2002

The Beginning

Grizzly, Cameron, and Jim keep an eye on the fire

On June 9th, 2002, our fifty summer staff were camping in a beautiful spot near Potato Lake. Finishing up our 10-day staff training, they were spending four nights learning about the wilderness component of our program. During our Leave No Trace camping presentation, a staff member looked up into the sky and asked, "Is that smoke?" We quickly called our friends at Search and Rescue and got the scoop. A fire had ignited that morning on the northwest side of the Missionary Ridge Road and was moving in a northwest direction. Because CSC is nestled in the Red Creek Valley on the southeast side of Missionary Ridge we kept a close watch on the progression of the fire, communicated constantly with the local fire chief and search and rescue, and continually reviewed our evacuation plan. With gathered information, we were confidant that our summer would not be affected. On June 12th, our smiling, exuberant campers arrived ready for a summer of significance in the Red Creek Valley. It's safe to say it was significant!

The Evacuation

Fire in the north end of Shearer Creek

On June 13th, we held our mandatory evacuation drill, where campers and staff, upon hearing a signal were to proceed to the office field and load themselves into the vans. As our drill came to an end, two fire chiefs stopped by to inform us that the fire was not progressing on any definite course, and the speed of the advancing fire was uncertain. That night, at roughly 9:15, the fire chief called to notify us that the fire was in Shearer Creek, the valley just east of camp. At this point we made the decision to voluntarily evacuate well ahead of any danger. Clay Colvig, the current director, Amie Podolsky and Andrew Notbohm, current program directors, split up and went around to each cabin to tell them of the decision. Campers and staff were instructed to pack a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm clothes, and a flashlight, and make their way to the office field, as they had practiced earlier that day. Kit Klepinger, office manager, began packing important office items and forwarded the phone, "Uncle" Jim Colvig and support staff hurriedly packed the rental sleeping bags, and tarps, and filled the vans with gas, and the Witch Doctor packed all necessary first aid supplies and medications. As campers walked hand in hand guided by flashlights up the road,the ridge behind the lodge glowed red. Campers were instructed to sit, by camp, in the field until we had a full count of everyone.

Flames at top of Heartbreak Ridge

As we prepared to load the vans, a herd of horses set free by the neighboring dude ranch ran down the road to safety, illuminated by the headlights of our vans. Each van was loaded with campers and the pre-assigned drivers waited their turn to depart the Red Creek Valley. With a police escort, 10 vans, and three personal vehicles, all with hazards flashing, followed the tractor and horse trailer loaded with gear, 20 mph down Florida Rd to the pre-set evacuation site…soon to be dubbed "the refugee camp". Within two hours of making the announcement to evacuate, campers and staff were set up by camp under tarps, and tucked away in their sleeping bags.

Life at "The Refugee Camp"

"Tarp City"

Refugee Camp consisted of "tarp city" in a nearby rancher's field. We had plenty of room to move around, a small private pond, and access to Rob's Ridge. After a long night, the campers were allowed to sleep in and awoke to a breakfast prepared by Chefs, Nancy and Cindy, in the camp kitchen and transported to the Refugee Camp. Staff kept their moral high and remained creative in developing various activities during what turned out to be an "all camp cabin overnight". Support staff returned to camp to load up arts & crafts supplies, inner tubes and fun yaks, and low element initiatives. Our Chefs continued to prepare meals in the camp kitchen and transport them to the Refugee Camp with the help of the support staff and assistant counselors, and the office was set up at a nearby friends home so that we could continue to communicate with camper families to advise them of the evacuation and upcoming plans.

Spruce boys coming from a game of frisbee

The second day at the Refugee Camp, activities resumed as normal with a multitude of "free choices" being offered. Campers played ultimate Frisbee, hiked Rob's Ridge and spelled thank you with their bodies for the planes passing overhead, participated in initiative games, and completed swim tests so they could play in the water. We were also fortunate enough to be given clearance back to our property in small groups.

Final campfire amidst a smokey sunset

This gave campers and staff the opportunity to head back to camp with a program director to take a shower and pack up the rest of their belongings to be transported to the Refugee Camp. That evening was spent entertaining ourselves with a "campfire" complete with camper skits, group songs, and the first ever rendition of the "Refugee Camp Song" performed by staff.

Hazy morning sun

On June 16th, our third day at the Refugee Camp, we awoke to heavier smoke settled in the valley, and a counselor in respiratory distress. Having already been in contact with local schools for the use of their kitchens, Clay placed one more call and by lunch, campers and staff were settled into Escalante Middle School.

Life at the School
Here we set up "Camp 2 - Castle Grayskull". Campers and staff were able to shower and access their trunks, and get themselves settled into the school gym…a giant slumber party! At this point, the office was preparing to move again, and our Chefs and assistant counselors went back to camp to load up the kitchen and move all of the food (and Charlie the Elk) to the school kitchen so meals could be prepared on site. The administrative team, complimented by Mary, Jim, Cassidy, and Nicole Colvig met to discuss program options. Due to the compromise in programming, the lack of containment on the fire, and with all other options exhausted, we decided that 1st session had to be cancelled.

Final dance party

Though it was difficult to tell the campers and staff, as always, camp ended on a high note with our traditional final dance. Alumni Sarah St. John and friend Michael Jordan volunteered to DJ so that the campers could spend their last night together as they typically would…crying included. By mid - morning on the June 18th, all campers had departed. Taking away the experience these campers had looked forward to all year was not an easy decision to make, though we were able to find comfort in letters we received from campers stating that summer 2002 was "the best week of camp I've ever experienced."

Staff Without Campers?
Staff had done a great job and deserved some pampering, so Tamarron Resort donated enough to accommodate all of our staff for three nights in order to unwind, relax a bit, have a dinner donated by a local restaurant, and debrief the events of the previous two weeks with professional facilitators. Staff moved back to a school gym that would eventually be accommodated with cots by the Red Cross, and in the days to follow were set up with various volunteer opportunities helping with the fire hot line, the Red Cross, and Helping Hands. They also spent time calling campers to ensure their safe arrival home, and working on their final plaques and letters to send to their campers.

Summer staff 2002

On June 24th, with still no containment of the fire, no sign of rain, and a decision about 2nd term necessary, we decided that with the information available at the time, we could not safely run our second session without compromising the experience of our program. We brought staff back to a safe corner of camp to inform them of our decision and conduct our final vespers, hoping for the best closure to the summer that we could provide. That night, we held our annual "staff party" at a local restaurant as we watched the flames on Missionary Ridge from town.

Letting go of a group of staff who were 80% return was yet another difficult feat to overcome. These were the people who continued to smile through their personal fears and concerns. They are the people who kept the campers engaged in their experience. Without the creativity, moral, and energy of our staff, this summer could not have been successful.

The Firefighting Efforts

Slurry bomber flies overhead

Fire creeps down Hearbreak Ridge

Trees cleared around the Witch Doctor

Back at camp, the Hot Shot Crews had been called in to prepare for the advancing fire. Bulldozer lines were created above Homestead, around the lodge and lower saddle, and trees around nearby buildings were cut. With the help of friends, all camp belongings including saddles and tack (the horses had already been moved to the Refugee Camp fields), expedition equipment, bikes, remaining arts & crafts supplies, and remaining first aid supplies, were loaded up. A room for the office had been donated and all of our belongings were placed in storage units.

Fire comes close to the lodge

Slurry drop over Heartbreak Ridge

As a central location within the fire perimeter, Homestead field was set up as a Bulldozing Station for the firefighting efforts. Slurry bombers were constantly overhead dropping fire retardant and two water helicopters continually dropped down Outpost and Main Lakes to utilize the water.

The fire now surrounded camp on three sides. As it began creeping down the ridge from Heartbreak Hotel toward the lodge, the preset fire lines held. Firefighters monitored the property throughout the night, eventually foaming lower saddle, and a backburn was set on Pathfinder Hill to prevent the fire from getting to Homestead. Due to these tremendous firefighting efforts none of our buildings were harmed.

1st Term Pathfinding
On a positive note, our 1st term Pathfinders - our continuous four-week backpacking program for ages 15-17 - were still out for the majority of their term. After evacuating with the rest of camp and spending their first two days at the Refugee Camp, Group Garlic, went to Kelly Place to begin their excursion. A desert archeological site, Kelly Place offered day hiking, cultural history, and phone contact. After spending four days on their desert leg, the Pathfinders were joined by the climbing coordinator for a five-day rock climbing section in Naturita. Due to the increased fire danger throughout the state the Forest Service and BLM implemented a ban on overnight camping within the majority of our area - the San Juan Resource Area.

Pathfinders finish strong with solos

With this restriction, the Pathfinders went to a campground outside of Silverton where they had access to a couple of beautiful day hikes. It was now time for the administration to re-evaluate the 1st term Pathfinding experience. Amie and Andrew met the group in Silverton to send them on their final leg and inform them of our decision to send them home one week early. After their three day solo experience, the Pathfinders met back in Durango and were taken to Tamarron (it's only fair) to get ready for "town night".

What Now? The Waiting Game
With staff and campers gone, and the camp property still under evacuation, it would have been easy to throw in the towel on the summer. Quite the contrary, we put their heads together and began to brainstorm ways to salvage what was left of summer 2002. With the help and support of another WAIC camp, the idea to run 2nd term Pathfinding in Wyoming began to form. Clay contacted families to propose the change in plans. The idea was well received and Pathfinding in Wyoming was well under way. A deadline to make a decision about 4th term Homestead was set, the prayers for rain began, and we took a couple of days to rejuvenate.

Pathfinding in Wyoming

2nd term Pathfinders "carry the flag" in Wyoming

With the help of Trails Wilderness School, 12 campers and 2 staff headed to Wyoming carry the flag (literally) for summer 2002. The group was picked up by our Gray van in Salt Lake City and journeyed six hours to their home base in Jackson, where they would embark on their four-week adventure. Lead by our own Program Director Andrew and our 1st term Pathfinding Coordinator Jill Jacobson, the trip followed our own practices in a whole new environment. Complete with a rock climbing section, a backpacking section, solos, a day on the river, and of course the gourmet food drops, our campers were able to experience the program they had anticipated.

Laughter Returns to the Valley

Staff re-hang the camp sign

Homesteads first ascent of Engineer Mtn.

On July 7th, following a consistent week of afternoon showers, we received word that we were able to move back to camp! With this news, we called all Homestead families to invite them to come to a 4th term of Homestead. We began taking multiple trips to the storage units in town to start getting camp back together, and phone calls to our staff on a west coast road trip were made. Staff were anxious to return…once again there would be laughter in the Red Creek Valley.

Campers excited to attend their "#1" camp

The rain came down, the fire was contained, and on July 27th, 27 enthusiastic campers arrived.

The campers of fourth term enjoyed creative free choices, a Backwards Olympics Special Day, the first ever ascent of Engineer Mountain by that age group, a traveling commemorative dance party, sleeping in the Spruce Tree Houses, and visits be the administration on their cabin overnights. What an amazing event in CSC history to be able to devote 100% of our time and energy into 27 campers.

The Aftermath

The lodge was unharmed

With fire lines cut around main camp and Homestead, and the burn coming within 20 ft. of the lodge and lower saddle, parts of camp looked a little different.

Vegetation is beginning to grow

But, with each month, the signs of fire continue to dissipate. Since most of the fire directly around the property was a ground fire (not reaching the tops of trees), the majority of the conifers remain green. A black spot on Pathfinder Hill still is a reminder of the obstacle we overcame, but in the months that have passed, a clean up crew was sent in to disguise the fire lines, 50 new aspen trees have been planted around the Lodge/Witch Doctor area, and green vegetation is popping up.

View of Pathfinder Hill

With the heavy rains in July there were some mudslides throughout the burn area carrying debris in its path. However, due to the gentle grade of the Red Creek Valley, and the lesser severity of the fire in that drainage, we don't expect mud slides. Dead and falling trees are continually being marked and taken care of by the Forest Service and for the most part all of the areas we travel with our trips have been reopened for public use - including the Lemon Reservoir and Vallecito Reservoir areas. Now, with snow on the ground the earth is continues to restore itself. For summer 2003, we anticipate being able to offer all but a couple of trips typically offered. As the months progress to another summer, we are working closely with our land management agencies to assure that the areas we travel are safe for our program to operate.

Horses fed through winter with purchased hay

Financially, we are certain that Colvig Silver Camps will continue to operate for many years to come. As we've said before, we are here for you, and because of you! With the generous outpouring of over 150 donations from alumni, camp families, and staff to our CSC Fire Relief Fund, we have received close to $65,000. Our second attempt at a Small Business Association Loan was approved, and we continue to investigate independent grants and further lending options with our bank.

"Elvis" rejoices

The motto last summer was "Adapt, Improvise, and Overcome" and it's safe to say that we all lived up to that creed. From activities at the Refugee Camp to Pathfinding in another state, we were all able to make the best of a trying situation. Realizing our sole purpose as a program is to enhance the lives of those who enter our valley, we were given a crash course in "attitude is everything" and we prevailed. It is probably safe to say that all who were involved in our summer of fire are proud to have been a part of this camp community. We look forward to summer 2003, we will approach it with a renewed sense of purpose and energy, and we will continue on with our stated mission: to facilitate the development of caring, thoughtful, and responsible human beings.

We Can't Thank You Enough
There are so many people without whom surviving this event would have been extremely difficult. From community members to camp families we constantly felt supported. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following people for your selflessness in our time of need, and to everyone who was thinking of us througout this chapter in CSC's history.

Summer Staff 2002 - we couldn't have done it without you!
Colorado Trails Ranch - Glen Segerlund, John Loftis, Justin Wertz
Durango 9R School District - Gene Giddings, Beverly Elseman, Joe Sargent, Mary Barter, Diane Doney, Florida Mesa Elementary School & Escalante Middle School
Coca Cola Bottling Company - Don Mapel and family, Meredith Maple
Bonnett Law Office and Kate Sullivan
Tamarron Resort - Greg Drover, Cathy Roberts, Shannon Corrilee, Lynn Kent Wilson, Desk Staff, Housekeepers
Trails Wilderness School - Whigger and Mary Jo Mullins
Cheley Colorado Camps - The Cheley Family
American Red Cross, LaPlata Chapter
First Presbyterian Church
Norton Catering
Mallon Oil - Bob Blalock
Handlebar Cycle
Alliant Foods - Bob Doren
Kelly Place Bed & Breakfast, Cortez
The Brickhouse Café and Coffee Bar
Pat McManus and Deep Blue Creek
The Alpine Clinic - Jerry Brown
Terry and Madeline Ackerman
Sarah St. John
Michael Jordan
Ed Zink
Tim Zink
Brian Zink
Charlie & Janelle Bloomfield
Hank Bacca
Pete Woods
Marto De La Vega
Todd Newcomer
Scott "Grizzly" Kelly
MaryAnne Craig
Geoff Craig & Nancy Agro
Henry Podolsky

We received nothing but positive responses from campers, parents, and staff from that summer. It is clear that the passion for this program lives on. In 2003, we initiated a Volunteer Week each year before staff arrive to help prepare camp for the hundreds of smiling campers. That summer, we focused on clearing brush and any nearby fire remnants--but each following year we have found other areas where camp needs help and have had so many generous volunteers donate their time.

We have truly grown from Summer 2002 not only in experience but also in our hearts.

Bad times, hard times - this is what we hear;
But let us live well, and times shall be good.
WE are the times.
Such as WE are, such are the times.

COLVIG SILVER CAMPS
9665 Florida Road Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-2564 Fax: (970) 247-2547 E-mail: colvigsilvercamps@compuserve.com
www.colvigsilvercamps.com

Web site development by CREATIVE LINKS MULTIMEDIA