5 /5 Charles Hemingway: I first visited Old Oak Ranch when I was 12 way back in the 80s. It was a first for me and was something I will never forget. I went back in 2014 and it was just as special and all those old memories flooded over me. The entire grounds have been improved and they have expanded their scope of camps and conference abilities. The big deal when I was there in the 80s was the earth ball, a sand volleyball court and the Snack Shack. Now they have a Paint Ball Course which was a huge surprise, archery, shooting range and a ropes course. And they put in a real Gold mining area for their educational Gold Camp [for elementary school kids]. If dodging paint wasnt enough there is now a Ropes Course and a Zip Line - can you spell " a d r e n a l i n e" ? Since 2014 I have been back a few more times and saw kids in that Gold Camp which was really cool. Food: How was the food? The food was great! More than simply waffles, bagels and cereal for breakfast, they served real food that was real good! Eggs and meat for breakfast. Real MEAT! Easily identifiable! Real salads and real deserts. (Any weight you might lose walking you will reclaim at desert time). Coffee - For all you Java Junkies the coffee is good and hot - so is the Hot Cocoa. And BONUS! they have open pit fires in the evening to sip them by. I have been at Old Oak Ranch numerous times. If you need to take a retreat with a small group or need room for larger camps this is the place. I have been in both the 700+ person camp and I have been part of the more intimate smaller groups. Each time we were handled with care and were made sure we were taken care of, which has made each time a memorable experience.
