I am a former camper and counselor at Blue Mountain Ranch (BMR) of 15 years, and I think you should take a chance with this summer camp because it could be a positive, life changing experience for your child as it was for me. BMR will not be the largest you’ll see or the one with the most modern amenities. There’s no A/C, no cellphones, and most importantly no internet. Instead of coming from REI, the bunks that the kids sleep on were meticulously handcrafted by Camp Director Tim Graf. The very buildings that kids slept in half a century ago, the foundations of the camp itself, were built by former campers, and are still dotted around with each telling a story of their own. No, the camp is not made for Hollywood, and perhaps it actually all sounds quite simple; but in a world where the simplest things are often the most difficult, Blue Mountain Ranch manages to get it all right. It’s a place where kids can have fun without the pressures and expectations of the modern world and social media. It is a place where they will learn life lessons that they will carry forever, such as the invaluable opportunity to learn the basics of how to live and operate independently at a young age. It is a place full of love like a families’: fellow campers, counselors and administrators that are on the ground and really do care about the wellbeing and happiness of the kids (many of the counselors are former campers who know how much BMR is something to cherish!). And it is an important chance for self-discovery for anyone who may feel lost, whether it’s a campfire story or a moment of reflection after some adversity or just being lost in a moment of competition on the athletic field. For me personally, I have met some of my best friends to this day, enjoyed some of my highest highs, overcome my lowest lows, and picked up a love of the outdoors and a sky full of all the stars that I carry everywhere I go. It has well and truly made me a better, more complete person. Blue Mountain Ranch is one of the special treasures I have been blessed with in my life, and I hope you and your child give it a chance.