Throughout the early to mid- 1970’s, hang gliding was
picking up traction in the San Bernardino area of Little Mountain. Launching
from the Camp Paivika parking lot out into Devil Canyon was a thrill conquered
by only the most daring pilots, but difficult access to nearby Pine Flat made
it a tempting option for many others!
In 1976, facing the threat of their beloved sport being
banned in the area, these hang gliders and others joined together and organized
the San Bernardino Hang Gliding Association (SBHGA) to put pressure on city
officials. In 1978, however, they lost the fight, and hang gliding activities
were declared illegal within the city limits.
With the option of launching from Camp Paivika closed to
them, pilots relocated to a site known to locals as Teddy Bear – the current
location of the Crestline launch site – which was outside of the legal
“no-glide” zone. Late in 1979, Pine Crest Air Park was also developed at the
entrance to Devil Canyon. Over the next few years, the SBHGA persisted with
efforts to persuade the U.S. Forest Services of the legitimacy of the sport,
and to allow the continued use of the land for its practice. The pilots worked hands-on
to build the required infrastructure to satisfy the permit requirements, even
in the fog and rain, and up to the permit deadline. This time, they succeeded.
Today the SBHGA is known as the Crestline Soaring Society,
and they continue to support and facilitate the sport of hang gliding in and
around Crestline. They were instrumental in relocating hang gliders to a new
area when the previous site was claimed by the Department of Water Resources;
the new area – the Andy Jackson Airpark – has been in use since 1994.
Over the years these hang-gliding enthusiasts have also
pulled together to host fundraising events for Camp Paivika; in the past,
pilots have held “fly-a-thons” that raised money to support the campers. Along
with food and entertainment, the events featured numerous hang-glider
launchings that guests could enjoy – sometimes 15 or more gliders floating
through the sky. Pilots even included the women’s world distance record holder,
a resident of the nearby city of Tujunga.
Camp Paivika has made a home in
the San Bernardino Mountains for more than 65 years. We are proud to have
strong relationships with our local community, and fortunate to be able to
offer such a diverse selection of activities for our guests – whether on our
grounds or through neighboring businesses. If you are looking for a rental
venue for your next retreat, wedding reception, or other event, consider
allowing us to host it at our beautiful mountain location. There is so much to
do in and around the camp that you and your guests will be talking about your
experience for years to come.
To learn more, give us a call –
or even better, drop by! Our friendly staff is available to answer any
questions you may have, or to help you book your facility rental – just contact Camp Paivika Director Kelly Kunsek
via email, or by phone at (909)
338-1102, ext. 5001. Act now and SAVE
BIG – get 15% off when you mention this article!* We look forward to
showing you what makes Camp Paivika so special!
AbilityFirstCampPaivika
Camp Rental Facilities
*For a limited time only. Restrictions apply. First-time renters only.
Offer expires December 31, 2014.
