"We Need To Talk"

The Start of a Great Relationship…

A Page from Greg's Sketchbook

Domokur Architects has over 40 years of camp experience, with creative lead Greg Copeland leading the charge.  With years of experience and great relationships with camps across the country, we could all learn a thing or two from Greg!  I had the privilege of hearing about one particular encounter between Greg and Len McCandliss, former CEO of Sierra Health Foundation, that happened in March of 1999. The story goes something like this...

They were both attending the ACA West Conference and Len actually approached Greg -- he said, “We need to talk.”  His plan was to create a special needs camp on the land he had purchased near Nevada City, California, and he requested Greg’s evaluation of the site.  After carefully examining the area, Greg was extremely concerned about Len wanting to building on a wetland, as well as the fact that there was limited development space.

In February of 2000, Len contacted Greg once more and told him about another piece of land that he had purchased near Portola, California.  Len wanted another evaluation.  Despite the unfortunate condition of the last site, Greg thought that this site was promising.  He felt the 466 acres of land was beautiful and perfectly suited for a camp.  Greg only had one wistful comment: “I wish you could buy the adjoining land next to the area that we had identified as the best location for the camp.”  When Len asked why, Greg suggested that he would mirror the plan so that the dining hall overlooked the meadow.  Len’s reply was, “Well, you better get started!”  That moment marked the beginning of a new friendship.  With the master plan complete in 2001, and design work complete in 2002 by a local architecture firm, Grizzly Creek Ranch was able to officially open in 2003.

Since opening, Grizzly Creek Ranch has had the privilege of working with nonprofit organizations serving diverse populations, such as students, teachers, people with special needs, and children considered at risk for a variety of social and economic reasons.  In 2010, the Sierra Health Foundation partnered with Sierra Nevada Journeys to create year round outdoor education opportunities. This camp focuses on providing a unique camp experience while encouragement, support, and growth are highlighted.  It is a place where kids with special needs can just be kids -- a place where they can create their own everlasting memories.

Grizzly Creek Ranch Master Plan

Tips From Greg's Sketchbook:

1. It's about building relationships.  Master planning takes time.

2. Have the courage to reevaluate.  In 1999 Len had already purchased the land in Nevada City. Little did he know the success he would experience in 2003, nearly two hours away in Portola.

3. Be flexible in design. The original plan did not consider the adjacent land. Once the additional property was acquired, the plan was mirrored, resulting in a beautifully situated dining hall overlooking the meadow.