Barbara and Jack Bates had a dream about a holiday camp for children on a real working ranch. The first camp was started in 1962 with five children. The lodge was just a shell with no floor or roof. The bathroom was the outhouse and bathing was done in the river.

Since 1962, the camp has been enjoyed by thousands of children coming from all corners of the world. Many past campers are now sending their children to Bates Bar J Ranch.

The aims of the camp are to promote good fellowship, appreciation of outdoor beauty, wildlife and domestic animals and to strengthen high standards in moral character. Young people develop new skills, make new friends, improve character, assimilate the beauty of mountains, hills, streams, wildlife and woodland, all the while having good fun.

Boys and girls participate in real ranch life featuring horseback riding. They are taught riding, grooming, feeding and care of horses. Proper use and maintenance of tack and rigging is also included. The program also includes swimming in a natural pool in the creek, fishing, games, campfires, crafts, wagon rides, trampoline and a Friday night dance. A nature awareness program offers hiking and wilderness survival.

There are many retreats, school camps, weddings and Holiday gatherings throughout the rest of the year as well.

The camp is now owned and operated by Randy and Kathy Bates, the second generation of Bates to take an active role in the life of the camp. Randy oversees the day to day operation of the ranch while Kathy rides herd on the riding camp and group bookings.

Kristina Bates works closely with the Camp Counselors to ensure that each camper has the best possible camping experience. Kristina is also a Riding Leader and enjoys introducing campers to the beautiful scenery that can be seen from the numerous riding trails on the ranch.

Russell Bates, in addition to his work in the forestry industry, plays an active role in maintaining the ranch. His ability to operate heavy equipment played an important role during the recovery from the flood of 2005.

Russell and his wife Olivia now have two young daughters. The newest Bates are the fourth generation to live on the ranch.

Olivia has taken on many of the bookkeeping responsibilities for the riding camp.