Recreation

Outdoor recreation is very much a part of the draw of farm life. We are proud of the variety and quality of the traditional recreation forms we offer at Devil’s Gulch. Campers who choose a given activity (see below) are taught good solid form by our certified teachers. The campers that return each year develop more skills and are given more challenges. Among subjects we teach year-round are archery, rappelling, tying flies, and nature studies; campers are encouraged to continue these pursuits upon returning home. Each one of the areas listed here also serves an important rites of passage, be it getting hitting the target at the big kid distance, rappelling off of Dragon Rock, passing the zip line, swim test, sticking the tomahawk, or catching a fish with a fly you tied. We may not realize the imports of rites of passage but it is these mile markers that we most remember of our child hood and over coming the edges of having fear of heights, treading water, actually hitting the target, follow a set of tracks to the deer at the end, etc. These are not competition between members of the community but inter growth. There are no losers only support to grow no per pressure only compassion.

Recreation opportunities, in addition to forming an important part of our Basic and Advanced Summer Camps, are available year-round in the form of stand-alone classes for every age. Please see the Workshops page for registration information

Rappelling

The camp provides climbing gear, qualified instructors, and natural rock faces and trees for all skill levels to develop rope technique and overcome fears.

Challenge and Leadership Activities

In our challenge and leadership activities including low ropes and climbing, kids have fun, practice problem solving, get out of their comfort zone, and push themselves physically and mentally.

Fly Fishing

Many of the students who have participated in Fly-Tying learn to fly-cast using the flies they have made. We make the flies on barbless hooks so that any fish caught can be released to be a challenge for the next camper.

Older students in the 2-week Advanced Agriculture classes have the opportunity to make a custom fly-rod.

Swimming

The spring-fed swimming pond has approximately an acre of surface area and is up to 22 feet deep. The swim area is buoyed off to about the size of a swimming pool. The drop area for the zip line is within a few feet of the lifeguard station. All students in the water must pass a swim test and have written approval from their parents or guardians. Swimming takes place only under supervision by two lifeguards.

Snorkeling and Skin Diving

Instruction by a certified PADI Dive Master is available throughout the summer. Contact us for details.

Tracking and Nature Studies

Golden Gate National Recreational Area and Samuel P. Taylor State Park have a network of pristine hiking trails through forest, meadows, and creeks. Our nature studies staff are skilled and knowledgeable about local plants and animals, bird language, tracking, and survival skills. This component of our program is a major part. Please see the nature connection page.