 Activities and Experts for 2008
Read what the press is saying about the Big Boys Mens Camp. (PDF file)
 Animal Ambassadors . . . Get up close and personal with tarantulas, snakes, hawks, vultures, owls, raccoons, and more with the Wildlife Awareness Program. Moonridge Animal Park, part of the Moonridge Zoo in Big Bear, is primarily a zoological facility but is also a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here.
Archery . . . Engage in this classic camp activity on Camp Whittle's own archery range with distances from 25'-75'. Learn field hunting and target shooting using recurve and compound bows.
Backhoe and Bulldozer Time Trials . . . Camp Whittle staff will instruct you on operating a backhoe or bulldozer. Then compete in completing an obstacle course, digging holes, and moving manure.
Beer Tasting . . . In tasting beers, all the senses are engaged. Join our world-class expert Kurt Peter in learning how to judge the subtle differences between beers, from eyeing the beer to swallowing. Learn about the color, aroma, and the effect temperature has on beer.
Billiards . . . Begin with instruction in the game's finer points. Then, finish the day at an exhibition showcasing the talents of our nationally renowned expert and compete in a nine-ball tournament. Roy Yamane is one of eight Master Certified BCA Instructors internationally. Roy "The Sensei" has been victorious in a variety of national competitions, is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on "trick shots," and trains Hollywood actors when a part demands expertise in billiards.
Challenge Course . . . Test your balance, stamina, and concentration as you navigate the ropes, a course designed for skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Taught by Camp Whittle staff that teaches thousands every year. Both high ropes and low ropes are included in the class.
Cigar Tasting (new instructor) . . . Noreik Zadah of the Cigar Oasis Lounge will lead a class on the finer points of cigar tasting. This class will teach some basic steps for selecting the best-tasting cigar that is a perfect fit for you. You will be puffing on something smooth and aromatic in no time.
Cooking/Gourmet BBQ (new instructor) . . . Suited for the beginner to the expert, learn the finer points of barbecuing with Dave Leverett of Jaspers Smokehouse and Steaks. Learn his secrets on grilling, smoking and barbecuing, and find out about woods, fuels, barbecue sauces, and seasonings. Dave will also prepare barbecued ribs for lunch on Friday.
Darts . . . Learn the basics of this traditional pub game from British player and Grand Master Singles Winner Jan Kidd. Class will cover stance, gripping the dart, dartboards, and throwing tips. Jan, who owns The Dart Shop, will cover basic darts equipment, darts tuning (how different flights and shafts influence the dart throw), dart maintenance, and what you should know when buying darts.
Digital Photography . . . Part One: Photo Safari at Camp Whittle. Photograph the natural flora and fauna found at Big Bear Mountain. Learn techniques to create the best possible photograph from the staff at Camp Whittle.
Part Two: Learn how to download, edit, and print your images at the state-of-the-art Camp Whittle Media Center. Digital camera necessary for both activities.
Part One is not a prerequisite for Part Two.
Fly Fishing (new instructor) . . . Kevin Bell, a certified and master instructor by the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and the general manager of Bob Marriott's Fly Fishing Store, brings you the magic of fly fishing. In the business for over 15 years, Kevin is sought out by corporations and private clients to teach them the finer points of fly fishing. Fly Fishing Made EZ will introduce you to fly-fishing equipment, including rods, reels, lines and leaders, casting dynamics and techniques, and the theory of fly fishing. All gear except sunglasses/eye protection will be provided.
Frisbee Golf . . . What is a hyzer? How does an overstable disc fly? Learn from Camp Whittle staff how to play "Frisbee or Disc Golf," one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Disc golf is a lot like traditional "ball" golf, except players use specially made plastic flying discs instead of balls and clubs, and throw them for `par' at an above-ground target instead of a hole in the ground. Join the fun on this nine-hole course spread throughout camp.
Geocaching: Search for Buried Treasure . . . This new and very popular activity throughout the country combines the Earth (geo) hiding and technology (cache). Treasure will be hidden in the woods at camp with coordinates noted on a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Work with camp staff and learn how to use a GPS unit to locate treasures picked out by the Big Boys Men's Camp advisory board. Grand prize for three-mile search set for Friday afternoon: free Camp admission for BBMC 2009.
Golf: Putt for Dough . . . The most overlooked aspect of golf by most amateurs. As the teacher to the 2004 Nationwide Tour and Asian Tour putting champions, Dr. David Wright is one of the country's foremost instructors on the subject. Participants will gain an understanding of the variables in the setup that impact the putting stroke, and the role of physical balance in putting. In addition, participants will learn the mental techniques used by the world's best putters.
Horseback Riding . . . Camp stables offer the opportunity for guided leisurely trail rides in the mountains with the experienced staff of Camp Whittle. Riders will be guided around the camp on wilderness trails to see the nature and countryside the camp has to offer.
Horseshoe Pitching . . . Learn the correct way to pitch horseshoes and improve your playing technique. Find out about the rules, scoring, and court layout.
Interactive Virtual Reality Shooting Simulator . . . The only simulator with patented return fire, shoot-back cannon
firing 68-caliber nylon balls traveling at over 100 feet per second during a synchronized event or events in simulation. Greg Block, law enforcement firearms instructor for over 20 years, will provide advanced technology simulation and realistic tactical training programs. Firearms used are fully recoiling, ejecting empty brass casing thanks to air munitions integration. A unique opportunity and the only way the public can access a law enforcement simulator. View the interactive simulator in action by starting the video below:
Kayaking . . . In a couple of fun-filled hours, master the basics of this ancient water vehicle on the cold, blue surface of Big Bear Lake. Southwind Kayak Center is Southern California's premier source of kayak lessons, tours, rentals, and sales. Southwind brought kayaking to Orange County and is recognized as one of the foremost teaching facilities in the U.S.
Southwind's guide and instructor, Tom Testerman, will guide you through learning the basics. Tom has been paddling for over ten years, guiding trips in the Channel Islands, Colorado River, Baja California (Todos Santos Island), and Southern California. No prior experience necessary.
Knife Throwing . . . Rick Lemberg, World Knife and Tomahawk Masters Champion, will teach knife throwing as a fun, safe target sport. Rick was a 2005 Inductee to the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame in Austin, Texas. After a short safety course, a knife throwing competition for accuracy will be held, with the best "knife throwers" receiving awards at the awards ceremony. Read more about Rick Lemberg, World Knife and Tomahawk Masters Champion.
Magic . . . Learn magic from a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle). Expert Matt Jarman, a 24-year-old doctoral student at Claremont Graduate University, won first place at the annual International Brotherhood of Magicians Junior Close-up Competition, one of the largest competitions in the world, with magicians from 29 countries in attendance. He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and The Orange County Register in recognition of his unique magic skills.
Making Your SmartPhone Smarter . . . Do you carry a BlackBerry, Microsoft Smartphone, or a Palm Smartphone? Are you aware of the capabilities of these devices? Learn to make the most of your SmartPhone—share content, beam contacts, open and edit MS attachments, and download entertainment applications. Join Joe Morris, Vice President of Konami Digital Entertainment’s Mobile Group, and learn to make the most of your phone.
Massage . . . Enjoy a break from all the activities with a one-hour massage by licensed massage therapist. Additional cost $100, with $50 going to Big Boys Men's Camp. Please send separate check with registration form.
Meditation . . . What is meditation, and what can it do for you? Meditation is a systematic tool for cultivating attention so that your mind can be used to its full potential. Matt Jarman does research on meditation and will explain what it is and how to do it effectively. He will walk you through different types of meditation and show how to easily incorporate it into your busy life. Matt is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior at Claremont Graduate University and an MBA at the Drucker and Ito Graduate School of Management.
NASCAR Racing . . . Using an actual Busch series race car driven by the 2003 Sprint Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth at over 198 MPH, compete against 42 other drivers using the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake. Feel the roar of the engine and see how you compare against other drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon. Top drivers have been in the simulator and have stated this is as good as it gets.
Nature/Survival Hike . . . Hikers will have the opportunity to experience nature's flat meadows, rolling hills and unique rock formations. Camp personnel will lead the hike and are experts in the local flora and fauna. You will learn about the region's animals and plants as well as survival techniques in the mountains.
Pistol Shooting . . . Under the expert guidance of the O.C. Sheriff's Range Sergeant, the Weapons Instructors will properly and safely teach the finer points of firing a 9mm-caliber pistol. The Weapons Instructors compress the 96-hour deputy training course into 90 minutes. A shooting match will determine the "Top Gun" of the competition. Each class can accommodate 12 campers; placement determined on first-come, first-served basis.
Poker (new instructor) . . . Robert "Chipburner" Turner, one of the most well-known figures in the world of professional poker and the poker manager for the Normandie Casino, will teach the basics of "holdem" as seen on TV. Learn basic mechanics, different strategies, and starting hands from the only poker player to win an all around championship in four different decades, and who was inducted into the Senior Poker Hall of Fame in 1999.
Scotch Tasting: The House of Walker . . . Back by popular demand, "Master of Whisky" Edward Adams. Taste the Red, Black, Green, Gold, and Blue labels and learn about the Johnnie Walker family and the art and history of blending. (One class only, limited sign-ups.)
Trap Shooting . . . Learn the art of trap shooting with long-time Olympic and American Style Trap Shooter Jim Leeg Trap who has competed on United States teams and participated in trap competitions for over 20 years. Joining him for the second year is Patrick Muñoz, Jim's co-chairman of the Hoag Hospital 552 Stag Shoot. If you have never fired a shotgun, or want to improve your shooting skills, this class is for you.
Whisky from Around the World . . . Join "Master of Whisky" Edward Adams to taste and discuss whisky from America to Scotland, Canada to Ireland, tasting American bourbon, (Dickel) Tennessee whisky, Crown special reserve or Extra Rare Canadian whisky, Bushmills Blackbush Irish Whisky and Talisker from Scotland. (One class only, limited sign-ups.)
Wine Tasting (new instructor) . . . This class will explore the enjoyment of wine through the true senses. We all know what we like in wine, but what are we really smelling and tasting? Rick Reich is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine), graduate of the International Sommelier Guild, but, most importantly, is a W.I.N.O., which stands for Wine Is Not Ostentatious. We will bring wine tasting down to earth per se and try to get the smells and tastes of wine as they should be, for pure enjoyment.
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