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Game offers adventures that promote Canyon knowledge

Grand Canyon Association will host a game night to debut “The Grand Canyon Adventure Game” on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the Community Building.

Grand Canyon Association will host a game night to debut “The Grand Canyon Adventure Game” on Thursday, Sept. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the Community Building.

Grand Canyon Association will host a game night and signing to introduce people here to the new Grand Canyon Adventure Board Game and its creators, Bronze Black and Marti Phillips. It will be on Thursday, Sept. 13, starting at 4 p.m. at the Community Building.

The official public unveiling and launch is scheduled for this Friday at the Life Is Good store, 22 North San Francisco St., from 6-8 p.m.

From an idea scribbled on a bar napkin to the real thing four years later, geologist, river guide and photographer Bronze Black brings his Grand Canyon Adventure Board Game to store shelves this month.

"Having an idea, and doing something with it are two very different things," said Black.

His quest actually began seven years ago when he borrowed money to self-publish his version of a more user friendly Grand Canyon Map & Guide.

In just six months the map recouped the initial start-up costs and moved into the profit zone. That success gave Black the courage to bring his Grand Canyon Adventure Board Game to life, and today his dream becomes reality.

There was no need to self-publish this time. Grand Canyon Association recognized this opportunity quickly and agreed to publish his game.

Black blended his training as a geologist with his seven years experience as a Grand Canyon river guide, then added his graphic artistry, photography, and what he had observed over time as the father of two boys who voraciously play board games.

Black and girlfriend Marti Phillips searched the planet for the perfect game playing pieces, eventually teaming up with Safari Ltd., the world's largest manufacturer of educational toys.

"We were determined to find playing pieces of Grand Canyon animals to give the game an animated quality," Phillips explained. "The search was worth every second. People love the animal pieces! We see kids, and adults, playing with the animal pieces long after the game is over."

To test the game, the couple brought it to children at several local schools, including Grand Canyon. Kids, parents and teachers gave their stamp of approval and the game went into production.

Grand Canyon Adventure Board Game simulates river rafting, hiking and survival in Grand Canyon. Players race to be the first to collect eight photos from scenic Grand Canyon destinations as they roll dice and spin the "Wheel of Fate" to advance on the Colorado River and Canyon trails.

Players plan their strategies, pack essential gear and accept challenges, all while learning hundreds of Grand Canyon educational tidbits as they play.

Currently games are available at www.grandcanyon.org and at GCA bookstores in the park.

The game will also soon be available at many locations in Flagstaff, surrounding areas, and is geared for national distribution. Talks of publishing more of the couple's games are already in the works.

An educational school program that brings the Grand Canyon Adventure Board Game to life in a class setting is also being developed.

To learn more about the program, parents, teachers, and administrators may call Marti Phillips at 928-310- 8560.


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