California Baptist University 2022

Tahquitz Pines Relax, Reflect, Renew

C California Baptist University’s Tahquitz Pines Conference Center is a camp and retreat location for staff and faculty. The conference center has been owned by CBU since 2012, when the property was donated to the university by Hobby Lobby. Michael Jewell, director of Tahquitz Pines, explains the vision for providing staff and faculty the opportunity to vacation. Wanting to provide an chance for faculty and staff to get away, especially with the closures and troubles of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Jewell oversaw the camp during the pandemic. “We were closed to large guest groups per state health order from March 2020 through June 2021. Even with being closed, the property had to be maintained so we decided to open up to staff and faculty as a way to serve the CBU family while still honoring the state mandate closing organized camps,” Jewell says. Tahquitz Pines offers a variety of hosting opportunities, working with churches and nonprofit organizations to CBU groups from campus. “We host thousands of guests each year, most of which are from churches and other

nonprofit organizations. We have, from time to time, hosted CBU groups such as: the faculty from the School of Music, School of Education, and College of Nursing, as well as the cross-county team and [Mobilization] retreats,” Jewell says. Brenda Flores, associate director of Business Administration Facilities and Planning Services, explains her experience at the conference center. “I love the facility,” Flores says. “There are a lot of things to do at the facility, and there are a lot of hiking trails nearby.” She added: “Idyllwild is a cute little town with many interesting shops to browse through. I will definitely go again when my schedule allows. The staff members are very helpful and it is an overall great family experience.” Seeking to provide a great place for the staff and faculty to be rejuvenated and refreshed is the vision and mission statement of Tahquitz Pines. “The mission of Tahquitz Pines Conference Center is to provide an excellent Christian environment for individuals and groups to experience God, be renewed, and grow in faith,” and, Jewell says, “fulfilling the Great Commission through serving God’s people.”

COME TOGETHER (top) Frost Auditorium standing tall since 1936. SERENITY (bottom left) A prayer walk is one of many outdoor activities available across the grounds. CAMPFIRE (bottom right) The fire pit is another location to join friends and get warm.

WORDS Anyssa Gonzalez

PHOTOS Courtesy of Tahquitz Piines

DESIGN Madison Kirkland

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