From the time he was a kid, Weston Chapman loved working on cars in the garage with his dad and grandpa. He knew from a young age his calling was in the automotive industry. He felt immense satisfaction in getting hands-on and seeing a project through to completion. Determined to pursue his passion, Weston attended Western Dakota Technical College, where he graduated from the automotive program. His wife, Tenise, also graduated from WDT’s business program, making them the perfect team to open their own automotive shop, Black Hills Tire, in 2018.
Black Hills Tire quickly became known for its exceptional service and strong community ties. However, after a few successful years, Weston and Tenise noticed a declining interest in trade careers among young people. They both knew the rewarding and stable careers trade industries could offer and wanted to change the misconceptions surrounding these opportunities.
Determined to inspire the next generation, Weston and Tenise came up with the idea for Camp Drive. “Growing up an athlete, we always had some type of summer camp to participate in,” Tenise recalled. “You can find a camp for just about any sport, so we thought, why not create a camp that offers a hands-on experience in our industry?”
They knew it would be a significant challenge to bring Camp Drive to life as they envisioned it. They began rallying the community and their dedicated staff. “I went to my guys at the shop and shared our crazy idea,” Tenise laughed. “And right away, my guys were in. They caught the vision, and I knew I had the right team to make this happen.”
Since starting, Camp Drive has become a beloved community event. Western Dakota Technical College loans a portion of necessary equipment, ensuring participants get hands-on experience. Each year, a guest speaker attends, this year being Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. Several local businesses also sponsor and contribute resources, making Camp Drive the success it is today.
Camp Drive consists of eight sessions, each led by different mentors and covering various skill sets. The kids learn everything from testing brakes and installing spark plugs to welding their own metal sculptures. “The guiding principle is to have fun,” Weston says. “The goal isn’t to create experts from one camp; it’s to have fun and learn.”
The camp hosts 40 kids, aged 12-15. The camp ends in an exciting Pit Crew Challenge. Participants compete to see who can complete in changing tires the fastest, with families invited to witness their child’s newfound skills.
Black Hills Tire is committed to hosting Camp Drive every year, fostering opportunities and connections within the community. More information can be found at CampDriveBHT.com.
This story was originally published in the August 2024 issue of Elevate Magazine.
