By: Reine Knobbe

Our Fall Fest Motorcycle Show has been raising funds for Camp Hope in Farmington, MO for years. There are numerous veterans organizations that we could raise funds for. All worthy causes indeed! So what Camp Hope?  

A vet recommended Camp Hope to us as we had not heard of them. After doing a bit of research and visiting their facility, we were hooked! As an occupational therapist, I was impressed with the facility’s commitment to making sure the lodge and cabins on the property are all ADA-accessible. They have track-wheeled wheelchairs to get vets out into the woods who are unable to use the side-by-sides or four-wheelers; deer stands that are wheelchair accessible; and miles and miles of trails.  They provide guides for veterans who need extra support. I love the example of guides helping blind vets hunt!

I spoke with Roy Hunter, one of the board members at Camp Hope, to find out what improvements they have been able to complete over the last several years. Roy said they have been able to accomplish much including:  a 40’ x 100’ metal building to house all their big equipment such as tractor, lawn mowers, side by sides etc; a loft was added to the building to store all the paper products and other supplies needed to host veterans; they stripped all the old stain off the lodge and cabins to help preserve the buildings along with a regular maintenance contract to preserve the buildings. This past year they replaced a bridge on the property that was washing out annually during heavy rain storms.  It is now longer, taller and has more pipes under it to keep it from washing out. Their next big project is to pave the parking area. It will make the annual motorcycle poker run, which is held the fourth Saturday in August, easier for motorcyclists to get in and out of the parking lot. August 23, 2025 for those of you that like to mark your calendars!

Roy and his wife Mendi stated that it is very rewarding to volunteer at Camp Hope. They receive letters from vets telling them that being at Camp Hope is life changing for them.  They have even received bullets “literally bullets”, Roy emphasized, from vets that were going down that path of suicide. Camp Hope does just that, giving vets hope for the future. Our veterans face atrocities most of us cannot fathom. Camp Hope is a place veterans can come together for healing. It is not easy transitioning back to civilian life. Camp Hope does so much more than just getting veterans back out to hunt in our great Missouri outdoors.

For more information about Camp Hope please visit their website HERE.

Or check out their newest video below!

You can also talk to Mendi and Roy at our Fall Fest Motorcycle Show on October 12th. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.