I never enjoyed going to camp as a kid, but that may have been because my town never offered Hellboy camp. Dark Horse Comics and Portland-based camping and outdoor organization, Trackers Earth, have partnered to offer the B.P.R.D. Training Camp, based off the popular comic book and film character Hellboy. While the camps are only available for youngsters under the age of 18, you can think about how your childhood could have turned out differently by checking out the details after the jump.
For those who haven’t seen Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, or read Mike Mignola’s long running Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comic series, Hellboy is a benevolent demon who works for the non-governmental organization, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D), stopping out-of-this-world creatures and paranormal activity from wreaking havoc.
Trackers Earth has done a great job incorporating the Hellboy mythology into their existing camp facilities and services to create an immersive experience for fans. With their unique tactical and survival training, the kids—I mean, B.P.R.D. agents, will attempt to solve a mystery in a neighboring Oregon town. The camps will run this July, and I imagine will be quite popular among the folks in Portland. Head over to their site for the full details, or check out this quick summation of what to expect:
“Find out if you have what it takes to join an elite team of paranormal investigators combating the forces of darkness from all across the globe. We immerse you in tactical training of all forms, including survival skills in any environment (both earthly and non), martial arts and self-defense specific to praeternatural entities, hand to hand weaponry (we train foam swords, bows and more) and forensic investigation. All these key skills that every agent must have, plus you are steeped in the history of our Bureau and legacy of paranormal research.”
Despite strong reviews from critics and an almost cult-like following from fans of both the character and director Guillermo del Toro, the two Hellboy films were modest box office successes at best, and there is no real certainty if another sequel will be made. While a singular camp in Oregon probably won’t produce the kind of public outcry needed to move Hellboy 3 up Del Toro’s to-do list, one has to think that a younger generation developing an interest in the character through an imitative, hands-on camp, can only help the property going forward.
Would you sign your child up for B.P.R.D. Training Camp if it was held in your town? Do you wish they offered an adult version? Let us know in the comments section below.