“He was a passionate goofball!”
When Flagstaff’s Lisa Lamberson reflects on her experiences as a sixth grader at Camp Colton, one memory stands out clearly. She had just arrived at camp and was making her way to the lodge for camper orientation when she spotted the “goofball” wearing a novelty headband with a fake arrow going through his head. It was Cameron Kern, who had just started his career at Camp Colton and would later become its long-time executive director.
“He was just so fun,” said Lisa. “We were all a little bit nervous, but he made everyone feel right at home. It was a great start to my week at camp.”
The year was 1989, and Lisa’s experience on the mountain cemented her love for the outdoors. The Lambersons were an outdoorsy family and Lisa’s parents had made it a priority for her to spend plenty of time in nature, so she had a leg-up on many of the other campers when it came to basic outdoor skills. Still, the experience left an indelible mark on the 12-year-old girl – both in building skills and strengthening relationships.
“We did a map and compass class that was absolutely incredible,” she said. “At Camp Colton, you feel like you’re far out and in the middle of nowhere, but we navigated to Snowbowl Road and civilization on foot with relative ease. It was such an ‘aha’ moment that wild places are so accessible by foot and filled me with a lot of confidence.”
It seems her older brother Bret, too, learned some good navigation skills at camp. Two years her senior, he and a few friends rode their bikes from town to camp to visit Lisa.
“I felt so special having them there,” she said. “I remember that were all so careful to stay on the correct side of ‘the ditch’ – boys were never to cross over to the girls’
tents and vice versa. His visit was a great dose of love from home.”
Even so, Lisa doesn’t recall feeling particularly homesick.
“Maybe it’s because we were raised to be independent, or maybe because I had many of my friends there with me. My best friend, Kristine (Gliege) Jenesko, was one of my tentmates. We slept at each other’s houses
regularly in town, so that part felt very normal.”
More than 30 years later, Lisa says she has come to realize how special the Camp Colton program really is, providing a wealth of benefits to kids growing up in Flagstaff.
“It’s an amazing treasure for the Flagstaff childhood experience,” said Lisa.
It’s clear from her career that her time at camp stuck with her. After earning her degree in Outdoor Experiential Education from Prescott College, she began teaching children in wilderness settings in Idaho andeventually running the children’s Discovery Camp at Museum of Northern Arizona. Today, she is owner/operator of the Lamberson family business, Mountain Sports Flagstaff, a downtown staple since 1980 that offers outdoor clothing, gear and accessories.
“It really sealed my career trajectory. I knew that I wanted to spend my life experiencing and playing in the outdoors,” said Lisa.
In her down time, she and her husband, Ben, and their 8-year-old son, Jack, spend time outdoors exploring and adventuring.
“I can’t wait for Jack to go to Camp Colton. I feel so strongly about providing youth with access to natural experiences and time in the wilderness,” she said.
And Lisa puts her money where her mouth is: Mountain Sports Flagstaff is a regular benefactor of Friends of Camp Colton to ensure opportunities for Flagstaff youth for years to come.
When asked what advice she would provide other kids heading to camp, Lisa said, “Have fun and don’t be scared! Enjoy this natural slice of the beautiful San Francisco Peaks. Later in life, you’ll realize just how special this opportunity is.”
What’s your favorite Camp Colton memory? We want to hear your stories and see your photos!
