
Celebrating an Incredible Summer: TVRC 2025 Season Recap
As the summer of 2025 has come to a close, we at Teton Valley Ranch Camp are filled with gratitude and excitement for another unforgettable season. From backcountry adventures to everyday magic on the Ranch, our campers and staff created memories that will last a lifetime.
A Community That Keeps Coming Back
We were thrilled that 88% of eligible campers from the 2024 season returned for 2025, a testament to the strength of our community and the meaningful experiences TVRC provides. This summer, we were also excited to welcome new campers to our camp family from 23 states and 2 countries, and we look forward to seeing them return year after year to continue building their skills, friendships, and memories at the Ranch and on the trail.




Adventures in the Wilderness
Campers spent the summer exploring Wyoming’s backcountry in full force: 38 backpacking trips totaling 81 nights in tents, and 25 pack trips totaling 74 nights in the wilderness under the stars. Along the way, campers challenged themselves, built resilience, and formed friendships that will last far beyond the trails.
“It was hard at first but then it was super fun.” Yearling, first year camper
“I was most proud of waking up at 3 am and hiking 4 miles for the sunrise!” Rough Rider, second year camper
“One of my favorite things about camp was meeting new friends and working together on challenges like our backpacking trip. I learned I could do more than I thought!” Wrangler, third year camper
“One of my favorite things about summer at TVRC was the variety of new activities that I wouldn’t do at home. I did my first horseback and backpack trips with new friends, and it made the summer so enjoyable. I can’t wait to go back next year!” Yearling, first year camper




Life on the Ranch
Life on the Ranch was just as vibrant as life on the trail. Each day, campers chose their own adventures: heading to the Barn for arena work or trail rides, exploring Nature Discovery, practicing Archery or Riflery, getting creative in the Craft Shop, enjoying Games on the Green, trying roping, or setting out on day hikes and special trips off the Ranch. Our Fly Fishing program thrived, giving campers the opportunity to explore new waters beyond the Ranch and refining their skills in the Wyoming wilderness. Weekly Rodeo’s provided lighthearted competition and fun as campers cheered on their friends showcasing their riding skills. On the night of Rodeos, Crooked Creek Collective performances offered campers and staff opportunities to share their musical talents. On non-rodeo days, cabin-hosted campfires at the end of the day remained a cherished tradition, filled with skits, songs, and laughter. These nightly campfires offered space for fun, collaboration, and community, fostering confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging across the camp.
“Campfire nights were the best! Everyone in my cabin got to plan skits and songs, and we had fun.” Rough Rider, first year camper
Cabin life offered daily lessons in living with peers, navigating differences, and working through conflicts, giving campers practical skills in empathy, patience, and communication — lessons they can carry home to their families, schools, and communities.
“To me, TVRC is an escape from the city life that I live at home.” Top Hand, 2nd year camper
“After I got off the van on arrival day, all my friends came with smiles on their faces to greet me. It made me feel like I was home.” Top Hand, 3rd year camper
“It was the best month of my life.” Rough Rider, first year camper
The 2025 summer reminded us all that TVRC isn’t just a place to learn new skills — it’s a place where campers grow together, celebrate each other, and leave with experiences that shape them for years to come. This summer was filled with friendships, personal growth, and countless moments of joy. By the end of the summer, campers returned home not only with new skills, confidence, and strong friendships, but also with lifelong lessons in collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving — the kind of growth that extends far beyond the Ranch.




Growing Leaders: The CIT Program
This summer we also launched our Counselors in Training (CIT) program, where seven of our 2024 Trailblazers returned to explore what it means to be a TVRC staff member. Through hands-on lessons and mentorship, they discovered what it takes to create the magic of camp for others and experienced firsthand how rewarding it is to help campers build their own memories. Each CIT reflected on their experience with a newfound appreciation for all the staff had done to make their years as campers so special. Each CIT left with a strong desire to continue their time at TVRC by serving on staff when they are eligible. We will be excited to welcome them back.




The People Who Make It Happen
The 2025 summer wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team of 117 seasonal staff (123 including full-time staff), bringing energy, skills, and mentorship to every corner of camp. Staff came from a range of universities, including Clemson, University of Colorado–Boulder, UNC Chapel Hill, Appalachian State, Barnard College, Hope College, and more. Our team blended experience and fresh energy with 42.3% returning staff, 57.7% new staff, and nearly 31% former campers, each contributing to the mentorship, guidance, and camp spirit that makes TVRC so special.
“I had an awesome summer. It was challenging at times, but definitely worth it!” First Year Program Staff
“I had an absolutely fantastic and transformative summer.” First Year Program Staff
“Living and working in such a beautiful place gave me the chance to slow down and truly immerse myself in the rhythm of Wyoming life. The mountains, the horses, the open skies made every day feel like a gift. I found myself learning just as much about who I am as a person as I did about who I am as a nurse. Caring for campers and staff in a remote environment CHALLENGED me in so many ways! It was an experience filled with adaptability, growth, and gratitude. I’ll carry the experience with me always.” First Year Nurse
“I loved every second at camp. It was wonderful to enjoy my work, the community, and the location. That’s a rare thing.” First Year Kitchen Staff




Parent Perspectives
Our end-of-season survey also captured the voices of parents, reflecting the profound impact TVRC has on children and families:
“This has been a wonderful experience for both of our boys year after year. They come back home more confident and mature every year… TVRC staff also does such a remarkable job at making you feel connected to the campers throughout their journey. Thank you!”
“Teton Valley Ranch Camp is a special place where kids can develop independence, leadership, and learn new skills… The leadership of Cora and Jim has been amazing, and the camp has become a true ‘Home away from Home’ for all campers and staff that continue to return year after year! My son has been coming for four years and my older sons have all come to experience the climbing of Tetons and returning to this special camp! A true family tradition!”
“TVRC was a life-changing experience for our daughter! She came home more confident and empowered. TVRC is really a special place, and I only wish we had sent her to this camp sooner.”
Looking Ahead
In closing, we celebrate the adventures, friendships, laughter, and growth that define Teton Valley Ranch Camp. We are so grateful to our campers, families, and staff for making this summer extraordinary, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new campers for another unforgettable summer in 2026!
