Meet the Directors at Summer Camp
Jack "Chip" Ellena Jr.
Jack “Chip” Ellena Jr., son of Mountain Meadow Ranch founders Jack and Jacquie Ellena, was born into the summer camp business and experienced every facet of Mountain Meadow Ranch while growing up. From camper to dishwasher in the 1960’s, to maintenance man, livestock manager and cabin counselor through the 1970’s, then program director and staff director into the 80’s, Chip, along with wife Jody, has served as camp directors since 1989. As owner of Mountain Meadow Ranch since 1993 Chip’s role is that of Chief Director and, more importantly, as the camp Dad. As father to the camp family he has his fingers gently on the pulse of the summer camp family. It is his goal to daily get around to every kid in camp to check face to face and eye to eye how everyone is doing and everything is going. Chip holds a B.A. degree in Fine Arts from Cal. State University of Long Beach, has served as a school teacher, a Community College Director of Student Activities, and Director of a private boarding home for teenage boys. Jody is the perfect match & complement as co-owner/director and more importantly, as the camp Mom. Jody is also Co-Chief Executive of her family’s chain of gas and grocery stores. Her focus on efficiency and integrity assure that the Mountain Meadow Ranch operation runs smoothly. More importantly, though, is her heart and passion for kids. Jody is the heart of Mountain Meadow Ranch. She is Director of T.L.C. (Tender Love for Campers) and as a mother of three can readily relate to all aspects of a young person’s time away from home, both from the camper’s and the parent’s point of view.
Mountain Meadow Ranch is home for Chip & Jody and summer camp is their life. Both work directly with the campers on a daily basis and are totally involved in every aspect of camp life. Mountain Meadow Ranch is a full-time, year-round operation and Chip and Jody have dedicated their lives to young people and the camps success. For them, it is their life mission.
Chris Rauen
Chris Rauen joined Mountain Meadow Ranch as a counselor and summer camp photographer back in 1987 and over the years served as our CILT Director (Camper In Leadership Training), camp video photographer, archery & riflery instructor, game show producer director and host and so much more. The camping industry and his dedication to serving young people is his career; Chris is also a credentialed teacher. As Director/Administrator, Chris wears many hats, with his primary focus being on coordinating travel for the many kids arriving at Mountain Meadow Ranch every session, as well as database management and coordinating “special event (game show) nights” for the summer camp family each session.
Charles & Cascia Smith
Charles “Chuck” and Cascia “Cash” Smith started with us first as counselors, Chuck in the summer of 2002 and 2003 and Cash in 2003. They have been our Staff & Program Directors since 2005. Growing up in southern California Chuck spent his summers working at Angeles Crest Christian Summer Camp where his positions were as Counselor, Kitchen Staff, Grounds Keeper and House Keeping. Chuck has a 15 years experience working with camps. Chuck holds a BA in Youth Ministry, and Cascia Holds a BS in Pre Med and a California Teaching Credential. Living in Phoenix, Arizona, Chuck and Cash travel throughout the country promoting and sharing Mountain Meadow Ranch, and recruiting and building the finest possible staff team for the summer. When not on the road, Cascia is an elementary school teacher and Chuck is a Potter (ceramic artist) and also works in various tutoring programs in local schools. Both are devoted to serving kids and to promoting the Mountain Meadow Mission.
Founders - Mentors
Jack and Jacquie Ellena established Mountain Meadow Ranch in 1956 shortly after Jack's graduation from UCLA. The Bruin All-American continued his football career with the L.A. Rams, further developing and operating his summer camp during the off-season. Jack and Jacquie’s dream became reality as they provided a camp and ranch-life experience for boys and girls. Striving for excellence has been the goal of Mountain Meadow Ranch since the beginning. Today we enjoy the reputation of being one of the finest California summer camps in America.
