The Allen Family of Blue Mountain Ranch is doing now what they’ve done for the last 74 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. A just re-worked ropes course, technical climbing, a new gymnasium and special events each summer combine with horseback riding and hiking in the Pike National Forest, swimming and sports to make this one of the most comprehensive programs in camping. Coach Bill Allen and his wife Dorothy wanted to create a summer fun camp free of competitiveness – their daughter and son-in-law, as well as their grandsons, continue in this fine family tradition.
Located just 35 miles south and west of Florissant, Colorado, Blue Mountain Ranch is situated in an ideal setting for summer camping. Nestled in the foothills of Pikes Peak, surrounded by Pike National Forest, the camp is in a beautiful valley with a mountain stream that leads to a fishing and canoeing lake. Large open areas are used for sports fields, tennis courts, outdoor volleyball and other activities. Staff members are carefully chosen for their enthusiasm, ability to work with children and their leadership abilities. Those who work with horses, swimming, canoeing and ropes and rappelling either have special training when they arrive or are trained by our staff during orientation. Our many returning staff and campers assure the continuance of our camp spirit and traditions. 
A summer at Blue Mountain Ranch takes you back to an easier time; a time when kids could be kids doing what they do best – being active all day and then playing outdoors until dusk. On the first day of camp, each camper chooses 5 activities to participate in for the first week. There are five activity periods a day. At the end of that week, they may remain in that class or switch to something else. They can even make a change in the middle of the week if necessary. There are also fun evening and weekend activities, including a Fourth of July Parade. Everyone is in the parade! The campers are busy doing what THEY enjoy doing – and most kids really like that!
Quieter activities include arts and crafts, nature crafts, music class and drama during which the campers write and produce their own play for Parents’ Day. Rainy day activities include bingo or charades in the dining hall, dodge ball or floor hockey in the rec hall or basketball or karaoke in the gym. There is always something to do at camp!
Sessions are either 16 days or 25 days and some kids will stay for a combination of both. Come share with us the warmth and spirit of a summer at Blue Mountain Ranch where children of all ages participate in new and traditional activities and where they are led by a family and staff who have their best interest at heart. For further information contact Suzie Allen Graf, P. O. Box 146, Florissant, CO 80816. (719) 748-3279
Author: Mile High Mamas
