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2026 Registration is Open for our 79th year 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
Ava Shanrock
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
1. Right now, I’m living in Colorado and working in youth programs and camp leadership. I recently graduated from Iowa State University in Agricultural Education, and I’ve been spending my time helping create meaningful experiences for kids through outdoor education, camps, and hands-on learning. I love being outside, building connections with people, and finding ways to make learning fun and memorable. I cant wait for my 5th year at CMR!
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!
Kirk Furey
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.
Tyler Vaughan
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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Jack Dunderale
1. I’m working towards a Computer Engineering Degree at the Colorado School of Mines, while out here being nerdy, and connecting with nature and myself.
2. I love so many parts of Nature, the sounds, the animals, the adventures. I love being able to live alongside some of my favorite animals like foxes, or being able to walk the trails to see beautiful unreal landscapes. Also the sounds of birds in the morning, or water running down a creek, really just remind me of how beautiful everything is.
3. As a kid, I watched a lot of YouTubers like Markiplier and Jacksepticeye, and I think I really looked up to them, because in a world that feels very driven by money and fame, the fact that people can put that aside, and do what they love, and still find a way to be humble, and bring positive impact to tons of people, really inspired me as a kid and even now.
4. When I think of the best advice, I think of two quotes that showed up in cards from my parents. “It’s just as important to find joy in your journey than it is to anticipate your future destination,” and “ To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
5. Going to one of the nerdiest schools, I do a lot of nerdy things, like Dungeons and Dragons, Photography, watch Anime, play Magic The Gathering, study computers, and so much more. The nerdiest thing I do is being myself.
Mary Veselovskiy
1. I just finished my Sophomore year at the University of Arizona majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing sciences.
2. Growing up, I used to love watching all of the lightning bugs in my backyard! I don’t see them around as much anymore and I miss them.
3. My mom. She used to work at my elementary school as a reading interventionist, and my classmates told me all the time how kind she was and how lucky I was to have her as a mom. She always went the extra mile for her students (and still does).
4. My lacrosse coach used to tell us to control what you can and let go of what you can’t.
5. I do the LA Times crossword every morning with my roommates.
Raven Enloe
1. My life is looking like coming home off an early shift and seeing two beautiful dogs run up to me when I walk through the door. They demand attention and playful roughhouse while my body demands sun and solitude. So I take them on walks trying to keep myself awake and enjoy the weather. After I come home I then do a daily exercise to help keep my body healthy and I would then meal prep for the coming days. After doing some chores around the house I then like to watch shows I've been into or indulge in some videogames for a bit. After dinner and socializing with friends I like to read to wind down for the day and attempt to get a good night's rest and do it all over again the next day.
2. I enjoy the sun for the warmth on my skin. Mountains for their size of adventure. Water for its taste on my tongue. Clouds for their cool shadow. Wind for her songs in my ears and the animals that share this planet with us.
3. I had always looked up to my grandfather. He always knew when I was struggling internally and often talks to me when I feel troubled. His age made him seem like he has a well of knowledge but his kind and compassionate soul gave that knowledge wisdom.
4. "The only person you need to please in this world is yourself." Terry Enloe, my grandfather.
5. I really enjoy geeking out on Star Wars movies and shows. I also enjoy many RPG games and boardgames. Debating philosophy, ideology, and other world views are other conversations I enjoy having with others.
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?

Catie Thomas
1. I'm traveling through the states.
2. The essence of raw beauty.
3. Anyone freely expressing themselves and being unique!
4. Embrace the present moment, you never know when your last one may be.
5. I crochet and sew for fun.
Esther Ward
1. I am Practicing and teaching yoga and looking for my next adventure!
2. The contrast of day and night, seeing the sunset, and being by bodies of water.
3. I look up to Disney Princess, Mulan. I think she is so strong, brave, and takes care of the people she loves. From bottom of the barrel, to leader and savior of the imperial army, Mulan is without a doubt, bad to the bone.
4. The world is always one big reflection of you.
5. Playing chess like a grand master.
Zach Sill
1.I am currently working as an upholsterer (Trimmer) in the Kansas City area.
2. The beauty in all the colors, the energy, the smells of the plants/trees, the sounds of the animals and the wind.
3. A lot of different characters, often fictional ones in the video games, tv and movies I played and watched.
4. I don't believe there has been one piece of advice better than all others I have received/heard but the advice I seem to have taken the most advantage of is to be present in the moment, appreciate as much as I can while I can when its happening and to listen to my body and trust my "gut" intuition.
5. Play video games, and nerd out over sci-fi concepts and content.
Brett Darien
1. I'm currently completely my Electrical Engineering Degree at Kansas State University.
2. The sound of the wind, trees, and water whistling.
3. My cousin Nick.
4. Don't judge a book by its cover.
5. I love to read Korean and Chinese comics online. They are called Manhwas and Manhuas.
Meghan Tesch
1. I am currently a Junior at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln studying Forensic Chemistry!
2. Getting to connect to the outdoors and get to be 100% yourself.
3. My mom, she is an amazing person who believes that things will work out for everyone and I want to be like her.
4. Be where your feet are. It's a quote about living in the moment and not dwelling so much on the past or future but really enjoying where you are at any given moment.
5. I love to watch any kind of fiction/action movie such as Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, ect.
Haleigh Burometto
1. Currently in between semesters - I’m studying to become an xray tech. Super excited to start my newest adventure at Colorado Mountain Ranch!
2. Mountains > everything. Just can’t get enough!
3. My mom. I hope I live up to be even half the woman that she is. She inspires me everyday to be better overall.
4. You can’t control other’s actions - only how you respond to those actions. I think that’s very important to remember when dealing with day to day stressors.
5. Huge Marvel fan. Can practically recite every movie by heart.
Parker O'Neal
1. I currently give tours in downtown Nashville, but would love to permanently stay in Colorado for the year, and remain working in hospitality.
2. Nature gives me a way to reset through hiking, running, and wildlife watching.
3. My parents have always had my back through the thick and thin. I would not be where I am at today if it was not for their love and dedication.
4. "Comparison is the thief of joy." Easier said than done, but this quote has helped me in my own self improvement.
5. I watch a ton of movies and log each one through Letterboxd! Ask me about a movie from any genre and I will not stop talking!
Sadie Alphin
1. Currently I'm working full time as an Outdoor Educator in Navasota, Texas! After working at CMR over the summer, I am going to finish my degree in Wildlife Ecology.
2. This is like asking to pick a favorite child. Snakes, duh.
3. Bob Ross! I always wanted to paint like him!
4. To be where my feet are!
5. I used to play alto saxophone in college, and I still play from time to time.
Josiah Miller
1. Currently attending college to be a history teacher, and I paint, ride horses, and play guitar in my free time!
2. The break from all the busyness and stress and a chance to get some fresh air.
3. Indiana Jones
4. Don't take someone else's advice, you'll know when you know.
5. I paint little Warhammer figures and I play chess.
Maezhen Clark
1. I just finished my semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland and I'm about to go into my senior year at Ohio State. I study Finance but I'm hoping to become an English teacher abroad after graduation!
2. My favorite part of nature is the community that it brings! Some of my favorite memories are spent outside with family and friends.
3. I've always looked up to my mom! She is the most hard-working and selfless person I know.
4. My dad has always told me to be confident in myself and not to worry about what others think.
5. I obsess over curating playlists on Spotify for specific feelings and situations.
Ian Matta
1. I'm an artist and thru-hiker on the loose! Wherever there are good people, mountains, and music, I’m bound to be nearby.
2. I love the duality of nature. Nature holds beauty and danger in the same breath, showing that creation and destruction are often inseparable.
3. I've looked up to Heather Anderson for decades. I'm still not convinced that she isn't an actual superhero.
4. Never quit on a bad day.
5. I like to incorporate complex math equations into my art. Some of my favorites are the Lorenz Attractor, Vogel's Model, and the Julia Set.
Jake Bates
1. I am a rising Junior at CU Boulder studying Finance and Accounting.
2. I like bodies of water, rivers and streams as I enjoy their serenity. I also like to see the aquatic life.
3. I looked up to my childhood football coach Steve Martin and investor Warren Buffett as they both advised to stay calm, cool, and collected.
4. Its not how fast you row, it's how fast the stream is moving.
5. I like learning about different companies and try to find out how they interconnect with other companies such as if they are a subsidiary or have partnerships with other corporations.
Brooke Poarch
1. I'm currently taking a gap year to gain working experience before going to graduate school!
2. My favorite part of nature is how it allows you to be alone without feeling lonely, and to slow down enough to appreciate the details around you.
3. My dad, because he has always been so dependable and grounded in his beliefs, showing me the importance of staying true to myself.
4. The best advice I have been given is that ambition matters, but so does balance. You should work hard towards your goals, but do not lose sight of what is important in life like family, friends, and self-care.
5. I love to play pokemon games and read fantasy books!
Riley Hardwick
1. Currently attending UNC Charlotte as a Meteorology Major and Theatre Minor, having a lot of fun at my nature job, and looking into getting a dog!
2. The sounds! There's nothing that beats the sound of songbirds in the morning or the rush of water through a stream.
3. My mother. She juggled her three rambunctious kids, full time job, and still had the time and energy for her hobbies.
4. That I don't need to do everything to be successful. I can take a step back, choose what I really want, and use my energy on that instead of burning myself out.
5. Tutoring my friends in chemistry for the love of the game. I will bother them to let me tutor them because I miss it; I find it so fun and interesting!
Caroline King
1. I am currently a freshman at Oklahoma State University, and majoring in nursing!
2. I love that when you actually stop and look at it, nothing in nature is just 'there' by accident. Everything has a job to do. It’s like this huge, quiet community where everyone belongs, and it’s such a cool reminder that everything is connected if you just pay attention!
3. I looked up to my father, he's always been so resilient when faced with problems and he's extremely quick witted. He inspired my love for Colorado, and just hiking and nature in general! I wouldn't be the person I am today without knowing I always have him to lean on.
4. The best advice I ever got was to stop looking for a path and start trusting my feet. To go confidently!
5. I'm actually a huge astronomy nerd! My favorite movie growing up was Interstellar, and currently is Project Hail Mary! Oh, and huuuge broadway nerd too!
Vivienna Madar
1. Right now, I'm taking a gap year between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I'm taking this time to work where I love and save money for future trips!
2. My favorite part of nature is hearing the cicadas in late summer. It brings such a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
3. When I was a kid, I always looked up to my older sister, she seemed like the coolest person ever (even when she wasn't). We're still best friends and I don't know who I would be without her.
4. The best advice I've heard was "Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not," and that taught me to appreciate even the slow days because those are just as important.
5. The nerdiest thing about me is that I was in online fandoms when I was younger, and because of that, I have an embarrassing amount of knowledge about kids' shows and book series.
Lecs Weaver
1. I am getting ready to graduate from the State University of New York at Fredonia with my B.A. in Writing and a minor in English! After this, I am taking a gap year to study and prepare to (hopefully) head off to law school next year!
2. I am a big fan of insects and trees. I grew up in the Adirondacks, so the fall trees/leaves hold a special place in my heart!
3. As a kid, and even now, I always looked up to my mom. Partially because I was like four feet tall, but mostly because she is the hardest-working, most empathetic person I know.
4. "The right doors won't open for you until you are the version of yourself that is supposed to walk through them."
5. I run a book instagram (I am the self-proclaimed world's biggest reader), I play a decent amount of Minecraft, and I watch A LOT of anime...
Emerson Davis
1. While I am back home in Maryland, I attend college and major in Professional Pilot - Airplane! One of my favorite hobbies is flying, and I currently have my private pilot's license and am close to earning my instrument rating. I aspire to be a commercial or cargo pilot in my future. While flying and school take up most of my time, I find time to enjoy my other hobbies like fishing, riding dirt bikes, skiing, and working out. I am super excited to be apart of the Colorado Mountain Ranch staff this summer!
2. My favorite parts of nature would be lakes, ponds, oceans, rivers, and mountains. I find so much peace and joy in being around water. Especially when the other beautiful wonders of the outdoors are still around like trees and vegetation.
3. As a kid, I looked up to my Memaw. She is one of a kind and has such a special way of making anyone feel comfortable in her presence, no matter if she has known them forever or just met them. She is also a very hard worker who never gave up on trying to provide the best life possible for her kids when she was going through hard times in her life, which was very rewarding for her and where she is now in life. She is an inspirational human. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't want to be more like her.
I also have always looked up to my mom, who has no quit and will push me to be the best I can be every day. She is the reason I have been a successful person throughout everything I have done in life, including sports, school, flying, and even my hobbies. Without my mom pushing me to always be my best and seeing my potential, I probably would not have tried as hard as I do because she instills belief in myself that I am not sure I would have had otherwise. She is also one of the strongest people I know and has pushed through every hard time life has given her while coming out even stronger. She is an inspiration and always someone I can lean on and look up to.
4. The best advice I have ever gotten is to never keep a dream a dream. Meaning, dreams are to become reality; if you keep it a dream, you will always wish or regret in the future. This has shaped my life in almost every way possible, from becoming a pilot to this job as a wrangler at the Colorado Mountain Ranch.
5. The nerdiest thing I do would be flying drones just for fun. Although I have my part 107 commercial drone license, I usually just fly drones for fun and not with a purpose that is useful.
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