Our History

Hidden Pines Ranch was opened in 1983 by Claire and Paul Spilseth. Claire had a vision for a “country living experience” for school-age children after noticing a school age child standing by the fence at a local child care center. Hidden Pines Ranch was born from this vision and passion for creating a space where children could discover endless opportunites for new adventures. The Spilseths poured their hearts and hard work into camp for 13 years.

 

In 1997 the Spilseth Family sold Hidden Pines Ranch to Gregg and Robin Ellingson. The Ellingsons had three small children at that time Lindsay (7), Davis (4) and Carly (1). They were excited to continue the program started by Claire and Paul and make camp their home and a place that would be a summer home to many more children. Gregg and Robin owned HPR for 19 years. In their time as owners, they built a beautiful garage with a gymnasium and camp office, a number of multipurpose structures and continued to grow the camp program.

Hidden Pines Ranch is currently owned by Peter and Kelly Schuna, and their three children Gavin (17), Reese (15) and Isaac (13). The Schunas purchased Hidden Pines Ranch in 2016, a lifelong dream for Peter, a former camper and counselor at HPR. They feel that the values and opportunities that were created by Claire’s vision 40 years ago are just as important today. Peter and Kelly are honored to be able to continue the rich traditions of Hidden Pines Ranch and continue to provide the opportunity for children in their community to experience the magic of summer camp. In recognition of Hidden Pines Ranch’s past and present, Peter and Kelly have made it their mission for camp to “build great kids by teaching skills for life.”