History

The Allen Family of Blue Mountain Ranch is doing now what they’ve done for the last 60 years – making preparations for another fun-filled summer at their exceptional camp located just west of Pikes Peak. An anomaly in today’s world, Blue Mountain Ranch remains a small, private coeducational summer camp attracting some of the finest families in America and throughout the world. Though some aspects of camp life remain much as they were years ago, exciting innovations have brought the program into the future.

Coach and Mrs. Bill Allen established Blue Mountain Ranch in the summer of 1946. Coach Allen was a well – respected football coach from Wichita Falls High School and Paschal High School in Ft. Worth for many years. His legacy was not only that of an extremely successful athletic record but also of a father figure who cared genuinely for his players and helped them through the times of their lives. He and his wife, Dorothy, founded the camp on the premise that children should have a place in the summer to escape from the educational, athletic and social pressures of school and just be kids! Though they are no longer with us, their enthusiasm and love for Blue Mountain are still evident at Blue Mountain today.

Coach Bob Graf, retired District Athletic/Activities Director from the Woodland Park School District, is currently high jump and multi-events coach at the United States Air Force Academy. His ’98 track team at Wasson High School won the Colorado State 5-A Boys’ Championship. Bob is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and has his Masters in Special Education from Adams State College. Bob is well known for his leadership abilities and his caring attention to his athletes.

Suzie Allen Graf grew up at Blue Mountain Ranch and has been active as a Director since 1972. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, received her Teacher’s Certification from University of Northern Colorado and her Paralegal Certification from the Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia. Working with children at camp has been both her life's work and her great joy.

David Graf, Assistant Director, is a graduate of The University of the South in Sewanee, TN and The University of Phoenix graduate program. He and his wife Liz, a former counselor, married here in 2009 and are both active at camp. He has been head of hiking, climbing and rappelling for several years.

Tim Graf, Assistant Director, is a graduate of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ with a degree in Recreation Management. He is our Head Wrangler (CHA and Dude Ranch Association certified) and is also certified as a ropes course specialist. Tim lives at the camp and works in fire mitigation. He is pursuing photography as a future profession.

Janice King has been Administrative Assistant for four years. Her organization in the office and her kindness towards the campers is a real asset to our staff.

Cleo Sturdivan has been Head of Foodservice for nine years. Her duties include ordering and preparation of all meals for the camp, and she does a great job!