22, 2026
Who: This is an ecumenical gathering of Campus Ministry groups from Texas and beyond!
Cost: per person includes lodging, food, and programming. Cost varies depending on housing selected.
Conservation Easement at John Knox Ranch
Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) and John Knox Ranch (JKR) have partnered on a conservation easement on 255 acres of the 300-acre John Knox Ranch. The HCC-held easement will protect the property’s important water and wildlife resources, and John Knox Ranch will continue operating as a nonprofit summer camp and retreat center. This project not only secures the future of John Knox Ranch, it helps fulfill our mission "to foster experiences of Christian community in the beauty of God's creation."
JKR Secures Permanent Protection for Land and Creates Endowment for Program
Seven Ways You can Support John Knox Ranch this Summer!
Click below to learn 7 Ways You can Support Camp Ministry at John Knox Ranch this Summer.
Get To Know Us
- Summer CampRegister TodaySummer camp is the heart of our program. We offer resident camp for students entering grades 2 – 12 and day camp for kids ages 4 – 8. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, rappelling, rock climbing, arts and crafts, nature discovery, ropes challenge course, Bible study and spiritual formation, canoeing, sharing homemade family-style meals, overnight campouts, and more. JKR is a place where love, acceptance, grace, and FUN flow freely.
- Rent Our SpacesRent a single cabin, the whole ranch, or a campsite under the stars. We've preserved this special place for people to gather, to learn, have fun, and grow. Reconnect and recharge with us at John Knox Ranch!See The Ranch
- Host An EventJKR is the ideal place to host your next event or gathering. Contact us to learn more about the delicious meals and excellent programming we offer.Learn more
- Explore Our ProgramsOur programs are designed around spiritual development, servant leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Learn more about our programs for adults, kids, families, and schools.Learn more
Join Our Summer Staff
Work outside, make life-long friends, positivley impact kids lives, grow in your faith
- Summer StaffAre you searching for a way to make a difference in the lives of children and youth? Are you longing for a tangible way to grow in your faith and to share it with others? Do you love the outdoors and do you have a sense of adventure? Are you flexible, creative, patient, fun loving, kind, and responsible – to the best of your ability? Do you want to wear shorts and t-shirts to work every day this summer?Learn More & Apply
Visit our Online Store!
JKR Online Store John Knox Ranch has offered Summer Camp opportunities for children and youth ages 4–18 since 1962.
