Camps Continued from page 4 entrepreneurs followed Harriet Snyder’s example, typically pursuing personal ideals. Harry James started his rugged Trailfinders Camp (now the James Reserve) at Lake Fulmor to stimulate character development in boys. Ann Lay founded Idyllwild Institute-Fiesta as a combined finishing school and citizenship program for Junior ROTC girls. At Hurkey Creek, Dan Slater built Camp Roosevelt for children and families (now Camp Ronald McDonald). Beverly Hills attorney Oscar Lawler deeded his elegant lodge in Dark Canyon to Riverside County for a youth camp. Most recently, Guided Discoveries Inc. bought the former Desert Sun School campus on Saunders Meadow in 1991 to house the science center known as Astrocamp. With changing economic times and founders’ deaths, some camps closed.
THE STORE AT TAHQUITZ PINES CAMP. PHOTO COURTESY OF IDYLLWILD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Camp Tahquitz became part of the county park and neighboring Cedar Glen subdivision in 1958. Peak and Pine Camp’s 40-year lifetime ended in 1962 ; its subdivided site today houses the Rainbow Inn. JMV Pathfinders Camp moved out to Pine Springs Ranch near Garner Valley in 1961, and its Idyllwild property was soon acquired by the Jewish organization Habonim Dror for the 20-year run of Camp Gilboa (now incorporated into Idyllwild Pines).
Getting away from everyday cares to meet new friends, however temporary, absorb the mountain environment, and focus attention on higher ideals can be an exhilarating experience at any age. Its importance only increases as society becomes more urbanized. While balancing idealistic aims with adolescent hormones can be a challenge, and exhilaration fades once back in the routine, fond memories persist. Again and again, they lure us back to Idyllwild.
Buckhorn Camp A Ministry of Community of Christ
Come … Relax– 120 acres of pine trees, manzanitas, breathtaking
views, streams, deer, birds and, of course, squirrels.
Rest – dormitory style lodges, A-frame cabins, hotel
style rooms, summer tents and RV sites.
Renew – inspiration point, outdoor labyrinth and chapel in the pines, and the Peace Center with state-of-the-art audio/visual system. Refill – nutritious tasty meals, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free available.
Recreation – human foosball, hiking, Frisbee golf, ping pong, horseshoes, full gym for volleyball, basketball and more!
Church, Spiritual, Recovery, School, Reunion or ... YOUR group, WE have a place for you! 40 to 300+ year round
24641 Highway 243 • Idyllwild CA • www.buckhorncamp.org • (951) 659-2995 Buckhorn Camp is committed to providing an inspirational environment for a diverse community of faiths to share in joy, hope, love and peace. The Idyllwild Guide, Summer/Fall 2013
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