SUTTLE LAKE CAMP - SISTERS, OR We’re trying to bring this camp back in the future. Stay tuned for future dates.
PHOTOS FROM CAMP
Max King, Mario Mendoza, and Renee Metivier
In 2020 in the height of COVID three athletes from Central Oregon got together to do something crazy. They each raced on a treadmill for multiple hours in order to break world records with a goal of raising enough funds to hold a running camp for young athletes that may never have the opportunity to attend a running camp.
Mario, Renee, and Max are passionate about providing opportunities to youth that wouldn’t normally get them and to see them succeed and thrive through the sport of running.
Through the generous donations of many people in support of youth in the outdoors this camp promises to change the lives of a few lucky runners. This camp is by application only and no cost to chosen applicants.
This experience is reserved for youth for communities and personal environments where getting into the outdoors is difficult, if not impossible, due to financial, personal, or other factors. We want to provide the unique experience of a week outside, running trails, and learning skills in a fun supportive environment.
ONLINE APPLICATION PRINTABLE APPLICATION
Why YOU should apply!
Do you like to run? Have you thought about running on trails and getting out into nature, but have never really had much of a chance? Does the idea of spending a few days running with some great people, in one of the most beautiful areas in the world, sound like an incredible weekend? Well, you may be in luck!
We were able to raise enough money from our fundraiser last year to hold an all inclusive 5 day running retreat for a select group of young athletes. This non-competitive, fun, educational and inclusive environment will create a weekend of lifelong memories. You will run in amazing places, learn running and outdoors skills including trail running techniques, nutrition, strength building and injury prevention, and other trail running and wilderness topics. If your personal circumstances (financial or otherwise) have prevented you from pursuing this type of experience, we encourage you to submit an application to camp. Those selected will be provided with lodging, meals, and countless adventures, all at no cost to the participants. We are looking forward to sharing an experience of a lifetime with you…this is going to be fun!
Application
Please complete the following application to be considered for one of our spots. If you would like, feel free to get creative with your application and use a video, art project, or some other method to communicate this information to us. That is by no means a requirement; so only get creative if you prefer that method. You can also indicate a friend/teammate (or a couple) that you would like to attend along with you so that we can take that into consideration as well. Then mail, email, or fill out the online application and send it back to us.
MORE THAN JUST A RUNNING CAMP
The Suttle Lake Camp will be our base for the week as we run the surrounding trails, explore with new friends, and learn new skills.
Our Location - Suttle Lake sits in the outer reaches of Jefferson County on the East slope of the High Cascades in the middle of the Willamette National Forest. Mt. Jefferson presides over the expansive forest with it's glacial fingers melting into pure springs and rivers. Trails and wilderness surrounding Suttle Lake make this an optimal location to test trail running skills, learn leadership skills, and get up close and personal with the natural world.
Camp Amenities - The Suttle Lake Camp is a quaint rustic lodge tucked amongst the forest near the town of Sisters, OR. Exceptional trail opportunities lead right from the front door. We want you to immerse yourself in the wilderness while at camp. This is a rustic lodge in the woods. Lodging amenities will be sparse. You'll be in shared rooms with fellow campers with sleeping on a simple mattress. Hot meals and showers are provided. While you'll have a bed and roof over your head, there will be no cellular reception. We hope this will provide you with a relaxing and distraction free week. We feel this brings a more authentic experience to a few days spent out in the woods.
The Daily Schedule – Just getting runs on beautiful trails every day is the easy part and you could do that anywhere, anytime. We want you to get something out of this camp you can take home and put to good use in your own running, that’s why we’ll be teaching technical running form, downhill trail running, nutrition guidelines, trail building skills, how to put together a trail training plan, trail etiquette, and more.
How To Prepare - We want you to enjoy your time at camp and one of the ways to do that is to come prepared. While this is a camp for all abilities, there are some strenuous activities that will test your limits no matter who you are. The stronger you come in, the more fun you'll have.
What To Bring - Your packing list should include the basics without much fluff. In other words, you won't need the kitchen sink.
CAMP SPECIFICATIONS
LOCATION –Sisters, OR
ELEVATION – 3,200ft
CREW – 3
RUNNING MILEAGE – 20-30mi
CAMPERS – 15
ACTIVITIES and TEACHING
Trail Running
Trail Maintenance
Nutrition Planning
Map Reading
Compass Use
Wilderness Preparation
Trail Etiquette
DOWNLOADS
What to expect at a week of the Central Oregon Youth Running Camp
Guided runs on varying terrain and distance on a different trail every day
Instruction in trail running form, nutrition, strength and conditioning, run recovery, wilderness ethics
Instruction in forest stewardship
To push your limits both physically and mentally and learn how to push yourself further than you thought possible
Delicious and healthy homemade meals prepared by our incredible chef
Comfortable but rustic lodging in bunk style rooms
Gather around the evening camp fire to roast marshmallows and recount the stories of the day
A sunset run to share an inspiring moment with fellow campers
A map and compass workshop and mini orienteering event to hone your new skills
Included in your camp fees:
Amazing healthy homecooked meals starting with lunch on your arrival day and breakfast on your departure.
Guided trail runs on a different spectacular trail every day
Nutrition products from GU for all runs during the week
Transportation to/from runs and events from Tuesday morning through Saturday morning
Camp seminars on nutrition, running form and technique, forest stewardship, trail maintenance, and more
An epic adventure that you didn't know you had in you
Comfortable but rustic accommodations in open bunk style rooms with other campers
An incredible once in a lifetime trail camp experience
Transportation
Transportation from Tuesday afternoon through Saturday morning is included during camp. Transportation to and from camp will be available to limited locations.
Vans will be departing from TBD Aug 3 for camp at Suttle Lake
Coming on your own?
Driving directions from points West (California, I-80W)
Follow I-80 and take exit 174 (Donner Pass Rd) for Soda Springs
Go 4mi up Donner Pass Rd until you see the Clair Tappan Lodge. Parking is on the Right. Park here for Hutchinson Lodge.
Driving directions from the East (Nevada, I-80E)
Follow I-80 and take exit 174 (Donner Pass Rd) for Soda Springs
Go 4mi up Donner Pass Rd until you see the Clair Tappan Lodge. Parking is on the Right. Park here for Hutchinson Lodge.
Flying in? The closest airport is the Reno/Tahoe Airport (RNO) 60min away with daily service to a number of large hubs. The closest large airport is Sacramento (SMF) about 2hrs away.
Safety
Your child's safety is our most important camp priority. With that in mind we'll create a safe environment for our campers from the time they meet us on the first day to when they leave camp. We will be in wilderness and remote settings but runs will be set up so that in case of sudden weather events we can reach shelter and relative safety as quickly as possible. Our staff has Wilderness First Aid, CPR, SafeSport and other coaching certifications to be prepared in case of emergency.
Our Crew
The perfect team — Experience, knowledge, and a desire to teach youth exemplifies a top notch group.
Max King, Co-Director
Mario Mendoza, Co-director
Renee Metivier, co-Director
