Benjamin and Michal Portillo
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Why We're Here
Bighorn has made an important impact on each of our lives individually. We love having the opportunity to come alongside each other to help create a welcoming environment for others and to grow in community.
Give to the PortillosBackground
Ben grew up as a missionary kid with Mission Aviation Fellowship. His family moved around between Guatemala, Suriname, and Mexico; but he spent most of his childhood in Oaxaca, Mexico. He loves the culture and food of Oaxaca. In 2017, he first came to Camp Bighorn as a summer staff volunteer and continued to serve two more summers. After graduating high school, Ben attended a program in Colorado serving as an Outdoor Education teacher where he fell in love with teaching kids in the outdoors. Mountain biking, anything water related, and participating in random activities with friends are some of Ben’s hobbies.
Michal is from Monroe, Washington nestled between the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains. She loved living in a place that is always green regardless of the season. Ever since Michal was a small child, she has had a deep passion for art. People and landscapes are her favorite to paint. She also enjoys baking, reading, hiking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities! Michal came to Bighorn as a volunteer leader with her church’s youth group for two summers.
Both Ben and Michal were students in Journey together. Afterwards, Ben became full-time staff; and Michal first interned with the kitchen team before joining full-time staff herself. A little over a year later, they were married at Bighorn on a snowy day in late fall.
Benjamin Portillo
Operations
I get to help with construction projects, trail work, and general maintenance throughout the property. If there's a work project, I'll be there to get things done and push camp forward.
Certifications
Leave No Trace
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Fun Fact
When I was a kid I got run over by an airplane. It was a Cessna 206 that weighs no more than an average small car, but it still happened.
Michal Rose
Kitchen Associate
I serve in the kitchen preparing delicious meals for guests, Journey students, and staff.
Certifications
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)
Fun Facts
In my brain, every word and number has its own color. Tell me your name and I'll tell you what color it is!