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The year 1947 marked the start of something big for AbilityFirst, known then as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California. After several years of moving from location to location, the resident camp of the Crippled Children’s Society finally had a permanent home on 12 acres of land in the San Bernardino National Forest, near Crestline. The doors to the permanent campsite opened on July 1, 1947. Campers decided to name the site Camp Paivika, a Cahuilla Indian word meaning “dawn.”

As one of the first resident camps built specifically for people with disabilities, Camp Paivika is the result of the hard work and vision of Lucia Laufeld, a special education teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District who dreamed of a special place in the mountains for people with disabilities. With the help of Lawrence L. Frank, who played a major role in locating and negotiating with the National Forest Service, and countless other individuals and groups, Lucia Laufeld’s dream of a permanent resident camp became reality.

Camp Paivika has continued to grow and expand in the years in since 1947. The 1950’s marked the completion of the swimming pool and a gazebo. Campers in the 1960’s faced the difficulties of a severe water shortage. The 1970’s brought a new crafts center and dormitories. In 1997, the 50th anniversary was celebrated in grand style with the opening of a new lodge.

Today, Camp Paivika’s legacy lives on in its alumni who visit the camp each year during its Open House to reminisce about their experiences, and share photos and videos.  Current campers carry on the legacy of Camp Paivika, creating new memories and continuing its proud history of accessible camping programs for children, teens and adults with disabilities.