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2025 Registration is Open for CMR’s 78th Summer of Fun!
Registration is open for the 2024 Summer Day Camp Season!
The Best People
We hire the best people from all over the country!
Our team may be brought together from all corners of the country, but we all have the same mission every summer; create a safe, magical summer for children and teens. From our wranglers to our counselors, every member of our staff has put in the effort to demonstrate their passion to inspire and lead. We truly believe we hire the best people and they are the reason we are voted "Best Summer Camp in Boulder" year after year.
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We asked them 5 questions:
1. What are you up to in your life right now?
2. What is your favorite part of Nature?
3. Who did you look up to when you were a kid?
4. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
5. What is the nerdiest thing you do?

Returning Staff Members
Ben Ryan
(he/him)
1. I am currently in college at CU Boulder.
2. My favorite part of Nature is its diversity.
3. When I was young I looked up to Barack Obama
4. Just be happy!
5. I do a Gollum impression!
Evan Smith
(he/him)
1. A little bit of this and a whole lot of that.
2. The mountains.
3. I looked up to my teachers, until about 6th grade when I became taller than them.
4. “Don't be an idiot. Before I do anything I ask myself, 'Would an idiot do that? ' And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing.”
5. I like learning about Greek mythology.
Seth Lampton
(he/him)
1. Currently, I have been working and attending school at a JuCo in Johnson County, KS. I am planning on transferring to a 4-year where I will study sport management.
2. My favorite part of nature is how it can help us connect with ourselves and others.
3. As a kid, I looked up to Luke Skywalker
4. Never mine straight down.
5. I may drop human evolutionary lore at random.
Collette Perez
(she/her)
1. Right now I am bartending and trying to save for a trip to Paris after summer.
2. My favorite part of nature is the sky, I love how it's always changing yet always the same, how dramatic and calm it can be on the same day yet always beautiful.
3. Most people and I still do, I'm pretty short.
4. Only boring people get bored.
5. Bringing books into the woods to identify rocks and plants.
Asa Unruh
(he/him)
1. Running a coffee shop in Winter Park and skiing as much as I can!
2. I love the sounds of the birds and the trees and the smell of mud and fresh rain.
3. I always looked up to my two older sisters as a child.
4. The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to stick to whatever you’re passionate about. The best things never come easy.
5. The nerdiest thing I do is probably playing D&D and Minecraft in my free time.
Emma Brockinton
(she/her)
1. I am a Senior at the College of Charleston majoring in history and minoring in theater and crime, law, and society.
2. I would say that my favorite part of Nature is its serenity. Escaping from life's stresses and exploring something as beautiful as nature is the best medicine.
3. When I was a kid, I looked up to my parents and grandparents.
4. The best advice I have gotten is to slow down and take it all in, I will conquer my goals but enjoy the journey life gives me.
5. I love Marvel and Harry Potter
Emily Lodge
(she/her)
1. I'm just finished a stint in teaching and am excited to get back to the mountains and the ranch.
2. It's hard to explain what my favorite part of nature is. But at the end of the day, I enjoy how nature reminds you of the things that matter.
3. My dad. He's the best.
4. "Set yourself up for success."
5. I'll write new vocabulary words (and their part of speech and definition) on my fridge with an expo marker so I can see them while sitting on my couch.
Zoe Koch
(she/her)
1. I just finished my freshman year at the University of Kansas where I studied Information Systems. In my free time, I volunteer at an equine therapy and riding ranch, and work as a manager at Panera Bread.
2. I absolutely love Nature, especially trees, because they provide us with life simply by existing.
3. When I was a kid, and even now, I have always looked up to my teachers. They have been a great source of inspiration for me.
4. The best advice I have ever received was to avoid criticism: say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. 5. To be honest, one of the nerdiest things I do is religiously watch Bob Ross. There's just something about his painting techniques that I find fascinating.
Aidan Whitehall
(he/him)
1. I just finished up my sophmore year at Tallahassee Community College and cannot wait to be back at the ranch!
2. My favorite part of Nature is being able to watch the motion of the trees or ocean on a nice clear sunny day, and sometimes be lucky enough to see some wildlife. 3. I have always looked up to both of my grandfathers.
4. "Better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing than a long life spent in a miserable way." - Alan Watts
5. The nerdiest thing that I do is play video games with my friends.
Ava Shanrock
(she/her)
1. I just finished up my second year of community college in Monterey California. I am studying communications.
2. My favorite part of nature is definitely the trees. I love all of the green and the different heights of trees throughout a forest. Although I also love swimming in the ocean.
3. I definitely looked up to and still look up to my aunt. She has such a big heart and is super thoughtful. I hope to have those qualities be represented in me.
4. Growing up my dad always told me to learn as much as I can. That has always stuck with me and is something I try to do everyday.
5. I am super into economics and business. I have taken a lot of classes in those fields in high school and college.
Morgan Peak
(she/her)
1. I just finished up my junior year at Iowa State University and am working towards an Agriculture Education degree! I love all of the opportunities and culture that agriculture has to offer, and I just want to help children learn about the bountiful industry.
2. The vast, ever-changing sky. I love how you can look at the sky and never see the same picture twice, and how wide it can be.
3. I looked and still look up to my amazing mother. She is a very strong, independent, confident, and loving parent. She is one of the major reasons I am who I am today.
4. You can't solve problems with the thinking that made them.
5. I am OBSESSED with the "Mamma Mia!" movie. I will never get tired of watching it and I easily know every line!
Liv Wilburn
(she/her)
1. I’m currently working towards getting my PhD in Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder! I’m very passionate about sustainability and helping the environment, and hope to use my knowledge and skillset to help the planet. I also coach the CU Women’s Ice Hockey team on the side.
2. Nature can make you feel so small in such a calming way. Views of the mountains are something I’ll never get tired of and being immersed in nature always feels like home.
3. My grandparents were both very outdoorsy at a time where it was a bit more uncommon. My grandmother wrote a book on wildflowers, and my grandfather is cited in a book for being the first person to summit a certain mountain. Although I didn’t grow up with them around, stories about them made an impact on me from a very young age.
4. What if things go right?
5. When I was 7 I dressed up as Darth Vader for Halloween.
Kirk Furey
(he/him)
1. I work at Fairview High School in Boulder as a member of the security monitor team. I have been living in the Boulder area for the last 2 years and have been a returning staff member at CMR since 2019. I love to travel and am currently writing this while hanging out in a hostel lounge in Seattle!
2. I really enjoy the wildlife, including birds and insects. It’s really fascinating watching them go about their day and how unique they all are. Plus it’s always exciting to spot a moose!
3. My grandparents were always a great source of inspiration for me. My grandfather has always been a wise and supportive man, and my grandmother was an amazing cook and could throw a party like no one else. I’ve also looked up to my Dad who always been supportive of me and helped me whenever I needed it. He used to be in the Merchant Marines and growing up I loved hearing his stories of traveling on ships around the world.
4. A quote from Alan Watts that’s always on my mind: “You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.”
5. I like playing chess and have been studying chess books to improve my skill at the game.
New Staff Members
We asked them 5 questions:
1. What are you up to in your life right now?
2. What is your favorite part of Nature?
3. Who did you look up to when you were a kid?
4. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
5. What is the nerdiest thing you do?

Hannah Derounian
(she/her)
1. I am currently a student at University of Vermont studying English and Economics for my undergraduate degree. Outside of school, I spend lots of time outside, going to concerts, painting, and cooking!
2. I love that I can fully connect with others and feel fully present while exploring nature.
3. I looked up to my elementary school art teacher, Ms. Whitman. She wore the coolest outfits and was so creative and encouraging!
4. "You can do hard things."
5. I play dungeons and dragons with my little brothers, and I love playing scrabble.
Francesca Berk
(she/her)
1. Currently I’m studying ecology and evolutionary biology at University of Colorado - Boulder.
2. My favorite part of nature is how complete and grounded I feel! I love wading in creeks, swimming in the ocean, and sunbathing.
3. As a kid, I always looked up to my sister. She's a best friend and sister in one!
4. The most memorable advice I’ve gotten is from my friend Hanna:
“The world is your oyster. Look at the day with a kind heart and feel the love around you.”
5. I love American Folk music and researching the artists' stories.
Georgia Booth
(she/her)
1. I'm currently studying Graphic Design and Business at Ohio University.
2. I love how beautiful nature is without even trying. There are moments and views I’ve seen that will stick with me forever.
3. Both my parents. They’re both so strong and individualistic in their own ways, and have made me the person I am today.
4. Never forget how wildly capable you are. I read this on the back of a LUNA bar.
5. I nerd out on music. I used to know almost every lyric to every song Pierce the Veil had released.
AJ Jones
(she/her)
1. I’m currently taking care of my sweet puppy Mammoth and when she lets me free, I work on my art! 2. The wildlife for sure! I always have loved searching for weird bugs or watching the raccoons pass the road at night.
3. If I have to pick one person I’d say my dad. He was positive and understanding no matter what situation he was in. I try to carry that way of thinking with me.
4. I asked my mom to give me random good advice... She said “Frito chili pie is good” that’s pretty good advice I think.
5. I like to make things around tv shows or games I like, whether it be fan art or props.
Michelle Funk
(she/her)
1. I just finished my sophomore year at Oklahoma State University, where I’m pursuing a BSBA in Marketing with minors in Management and International Business. I’m also an independent musician, and I love to travel—I'll be studying abroad in France during my junior year!
2. My favorite part of nature is lying under a sky full of stars, reflecting on life and the world around me.
3. My grandma: she taught me that being both strong and loving can truly make a difference.
4. The best advice I’ve received is to live fully in the present and not let worries about tomorrow take away from today’s joy.
5. I’m obsessed with a fun card game called Unstable Unicorns!
Brayden Bell
(she/her)
1. Right now I am in between schools and looking to attend flight school to become a pilot!
2. My favorite part of
nature is camping it is to be outside. Whenever I feel sick or upset I can always go on a walk and feel better.
3. When I was a kid I always looked up to my older sister. She was always so smart and kind. I wanted to be just like her!
4. The best advice I have ever gotten is “You don’t have to be the best or perfect at what you do, but you should always try your hardest and enjoy the process.”
5. The nerdiest thing about me is probably my love of reading. I love to read and have a big book collection in my room. I can read for hours and not get up once.
Catherine Carlile
(she/her)
1. I’m currently a sophomore in college at the University of Houston! I am majoring in hospitality, and a large part of my reasoning for that is my love for travel. One of my favorite parts of traveling is visiting various landscapes and national parks because the natural world has so much to offer that the views never seem to get old.
2. I suspect my love for the outdoors and adventure transpired in my youth during summers with my grandparents in East Texas. It was a very country area, where there wasn’t much else to do but play outside and explore.
3. My grandparents have always encouraged me to take that initial step out of my comfort zone, and that whole concept has always managed to manifest its way to the front of my mind.
4. Memaw always said “You never know what you might miss”. Being said, I look forward to my first summer spent outside of Texas!
Cailtyn Pierce
(she/her)
1. After getting my degree, I decided to take two years off to rest and enjoy the life I've built so far in New Orleans. I am now exploring different career options to see what I enjoy while continuing to work on my writing. 2. I love the rain. As I'm writing this now, it is pouring outside my window. After growing up in the gulf, I find the summer storms here generally peaceful and beautiful.
3. Westley, from The Princess Bride. I might have had a little crush on him, too. But, mostly, I wanted to be a pirate who fought for love and the underdogs.
4. Never let a bad hour ruin the entire day. (I've found this perspective works for more than just days).
5. I enjoy pretty much any form of "bad" art, but specifically "bad" movies. It takes up a genuinely concerning amount of my time, if I let it. I also read voraciously and love learning history.
Paloma Tarrazi
(she/her)
1. I just finished my first year at McGill University in Canada, where I am studying Bio-resource Engineering.
2. When I am in nature I feel more connected to myself and those around me. I love how it brings people together and allows me to feel alive and more present.
3. My dad! I have always admired his patience and never ending thirst for knowledge. He always listens and is the last person to speak which is quality I live by.
4. To be uncomfortable. Growth does not happen when you are comfortable, it happens when you push yourself, take on challenges, and try new things. Some of the most rewarding and exciting experiences come from leaning into discomfort rather than avoiding it.
5. I have a collection of more than 200 vinyl records. Also, my record for reading the most pages in a day is 500 pages (The book was divergent!).
Tyler Vaughan
(he/him)
1. I just finished my last and final year at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. During my time at Iowa State, I obtained my bachelors degree in criminal justice with minors in sociology and business entrepreneurship. I am passionate about learning insights into social behavior, inequality, community structures, and systemic issues that intersect with crime. The last four years have been great, but tiresome. I am looking forward to being back in the mountains with all the amazing staff members and campers!
2. I love how nature can be so grounding for an individual while being submersed in it. It gives me such a calming sensation that I could only find being surrounded by it.
3. Growing up, there was one teacher in particular whom I always seemed to lean on more than others. She was dedicated to her role as an educator and a friend. On multiple occasions, she would offer extra assistance on Saturdays and Sundays to meet at the school for students benefit. She did this unpaid, I might add. Truly extraordinary!
4. No good story happens from things going right. The greatest gifts in life are not in the plans, they are in the detours. Enjoy things not going to plan.
5. I sleeve my playing cards
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Dylan Ruland
(he/him)
1) Right now, my plan is to come up with a plan.
2) My favorite part of Nature are the trees, because not only are they beautiful, but your imagination is your only limit with a good tree.
3) I looked up to anyone who could give me a good book recommendation, and I still do.
4) "Turn on a dime with a nickel in change."
5) I'm a sucker for historical battles, wars, and sieges, with one of my personal favorites being the tale of the Fourth Crusade from 1202-1204.
Ally Raftery
(she/her)
1. I just finished my second year of college, where I am double majoring in philosophy and psychology. In my free time I ride horses and do lots of volunteering with kids. I am thrilled to be coming back to the ranch this summer!!
2. I love the serenity that comes from being immersed in nature.
3. As a kid, I looked up to my dad, because he is patient and hardworking, which I aspire to be.
4. The best advice I have ever gotten is that you only get one life, so live for yourself and pursue what makes you happy.
5. I am obsessed with reading. Also, I know pretty much all the words to the Hamilton soundtrack.
Raven Enloe
(he/him)
1. Right now in life I'm looking to reflect on how far I've come and looking to give myself good habits for my future. Looking to create new experiences and socialize with people that are like minded.
2. My favorite part about nature has to be the clean air and the green. Everything looks so alive and sweating under the sun puts me in a peaceful state of mind.
3. Growing up as a kid I had looked up to my father the most. He was always so patient and always had a way with words. Nothing seemed to bother him.
4. The best advice I've ever gotten was from a friend of mine, he told me to just live life. You don't have to conquer or prove anything to anyone else. Just yourself.
5. The nerdiest thing I do is watch a lot of Star Wars and talk about the comics. I also share great enthusiasm in outdoor living, hiking, and camping.
Siobhan Vallandingham
(she/her)
1. I work at a bank in Independence, Kentucky. Whenever I’m off the clock I’m either training for or shadowing at my local police department as I work toward my goal of becoming an officer. On the side, I’m building my own small photography business!
2. Fog. There’s something so compelling about the way it blankets the earth. It’s where curiosity and comfort meet, turning the familiar into something mysterious and new. It doesn’t always last long either, which makes it all the more special!
3. I did, and still do, look up to my grandma. I could go on and on about her. But I’ll settle by saying she’s the most determined and independent woman I know.
4. What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten? Choosing to be comfortable is just choosing a boring life.
5. Facebook marketplace is my main source of entertainment.
TESTIMONIALS
We are so grateful for your support and love of my son. He really thrives with you all. He comes home everyday from camp, with such happiness and content. It has been incredible to see how much he has grown in your community!
– Edica Pacha, parent, 2015