Camp La Verne offers unique setting
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
Hidden deep within the San Bernardino mountains, Camp La Verne provides
religious fellowship to anyone wishing to attend or visit the site. Though
it is privately incorporated and run by members of the Church of the Brethren,
Camp La Verne remains in need of volunteers and assistants for its youth
to adult-aged camps.
According to camp director/manager Jeff Brehmeyer, a 1994 ULV alumnus,
Camp La Verne operates from the voluntary services of students, staff and
the community.
"We are looking for counselors who are willing to work with kids
from one to several weeks during the summer," said Brehmeyer.
He states that the opportunity offered in camp is a chance to escape
everyday living, as well as to promote fellowship and worship through numerous
activities. Recreational activities such as games and sports are also offered
through the camp's program.
Camp La Verne is also located near Jenks Lake, and, therefore, allows
for activities such as swimming and canoeing during leisure times.
The camp was founded in 1924 by Edgar Rothrock of the Brethren Church
of La Verne as a non-profit organization. The original plan was not to open
the camp solely for members of the Brethren faith, but for all members of
the community.
The name of the site was chosen in order to make it accessible to all
people. Naming it in this manner prevented the idea that only the church's
members were able to get involved, and extended the camp committee to primarily
consist of volunteers.
President of the Board for the Camp is University of La Verne biology
professor Dr. Harvey Good, who was once a Camp La Verne camper himself.
Dr. Good's first experience of Camp La Verne took place during the time
in which he was in high school.
"I have an appreciation for the high-mountain retreat and the peaceful
Christian principles that they offer," said Dr. Good.
Camp La Verne offers retreat programs for various age groups throughout
the year. Such camps include third through fifth grade-level children, junior
high level (6-8 grade) students, high school through college-level students
and adult camps.
Sophomore sociology major Gina Richardson has some experience with Camp
La Verne, as she served at the site for ten weeks as a summer service worker.
"It is a very family-orientated environment because it is probably
the only camp that gives the opportunity for the entire family to come and
explore," said Richardson.
During her service this past summer, Richardson had the opportunity
to work as a cook, camp counselor and assistant director for several of
the week-long or weekend camps. While camps were not in session, she was
in charge of assuring that the site was clean and orderly in preparation
for the next group of campers.
Brehmeyer said that one of the best activities put on for the campers
was a hike to the San Gorgonia mountains. At an altitude of 9,500 feet,
the infamous San Gorgonia, also known as "Greyback," currently
stands as the highest peak in Southern California.
"It is about 4,500 feet from the camp so what we do is walk about
3,000 one day, camp out in the woods overnight, and then hike the remainder
in the morning," Brehmeyer said.
Camp La Verne offers more than simply camp activities and events alone.
The site is also available for rental during periods in which camp sessions
do not take place.
In the past, the camp has also held programs such as "Daddy and
Me," "Mommy and Me," and "Grandparents and Me"
camps, in addition to several peace camps.
Upcoming events organized through Camp La Verne include the Second Annual
Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, March 9, at the Azusa Greens
in Azusa. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the ongoing project
toward new restroom and shower facilities at Camp La Verne.
Of the entire camp environment, Brehmeyer believes that "it is
an experience and is different." Brehmeyer lives on the camp premises
with his wife, Erin, and their seven-month-old son, Zack.
"The sky is beautiful and clear, and you can see the stars,"
he said. "It [camp] is an opportunity to change and influence the lives
of children."
For further information or details about Camp La Verne, or to sign up
as a volunteer for its camp programs, Brehmeyer may be contacted at (909)
794-2931.
