Dear Campers, Parents, Staff, Alumni, and Friends,

2018 marked the 89th year of Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch. Between four sessions of kids camp, two weeks of Family Camp, alumni weekend, volunteer work weekends, open houses, and the kitchen project, it was an especially busy year. We were lucky to share this year with so many members of our big ranch family–from new campers and families to returning alumni, staff, and veteran campers. We reconnected with folks like Dave “Red” Parker, who spent time with camp’s founder Grover Gates on the ranch in the 1930s, and we introduced our youngest staff member, Owen Grossman, to his role as office baby. Every year also brings changes–some of them hard. We said farewell to Shiloh and Surprise, longtime leaders in our horse herd, but we welcomed Chulo, a BLM wild horse, to the ranch and bottle-fed two young calves in the Small Animals barn. Overall, from the newly-revived outpost at Emily’s to endless renditions of Country Roads and the Amos Moses, it was a very good year of camping on the ranch. Since it’s colder and quieter in the winter, we found a few moments to reflect on the year and thought we’d share some highlights with you.

Although it may be hard to believe if you’ve only ever spent a summer at camp, we actually have four real seasons on the ranch. Here’s a glimpse of how camp looks year-round and remember, you can always check conditions in real-time on the Camp Cam.

451 – The number of campers who attended in 2018
27 – The number of Camperships awarded to deserving families
98 – The percentage of campers and parents who said their camp experience was excellent or very good
6 – The number of international countries represented by our staff
23 – The number of piglets born to our red-wattle sow, Rosie (don’t worry, that’s two separate litters!)
18 – The number of states represented by our campers
6 – The number of backpacking trips to the Trinity Alps
89 – The number of years camp has been in business
63 – The number of poles peeled by campers and work weekend volunteers for the new eating platform roof
10 – The number of “Golden Tickets” to the Harvest Festival hidden in s’more chocolate bars
11 – The number of former campers who returned to the ranch to as staff

Every year, we spend time reflecting on how well we’re achieving our mission and vision. Camp Trinity was started in 1930 when Grover Gates, a schoolteacher, invited several of his students to spend a few weeks on the Ranch during the summer. His hope was that campers would benefit from the lessons inherent in working cooperatively within a framework of mutual respect for people and the environment around you. He believed that great things come from the knowledge, surprise, and sense of peace provided by the surrounding wilderness. Although much has changed since 1930, Camp’s philosophy remains the same. We still believe that campers grow and change by spending time on the ranch and challenging themselves to experience new things, gain independence, and build community. As you perhaps know, putting this experience into words can be a challenge. For us, hearing from campers and parents directly about the impact of camp is one of the most valuable ways that we can be sure that we’re still doing our job right. Here are a few comments that really stuck with us this year.

“Every year when I return from camp I am able to move past all the little things holding me back. 717 reminds me of who I am and who I want to be.”

“Camp has allowed me to become comfortable with my independence from my parents, and reinforced my responsibility habits and friendships. Camp has given me the opportunity to make friendships that are like no where else because of all of the fun and challenging situations you go through together.”

“I have made many camp friends that I know will be life long relationships, camp made me a more caring, appreciative person and improved everything about me through the wonderful accepting community. I felt truly comfortable and happy at camp.”

“I always grow much more as a person after my time at camp. I am much more independent and a lot less anxious. I learn to take risks and have fun. Live life on the edge, but not too far. And to always be kind to everyone you meet, you can make the best friendships.”

“This camp is the most life changing amazing experience I’ve ever had and I was lucky to be a long time camper. I can’t name a more positive experience in my life and I deeply cherish all my camp memories and am still closer to my camp friends than to anyone else. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend this camp, please do, you won’t regret it. Not one bit. Although I am no longer a camper, I will forever feel connected to this beautiful community and place and will most certainly go back whenever I can. Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch is quite possibly the worlds most amazing thing.”

“I am so much of who I am today because of camp.”

“Bar 717 is her happiest place on earth.”

“My daughter came home a new child, so refreshed and brimming with happiness, groundedness and maturity.”

“Our kids have grown in leaps and bounds. They feel a great deal of confidence in being independent from parents and have such a lovely ranch experience to contrast with their city life. We love that they go ‘old school’ and write letters home (which we are saving as mementos for their older selves to read one day). Their time at the ranch is restorative and beautiful in every way.”

“My son loves your camp and spends the entire school year talking about the friends he’s made there. Your camping overnight excursions allow for specialized bonding that is rare and valuable for emotional development.”

“As a family, we love that the kids have independence (choice) with regard to activities. We love that it is a camp that doesn’t expect conformity yet is able to create the perfect alchemy of independent spirit yet connected community!”

We have a lot to look forward to in 2019. We will be working hard through the off-season to ensure that our new kitchen is ready for the start of Camp. The new building promises to be a huge improvement for both our kitchen staff and anyone who joins us for a meal on the new eating platform. Meanwhile, our advisory board is working diligently to ensure that we meet our annual fundraising goal for the Campership Fund. We are also taking time to work on improvements to our program. You shared feedback with us on changes you’d like to see in program areas, food offerings, leadership development opportunities, and more. We will be working on all of these things as we approach next summer and our 90th (!) year of camp. We’re also looking forward to our first summer with four two-week sessions.

Many people have asked for more opportunities to engage with camp during the year. We hope you will join us for our Spring Volunteer Work Weekend from March 29-April 1 or if you can’t make it to the ranch, we will also be hosting an alumni event in Southern California in March. If you can’t connect with us in person, we would also love to hear from you about your camp memories any time. If you have a story you’d like to share, please get in touch.

As always, we are grateful for the incredible community that surrounds and supports Camp Trinity on the Bar 717 Ranch. We wish you a very happy New Year!