Scott “Hoot” Thrasher

We are paying tribute to Scott with this issue, and I have had the very difficult task of trimming his obituary to do so. Honestly, after reading the beautiful words tracing his life over and over, I was left wishing I could print the entire thing. Scott has truly impacted so many people, not just in Montana…he has a rich history spanning from the east to west coast.

I did my best, but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Maybe the words of those who knew and loved him and pictures capturing his spirit will. To those he leaves behind, our deepest sympathy goes out to you.

“My dad loved what he did, and he made such a big impact on so many people. He is so deeply missed and I hope his ideas live on through the people who knew him and the youth he spoke to.” ~Scott’s daughter, Sarah Thrasher

“We will forever miss Hoot, but we will also never forget the immense joy he brought to our lives and the life of this camp. Hoot lived through the philosophy of “play” and “un-camp.” His ambition was to push the limits and boundaries of what the camp could become and this is what made Rockhaven into the spectacular place it is. There, Hoot made an environment for children’s’ minds to be set free, to play as they were meant to and be anything they wanted. Whether they wished to be a pirate sailing across the mighty Gallatin River or an architect of the most extravagant fairy houses, their imagination had no limits at Rockhaven. Thank you Hoot, for everything."~Abby Jones, 2023 Rockhaven counselor

“Hoot WAS the camp. He was such an unforgettable person. He was a little strange, but that was my favorite thing about him. We all made God’s Eyes and friendship bracelets and painted rocks and sticks, and he kept them all in a little spot he called ‘Hoot’s Habitat.’ He learned how to make string figures and taught them to all kinds of people. He told stories that made us feel happy, sad, scared, angry, excited, all kinds of things. But he also taught us that those feelings are OK. He created a safe space for all of us. He created my favorite place in the world and, for that, I’ll always remember him.”~Delia Turner, Rockhaven resident, camper, and counselor in training

“Although Scott often became frustrated with my focus on the mundanities of the world, there were occasions when I bought into his one-of-a-kind vision and peered through the kaleidoscope of his vast imagination. It was in these divinely inspired instances of collaboration with Scott that he pushed me to more fully see the potential Rockhaven held for the spiritual development of children and adults alike. I will miss those moments with Scott, but I hope enough of his unique wisdom remains with me so I can continue his advocacy for the place upon which he left such an indelible mark.”~Dan Holland, longtime friend of Scott Thrasher

"Scott Trasher created an environment at Rockhaven Camp that was extraordinary and personal to each camper. I grew up spending weeks every summer at Rockhaven, worked as a camp counselor under the name “Mango” in 2021, and grew to know Scott as a mentor. His incredible storytelling, kindness and outdoorsmanship gave way to fostering equal and honest relationships with all campers. Rockhaven’s UnCamp experience allowed kids of all backgrounds to do what they are meant to do: Play, and to play without limits or bounds of responsibilities, deadlines and expectations. Scott held camp close to his heart and spent all his time exploring and caring for the land, plants and soul of Rockhaven.” ~ Rockhaven counselor and camper, Dani “Mango” Berg

Everyone says they want to die doing what they love and, by God, Scott Thrasher did just that. No one lives like Scott lived anymore what with everyone trying to garner likes and followers instead of just living their adventure for the sake of doing it.

Growing up, Scott spent a lot of time camping, fishing and exploring with his father. He took to these pursuits like he was born to do them.

Before settling down in Montana, Scott spent time as a welder, participated in theatrical productions, attended the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Sarasota, FL, studied fight combat techniques, received a B.A. from Northern Kentucky University and was most noted for his understanding of literature, poetry, scripts, fight choreography, Shakespeare, physical comedy and making terrible yet, somehow, drinkable wine from concord grape juice.

Scott finally realized his dream of moving to Montana when an opportunity to serve at a small summer camp arose. At first, he was only involved in the summers, taking his daughter Sarah with him. She turned 5 during their first summer there and she eventually became a camp counselor herself taking on the camp name, Nemo. Scott made Bozeman his permanent residence in 2010 and moved here with the mission to build Rockhaven Camp into a successful retreat center and gathering space as well as a place for children to grow safely and happily under the face of Sheep Rock in the knowledge of God’s love. His love for unschooling carried over into his love for Rockhaven and UnCamp was born. “At camp, campers are able to question everything and realize that they are capable of anything,” Thrasher said.

He implemented the UnCamp movement, a new concept among the PCCCA camps, which gives children permission to learn through free play, away from strictly scheduled curricular activities. Known as “Hoot,” he preached his lessons on creation, water, love, peace and God in his favorite space, Hoot’s Habitat, a little nook hidden in the woods. Hoot faithfully served First Presbyterian Church and the greater Gallatin Valley community and beyond with his work as Camp Director for 17 years. His passion for unschooling was always a part of his philosophy and he became a supporter of the homeschooling community in the Gallatin Valley, even creating a safe space for them to meet and connect during the pandemic at peaceful Rockhaven.

Scott was a true “Renaissance man.” He had vast talents in numerous categories and held titles as a trapper, an actor and director, a juggler, a fight choreographer, clown, dance history professor, storyteller, Laughter Yoga instructor and, of course, his foundational role at Rockhaven Camp.