By: Ashley Holm

The outdoors has always been a place of healing, strength, and connection. Whether it’s in the field with a shotgun in hand or around a campfire swapping stories, the outdoor community is built on resilience and camaraderie. But even in these wide-open spaces, life has a way of reminding us that the toughest battles are not always against the elements. For many women who hunt, fish, and live for time outside, breast cancer is a reality that has touched their lives — either personally or through someone they love.

Women in the outdoors are no exception when it comes to the impact of breast cancer. Behind the camouflage and waders are mothers, daughters, wives, and friends whose lives have been shaken by the diagnosis. While the field offers moments of escape and peace, the fight against cancer is often carried right alongside the shotgun. It’s in that space where awareness, support, and community matter most.

That sense of community is what inspired the owner of Camp Co, Brendon Paden, to start this season’s project, “Blasting for Boobies”.

A Word from Brendon:

“I wanted to share something personal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A little over two years ago, my wife was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer at 27. She went through many rounds of chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries — and through it all, she stayed strong and fought like hell. Last year, she was able to get back in the field in South Dakota and Minnesota and even harvested her first wild rooster. She’s doing great now and is back to living a healthy, active life — but we know so many others are still fighting.

To raise awareness and help in a small way, I painted the barrel of one of my shotguns pink. For every bird taken with this pink gun, I will personally donate $1 to a breast cancer non-profit. I’ll be tracking donations through the end of the year. The gun will be used in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and South Dakota, and will be used by a few different people.

If you’d like a way to help spread awareness, we will be giving away FREE pink awareness stickers to put on your gear or gun. Message me your address and I’ll ship one out. I know times are tough for a lot of folks — but if you can spare a few bucks, please consider donating to a breast cancer organization of your choice. Every bit helps.

Thanks for reading and for being part of this community. Together we can make a difference.”

Stories like Brendon’s remind us of the strength and courage found in both the outdoors and in life’s hardest battles. They also show us the small but powerful ways we can contribute — whether it’s by sharing a story, carrying a pink sticker, donating to a cause, or simply showing up for one another.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s remember that it’s not just about hunting seasons or harvests. It’s about standing together as a community — hunters, anglers, adventurers, families — to support good people and a great cause. Because when we come together, we not only make the outdoors stronger, but we also make hope stronger.

If you’d like to join in the fight by displaying the pink ribbon on your guns or gear this season, reach out to Brendon at info@campcogoods.com.