The Teton Valley Ranch Legacy
Our History
Our history is what defines us and this place. It is in our traditions and our past that makes it special. Even when your time at TVRC is done, the Ranch still echoes with the sounds of laughter, the bell calling you to the dining hall and the low roll of horses running. The Teton Serenade can be heard on the aspen leaves as they clap in the breeze. As you walk through Camp, you can also hear the voices of the past urging you to have the strength to lead but the faith to follow. Whether part of Teton Valley Ranch Camp five years ago, or 50 years ago, we can all say “It is our Ranch!”
Teton Valley Ranch Camp was founded by Wendell (‘Weenie’) Wilson in 1939. Weenie was the Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois and had the freedom to spend his summers working for Rocky Mountain Boys Camp in Estes Park, Colorado. Once, when traveling to Yellowstone National Park via Jackson Hole with a group of campers, he saw this beautiful area and decided it was where he wanted to start a camp of his own. In 1938, Weenie returned to Jackson Hole to find the right location for his camp in the small town of Kelly. What initially began as an all boys’ summer camp quickly extended to girls as well. Teton Valley Ranch Camp has been dedicated to providing western outdoor adventures for boys and girls through generations, and because of their time at the Ranch, many alumni still call Teton Valley their home.
I Know A Place Archival Project
As we continue with the “I Know a Place Archival Project”, we encourage you to share alumni stories and photo with camp. The project includes collecting, safely archiving, and showcasing our important documents, photos, and more from our past so we can better tell the stories of our history. If you don’t already, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel. You can share your alumni stories and photos with camp by emailing Haley at: hpreston@tvrcamp.org, calling the office at 307-733-6122, or by mailing them to the Jackson Office at: 290 E Broadway Ave, PO Box 4915, Jackson, WY 83001