IN-CAMP ACTIVITIES
TVRC offers a wide variety of activities throughout the summer!
Nestled in the high mountain plains of northwest Wyoming, Teton Valley Ranch Camp has access to some of the most beautiful and pristine places around. Usually, it takes some work to get to these incredible places, but the work is always worth the reward! During their time at camp campers can sign up for various hikes that are offered through our in-camp program to explore the wilderness that surrounds us. Leaving early in the morning and returning for dinner, campers get a chance to hike through Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Shoshone National Forest. Whether to a beautiful lake to catch a fish, or summiting a mountain to view the valley from above, day hikes are always a popular activity!
Campers usually sign-up for day hikes at least one day prior to the hike. With the help of their cabin counselor, they pack their day pack the night before, so they are ready for an early breakfast and to hit the trail in the morning. They will take rain gear, water bottles, a sack lunch, and, of course, a camera along with them to record all that they see.
From beginner to seasoned angler, all skill levels are welcome. Northwestern Wyoming is home to some of the top trout streams and lakes in the country, with pristine waters and an enticing variety of species; cutthroat, rainbow, brown and several hybrids. We take full advantage of our location, with our lead and assistant Fly Fishing Guides. We take a comprehensive approach in teaching campers the time honored sport of fly fishing. First, campers will learn the art of fly casting, practicing on the ranch’s Lake Lebato or Fred Wright’s Pond with coaching from our fishing instructors. Once the overhead cast has been practiced, it is time to work on the actual fly presentation. In our very own fly-tying shed, clad with trophy trout posters, fishing rods, and pictures of Wyoming’s prized fishing streams, campers are taught how to tie their own flies. Using specialized equipment, campers learn to create artificial flies to imitate native insects and fish using hooks, feathers, beads, string and other materials. With proper guidance, both dry and wet flies are tied and ready to be tested on the rippling streams surrounding TVRC.
Through a wide variety of trips (half-day, full day, overnight and multi-day backpacks or pack trips) campers are able to combine their fly-tying and casting abilities in the quest for trout. Our fishing guides and trip leaders help direct the campers to the best fishing locations depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and ease of access. Of course, there are a few tried and true “secret spots” where the fish are always biting.
We practice catch and release and believe in educating campers on the big picture of fish and wildlife habitat preservation. We strive to teach campers this comprehensive approach to allow for their fishing adventures to extend far beyond their time at Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Whether catching their first trout, or the fish of a lifetime, it is easy to become hooked on fishing after a summer at TVRC. “Fish On!”
Affectionately referred to as “Disco,” our Nature Discovery program was started in order to maximize nature’s classroom that encompasses the ranch. The purpose of the program was, and remains, to open up a child’s sense of wonder to their natural surroundings.
With the abundance of technology that dominates our campers’ lives, children are interacting less and less with the environment. Consequently, for today’s child, TVRC’s Discovery Program has never been more important. Daily activities with the Disco leader will range from exploratory hikes on ranch property and educational experiments, to field trips to museums and landmarks in the region. Campers will learn about local plants and wildlife, the importance of recycling and renewable energy, and how to act as an environmental steward.
LAP·I·DAR·Y
Definition: of or relating to stone and gems and the work involved in engraving, cutting, or polishing.
The lapidary program at TVRC is one of the more unique activities, we are one of only a handful of summer camp programs in the nation that still offer lapidary.The craft of lapidary involves the cutting and polishing of stones using specialized equipment to create jewelry such as necklaces and bolo ties as well as belt buckles and guitar picks. Campers gain knowledge of both local stones, such as Teton Jade, as well as more geographically prevalent stones like petrified wood or agate. This program is one of a few in existence among summer camps and is extremely popular among all campers. With the guidance of our lapidary staff, campers can progress from larger, simpler shaped projects to more intricate pieces over the course of the summer. Rock on!
While camp may not have access to air conditioning, we do have access to crisp mountain lakes and rivers.
Swimming at TVRC is another great way for our campers to enjoy the amazing natural features of the area. At camp we have our own swimming pond, affectionately referred to as Lake Lebato. Complete with a dock for jumping, salamanders for catching, and a beach for relaxing. Lake Lebato provides endless fun and entertainment on hot and sunny days at the ranch. Most of the swimming our campers will do occurs in Lake Lebato, though a couple of backcountry trips will have access to bodies of water to cool off in.
Camp is also fortunate to have immediate access to a full mile of the Wind River at the entrance of our property. On special occasions, camp will host a cookout on the shores of this fabled river, where campers will float downstream in tubes, and race home-made boats from Craftshop in the currents. Not to mention, the river is terrific for fishing!
Many of our staff at camp are trained Lifeguards, and maintain close supervision over campers during all water activities, whether at camp or in the backcountry.
Each day, new and exciting activities are offered in Craftshop. From camp classics, such as the design and creation of your very own leather belt, to newer traditions like the TVRC Regatta, Craftshop will challenge your creative instincts.
Teton Valley Ranch Camp has its very own riflery range, where campers are able to shoot .22 caliber rifles in a safe and educational environment. Before participating, each camper must go through a safety orientation. During this activity, our instructors focus on teaching gun safety and etiquette, proper handling and gun maintenance, as well as different shooting positions and marksmanship techniques. Over the course of the summer, campers are able to work towards riflery qualifications, as their scorecards are recorded during each session. At the end of the summer, each child receives his or her Certified Marksmanship Association patches signifying their achievements from the summer.
The TVRC archery range allows new and returning archers a wonderful place to learn and practice. Following a mandatory safety session in the first few days of camp, children from every age group can participate in the archery program. Instructors match each camper with the appropriate size and strength bow and instruct on the safety procedures taken when at the range. Campers are coached on proper stance, drawing form, release and aiming techniques to advance their skills and qualifications in the archery program. At the end of the summer, the boys and girls receive patches and certificates indicating their progress over the course of the summer.
No two days at TVRC are the same! A few days out of the summer we have special events planned on the ranch. Every season we have our very own TVRC Olympics and a River Day. Or there are special activity days that a kitchen staff can teach campers how to make biscuits or a counselor might teach campers how to Irish Step Dance. The possibilities are endless here at TVRC, so come check them out for yourself!