Jack and Jacquie
Jacquelyn “Jacquie” Dumbauld was born and raised in Worthington, Ohio in 1935, and came to California in 1952 as a contestant for the College Queen of America contest. She won the contest, and was awarded a scholarship to UCLA where she met and married Bruins football all-star Jack Ellena. After Jack’s first season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955, the two traveled to his birthplace in Lassen County and purchased Mountain Meadow Ranch with the intent of establishing a summer camp for children. They founded the camp the following year, which became their passion and remained so for over 30 years. The philosophy of program and structure at MMR was developed by the Ellenas during those early years and remain today with the focus on each and every camper, helping them become the very best they can be. Jack & Jacquie were early members of WAIC, the Western Association of Independent Camps where Jack served as President and Jacquie as Chair of the Ethics Committee. She was also a teacher, and taught for twelve years in the Susanville School District. Jack and Jacquie received Directors Emeritus from WAIC when they retired in 1990.
Jacquie’s selfless love and compassion for children is by far her greatest legacy. From the start she was a major part and influence in the camp program and everything else that was related to Mountain Meadow. Her goal as the Mother of the camp family was to make sure that each youngster became a part of the family. She was always there with the TLC when needed and giving the assurance that each of them was very special. Her love and devotion gave confidence and assurance, helping each one develop self-reliance and positive self-confidence. From the very beginning she established the philosophy and set the goals that each and every camper that came to MMR would leave a happy, caring person. Jacquie was very special and she had the ability to transfer her special ness to all campers. She was always reminding them that they were special and it was their responsibility to become the very best person they could become. Jacquie had a great deal of influence on the lives of many young people who all proclaim that because of her they became a better person.
It is in her honor that we establish this scholarship fund, ensuring that young people will continue to benefit from Jacquie’s contributions to the camping industry for years to come. Thank you, Jacquie!
Jack & Jacquie Ellena, Founders, Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp