Q: Do you have wifi?
A: Yes. The Carriage House has high-speed wifi, which can be utilized at any time. Fred has Starlink at the Recreation Barn–access can be granted from him upon permission. “Sundance” wifi is best accessed in the Barn, but does not do well with a bunch of people using it at once.
Q: Do cell phones work at STR?
A: Cell phones work, but cell service doesn’t (a whole lot). There is service at any high point on the property (aka. Stony Point, the rocks where Larry and Curly hang out, on top of the hay bales). We recommend turning on wifi calling for incoming/outgoing calls.
Q: It is quite difficult to find western clothes and boots and they’re very expensive. If you don’t mind, I will arrive without these items and will buy my wardrobe as soon as possible.
A: Do NOT spend an enormous amount of money on western clothing at the most expensive stores (unless you really want to)! Wait until you get here! The prices here are much more reasonable. You can find very good deals at Arc (thrift store), Goodwill, and Facebook Marketplace.
You can find straw (summer) cowboy hats reasonably cheap at Tractor Supply, Murdoch’s, the Ranchers Co-op, or JAX. You can also find reasonably cheap straw hats on Amazon. Unless you plan on getting married or buried, an expensive felt hat is just too hot. Likewise, chaps are really really too hot in the summer. We wear “chinks” which are knee length and have a fringe. But these are NOT required! Can use code DBDR35 for 35% off discount on full-priced items through Durango.
Q: What should I pack? What should I NOT pack?
A: Refer to our packing list: STGR Packing List
Q: Can I bring my pet to the ranch with me?
A: We are pet friendly! However, without prior approval upon hiring, no pets are allowed on the property during the summer season. While we love animals, we have to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, and pets can interfere with the natural harmony here.
Q: Are there any rules regarding alcohol?
A: Alcohol consumption is allowed during off-hours and reasonable consumption when interacting with guests (e.g. at the campfire). Please remember that you are representing Sundance, and we expect responsible behavior. We also encourage you to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated, as the altitude can be taxing on the body!
Q: Will I have time off during the season?
A: Yes, there will be scheduled days off, but keep in mind that the summer season is busy! We aim to give you at least 2 full days off a week. Days off can be used for personal time, exploring the area, or just relaxing. Make sure to plan your time off in advance with your supervisor.
Q: What should I do if I’m feeling overwhelmed or homesick?
A: It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed during the busy summer season. If you’re feeling homesick, need to talk, or feel like you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor, a fellow staff member, or our team for support. Sundance is a community, and we look out for each other.
Q: What advice do you have for me? I want to be successful.
A: Where do we start.. Of course we have advice!
- ALWAYS tell the truth.
- NEVER say “that’s not my job.”
- Management here can work with just about every issue, but we cannot work with lies or laziness.
- ALWAYS obey Management Staff..
- NEVER argue in front of guests.
- When on horseback or at the rifle range, ALWAYS be quick to obey the lead wrangler or the range master without discussion. If you have questions, you can ask later and he/she will explain. Obey immediately, learn explanations later.
- Balancing “Guest Delight” and safety is a continuing, never ending challenge. This may be your first set of adult responsibilities with serious consequences. Err on the side of safety.
- If your idea of this job is “I’ll ride horses with guests during the day and drink beer with them at night.” Then stay home – you will be voted off the ranch by your peers in a week or two. This is not a vacation, it is a job.
Q: Wrangler: I said that I would have my CPR and First Aid cards before summer, but things came up, and… well… I sort of got distracted… and I didn’t actually finish the class… and don’t actually have the cards. Is that OK?
A: Sure it’s ok! But wranglers can’t wrangle here until Dan has photocopies of your cards available to the Ranger who issues our forest permit. Non-wrangling staff do not need these certifications. The Forest Service DOES accept online certificates from Red Cross and American Heart Association.
Q: What is the Evening Campfire Entertainment?
A: Monday evening, Lars and Amy Larson will be singing and leading singing. Talent is not required, but enthusiastic participation is required. There will be opportunities for the men to sing, for the women to sing, for anyone who can actually sing to sing, and a few spots not requiring much more talent than ringing a cowbell and bellowing “Cow Patty.”
Friday night campfire will again include storytelling or extended joke-story telling. Everyone must bring a poem and at least one joke!
All staff will be expected to have at least three clean jokes to share with their guests at Friday night campfire. Be prepared!
Q: What about Trail Stories?
A: The tradition of telling stories on the trail (Lady Moon, Teddy Roosevelt’s CCC, The Halidays, The Ute’s Blue Dotted Trees, etc.) was forgotten last summer. This will be revived again this summer. The scripts can be found at Dude Ranch Staff Orientation Articles
Q: What is this about Cowboy Poetry?
A: One of the traditions here at STR is the writing and sharing of Cowboy Poetry.
Now is a good time for you to write (or steal) your first “cow-person” poem. You will probably change this poem as the summer progresses, adding verses as your experience builds. But you MUST start with something, and you MUST write it now. Your poem does not need to be long, (but should be longer than a limerick). Do NOT brush this activity off! This is a major expectation!
You do NOT need to memorize your poem – just have it to read!
Q: Well, thank goodness I am not a wrangler! We kitchen and housekeeping folks don’t have to do any of this stuff… Do we?
A: Good question! Yes, yes you do! You will be expected to tell jokes (clean jokes) – on the trail, at table, and especially at evening campfires. Prepare yourself now! There are literally thousands available all over the internet.
Q: What are the rifle and gun activities all about?
A: The rifle range is typically used in the late morning and late afternoon, after rides and occasionally after supper. We do not have scheduled times for shooting.
We generally take folks out with a couple of .22’s, a chipmunk and an adult size, and we plink cans, playing cards, quarters or paper targets.
Occasionally, we will also take out “Big Bertha” – a .50 black powder rifle – just because she makes a VERY BIG BOOOM.
On very rare occasions, Dan will bring out .357 magnum or 9mm revolvers or .308 rifle to play with selected adult friend-guests.
There is a very structured set of rules and practices which Dan will preach to you when you arrive, with demonstration, return demonstration, and final “check out.” The process is a bit obsessive-compulsive, but with a bunch of kids running around, safety is a big big issue – the chipmunk is a very dangerous little gun! All wranglers, and hopefully housekeepers, will be able to work the rifle range.
With explicit prior approval, you are allowed to bring personally owned weapons. We require that all weapons and all ammo be locked in the gun closet, or under DOUBLE LOCKS in your rooms. (Example of double locks: locked gun case AND trigger lock.)
One last note: No! You may not have cows on my property! No. That’s final. No!