Wendell and Mary Ellen Wilson founded Teton Valley Ranch Camp in 1939. They dreamed of a place where children could learn about the West and themselves through a unique program based on ranching heritage, land stewardship and respect for self and others. In the beginning, the ranch program focused on horses and rodeo sports. Over the years other activities were added, such as multi-day pack trips and backpacks as well as in-camp activities such as lapidary and archery. Throughout its history, the camp has been known as a leader in the field of experiential education.

The directorship of the camp has changed only a few times since 1939. The Devereaux family succeeded "Weenie" and Mary Ellen in the 1960s, followed by a team composed of former campers Matt Montage and Stuart Palmer. Stuart and Susie Palmer retired in the mid-1990s and Matt’s wife, Judy, became a co-director with Matt through the summer of 2001. After spearheading the efforts to save the camp through the nonprofit TVRC Education Foundation, Matt and Judy retired in the fall of 2001. Although they retired, Matt and Judy are still very involved in TVRC as songleaders, breakfast ride chefs, and valued advisers. They love hearing from former campers and can be reached at montagnes@iglide.net.