I was pleasantly surprised to see how Camp Jeep has grown since I last went in the summer of '98. Camp Jeep is DaimlerChrysler's Mecca in the Ozarks, where Jeep owners from around the world come together to eat, Jeep, and have tons of fun near Branson, Missouri. (Camp Jeep has also been held in Colorado and Virginia in past years.)

DC went all out this year, and provided everything from walking stick carving to SCUBA diving lessons. Some of the workshops that were offered include, fly casting, basket weaving, yoga sessions, mirror etching, a tennis clinic, bathouse creation, dressing for the outdoors, and a ladies golf clinic. There were also nature hikes, BMX and skateboarding shows, remote control Jeep demonstrations, battery-operated Jeeps for the kids, and even an outdoor photography class by National Geographic.

Mac's Grand

Paul's Awesome TJ

Matt's Snorkeled TJ

Rob's CJ

For those of you who would rather get down and dirty, there were thirty trail-rides a day, ranging from scenic to difficult. Trail rides began at 7am and ran throughout the day. Local club members served as trail guides through the hills located at the south end of Branson. We tagged along on an intermediate trail on Thursday afternoon after driving Jeep Rubicon Wranglers on the Rubicon Challenge Course. Saturday morning we had a blast on the number 10 trail (most difficult), and ended the day with a "Media Run" where we got to drive DC's Grand Cherokees and Libertys off-road. Only one Jeep from our group got stuck the entire trip, when Shane (one of our Canadian counterparts) got a DC WJ stuck...and had to let a DaimlerChrysler employee get him out!

We spent all day Friday at Camp Jeep, looking at the prototype Jeep vehicles, sitting in on Engineering Round Table Discussions, driving R/C Jeeps, lunching at the Camp Jeep Café, driving the Euro Diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee (yes, I said diesel! See below), and getting my WJ examined by the Jeep Professionals at the Camp Jeep Service Tent - turns out I broke a tie-rod end the first day and the engineers under Errol Jennings' supervision had me running better than new in no time. I was lucky enough to have the chance to sit down and "talk shop" with the author of The Jeep Bible, Mr. Moses Ludel.

All in all, everyone from Dirt Road Magazine had a GREAT time, and we hope you will all come out and join us for Camp Jeep next year!

Other Highlights:

• This year's turnout included over 2,000 Jeeps and over 10,000 Jeepers.
• Over 900 acres of land, 14,000 gallons of water, 60 TONS of ice, and 18,000 pieces of chicken were used during this event.
• Live entertainment was provided by Hall & Oates and the Blues Brothers.
• There were enough family activities and plenty of trail rides to keep everyone busy!

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Dirt Road Magazine is sponsored by Turner 4WD Parts Co.