AbilityFirst Camp Paivika in San Bernardino Mountains Available for Organizational and Private Events

AbilityFirst Camp Paivika in the San Bernardino Mountains at Crestline is available for organizational and private events during their off-season in 2015. Normally used for overnight summer and winter/spring programs for children and adults with disabilities, the nonprofit AbilityFirst is making this beautiful location in the mountains available as a rental facility to businesses and organizations looking for executive, employee, and member retreats, as well as to individuals and families looking to host special events.

“We want this wonderful property to be enjoyed by others when the camp is not being used for our programs,” said Lori Gangemi, CEO at AbilityFirst. “This also gives us an opportunity to cover some of the costs for the maintenance and care of the property when it is not in use.”

One of Southern California’s most beautiful and historic properties, Camp Paivika provides seclusion and privacy. Trails surrounding the camp allow for hikes and outdoor activities, the amphitheater is an intimate spot for campfires and staged events, a contemporary lodge with a professional grade kitchen, as well as a separate program building, are great spaces for group activities.

Additional amenities and accommodations include high speed fiber-optic internet with powerful wireless access, a 195 maximum occupancy dining hall, large recreation room with television and DVD/VCR capabilities, pool tables, ping pong and foosball tables, five heated and carpeted cabins with a cozy living room and fireplace, heated swimming pool (seasonal), fully accessible bathrooms and showers, washer and dryer, health care center, and full food service. All the areas are specially designed and easily accessible for wheelchair users.

Only 30 minutes from the high desert and just 20 minutes from San Bernardino, the Inland Empire and Lake Arrowhead, the modern facilities at Crestline are available for rental each year from January through May.

Reservations can be made now for a retreat or a special event in 2015. Contact Camp Director Kelly Kunsek via email at kkunsek@abilityfirst.org or by phone at (909) 338-1102, ext. 5001.

Any 2015 rental bookings that are reserved before December 31, 2014 will receive a discount of 15% off the normal rental fee. When reserving mention code SaveBig15 for the discount.

About Camp Paivika

Camp Paivika opened in 1947 as one of the first fully accessible camps in the United States. Camp Paivika operates under a special use permit granted by the San Bernardino National Forest. Located in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains , the camp offers overnight summer and winter/spring programs for children and adults with mild to severe developmental and physical disabilities such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and Down syndrome. It is fully accredited by the American Camp Association. Camp Paivika’s first group of campers chose its name. In the language of the Cahuilla Native Americans, the word “paivika” (pronounced pi-vee-ka) means “dawn.” The name is appropriate, as it reflects a new dawn of welcome, acceptance and inclusion. For more information visit www.camppaivika.org

About Ability First

Established in 1926 AbilityFirst, formerly Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential. Through 25 locations across Southern California, they offer a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs as well as accessible residential housing complexes.