When people first step into Roosevelt Camp they have to stop and take it all in. Outside of Camp are my shipping containers from adventures across the globe. Inside, under canvas sits my writing desk covered with a few books of the era I am reading, along with notes about animal skins I have displayed along with a magnifying glass. A bureau sits next to it with my “Rough Rider” uniform at the ready. Behind that is my bed, covered in sheep skins and a horse blanket. The most common question from a child, eyes still wide, is “Do you sleep here?” (yes). Then, they guess the bed covering to be a bear.

Also inside in tent is a mini museum with taxidermy along with period shadow boxes of important TR time periods and of course, firearms and furs which keeps people talking for hours.

For the past month I have been traveling across our great country meeting tens of thousands of people at historical celebrations and outdoor expos, educating on our conservation legacy. It is important to me to discuss and I hope reminds people how each election impacts what is created or taken away for future generations.

Once in a while, something magical happens in Camp. It can be a child who learns of Roosevelt for the first time or hears of story of the Teddy Bear. It can be a person who shares a story about a home Roosevelt once stayed in their community, or an uncle who served as a Rough Rider. Each trip yields a find memory of that community and the people who visit.

This last tour, I had a photographer visit who shoots large format film in antique cameras and asked to take my photo. I was tickled by the image he produced and believe it speaks to Roosevelt Camps historic impact. A special “Bully thank you” to Kent Staubus for sending me this great photo!