Wrangler Spring/Summer 2025

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WrangLer

Teton Valley Ranch Camp

The Legend of Jack Davis

Summer 2025

Letter from the Camp Directors Dear Friends of Teton Valley Ranch Camp, This summer marks a remarkable milestone in the long, storied history of Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Not only are we celebrating our 87th summer, but we are also honored to commemorate 20 years at our current home—Crooked Creek Ranch.

This place, nestled beneath the wide Wyoming skies, stands today thanks to the vision and dedication of those who came before us. When the original Kelly Ranch was sold, alumni and friends of TVRC rallied to form the TVRC Education Foundation. With determination and love for this program, they found a new home for TVRC and laid the groundwork—literally and figuratively—for its future. Roads were built, infrastructure established, and Crooked Creek Ranch became a place where generations of campers could continue to grow, explore, and thrive.

We are humbled and grateful to stand on the shoulders of the great people who made this possible. Their commitment to the mission of TVRC ensures that the values we hold dear—confidence, resilience, grit, friendship, and respect for the land—continue to take root in the lives of each camper who comes through our gates.

As we welcomed this year’s incredible group of campers and staff, we did so with deep gratitude and great anticipation. We know that around the campfire, on the trail, in the saddle, and in the everyday moments of ranch life, transformation happens. Campers build character, forge lifelong friendships, and discover what they are capable of—often surprising even themselves.

We are in the midst of another summer of discovery, growth, and celebration. Thank you for being a part of this legacy.

Always, Ready to Ride!

Jim and Cora Ligori

The Legend of Jack Davis “One of the Greatest Cowboys of All Times!”

Jack Davis August 8th, 1898 - August 4th, 1974 If there is one name in the long roster of TVRC heroes that has taken on the flush of legend, it is that of Jack Davis. In 1942 Weenie Wilson, TVRC Founder, discovered Jack camped with his horses and mules on a hill outside Jackson and hired him on the spot to run pack trips for his young campers. Jack was iconic for his tall, lean build, always donning a silk scarf, a big black cowboy hat, with a pipe in hand lit from morning ‘til night. By the eighth grade, he left his home in Missouri to work on cattle ranches through the Southwest. Jack broke nearly every bone in his body throughout his adventures which, later in life, left him hunched over at the waist, bow-legged, with his hands gnarled.

Jack Davis quickly became an unforgettable part of the Teton Valley Ranch Camp experience. He came into the fold at a time when the real cowboys of the West were dying out - at least those who pushed horses and mules across great distances on horseback and slept in blankets on the ground. Jack was authentic and the “real deal.” The spring Weenie found him camped on that hill, and for years afterward, Jack drove Weenie’s stock, including his beloved mules, from a point near the Mexican border all the way to the Tetons.

At the end of those seasons, he would saddle up again and drive the herd back South— a distance of more than eight hundred miles.

For twenty-eight years, Jack Davis was the outstanding western figure to the thousands of campers who were at Teton Valley Ranch. To these youngsters, Jack was the one who represented the West. Over the years, campers wrote hundreds of themes about Jack Davis in their English composition courses. Weenie wrote, “Jack was a worthy hero to each of them. Very few cowboys have been more photographed or more admired.”

Today those who ride on National Forest or Park lands are required to have their animals tied in a string; however it did not used to be that way. Jack Davis never rode with any of his stock joined. Rick Davis, who was Jack’s right hand man from the late 60’s until his death, remembered, “We would always catch the horses by roping them, never walking up to them. That was Jack’s way.”

The Legend of Jack Davis “Everything we did had to be done in the “old ways”. He helped me and others over time develop those skills especially the houlihan, and Mexican drag loops. On the other hand we’d only rope the mules in the early summer to put the halters on, which would stay on all season.” Dave Edwards recalls, “If you were an employee, either a cook or a wrangler, when you heard Jack’s cough you knew you’d better be getting out of your bedroll; Jack was waking up, and he wasn’t one to tolerate laziness.”

The very first trips Jack led for Teton Valley Ranch Camp went up to Yellowstone Park, returning to Kelly along the highway. In time, Jack discovered the area south of the Yellowstone border, near the South Fork of the Buffalo River, and it fast became the place he loved above all others. That land is now home to our JD Pack Trip, aptly named for Jack Davis, and has allowed generations of campers to travel those same trails each summer.

During her life, Mary Ellen Wilson remembered “I used to go on pack trips with Jack in Girls’ Season. And you wanted so much to have him feel you were a good camper. He was what you would call a real “dude” wrangler. He always wanted the campers to enjoy the pack trip. If you were out with him and it was raining, Jack would say, ‘Oh my, I’m afraid this group of youngsters won’t enjoy it.’”

Patty Wells Thompson recalls that whenever anyone asked Jack how much further it was to camp, he always gave the same response: “About eighteen more blocks.”

Ellen Wilson, daughter of Weenie and Mary Ellen Wilson, recalls, “Jack was kind to campers and staff alike.

It was always fun to sit with him as he took an accounting of horses and mules. He knew which horses were from which mare and which stallion. We kidded that he counted ears and divided by two.” Ellen remembered that Jack liked to sit at the fire on Pack Trips and listen to the campfire songs in the evenings.

Jack would care for the herd most of the winter at Currant Creek Ranch, a property the Wilson Family owned near Rock Springs. Ellen Wilson remembered her father receiving a letter one winter from Jack returning his paycheck. The letter read, “now don’t send me no paycheck. I ain’t done nothin’ and I ain’t earn nothin’.”

The Legend of Jack Davis When the Wilson’s sold Currant Creek Ranch and the herd of horses in the early 70’s, Jack moved to Triangle X Ranch , along with most of the TVRC pack mules. However, he still spent his time in the summer with Teton Valley Ranch Camp, continuing to mentor young cowboys and pack trip leaders such as Dave Edward, Rick Davis, Dave Hughson and Budd Betts, to name a few.

Jack Davis died in 1974 at St. John’s hospital in Jackson, Wyoming. Jack’s passing marked the end of an era.

Weenie wrote, “He was one of the last remaining old time authentic western cowboys. Each boy and girl who came into contact with Jack never forgot him, and his contribution to the great summer camp program of Teton Valley Ranch cannot be estimated. Jack Davis became a legend.” His ashes were scattered in the backcountry of the Bridger-Teton Wilderness he so dearly loved.

In a speech at Jack’s memorial service, Weenie Wilson shared, “By the old timers and those who knew Jack over the span of years, he is generally considered to be one of the finest and most talented cowboys ever to come to Jackson Hole. His rugged constitution, his devotion to his job, and his extreme sense of responsibility along with his exceptional talents with horses, mules, and packing made him one of the top professional cowboys of our time.”

In a 1982 letter to Bill Josyln, staff member in 1939 and 1940, Weenie Wilson wrote, “We miss Jack Davis.

He was the last of that breed of cowboys, and the ones today are nice kids, but not cowboys.”

At a later date, Weenie wrote, “Jack Davis lived a great life. He reflected the environment and the natural surroundings in which he lived. He was strong, rugged, honest, and sincere. Above all, he was respected by every person with whom he came in contact.”

He went on to add, “Jack Davis accumulated very little of the material things in the world. He didn’t need them. If wealth can be measured in friendships, Jack was a very wealthy man. One is not forgotten or overlooked by a friend. In the minds and hearts of Jack’s friends, he will never die. Jack Davis will live on and on.”

The Legend of Jack Davis It has been over 50 years since Jack Davis’ passing, and his spirit is still alive at Teton Valley Ranch Camp.

Our campers travel to the backcountry that Jack loved so much, now referred to as the JD ( Jack Davis) Pack Trip. Stories are told of this legendary man at campfires. His photo is displayed in the Wrangler Room, our Alumni space at the Ranch, along with his statue. Without Jack Davis, Teton Valley Ranch Camp would look very different today. He embodied the Western Heritage which we continue to honor to this day.

Jack Davis Quotables “Don’t never accept no gift what eats!”

“When a mule’s a-pullin his share of the load, he ain’t got time to kick” After being served a cup of rather weak coffee, “Someone spoiled some awfully good water when they made this coffee.”

“If it wasn’t for them schools, you could stay out here and learn somethin” In a conversation with a very successful businessman, “We do in a year what you try to get to do for two weeks in the summertime.”

“Get out of that sleeping bag! There ain’t nothing worse than getting sunburned in bed!”

In response to the questions as to what kind of pie he liked, he would say “I like them round pies.”

“Now, that ride was plumb Western.”

Thank you to the contributions of our I Know a Place Archive Project and to our Alumni for making this story possible

TVRC Staff Summer 2025

Most Represented College & Universities among Staff Clemson University: 6 University of Colorado - Boulder: 5 Appalachian State University: 4 Barnard College: 4 Hope College: 4 UNC - Chapel Hill: 4 University of Hawaii at Manoa: 3 Texas A&M: 3 University of Vermont: 3 University of Wyoming: 3 Colorado College: 2 Colorado State University: 2 University of Michigan: 2 Tulane: 2 Wake Forest University: 2

121 Staff - 33 States - 4 Countries

42% are Returning Staff

30% are Former Campers

The Heart of Camp: Food and Fellowship in the Dining Hall At Teton Valley Ranch Camp, the Dining Hall is more than just a place to eat—it’s a place where friendships are formed, stories are shared, songs are sung, and the energy for big adventures is restored. At the heart of this experience is our kitchen, where nourishing food meets deep fellowship, and where each meal serves up more than just sustenance—it brings comfort, joy, and community.

For generations, food has played an essential role at TVRC. A good meal can lift spirits, ease homesickness, and provide a sense of grounding in the rhythm of camp life. When the food is good—and there’s plenty of it—campers feel cared for and ready to take on whatever the day holds; whether it's a long hike, a ride through sagebrush country, or a campfire under the stars.

Over the past two years, the TVRC Kitchen has experienced a remarkable evolution. At the helm is Bob Brassard, our talented and thoughtful Head Chef, alongside Olivia Nielsen, our dedicated and organized Kitchen Manager. Together, Bob and Liv set a high standard last summer—one that was noticed and appreciated by campers, staff, and parents alike. We received enthusiastic praise about the food from across our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome Bob and Liv back for their second summer as a team, and Liv’s 4th summer on staff.

But they’re not stopping there. This year, Bob and Liv have even more innovative ideas to bring to the table—literally. They’ve partnered with culinary schools to bring in student interns who are eager to learn and contribute. These budding chefs have brought their passion for baking, cooking, and nutrition into the TVRC kitchen, joining a team that already takes pride in creating meals that nourish both body and spirit.

We couldn’t be happier with the culinary adventure our community is experiencing. From hearty breakfasts to trail-ready lunches to celebratory dinners, every meal this summer will be made with care, creativity, and the intention to make camp feel like home.

Here’s to full plates, full hearts, and the magic that happens when we gather around a table.

Wrangler Snippets From the Archive

March 1978

Spring 1983

News from the pony express ALumni Updates

Ranch Visitors

Bo Phillips graduated from University of Colorado Boulder Law School and will continue to call Denver, Colorado home. He will work in Real Estate and Land use with the hope to make Denver and the rest of Colorado better places for everyone to live and visit.

Rachel (Patrick) Kinsaul, TVRC Head of Barn from 2007-2010, was named the Georgia Teacher of the Year earlier this Spring. Rachel credits her time at TVRC as her inspiration to become an educator.

Siblings Tim, Preston, and Marjorie Smith take a preseason tour of TVRC. Their mother Holly Anne Renz attended camp in Kelly in the 1950s.

Sean Menges and Isabelle Campbell, Former TVRC Staff who met at camp in 2019, were engaged on July 6 2024 and are planning a wedding in Sante Fe, NM for September 2026!

Dave Edwards, Alumni and Former Staff from the 60's and Ellen Wilson, daughter or TVRC Founders Weenie and Mary Ellen Wilson, spent time with the TVRC team in Jackson this spring sharing stories and viewing recent addition to the archives.

Sally Parfet (Right) and Friend visit TVRC in May. Sally attended camp in the Early 60's along with her siblings, Don and Jane.

Rick Davis, TVRC Cowboy from the Kelly Ranch and Current Creek, visited during the start of Boys Season with his son Cortland.

Did you know?

Long-time TVRC Cowboy, Warren Flemming remains involved with TVRC. Each summer Warren grazes his cattle on the Ranch in Dubios. In the off-season, a number of the TVRC horses winter on his ranch in Crowheart, WY.

Update your Information If you haven't updated your address or contact information with us recently, please fill out our alumni information update form using the QR code on this page or by visiting our website at: https://www.tvrcamp.org/alumni-contact-updates

Kristin Klein Spindle, Alumni and Former Staff, visited her daughter Katie Spindle who is on Barn Staff this Summer.

The Education Foundation In our 87th summer of operation and our 20th on the Crooked Creek Ranch in Dubois, we reflect on our story at TVRC and our success in our nonprofit year.

We held our first TVRC Day of Giving in March, raising over $15,000 in 24 hours in support of the Annual Fund. May marked the culmination of our fundraising campaign for the Grand Bathhouse, which we plan to rebuild in the 2025 off-season.

The 2025 Old Bill’s Giving Season will kick off on Friday, August 15 and we are excited to strive for the full matching gift again this year!

ALumni Pack Trip The Alumni Pack Trip enjoyed four days at the Crystal Creek Pack Trip site. The trip included Tim Gardiner, John Webster, LT Thompson, Stirling Thompson, and Mather Thompson. Their respective Yearling and Rough Rider years ranged from 1964 to 2017, and allowed for three generations of TVRC stories to be shared around the campfire.

We are grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to the year ahead.

New to the Board of Directors in 2025 Stacey Folke - Current Parent Lee Buchmann - Current Parent Seth Thompson - Alumni, Current Parent

TVRC Archive Project

Have a story or photos to share?

The I Know a Place Archival Project has allowed for a deep dive into the rich history of TVRC. We have begun to digitize many of the photography and film from the early days of Teton Valley Ranch Camp. You can find our Archival Images and Video Vault via the Alumni page of tvrcamp.org. In sharing these images and videos on social media, we have been able to reconnect and hear stories from many of our TVRC Alums. If you don’t already, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube. Don’t forget to share your memories with us– written, photographed, or otherwise.

You can share your alumni stories and photos with camp by emailing Haley at: hpreston@tvrcamp.org, calling the office at 307-733-6122, or by mailing them to the Jackson Office at: 290 E Broadway Ave PO Box 4915 Jackson, WY 83001

Join us For Final Rodeo!

Girls’ Season: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Summer 2026 Application Opens September 15, 2026 for New Campers stay in touch with TVRC! Like our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TVRCamp Follow us on Instagram: @tvrcamp Checkout our videos on Youtube: www/YouTube.com/ TVRCamp