Our History
Teton Valley Ranch Camp was founded in 1939 by Wendell (Weenie) Wilson in Kelly, Wyoming. Wilson’s own summer camp experience in Colorado inspired him to create an opportunity to share outdoor adventure with future generations. When traveling through Wyoming, Weenie decided that Jackson Hole was the spot for his camp, a perfect location to develop a camp full of activities centered around Western heritage and adventure. TVRC gives campers possibilities to hike through snow, catch trout in babbling rivers, practice target sports, and ride in a rodeo ring. These Western traditions serve as guideposts to lead campers towards stronger values, such as persistent dedication, an abiding sense of gratitude, and a deep love and respect for the natural world. The camp operated in Kelly for over six decades. During the fall of 2000, the founding family decided to hang up their hat and turn TVRC over to the next generation of Directors and families to carry on the mission. They worked with the newly formed TVRC Education Foundation Board to transfer over permits and help this group continue on the mission of TVRC.
This dedicated group of alumni and families formed The TVRC Education Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The TVRC Education Foundation began operation in 2002 in Dubois, Wyoming at the Double Bar J Ranch and quickly realized the camp’s spirit continued on regardless of the location. In 2004, TVRC obtained the 2,300-acre Crooked Creek Ranch near Dubois and continued our long-established summer programs. At the time of this property’s purchase, the land was completely undeveloped; however, the Board and the Leadership Team set out to build cabins, bathhouses, staff housing, the barn, and the rodeo arena and corral system. TVRC opened in its current location in the summer of 2005 and a new chapter in the story of Teton Valley Ranch Camp began.
Today we strongly believe in the camp’s founding philosophy that began over 85 years ago. Teton Valley Ranch Camp continues to provide a journey of discovery for every camper, allowing a space for traditions, growth, and a chance to be connected to yourself and the wilderness that we adventure in. Here at TVRC, we believe in the importance of disconnecting from technology and enabling campers to be fully immersed in the community way of living that happens here at Camp. Our time is spent around campfires telling stories, practicing and learning the skills necessary to be stewards of the wilderness as we explore and discover in the backcountry. TVRC helps each and every camper strive towards their best selves and be ready to return to their world with perseverance and determination, though the trail may be steep and rocky on their way.
TVRC has existed for over 85 years on the premise that venturing out into wild places gives us the opportunity, not necessarily to find ourselves, but to create ourselves.
Come join us at TVRC, where the spirit of the American West holds treasure waiting to be discovered!