Manzano Day School takes Joy in Learning® to the great outdoors at Fenton Ranch, our unique residential environmental education facility in the Jemez Mountains. At Fenton Ranch, students gain an awareness of and appreciation for the natural world as they learn ecological concepts, develop personal reliance skills and practice outdoor abilities.

The Horn family donated Fenton Ranch, homesteaded by the Fenton family in the 1890’s, to Manzano Day School in 1974. The beautiful facility covers approximately seven acres of scenic mountain land rich in animal and plant life. The facility includes a main lodge with a kitchen and sleeping quarters, a greenhouse and several barns.

The mission of the Fenton Ranch Program is to provide all Manzano Day School students with yearly environmental education experiences. This unique opportunity not only offers a chance to take part in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, it also provides students with the chance to build a sense of place within a beautiful natural area. The Director of Fenton Ranch coordinates a curriculum-based program for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students that varies by grade level. Each class goes to Fenton Ranch once a year in either the fall or spring to participate in field programs. During the winter months, the Fenton Director integrates the Fenton curriculum into the classroom experience of students.

Fenton Ranch Summer Camp

Fenton Ranch Summer Camp offers many activities that encourage growth. Camp includes activities such as exploring nature, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing and arts and crafts. These experiences help to foster respect and an appreciation for the natural world. We emphasize positive social interactions by encouraging teamwork, safety and responsibility when playing games, doing archery and participating in songs and skits at our fun campfires. Summer camp helps your child to grow as an individual by encouraging independence, self-confidence, and creative thinking. Journal activities and crafts are an integral part of the camp experience.

Fenton Ranch is located in the Jemez Mountains a few miles past Fenton Lake State Park. Parents must provide all transportation to and from the camp. It is an overnight residential camp. Drop off will be around 10:30 am on the day the camp starts and pick up will be around 12:30 pm on the day the camp ends.

This year Fenton Ranch will offer four summer camp sessions. More information can be found on our Fenton Summer Camp page. Fenton Ranch Summer Camp is open to current kindergarten through fifth grade students. There is also an alumni camp open to current sixth through eighth grade students who attended Manzano Day School.