Calleva

Adventure is not in the guidebooks and beauty is not on the maps

Steven McKone

Frisbees, Friends, and Fairways: The Ultimate Disc Golf Summer Camp

With only a few hours’ notice, I set out to the Calleva farm to get the disc golf baskets. I searched over all 200 acres of the Calleva Farm, but I only found 6 of them. It wasn’t enough for the full course, but it was enough to accomplish the goal of fun with staff ⎯ and bonding.

Then, I drove to Whelan Commons in Poolesville, MD to get the course set up. Because I have only played disc golf once, I felt I was not qualified to set it up. However, I thought I could figure it out.

As I was chucking the baskets out of my Sprinter van, a man was walking across the muddy field staring at me. I thought, “Oh man I am about to be told that I can’t do this here”. Luckily the man, named Jesse, showed up and said “Man, you just made my day! I love disc golf, do you need help?” I in fact did need help.

So, I did what I learned at Calleva and I included him as much as I could! I made him the course designer and I just did what he told me. I had fun and I could tell that he was enjoying himself. He actually told me that he hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Then, we spent some time throwing discs to test out the course.

I had to get back to the office for the full time staff meeting, but I invited him to come out with the full time Calleva staff and play the course with us. He said he would and I was excited to hang out with him again.

I got back to the office in time for the full time staff meeting. Then it was time to play disc golf. I explained the rules. Although, I made them up on the spot. The crew headed down to the park ready to throw. Unfortunately, when we got there Jesse wasn’t there. We still played 9 baskets. It was great.

Calleva Staff Learning Disc Golf

There were staff there who had experience and were ringers. Additionally, there were first time players in our group. The age range was from 20-79 years old. Our crew included mechanics, farmers, camp staff, admin staff. Through it all, every single person had a smile on their face. It was exciting to see how disc golf brought the team together.

At the end of our game, my new friend Jesse showed up and said “Man, I thought y’all would have cancelled with the rain. Y’all are hard core!” I guess we are, but this is par for the course at Calleva.

This small journey was a mini case study on why Calleva is fantastic. I have worked here for over 15 years and in that time I have learned to be flexible, include everyone, and generally everything will work out when we work as a team.

New Disc Golf Camp in 2024

We had a great experience with disc golf and know your kids will too. This year we added a new Disc Golf camp. Disc golf camp offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that can help kids develop their skills, build relationships, and have a memorable summer adventure.

Disc golf has become increasingly popular for several reasons:

1. Accessibility

Unlike traditional golf, disc golf courses are often free to play and accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. This makes it easy for anyone to pick up a disc and start playing.

This is great for camp because campers will be able to jump right in to the fun! After camp, it will be easy for campers to keep playing and teaching others about their new favorite activity.

2. Low Cost

Compared to traditional golf, disc golf has minimal equipment costs. All you need is a few discs, which are relatively inexpensive compared to golf clubs and balls.

If your camper comes home as obsessed with disc golf as we all now are, it will be easy and affordable to enable them to keep playing.

3. Easy to Learn

The basic rules and mechanics of disc golf are simple to understand. Thus making disc golf accessible to beginners. Players can quickly grasp the fundamentals of throwing and aiming discs at targets. Campers will be proficient in no time!

4. Outdoor Recreation

Disc golf combines the enjoyment of outdoor recreation with the challenge of a sport, appealing to individuals who appreciate spending time in nature while engaging in physical activity.

Here at Calleva we are always looking to get kids outside more. Disc golf is a great excuse for kids to be outside year long!

5. Community and Culture

Disc golf has a strong sense of community and culture. Dedicated players often form tight-knit communities around local courses. Tournaments, leagues, and social events further contribute to this sense of camaraderie. During camp, campers will have opportunities to bond with other team mates and fellow campers.

6. Variety of Courses

Disc golf courses come in various layouts and settings, from wooded trails to open fields, providing diverse playing experiences and catering to different skill levels and preferences.

Here at camp, we are excited for campers to experience a variety of courses. Courses are set up to challenge players in a variety of conditions.

7. Health Benefits

Disc golf offers physical exercise and mental stimulation. Both of which promote health and well-being. Players enjoy the benefits of walking, throwing, and strategizing while on the course. With kids spending more and more time inside and on screens, it is important to facilitate fun movement.

8. Environmental Sustainability

Disc golf courses typically have a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional golf courses, as they require less land and maintenance while still providing recreational opportunities.

Here at Calleva we value our environment. We teach campers how to care for and respect the places we visit.

Sign Up for Disc Golf Camp 2024!

The adventure of setting up a disc golf course at Calleva Farm turned into an unexpected opportunity for connection and camaraderie. Despite challenges, the experience highlighted the core values of flexibility, inclusivity, and teamwork that define the Calleva community. Through the joy of playing together, regardless of age or experience, we witnessed the power of outdoor activities to bring people together.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce a new Disc Golf camp in 2024. This new camp will offer kids the chance to experience the accessibility, affordability, and sense of community that make disc golf a beloved pastime. Join us in embracing the outdoors, fostering friendships, and creating lasting memories with Calleva.

SteveO McKone

Calleva River School Director

Steve-O is Calleva River School Director and has been with the team since 2007. He joined Calleva when we were desperate for a surfing instructor, he interviewed on a Friday and left on Monday with a group of surfers.

At the age of 19, Steve-O got in a kayak, paddled the George Washington Canal, and found himself addicted to kayaking and hasn’t stopped since! His enthusiasm, appreciation of the natural world, and drive to excel will get you addicted, too. Teaching people kayaking is one of Steve-O’s passions and now watching his kids grow up in the Calleva family is one of his favorite things.

He loves being outside and on the river as much as he can. With a rare passion for the river, Steve-O is able to share his experiences and techniques with youth and adult paddlers, alike.

    Got Grit? Get Grit!

    Remember those billboards that read Got Milk?

    If there was a billboard in the Mather Gorge it would read ‘Got Grit?’, and it would be on Coffee Rock; the one you are trying to get to at Wet Bottom, no fewer than 100 paddle strokes from the safe eddy that all your friends are sitting in. 

    Why Grit?

    Grit is defined as a character trait that allows one to persevere with long-term goals, regardless of setbacks and with minimal rewards. This sounds a lot like attaining up the Potomac while the snow is blowing in your eyes, your hands are frozen to your paddle, and the river just keeps resisting.

    THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE DO CHEAT TRAINING.

    Grit not only makes us able to take a beatering better when we inevitably mess up a line, but it carries over to all parts of our lives. 

    My Own Grit Story

    This past June I decided that I would complete an Ironman in September. Most people spend years, and do other triathlons, before doing a full Ironman. I gave myself 12 weeks. I had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t train enough, and it hurt… a lot (refer to picture for proof), but I finished the race.

    Since I accomplished that, there have been so many other things that have come up in my life that have been hard, but I keep thinking back to my Ironman and thinking “this doesn’t hurt as bad as that did.”

    In summary, team, we do Cheat Training so that when you are sitting at your desk on Monday with frozen kayaking gear in your trunk, band-aids on your fingers, and a spare tire on your car from the Cheat Road, Mondays seem easy.

    Cheat Training Registration Opens Jan 2, 2024 at 9am

    Cheat Training

    Discover the joys of long boating, attaining, and learn to race the Cheat Canyon! 4 trips to the Cheat included.

    Cheat Lite

    If you are new to the program, this is for you! Build your strength and confidence on 4 different river trips working toward running the Cheat Canyon in May. Creek or half-slice boats welcome.

    In Town Spring Training

    New this year! Train twice a week without leaving the Potomac.

    Cheat Youth

    Teenage Cheat Training program – Register Now!

    Cheat Elite

    Step up your game to have your best Cheat Race plus learn the Top Yough. Find out if you’re ready for Cheat Elite – Apply Now!

    Creeking Lite

    Part basics of creeking clinics, part river trips, we will explore 4 amazing runs of the northern Appalachia, working up to running the Lower Big Sandy if qualified.

    Get GRIT

    SteveO McKone

    Calleva River School Director

    Steve-O is Calleva River School Director and has been with the team since 2007. He joined Calleva when we were desperate for a surfing instructor, he interviewed on a Friday and left on Monday with a group of surfers.

    At the age of 19, Steve-O got in a kayak, paddled the George Washington Canal, and found himself addicted to kayaking and hasn’t stopped since! His enthusiasm, appreciation of the natural world, and drive to excel will get you addicted, too. Teaching people kayaking is one of Steve-O’s passions and now watching his kids grow up in the Calleva family is one of his favorite things.

    He loves being outside and on the river as much as he can. With a rare passion for the river, Steve-O is able to share his experiences and techniques with youth and adult paddlers, alike.

      The Potomac is the Best Place to Kayak

      You shouldn’t live in the DC area and not kayak — it’s that good!

      Kayaking in DC is worth all the hype and more. If you’re not kayaking in the DMV yet it’s not too late to start with Calleva River School.

      Have you ever hiked the Billy Goat trail or been to Great Falls? Have you seen those crazy people in bright colored plastic boats going down the waterfalls?

      Most of them started kayaking on the little ripples of the Potomac River. The DMV is one of the biggest paddling communities in the world. Are you missing it?

      You wouldn’t live in Vail and not ski. The same goes for kayaking on the Potomac River!

      What is it like to Kayak on the Potomac River?

      Imagine yourself on a summer day in DC, escaping the heat by driving less than a mile to immerse yourself in the fresh waters of the Potomac River. 

      A bald eagle flies overhead and a turtle sleeps on a log next to the bank. This is a reprieve thousands of locals experience weekly. Why not you?

      Upriver of Georgetown lies 6 different sections of river ripe for exploring with rapids ranging from class 1-5. You can also paddle upriver to many different wave features. 

      Some people are there on surfboards, others are doing flips in their playboats. They are there for soul surfing sessions. 

      Paddlers exchange stories while waiting in the lineup for their turn all the while escaping the traffic just downstream on the American Legion Bridge.   

      Others prefer to enjoy the Potomac like joining a gym. Kayaking for exercise is more dynamic and enjoyable than the gym. The Potomac also provides better scenery than the beefcakes taking selfies with their max bench press in the background.

       At any point during a paddle on the Potomac you may be passed by an Olympic athlete training for the next race, a 15-year-old kid that just got out of school, or 75 year-old Tom McEwan — he was the first person to run Great Falls. 

      The Potomac is not just a river that separates states. It is a place that brings together a community of people that know the river heals all and will keep them moving with the flow. 

      Learn to Kayak on the Potomac River 

      Calleva River School is the best place to learn to kayak in the DC area. Our kayak lessons are designed to take you to every section of the Potomac River. 

      We will start out on the flat waters near Riley’s Lock at the confluence of Seneca Creek. Once we get the basics under us we will move further down the C&O Canal to bigger rapids in the Mather Gorge and under the American Legion Bridge. 

      During programs at Calleva River School, we provide practice nights located on the Olympic training course just a mile up from Chain Bridge. Then we take you down Little Falls which flows under that same bridge. 

      After a few years of training, you might be ready for Great Falls. It is the local class 5 section that contains numerous waterfalls. 

      All beginner kayak lessons include kayak rentals. You instructors could be former national team members, sponsored athletes, or a lawyer that might just enjoy spreading their passion to others.

      What are you waiting for? 

      Calleva River School classes and kayak tours minutes from DC

      Kayak rentals and other gear are included in the following classes:

      • Zero to Hero– Our month long intensive whitewater kayak program including 33 hours of instruction. 
      • Intro to Kayak Touring– 10 hours of instruction time focused on getting you from the river into the sea. 
      • River Experiences–– comprised as 4 experiences from a moonlit to a monument kayak tour.

      For more information on the Calleva River School offerings please visit our site here or contact us at riverschool@calleva.org.

      Cheat Training 2021: Year of Perpetual Stoke

      Happy New Year! The greatest season of the year is upon us! On Monday January 4th 6:00pm we will have our Cheat Training registration live! In 2020 Covid forced us to make changes to the program  and some of those changes have carried over into 2021. Our goal with these changes is that we will stay Covid compliant given the regulations we had to adhere to last spring. Please read thoroughly so that you understand fully what we will be doing this year.

      When it is cold and snow is blowing up your eyelids in the Cheat Canyon please follow this outline.

      Guide to Perpetual stoke:
      1. Be Stoked
      2. Be Stoked because you are stoked in an endless feedback cycle.
      3. Realize that you control how much stoke you derive from any external input, so get really stoked in the future.
      4. Get stoked knowing you’ll be stoked in the future.
      5. In a situation where it is hard to be stoked, realize that even if you’re just a little bit stoked it merits being more stoked incrementally until you are at full stoke.

      We will be offering Cheat regular Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, each night will have a limit of 20 participants. Cheat Lite and Cheat Elite will be Thursdays. When you sign up you will register for those specific weekdays and we ask that you stick to that day so that we can keep numbers at 15 or 20. For March, we will be staggering the start times for Saturday trainings so that we can also keep large group numbers down. We will send out a sign-up system for this at the end of January so that you can reserve your start time. This will also give us some flexibility to change locations to other great local training grounds such as the GW Canal/ Seneca Breaks, Shenandoah, and others.

      The biggest change this year will be to the April Saturday and Sunday (for Cheat Lite) sessions. We will now be holding local sessions on Saturdays (and Sundays for Cheat Lite) in April as well as Cheat Trips. We don’t want anyone to not sign up due being comfortable traveling out of state. We also don’t want to force our germs on the small town of Albright in large numbers. Registration for Cheat Trips will be on the same registration system. We still believe that the best way to get ready for the race is to go to the Cheat every weekend, but we also understand that making that trip every weekend in April is hard and for some who have done this a number of years unnecessary. Training is also 2 weeks longer this year due to the way that the date for the Cheat Race is. So, we will have one more weekend at the Cheat or a different section for cheat lite.

      Also, starting this year, we are going to have a separate sign up for all the trips associated with the trainings that we run. We have found that instructors and students sometimes feel pressure to take someone down a run that they worked so hard to get to even though they might not be ready because they paid for the training and the trip was included in the price. Now, once you qualify for the river that you are training for you will be able to register for that trip and if you are not ready for the trip then you still got the workouts and skills, but didn’t spend money for something you didn’t receive. Prices for the trips will be extremely pro-rated for those that are doing the trainings. This extra charge for the trip also help us cover the extra costs that go with running these trips.

      For Cheat Elite this year sign up for a weeknight of regular cheat training and then email us at riverschool@calleva.org to apply to get into Cheat Elite. We will let you know if you got in, there will be 15 spots in this class.

      Cheat Lite is always a very popular program and there will be 15 spots open for sign ups then you will go to a wait list. This year we have decided in order to be fair we will be asking folks to not sign up for Cheat lite and Cheat Regular, if you would like extra training then you can sign up for two Cheat Regular weeknights. Also, if we believe that you have out grown lite then we will encourage you to step it up and move onto Cheat Regular. Lite is meant to be a program where new people come into learn attaining fundementals, paddling efficiently, and effectively. If the long boat is the issue then let us know we can help you out.

      Credit from 2020: When you sign up for your program enter you name lower case and no spaces and the amount you have in credit will automatically come off. If for some reason this doesn’t work for you, then sign up anyways, so you don’t lose your spot, and email us afterwards with the problem.

      Cocktail party 2020 style: When you receive your email of confirmation of your registration you will receive a link to a Zoom call. I am hoping that we can all get a call to celebrate those getting in. A zoom call with this many people can get a little wild, but let’s give it a shot!

      Thank you all for support Calleva in the past year, it has been a hard year and we appreciate all of you!

      -Everyone at Calleva’s River School

      What Is Cheat Training?

      What Is Cheat Training

      By Steven “Steveo” Mckone

      Often, I get asked the question of “What is Cheat Training?”, and most of the time I just stare blankly while pondering what it really is. The short answer is that Cheat Training is a program designed to get you in shape for paddling the Cheat Canyon Race the first weekend of May, but it is so much more than that. When folks sign up, I am not sure they truly understand what they are getting themselves into.

      It will snow, and we will paddle. While this sounds miserable, it is, but you are miserable with 40 of your friends out there. We take the saying “misery enjoys company” to a different level. The truth is that it really isn’t that bad. It’s endearing, really. You push yourself to a different place and come out the other side stronger and more confident. Those snowy, cold, ice-on-the-brim-of-your-helmet type of days are the ones that cheat trainers talk about for years.

      On Saturdays in March we paddle downriver from sandy beach, just below Great Falls, to Sycamore Island. It is an 11-mile paddle and only about 4 miles of it is whitewater. Once we get to American Legion bridge the Slow Grinding Death begins, a long stretch of flat water that is exhausting but also awesome. During that paddle, we do leap frog sprints, work on stroke rate, and try to perfect our forward stroke. Just when your arms are about to fall off we all line up and sprint the last 200 yards. This is my favorite part because all the other cheat trainers are there cheering as loud as they can, encouraging you to catch the paddler up ahead. There is nothing like crossing that metal wire knowing you gave it your all.

       

      The Camaraderie Of Cheat Training

      We come for the paddling, but we all stay for the community. Our long boat pushers are an amazing bunch on their own, but surround them with 40 of their peers and things start to get turned all upside down. At any point during Cheat Training you could cry from laughing at Jon Becker, get handed a homemade beer from Mark Eakin, get thrown in a van by Tom that fits 12, but there is already 20 in there, or be waiting for your burger made by me. Sometimes we have to get creative, like when the propane didn’t work and I forgot a spatula, so we found sticks on the side of Clara Barton Parkway and built a fire (one of the greatest moments of my life).

      Cheat Training to me is so much more than just a paddling event; it is a lifestyle, a rite of passage for paddlers on the Potomac River, and most of all an adventure with friends. I wait all year for Cheat Training to start and I am always sad when it ends, but I know that the memories I have made with everyone will hold me over till March the following year.

      Join us for another year for Calleva’s Liquid Adventures Cheat Training coming to the Potomac in March!

      ~ Steveo – Director of Calleva’s Liquid Adventures

      Click For More Info On Cheat Training