I grew up in Pueblo, Colorado with the prairie as my backyard. With two parents who worked full time, I had a lot of time on my own to play outside and get into all sorts of trouble with my two best friends (my bike and BB gun) ! I roamed the prairie hunting lizards, and imagined I was one of the boys from my favorite movie, The Cowboys starring John Wayne. I made my own flashlights out of tin cans and candles, fried bologna over coffee cans, and killed my first rattle snake at age eight! As a kid, I delighted in searching for my own treasures. Feathers, rocks, bones, and metal I would find made its way into my special collections. I have always loved all things survival, hunting, and camping.
Later on in life, I discovered that there were people in Colorado reenacting Mountain Man rendezvous, replicating the fur-trade era of the 1840's. I spent a few years researching the history, and collecting clothing, tools, and supplies authentic to that era (if you wanted to participate in the rendezvous, you had to look the part!) I was able to drag Amy, Ben, and Suzanna to one event... but they weren't as into it as I was... who wouldn't want to dress in pioneer clothing for a weekend?? So I decided it would be better to create my own rendezvous that had all of the mountain man fun, with none of the restrictive rules!
Ben and I at a Mountain Man Rendezvous...
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Can't believe I got them to smile for a photo!
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In 2001, I hosted the first ever Champ Camp. I wanted to teach kids to appreciate God's creation, and foster a love for the outdoors. I wanted to combine the things I loved growing up as a kid with the fun I have imagining an older time in history, creating a truly special experience. I've had a blast running champ camp for the last two decades! I love watching kids make a new friend, accomplish something new like stick a tomahawk in the bullseye, and find joy in the small and simple things (ipads are over-rated!) I love spending the year in Goodwills across Denver, hunting for the perfect items to add to my infamous 3 Arrows Trading Post store! This is truly my passion, and I can't wait to see you there! -Champ.
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Ain't nothin more satisfying than looking up at God's stars and knowin' that you're burnin' daylight.