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!

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.

David Graf, Assistant Director, is a recent graduate of The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and is currently teaching and coaching in the Woodland Park School District and looking into graduate schools for next fall. He has been Head Hiking Counselor for three years and has taken several groups on day trips up Pikes Peak.

Tim Graf, Head Counselor & Head Wrangler, is a student in the Department of Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis on Outdoor Education at Northern Arizona University. He has worked with the horseback program for three years and will attend a Certified Horsemanship Clinic in May.

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!