A Legacy of
Adventure and Growth
Where Tradition Meets Wilderness, and Teenagers Discover Their True Potential
Founded in 1957 by Emily and Doc Ridgway, Elk Creek Ranch has been a haven for teenagers seeking adventure and personal growth for over six decades. Nestled in the heart of Wyoming, our camp remains true to its roots, offering a small, family-like atmosphere where every camper is known by name. With a focus on the traditions of the Old West, Elk Creek Ranch provides a unique environment where teenagers can disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature, all while developing essential life skills.
Over the years, we have welcomed thousands of teenagers from across the globe, each bringing their unique backgrounds and talents to our diverse camp community. Our commitment to fostering self-reliance, teamwork, and environmental stewardship remains at the core of everything we do.
Located 45 miles from Cody, Wyoming, Elk Creek Ranch is surrounded by the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Our facilities, all built from local logs, reflect the rustic charm of the Old West while providing essential comforts.
Meet the Team
Trained and Dedicated Educators
At Elk Creek Ranch, we are proud to have a team of passionate educators and leaders who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and dedication to the ranch. Each of our team members plays a vital role in ensuring that every camper has a transformative and memorable experience. From guiding outdoor adventures to fostering personal growth, our staff is committed to helping each camper discover their potential and embrace the spirit of the West.
We welcome the opportunity to connect with you and discuss the Elk Creek Ranch program. Feel free to reach out to any of us!
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Hap Ridgway
Born and raised in Cody, Wyoming, Hap graduated from Dartmouth College and earned a Masters in International Affairs at Columbia University after serving two years in the Army. He began managing Elk Creek Ranch in the 1970s, a ranch his parents founded. Hap was the headmaster of Berwick Academy in Maine for 18 years before retiring to Sunlight Valley in 2007. He is also actively involved with the Wyoming Outdoor Council.
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Kyle Bishop
When she's not at Elk Creek Ranch, Kyle and her family are based in North Carolina, where her husband serves as the head of school at Davidson Day School. A dedicated educator and mother of three young children, Kyle brings her passion for teaching and leadership to Elk Creek, where she heads up the camp’s Leadership Program. Kyle graduated from Connecticut College in 2004 and has years of experience in education, previously teaching and coaching at Berwick and Dawson Academies.
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Melissa Stanley
Melissa Stanley manages the day-to-day operations at Elk Creek Ranch alongside her husband Josh. A graduate of Connecticut College, she previously worked in the counseling program at the Hawthorne School and taught Nordic skiing and winter ecology at Bohart Ranch. Most recently, she has been involved with Thrive, a Bozeman-based organization supporting children and families. Melissa is a mother of two young boys, balancing family life with her love for ranch life.
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Josh Stanley
Josh enjoys being involved with a wide variety of ranch activities, including fencing, building construction, colt starting, pack trips, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. He has a background as a professional horseshoer and international clinician. One of his favorite things is to share new and challenging country with the ranchers. In the offseason, Josh lives near Bozeman, MT with his wife Melissa and their boys, Flynn and Ridge.
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Aly Ridgway
Alongside her sisters Melissa and Kyle, Aly Ridgway helps manage the day-to-day operations of Elk Creek Ranch. An athlete at heart, Aly balances her ranch duties with marathon training and is also an avid ice hockey player. During the school year, she manages Little Tree Education in Bozeman, Montana. Previously, Aly worked as a ski instructor at Vail Resorts in Colorado. Aly is a proud mother of three, bringing her energy and passion to both family life and the ranch.
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Andy Tenny
Andy Tenny is a middle school Special Education teacher in Bozeman, known for his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors. Married to Aly Ridgway, they have three young children. Before earning his degree in Education from Montana State University, Andy spent several years as a ski instructor at Vail, CO, and has led teens on kayaking trips in Alaska. He brings his passion for skiing, hiking, and exploring high mountain lakes to every aspect of life at Elk Creek Ranch.
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Tina Moore
Tina Moore holds degrees in English and History from the University of Montana, along with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She works as a learning specialist with at-risk students at Corvallis High School and is an avid track and field coach. Tina’s dedication to helping students reach their full potential extends beyond the classroom, and she brings that same energy and commitment to her work at Elk Creek Ranch.
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Rob Plakke
Rob is Elk Creek’s fishing guru, always eager to lead ranchers on adventures to the rivers of the Absarokas or the lakes of the Beartooths. When he’s not fishing, you’ll find Rob heading up one of the ranch’s ambitious construction projects. Recently retired from teaching English at Corvallis High School in Montana, Rob now dedicates even more time to the ranch. Along with his wife Tina and their daughter Keenan, Rob returns to Elk Creek every summer, playing a vital role in the camp’s success.
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Keenan Moore
Keenan Moore brings her passion for supporting young people to Elk Creek Ranch. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montana State University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Boston College. Keenan is currently in her fourth year as a Middle School Counselor in Dover, MA, where she helps guide students through the challenges of adolescence. Her warmth and expertise make her a valuable part of the Elk Creek community.
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Debbie Moore
Debbie Moore is an artist and educator based in Duvall, Washington, where she works with disabled children. A graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in studio art, Debbie brings her creativity and warmth to Elk Creek Ranch. Always ready to lend an ear, she’s known for her approachable nature—and her playful pranks. Her son, Sean Watson, now serves as a senior staff member at the ranch, continuing the family tradition.
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Sean Watson
Sean Watson is the guru of many activities at Elk Creek Ranch. He is the master of all things irrigation and has been a fearless leader on numerous backpacking trips. Sean also brings fun new card and board games for the ranchers to enjoy, adding excitement to their downtime. Around the campfire, Sean often contributes with a couple of songs on his trumpet, adding a unique touch to the evening gatherings. During the winter, Sean resides in Duvall, Washington.
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Connie Dover
Elk Creek Ranch is fortunate to have Connie Dover as our summer cook, where her meals are both nutritious and delicious. Beyond the kitchen, Connie is an Emmy-winning producer, songwriter, and renowned singer of Scots, Irish, and American traditional ballads. A poet at heart, she brings a special charm to our Saturday night campfire sings, making her an unforgettable part of the Elk Creek experience.