Kampgrounds of America has joined the Outbound Collective to help save Slim Pickins Outfitters, the first Blackowned outdoor gear shop in the nation. A film, fundraiser, and virtual panel event have been launched in support of the initiative.
According to the organizers of the campaign, since it was founded in 2017, Slim Pickins Outfitters has been a community mainstay and a purveyor of positivity in Stephenville, Texas, population 21,000, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Organizers said the store and its owners, Jahmicah and Heather Dawes, have been a fixture within the community.
“Slim Pickins brings together people from all walks of life, and is the town’s go-to supplier of outdoor and adventure-ready goods and services. The store has become a vital part of the spirit and energy of the community,” KOA said.
The 15-minute film, titled Slim Pickins and produced in partnership with Wondercamp, features Jahmicah and Heather discussing their struggles to keep their family business afloat in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was released this week as part of the #EveryoneOutside film series, presented by HOKA ONE ONE. The video can be viewed below.
“Slim Pickins Outfitters exists to diversify the outdoors, and we do that by being a relevant space for our community, our culture, for the creative outdoor enthusiast,” said Jahmicah Dawes. “What we are trying to do, simply put, is to get more people that look like me out into these outdoor spaces.” His wife, Heather, added, “Support us and help us diversify the outdoors.”
Outbound Collective, with the support of Kampgrounds of America (KOA), Wondercamp and JAM Collective, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help get Slim Pickins out of debt caused by the pandemic, and provide Jahmicah and Heather a firm foundation to continue to build their vision for a more diverse and inclusive outdoor industry.
“When you walk into Slim Pickins, you’re treated like family. That’s because for Jahmicah, Heather, their team and their Basset Hound Bill Murray, there is no distinction. You’re instantly welcomed as part of the family,” said Brian Heifferon, CEO and co-founder of Outbound Collective. “The town of Stephenville, and the outdoor industry, need Jahmicah and Heather to continue sharing their endless love and passion with all of us. Today, they need our support. We’re asking you to join us in donating what you can and/or sharing this campaign with your friends, family members and co-workers.”
