What do tires, cornhole, footballs and virtual welding have in common? They all came together to make this year’s Camp DRIVE an unforgettable experience for 40 lucky teens in Rapid City.
On June 6 and 7, Weston and Tenise Chapman, founders of Black Hills Tire, welcomed a new group of bright-eyed kids ages 12 to 15 to their annual two-day passion project: Camp DRIVE. With its blend of hands-on activities, expert-led stations and just the right amount of goofing off, Camp DRIVE has become a much-anticipated summer tradition fueling the next generation of automotive minds.
The camp was born from a challenge Tenise saw firsthand: the growing shortage of skilled automotive technicians.
“There are science camps, music camps, all sorts of sports camps — what if there was a camp where these kids could come in and see, hands-on, what it’s like to work in the automotive industry?” she said, reflecting on the idea that sparked the first Camp DRIVE four years ago.
This year’s lineup included eight interactive stations where campers got hands-on with everything from oil changes and basic maintenance to brakes, welding, tire work and alignments all under the guidance of real-world professionals. One standout: the virtual reality welding simulator provided by Western Dakota Technical Institute, which gave campers a chance to safely test their skills in a cutting-edge environment.
Campers also toured a professional tool truck and explored the everyday tools of the trade, a fan favorite that made the shop feel more exciting and less intimidating. Between sessions, there was plenty of time to unwind with games like cornhole, tire races and a new hit: throwing a football through a hanging tire.
While the camp is all about learning, it’s equally about exploration and fun.
“The point behind Camp DRIVE is to introduce them to the automotive industry. Maybe they’ll come in and think, ‘I don’t like this, this isn’t for me.’ Or maybe they’ll come in and think, ‘Wow, this is really cool. I want to keep doing this,’” said Tenise. “Either way, the goal is to create a positive, memorable experience. It’s a great way to make a living, and it’s not that sort of dirty-greasy mentality anymore.”
This year’s camp also featured a visit from Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller, who delivered a powerful message about leadership and responsibility. The Rapid City Police Department added to the fun by bringing out its vintage cruiser — a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that sparked plenty of curiosity.
In a meaningful step forward for representation in the trades, four girls joined Camp DRIVE 2025, bringing their enthusiasm and holding their own in every session.
The camp wrapped up with a NASCAR-style pit crew tire-changing challenge, a fast-paced, high-energy event that had families cheering from the sidelines. It was the perfect finish to two days of skills, smiles and hands-on fun.
From turning wrenches to turning career wheels in motion, Camp DRIVE 2025 gave teens an inspiring, empowering look at the world of automotive careers. Thanks to the passion and vision of Weston and Tenise Chapman, this camp isn’t just about car parts, it’s about sparking potential.
Until next year, keep your hands dirty and your hearts full of DRIVE.
