This unique camp is designed to give campers (ages 13-18) a realistic wilderness running and camping experience. To enjoy and respect wilderness beauty through running, hiking and exploring, at high altitudes are the major objectives of this camp. Group and individual instruction will be given in all areas of distance training and racing, with emphasis on performance improvement through self reliance, personal accountability and teamwork strategies. To enhance personal growth, campers must be willing to adapt to lack of urban conveniences not found in the great outdoors. (i.e. cell phones, iPods, tablets, DVD players, and other technos just invented.)
Ukrainian International Aid Worker Eric Heinonen, former Steens Camper and Camp Assistant via S. Eugene HS, ex Duck and Colorado Grad, flees from Ukraine.
Since the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014, East SOS (Vostok SOS) has been among the most active organizations in Eastern Ukraine, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to provide emergency assistance to war-affected individuals. At present, East SOS is receiving humanitarian aid from abroad and redistributing it to affected towns, cities and villages in Ukraine. The foundation is also purchasing and distributing critical hygiene products and medicines to individuals in nursing homes, mothers with small children, and hospitals.
Chris Hollis was a 2 time Steens Camper from Stayton HS in 1999 and 2000 and was a State HS 3A XC champ in 2000.
Chris as a tent assistant in 2005
While competing for Portland State Chris was a Steens Camp Tent Assistant for the summers of 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005. In subsequent summers, he was a Steens Tent Coach
Chris was involved in numerous Steens Camp Setup Crews. He specialized and took great pride in preparing, digging out and constructing the Turkey BBQ Pits! After Chris left Steens for Flatland America His signature pits were sadly retired and replaced to make way for the Basque Family Style Dinners!
Steens Setup Crew 2006 – from left: Elizabeth Cary, John Mantalas, Scott Sanders, Chris Hollis, HYRT, KYRT
Prior to his move to Hoka Trail he was Mizuno’s Running Brand Manager, later became Special Projects Manager for Atlanta Track Club Where he Managed the 2020 Olympic Marathon USA Trials, PeachTree Road race, and many other ATC and Atlanta Area events!
Congratulations Chris! Your Steens Family is Proud of the Trail you have crafted for yourself!