Lair of the Golden Bear
Behind the Scenes at the Lair of the Bear
By Eileen DuncanWhen family camp comes to a close, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes to keep the Lair running strong. In late August and September, the Lair hosts Bear Music Fest, an International House retreat, and late summer weddings. Then, once all the guests begin their drive down Hwy 108, a hard-working Closing Crew takes over. […]
Opening Doors, One 25-Cent Fix at a Time: Jim and the Rogers Family Legacy
By Jessie Fisher“You’re not gonna knock on the door of the person next to you at a motel,” Jim said. The environment, the experience—it works with human nature.
Trying to Catch the Magic: Kevin Kitsuda on Capturing the Lair
By Jessie Fisher. Images by Kevin Kitsuda.Photographer Kevin Kitsuda has been capturing the magic of the Lair of the Golden Bear, one frame at a time. His photos freeze moments of joy, connection, and natural beauty—telling the story of the special bonds between the people at the camp, and between the people and the camp itself.
Introducing Creekside: A Sunday Morning Tradition of Song and Story at the Lair
By Jessie FisherCreekside is where we sing what we’ve written or read what we’ve read. There’s no pressure, no expectation. Just people, being together, surrounded by the quiet hum of nature, the strumming of guitars, and the kind of honest feeling you get when you’re in the business of being real—no frills, no pretense.
What to Make This Summer? Art Directors Have the Answers
By Jessie FisherThis is your role-by-role guide to the jobs that keep the Lair running. By the end, you’ll see how every part—comes together to create the Lair’s special song.
Welcome Home: Finding Your Rhythm at the Lair
By Jessie FisherA place where networks grow, traditions deepen, and new campers are welcomed but as part of a breathing, evolving community.
What It Takes to Keep the Lair Running
By Jessie FisherThis is your role-by-role guide to the jobs that keep the Lair running. By the end, you’ll see how every part—comes together to create the Lair’s special song.
21 People, 5 States, One Family: A Conversation with New Camper Rob
By Jessie FisherWhat makes the Lair different from other vacations? For Rob, “the Lair offered so many more informal opportunities to reconnect than had we been staying in a hotel, or a motel, or a theme park.”
Cathy Connelly Named General Manager, Lair of the Golden Bear
Connelly's leadership, deep connections to the Lair community, and passion for delivering exceptional camper experiences make her the perfect person to guide us into the future.
What Last Summer’s Camp Blue Program Director Wants New Campers to Know
By Jessie FisherLast summer, Leon Tasch, the Camp Blue program director, got a front-row seat to all the magic and mayhem. Now, he’s here to give you the inside scoop—because there’s a lot more to the Lair than you might think.
Advance Team Member Kol Van Giesen Just Brought His Lair Staffing Skills to the Campaign Trail
By Jessie FisherThe constant go, go, go,…working until the job is done, and not just done, but done above and beyond, was important both in Pinecrest and on the trail.
Chancellor Lyons Talks Lair of the Golden Bear
By Jessie FisherChancellor Lyons, who’s known for carrying his guitar around camp, shared his personal stories, reflected on how the Lair fuels Cal spirit, and offered some words of wisdom for the staffers and campers to come.
