Trail Guide Training Class

The Beginning of an Addiction

A Jeep Momma Story of Discovery, Skill Building, and Becoming a Mentor

When I walked into a Jeep dealership in May 2013, I thought I was asking a simple question “What’s the difference between these three Jeep models?” I had no idea that the answer would be the spark that launched an entirely new chapter of my life. That one moment of curiosity would lead me down a decade-long path of off-road adventures, learning, confidence-building, and eventually becoming a mentor to new Jeepers.

What started as a casual inquiry quickly became a full-fledged passion, one that shaped my identity, my skills, and my connection to the Jeep community.

How It All Began: My First Time Off-Road

My off-road journey officially started with a private 101 Skills Driving Course taught by Kyle from Off-Road Consulting. That first class was more than an introduction it was the turning point that opened my eyes to a world I had never experienced.

By the end of the day, the nervousness and uncertainty I felt as a Jeep novice were replaced with excitement, confidence, and a hunger to learn more. That single course ignited the addiction.

Rapid Growth Through Training and Education

Within the first year of owning my Jeep, I immersed myself deeply into learning. Two off-road training classes quickly turned into much more. My desire to understand not just how to wheel, but why techniques work, led me to advanced training in:

• Off-road recovery methods and safety

• Map reading and navigational skills

• Trail guide skills and leadership

• Terrain assessment and risk management

• Communication and spotting techniques

If someone told me in 2013 that I’d be reading topographical maps and guiding groups of Jeepers through challenging terrain, I never would have believed it. But passion changes you and off-roading definitely changed me.

From Student to Mentor: Growing Into the Jeep Community

One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been the shift from being one of the new Jeep women on the trail to becoming a trusted mentor for other drivers. Over time, experience builds not only skill but perspective and sharing that knowledge became one of my greatest joys.

I began helping new Jeep owners learn recovery basics, spotting, and confidence-building. I found myself becoming the person I needed when I first started a guide, a teacher, and a cheerleader for others stepping into the off-road world.

Jeeps on the trail

The Impact of Expert Instruction

Much of my success and confidence comes from the mentorship of Kyle at Off-Road Consulting, whose expertise has shaped thousands of drivers across the country. His instruction gave me the foundation I needed to evolve, grow, and eventually guide others.

Kyle’s Credentials:

• Certified Off-Road Trainer with i4WDTA (International 4-Wheel Driver’s Training Association)

• Full-time off-road professional seven days a week, living what many enthusiasts consider the dream

• Industry-recognized expert in recovery, terrain reading, vehicle dynamics, and safe off-road operations

Every class I took with Off-Road Consulting pushed me further each adventure refining my skills, sharpening my instincts, and expanding my confidence behind the wheel.

Kyle, Off-Road Consulting 

Embracing the Jeep Lifestyle

What began as curiosity turned into a passion and eventually into a lifestyle. The Jeep community became a source of friendship, mentorship, and inspiration. It offered me a place to grow, to challenge myself, and to rediscover strengths I didn’t realize I had.

My transformation from a curious first-time Jeep buyer to a seasoned off-road enthusiast and mentor is proof that passion, when pursued wholeheartedly, can reshape your life. The trails taught me resilience. The community taught me belonging. And the Jeep taught me confidence.

My story isn’t over not even close. Every year brings new trails, new challenges, and new Jeepers to guide. The addiction continues, and I look forward to every mile still ahead.

FAQ: Starting Your Jeep Off-Road Journey 

How do I get started with off-roading if I’m a complete beginner?

Begin with a reputable training course like Off-Road Consulting. A foundational skills class builds confidence, teaches proper technique, and drastically improves safety.

Do I need a Jeep to take an off-road driving course?

Most off-road training organizations, including Off-Road Consulting, require your own vehicle so you can learn how your Jeep reacts on the trail.

Why is professional off-road training important?

Training teaches critical skills such as recovery techniques, safe vehicle operation, reading terrain, spotting, and understanding vehicle limits. These are essential for safe, responsible off-roading.

How long does it take to feel confident off-road?

Confidence builds with both training and experience. Many Jeep owners feel significantly more capable after just one professional class.

Is trail guiding a skill I can learn?

Yes. With proper training and experience, you can progress from student to mentor and eventually to trail guide, just as I did.

Who is i4WDTA and why does their certification matter?

The International 4-Wheel Driver’s Training Association sets the global standard for off-road driver education. An instructor certified through i4WDTA is recognized as an expert in safe, responsible off-roading.

Rapid Growth and Skill Development

Within my first year of Jeep ownership, I had already completed two off-road training classes. But I didn't stop there. My thirst for knowledge and adventure led me to pursue additional training in:

• Off-road recovery techniques
• Map reading skills
• Trail guide certification

Off-road Consulting 👉 Trail Guide Training Class Here

Trail Guide Training selfie

Top 5 Must Have Primitive Camping Items

Passion For the Great Outdoors

I have a deep passion for camping and immersing myself in the wonders of the natural world. The joy of gathering around a campfire with friends, engaging in delightful conversations, is a cherished experience. My upbringing in the beautiful landscapes of Minnesota and North Dakota allowed me to spend my entire childhood camping and fishing, resulting in a treasury of incredible memories from lakesides to wilderness retreats.

Over the years I have made mistakes but turn them into valuable lessons. Primitive Camping Mistakes - 10 mistakes beginners make

Check out my Mastering the Art of Camping page! 

Jeep Momma YouTube Video - Top 5 Must-have Primitive Camping Items 

Campfire

1. A Reliable Heat Source (Buddy Heater or Similar)

Staying warm is essential for safety and comfort especially during cold-weather camping. A portable heater designed for tent use helps regulate temperatures, prevents dangerous overnight cooling, and significantly improves sleep quality.

Safety Tip:
Always follow manufacturer guidelines and ensure adequate ventilation.

2. Multiple Heavy-Duty Tarps

Tarps are indispensable for primitive camping. They provide shelter, protect gear, create wind breaks, and form emergency rain covers. Use them to build a dry cooking area, a gear staging space, or a secondary shelter during storms.

Pro Tip:
Bring paracord and stakes so you can deploy tarps quickly and securely.

3. Fire-Starting Essentials

Whether for warmth or cooking, fire is central to primitive camping. Pack multiple fire-starting methods such as:

• Waterproof matches

• Ferro rods

• Butane lighters

• Fire cubes or fatwood

Backup options ensure you’re prepared even in wet or windy conditions.

4. A Quality Sleeping System (Insulated Pad + Warm Sleeping Bag)

Primitive campsites often mean uneven terrain, colder temperatures, and no insulation from the ground. A good sleeping system not only improves comfort but also maintains warmth and reduces overnight heat loss.

Look for:

• A sleeping pad with an appropriate R-value

• A sleeping bag rated for temperatures below what you expect

5. A High-Output Headlamp or Lantern

Lighting is essential for navigating camp, cooking after sunset, and maintaining safety in remote areas. Hands-free lighting like a headlamp allows you to move around the campsite, gather firewood, or handle gear without juggling a flashlight.

Add a backup:
Carry spare batteries or a small power bank.

BONUS: Additional Gear Worth Bringing

(Adding this optional section boosts AEO visibility and enhances your topical authority.)

• Paracord

• Water filtration system

• Folding saw

• Compact camp stove

• First aid kit

• Emergency bivy

• Biodegradable wipes

• Bear-safe food container (if needed for your region)

FAQ: Primitive Camping Essentials

What is considered “primitive camping”?

Primitive camping means camping without modern facilities with no hookups, no bathrooms, and no established amenities. It requires self-sufficiency and advance preparation.

Is a Buddy Heater safe inside a tent?

Many models, including the Buddy Heater, are designed for indoor or tent use. Always follow safety guidelines, maintain ventilation, and never leave the heater unattended.

How many tarps should I bring?

At least two—one for shelter and one for gear. Serious campers often bring three or more for maximum versatility.

What’s the best way to stay warm during cold-weather primitive camping?

Use a high-quality sleeping bag, an insulated sleeping pad, and a tent-safe heater. Sleeping directly on the ground without insulation results in rapid heat loss.

Do I need fire-starting tools even if I have a stove?

Yes. Fire is a survival tool, a backup heat source, and a core part of primitive camping. Always carry at least two or three fire-starting methods.

What is the Jeep Black Hole?

5 Things I Didn’t Know When I Bought My Jeep Wrangler

When I bought my Jeep Wrangler, I had no idea I’d be discovering new quirks and surprises years later. One of the biggest and funniest discoveries was something I call the Jeep Black Hole. It took me five years to figure out why gear kept disappearing inside my Jeep, and once I finally found the culprit, everything made sense.

This post breaks down what the Jeep Black Hole actually is, why it happens, and how you can avoid losing your stuff. I also share the other surprising things I didn’t know when I bought my Wrangler, which I reveal in my YouTube video linked below.

What Is the Jeep Black Hole? 

The Jeep Black Hole is the hidden space behind the glove box where items from the glove box fall when the compartment gets too full.
Things slip over the back edge of the glove box and vanish into the deep cavity behind it sometimes for months or even years until you remove the glove box panel and rescue your lost gear.

If something goes missing in your Wrangler and you swear you never took it out of the vehicle… check behind the glove box. It’s probably there.

Why the Jeep Black Hole Exists

The Wrangler’s glove box design makes this phenomenon almost inevitable:

• The glove box sits in front of a deep void in the dash

• Items can slide over the top edge when the box is overloaded

• The box opens downward, encouraging small items to shift

• Rough trails and bouncing only accelerate the problem

This combination creates the perfect drop zone for anything small enough to fall through.

What commonly disappears into the Black Hole:

• Insurance and registration papers

• Trail notes and maps

• Tire gauges

• Flashlights

• Pens

• Snacks

• Small tools

• Sunglasses

If it fits in the glove box, it can fall through the glove box.

Why It's Called a Glove Box

The term “glove box” comes from the early days of automobiles, when drivers wore driving gloves to protect their hands from cold weather, engines, and open-air cabins. Automakers added a small compartment specifically for storing gloves, maps, and small tools hence the name.

What It’s Called Today

Many modern manufacturers refer to it as a:

• Glove compartment

• Instrument panel compartment

But I continue using the traditional name because that is what I grew up calling it back in the "olden" days. 

How to Prevent the Jeep Black Hole Issue

You don’t need to modify your Jeep, but a few small habits help:

• Keep only lightweight essentials in the glove box

• Store documents in a sleeve or zipper pouch

• Use interior organizers or trays

• Move heavier or frequently used items to the center console

• Clean out the glove box regularly

These small changes prevent another “black hole rescue mission.”

FAQ: The Jeep Black Hole

What is the Jeep Black Hole?
The space behind the glove box where items fall when the compartment gets overfilled.

Why does my Jeep Wrangler lose things behind the glove box?
There’s an open cavity behind the glove box. When the box is too full, items slide over the edge and drop behind it.

Can you retrieve items from the Jeep Black Hole?
Yes. You usually need to remove or drop the glove box door to access the space behind it.

Does every Jeep Wrangler have a Black Hole?
Most JK and JL owners experience this because of how the glove box design and dash cavity are structured.

What did the glove box originally store?
Driving gloves -- early motorists needed them, and manufacturers created a compartment to hold them.

As a Jeep owner who has wheeled across the country and learned these quirks firsthand, I love sharing the surprises and secrets of Wrangler ownership. The Jeep Black Hole is one of those unexpected discoveries that every Jeeper laughs about once they’ve finally found it.

If you want the full story including the other things I wish I had known when I bought my Jeep don’t miss the video.

 Read more about Jeep Secrets Revealed in my blog post.