Coach and Dorothy Allen had a dream to create a "child's world" where kids could try new things in a safe, non-competitive environment with emphasis on instilling a love of nature. This is a place where the art of getting along with others is taught by experience - where democracy is taught in action. New friends, new experiences, new skills bring a sense of achievement to your growing child. At Blue Mountain, each camper creates his or her own schedule of activities from the many activities offered. We are small enough to be able to accommodate camper requests and to give each one plenty of individual attention.

Coach Allen spent his entire adult life working with children and bringing out the best in them. Now his daughter and son-in-law, Suzie and Bob Graf, along with their grown sons, David and Tim, continue in that tradition. Suzie, Bob and David are all educators and coaches and Bob is a two-time Olympic official. Tim has a degree in Park and Rec Management with an emphasis on Outdoor Education. Most counselors are college students and recent graduates who are carefully chosen for their maturity, leadership skills and youthful energy. They attend an orientation designed by our directors which emphasizes safety and wholesome values.

Coach Allen believed that a child can develop more rapidly in anything if well grounded in the fundamentals. Therefore, children have the opportunity to try new activities on an introductory basis and learn new skills.

The camp setting is 35 miles west of Colorado Springs in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. At an elevation of 8500 feet, the air is cool and clean, and children thrive in the healthy atmosphere. The campers learn to put away cell phones and computers and to hike, horseback ride. canoe and play in the natural environment.

Our purpose in camping is to create a children's world where they can grow and develop physically, mentally, morally, socially and spiritually in the great out of doors. Coach Allen always stressed that school children deserve a rest during summer vacation from the pressures of scholastic, athletic and social competition. We stress participation rather than competition. Blue Mountain Ranch is a fun camp where friendships of a lifetime are nurtured and where kids feel at home.