Torino Ranch Grounds
Torino Ranch Grounds
The vision of the Brett Torino Foundation, in addition to sharing the magic of nature, is first and foremost to preserve it. “The earth inspires me,” says Brett. “I used to think tree huggers were extremists, but as I got older, I realized they were right on point. We can’t lose touch with nature. It’s what keeps us humble. Mother Nature is under siege, and someone has to be willing not only to sound the alarm, but actively be part of the solution.”
The Trees
Brett spent many years planning for the irrigation and planting of a profusion of trees, flowers, and other flora not only to complement the camp activities, but to develop an ecosystem. The trees are home to a plentitude of birds, butterflies, and bees, which pollinate the many fruit trees. Some key species you will find include:
- Redwoods
- Purple and white locust trees
- Poplars
- Blue Spruce
- Birch
- Cedars
- Lilac Trees
- Grape vines
- Organic Fruit Trees such as apple, apricot, peach, plum and Japanese Asian Pear
Flowers
All of the flowers on the Ranch are perennials so they are perpetually blooming. The colors and fragrances of hundreds of lilac bushes, roses, white peonies, honeysuckle, wisteria, ranuculus and countless other varieties delight the senses and provide food to the many pollinators who make the ranch their home.
The Greenhouse
Inside the custom-built Greenhouse, Foundation staff and caretakers cultivate and maintain beds of organic produce including lettuce, kale, peppers, tomatoes, beets, radishes, strawberries, blackberries, and herbs.
“Growing the food you eat is a spiritual undertaking that nourishes the soul,” says Brett. “Over time we’ve developed a system so nothing goes to waste.”
The Lakes and Waterfalls
The Lakes and Waterfalls
As a Buddhist, Brett is deeply aligned with the cleansing and healing properties of water and has developed Torino Ranch to provide the campers with the rare chance to immerse themselves in pristine Toiyabe National Forest water.
“The lakes are an important part of the healing and enchanting environment at Torino Ranch. We wanted to create a ‘day at the beach’ experience where the kids could swim and go canoeing. We built a sandy beach around the lake and an island where the frogs live. We regularly test the water for purity for the immunocompromised children. Camps staff multiple lifeguards to ensure the safety of the children.”
Humans are not the only ones to enjoy the lakes at the Ranch. “Sometimes at dusk the deer and elk come down from the mountains to drink”, recalls Brett. “It is especially magical to get in a little boat and sit quietly out on the lake and watch the wildlife enjoying the bounty of the Ranch.”
The Ampitheater
The Ampitheater
No camp is complete without a place to celebrate. Torino Ranch’s outdoor amphitheater is where the kids come together to sing, dance, act, and put on skits. Entertainers from town also come to perform for the children. The timeless design of the amphitheater includes a fabricated abstract metal sculpture that resembles tall blades of grass blowing in the wind. Giant tulip-shaped fabric canopies provide shade and add to the ambiance.
The Cabins
The design, building, and landscaping of the cabins with metal roofs in June 2001 was a collaborative effort between the Brett Torino Foundation and Sunshine Nevada, a nonprofit that helps critically ill, special needs, and at-risk children. Great friendships are formed at camp, and the kids love sleeping in the cabins that each have ten bunk beds.
Restrooms and comfort stations were also built for the counselors, campers, and guests. A full-service medical shed, complete with supplies and medical staff ensures the safety of the children who attend summer camps. Torino Ranch is equipped to handle everything from bug bites to dehydration or serious complications due to pre-existing illness.
The Lodge
The Lodge
The lodge is Mission Control where all administrative activities, including registration and coordination of staff takes place and compliance reports are generated. There is an industrial kitchen that consists of a walk-in cooler, sinks, stoves, utensils, and outdoor grills. At the kids’ camps, a dedicated army of volunteer chefs and assistants can serve up to 900 gourmet quality meals a day, including any special dietary requirements, to the kids, their siblings, counselors, staff, and volunteers.
The Swimming Pool
In the newly-renovated swimming pool, kids who are too sick or too small to swim in the lake get the chance to experience the freedom of lapping around in cool water. Licensed aquatics instructors can also provide a therapeutic scuba diving program for camp attendees.
In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership of over two decades with @nvccf. Together, we have diligently championed the cause of raising awareness about this illness and have been dedicated to advancing services provided to the children and their families. Over the years, our collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of educational services for children undergoing treatments and the establishment of a refuge through the summer camps at Torino Ranch, where cherished memories are created, offering a respite from the challenges faced by these young fighters. @kariofmanycolors @celenahaas1
Sharing a few more images from this year`s summer camps at Torino Ranch, these are some of the Founders personal photos. The Ranch was a haven of laughter and joy throughout the entire season, making it a truly beautiful and unforgettable experience. @nvccf @sunshinenevadaorg
School starts on Aug. 7 and the @bretttorinofoundation Education Services of @nvccf is there every step of the way. This program gives diagnosed children the opportunity to continue their education while in treatment, recovery, and post treatment with Brett Torino Foundation Learning Pod at @nvccf, Brett Torino Foundation “Heart of Education” Scholarship, School Re-Entry Team, Advocacy, Back to School in Style, C.A.P.S. PROGRAM, and more.
Please call Mrs. K at NVCCF at 702.735.8434 or email her at [email protected] for more information and education support. This program is available to critically ill children (K-12) diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, renal, blood, and immunologic diseases, their siblings, as well as to children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer and registered with The Caring Place Program.
🎉 Congratulations to @nvccf Jeff, Stephanie, and the entire team! What a remarkable honor, and we couldn`t be more proud to collaborate with you on Camp Cartwheel and the BTF educational services and programs throughout the year. Your dedication to the children and the Las Vegas Community is truly commendable. Thank you, NVCCF, for making a positive impact on so many lives! 🙌🏼 #givingback
A round of applause for another captivating camp experience with @sunshinenevadaorg! Immerse yourself in the world of camp I AM and TLC through this informative video, capturing the essence of camp life. While camp may be seen as a typical experience for some children, for those living with autism, it is an extraordinary and transformative journey. From engaging activities to forming meaningful connections with others and nature, both the campers and volunteers have created countless cherished memories. Stay connected with us throughout the year for captivating camp images on our social media, pages and website.
ICYMI: Proud to partner with @saveredrock and other local groups @centennial_subaru @republic_services and more for Lovell Canyon clean up with nearly 100 volunteers. We are committed to the continuous preservation and beauty of our nature lands.
Thanks for the love @sunshinenevadaorg! As we so often say "it takes a village!" Thank you for your dedication to children living with developmental disorders such as autism. 🥰🤗❤️
Thrilled to host @Sunshinenevadaorg summer camp at Torino Ranch helping those living with autism, we have waited more than 3 years to see all these smiling faces of the children. Can’t wait to host you all again next year! #givingback
It takes a village to support children with critical illnesses, to wrap services around them, and ensure that they and their families feel deeply supported. Summer camp fun not only brings joy but also instills strength and courage within them, empowering them to face medical challenges throughout the year. Together, we form a close-knit family, united in our dedication to their well-being. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @nvccf @8newsnow @8newsnowkirsten @kirsten.joyce
Last week, Brett Torino Foundation and @nvccf Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation held the 27th annual Camp Cartwheel Summer Camp at Torino Ranch for critically ill children diagnosed with cancer, or other life-threatening illnesses. Over the decades many thousands of children have experienced the ranch since 1999, the foundation is committed to those we serve.
It’s beginning to look a lot like 🎄at the ranch.
❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
#happyholidays #glitteringlights #night #winter #wonderland #holidaylights
Have you visited Lovell Canyon? 🏔
Our team has worked for years with a specialized task force to make this area safe and environmentally healthy. We’re incredibly proud of the clean up and preservation work we’ve achieved.
Come see this natural wonder!
