Sasquatch Chronicles Blog

A listener writes “In June of 2004, I was working a part-time summer job as a counselor in a outdoor experience camp for teenage boys receiving mental health care. Our experiences happened throughout our 3 week camp but we were oblivious as to what we were experiencing.

Little did we know that this seemingly routine outdoor experience was intricately tied to the campers’ mental health journey. The simulation, with its focus on orienteering and first aid skills, served a purpose beyond just a recreational activity. It provided an opportunity for these teenage boys to develop important life skills, build resilience, and foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Such immersive experiences, coupled with professional support and guidance, play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process for individuals receiving mental health care. Just as the camp aimed to empower these young boys, comprehensive programs like couples drug treatment provide a structured and nurturing environment for individuals and their loved ones to heal, grow, and overcome the challenges they face. Through carefully designed activities and therapeutic interventions, these programs help individuals develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate their journey towards improved mental health and well-being.

One day, myself and our Camp Boss we’re trying to approach what we thought was a hiker or a forestry worker on a hill approximately 1000 yds away to let them know our kids were in the area honing their orienteering and first aid skills. It was a simulation where they were seeking and finding an injured counselor who left coordinates to a location there were headed to. Noisy at best.

As we reached a distance of about 200 yds from the person it turned it’s headed and walked away. I said, “I don’t know what the fuck that was, but it isn’t a person.” The Camp Boss said, “Let get the hell out of here.” We joined our kids and the hunt.

Within the hour the kids found the 2 missing counselors. Upon arrival, one counselor approached me and was upset that we had found it funny to try and scare him and the younger counselor by screaming at them and throwing stuff at them. I told him we don’t do anything. He wasn’t buying it.

A few days later, we took the boys camping on a overnight trip to an area we had not been before. Weather had forced us to abandon our usual overnight trip.

When they announce that we were going to stay in the area we were at. I had an uneasy, Goldilocks feeling. Like we were trespassing.

There was a makeshift lean to shelter with leaf debris bedding and the grass was trampled down as if something was there. I expressed my concerns but it fell on deaf ears.

After our meal and group counseling we sent everyone to bed. The Camp Boss and I stayed up to make sure the fire burned out and all was safe. We entered our sheltered and we’re getting into our bags. Suddenly, from about 20 yards away there was this screaming like something was pissed that we were there. Camp Boss pulled his .45 and hand me his hunting knife. He went through all animals he thought it could and ruled out others. He said, “if shit gets crazy get the kids out of here.” We were listening to make sure no one left their shelters. Everyone slept through it. We did not sleep that night. We were terrified.

The next morning, one of our psychologists said, “We were visited by Sasquatch last night.”

We broke camp and headed back to base camp.

Early in our trip Camp Boss, talked to all of the counselors and said, “I don’t know which one of you heavy-footed son of a bitches thought it was funny to mess our tent last night. I almost shot you. Everyone denied being out their tents that night.

Another evening, during group counseling we were inundated by this stench that seemed to be circling our camp. Thinking it was a bear I flipped my headlamp on grabbed a large stick and started walking around the camp. I was wanting to push whatever it was out of camp. Whatever it was, left. I was fortunate.

Years after the trip, I have started putting all the pieces together and realize just how lucky we were.

This happened in Colorado in the Un Compaghre near the Big Cimarron River. At the time, I was a teacher.

The screaming incident has had a profound effect on me. I have shared my experiences with family but have become the butt of their jokes.

Thanks for listening.”