Friday, November 7, 2014

Camp Fun Fact #1: The word “Paivika” is a word in the Cahuilla Native American language that means “dawn.”

horse riding at camp paivikaA contest among the first campers to stay at Camp Paivika decided the name, way back in 1947. It was at that time that AbilityFirst (known then as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California) was granted a permit from the U.S. Forest Service to build a camp in the mountains of Crestline. Working in tandem with Lucia Laufeld - an LAUSD special education teacher who first envisioned the camp – and several others, AbilityFirst developed the first camp in the U.S. to be built specifically for children and adults with disabilities.


Children with disabilities at campAt the outset, campers and counselors stayed in tents. Over the ensuing years and decades, however, the camp would construct many new facilities which allowed them to offer the bountiful services they do today. With comfortable dormitories housing up to 130 overnight guests, swimming pool, craft center, health center, and much more, Camp Paivika has become a desirable location to host events and retreats, as well as the ongoing camps that started more than 65 years ago. It was in 1990 that camp rental became available in the off-season, and since then Paivika has emerged as a unique Los Angeles rental venue and outdoor retreat option.
hikers in the forest

1998 saw the completion of a new lodge, which only materialized
after 20 years of planning and fundraising. That lodge today is host to beautiful wedding receptions, family reunions, business retreats and much more. The heartfelt efforts of Camp Paivika’s founders, along with the involvement of all the donors and community members that have grown it into what it is today, can be seen in the warm details and friendly faces that abound at the camp. Paivika has proven to be the perfect name for this place – whether you are watching the dawn softly rising through the pines, or reflecting in the warm, sunny smiles of people around you, its presence is inspiring.

If you are looking for a rental venue for your next event, 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.  

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