The Story of

Chopper Treehouse is Steph and Rica, high school friends whose 30+ year-friendship recently evolved into a business relationship that grew out of a shared passion for art, creativity, and learning. In birthing Chopper Treehouse, we realized that a lot of what this company stands for harkens back to a film favorite from our high school days, the classic coming of age film "Stand By Me.” The ideas and values of friendship, growing up, adventure, discovery, and imagination depicted in the source novella “The Body” and the popular film, are what Chopper Treehouse is all about as well.

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And the name?

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A treehouse usually serves as a clubhouse, a place where friendships are forged, bonds are tightened, stories are told, where laughs and giggles fill the air, and secrets are kept safe. It’s symbolic of friendship, growing up, minds being shaped, personalities developing, finding one’s self. All goals of Chopper Treehouse.

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And Chopper? This is from a specific incident that fans of the story may well remember. While hanging out at the junkyard, the 4 boys - Gordy, Chris, Teddy, and Vern - are caught by the junkyard owner who sics his dog “Chopper” on the boys. Now the boys had heard stories about Chopper’s ferociousness so they are terrified. But the fear spurs them to action and the boys are able to outrun the dog, showing the importance of motivation, and the qualities of determination and tenacity. “Chopper” represents life’s challenges we have to face head-on, hurdles we overcome, tests we have to pass, and problems to which we have to find solutions. The very definition of creativity.

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And once safe on the other side of the metal fence, the boys realize that Chopper is not the terrifying monster they thought was going to hurt them. He turns out to be just a regular cute albeit spirited dog who just wants to play with them. Myth vs reality. The importance of being discerning, analytical, and thinking for yourself.

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All these values will play a role in unlocking the creative spirit in us all.