Meet Cindy Nam of Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Nam.

Hi Cindy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During a long solo road trip, I found myself at Panorama Point in Arches National Park where I decided to treat myself to a delicious meal. I chose to make shrimp scampi over a portable gas stove in the picnic area, just as the sun began to set. I have always loved the challenge of cooking in nature, embracing the simplicity of outdoor cooking without the luxury of a full kitchen. As I savored each bite of my delicious plate of pasta, taking in the panoramic views, I couldn’t help but wish I could share this moment with more people and friends.

My passion for food and culinary exploration began in early childhood. As a Korean American, I was fortunate to experience the rich flavors and traditions of both cultures. I learned the art of Korean home cooking from my parents — my mother, who crafted traditional dishes, and my father, who comes from a long line of Korean-Chinese chefs. It wasn’t until adulthood, armed with the vast knowledge and resources of the internet, that I began to explore beyond Korean cuisine and dive into the broader world of cooking.

My goal with Camp Out Services is to bring people together by leading campfire cooking workshops that features ethnic recipes, promoting diversity through a shared love of cultural foods and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There’s something inherently primitive and powerful about cooking over a fire and gathering around to share a meal made together. Food has the power to be a great equalizer, offering a universal language that transcends barriers. It can also be a teacher, offering insight into the rich diversity of cultures and traditions. And lets face it, food just tastes that much better made over a campfire, surrounded by stunning views.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey with Camp Out Services is still fairly new, as I’m still settling into Denver and expanding my network. So far, it’s been an incredible adventure, and the local community has been incredibly supportive. My goal is to reach more people and increase our visibility. By next year, I aim to have several campfire cooking events planned, with a large number of attendees joining in the experience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I’m an IT support consultant specializing in customer experience and service delivery. When I’m not working my corporate job, Camp Out Services becomes my weekend passion project. I lead campfire cooking workshops for various organizations, primarily focusing on LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other minority groups. I teach people how to create delicious meals over a campfire—well beyond just hamburgers and hotdogs. I love pushing the boundaries and challenging myself with recipes I never thought possible to cook over an open flame. With a little creativity and preparation, we can truly make five-star meals out in the wilderness. One of my favorites is experimenting with Asian cuisine, and recently, I’ve been challenging myself to make authentic Vietnamese Pho over a campfire.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is how far removed we have become from nature, and the deep need to reconnect with it. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, we have lost touch with the simplicity and grounding that nature offers. Through Camp Out Services, I have realized that cooking over a campfire, sharing a meal outdoors, and simply being present in nature allows us to reconnect with something fundamental and deeply human. It reminds us of our roots, the way humans have gathered and thrived for centuries. Reconnecting with nature is a form of healing. Being immersed in nature brings us back to what truly matters, offering a sense of belonging and connection that is often lost in the hustle of modern life.

It is also crucial to create safe spaces for marginalized groups, like LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, to experience this reconnection. Nature has the power to be a leveler, offering a shared space where people can gather without judgment. Camp Out Services aims to provide these groups with an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a supportive environment, free from discrimination. By creating safe, inclusive spaces around the campfire, we are fostering a sense of belonging and healing, both through the act of cooking and through the deeper connection to Mother Nature.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.campoutservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campoutservices/

Image Credits
@kayleyolsonphotography @forgedfromthewild