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.

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.

Archery

Our archery instructors are National Archery Association (NAA) certified and do training for the NAA, American Camp Association, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other organizations nationwide. Our campers learn sound form on quality Olympic-style recurve bows, and are encouraged to make this a lifetime activity.

Throwing the Tomahawk

Yes, our campers students can learn to throw a hawk in the tradition of the mountain man "rendezvous" competitions of the 1830s. Like archery, this traditional marksmanship activity is structured and supervised so that it can be safely enjoyed by all ages.

Atlatls (Spear Throwers)

Learning to use these ancient hunting tools is both challenging and fun.We make our own atlatls and rabbit sticks with traditional materials obtained on the ranch.

The atlatl can cast a dart as far as a bow, but the action of using it is more like throwing a baseball.

Rabbit Stick

The rabbit stick is a boomerang which, when thrown, flies straight over a great distance and does not return to the thrower.

Rappelling

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

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.

Hiking 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.  Many of our staff are knowledgeable about local plant and animal lore, which they can share with the children who go on hikes.

Devil's Gulch Ranch,