When most people think of UCLA’s location, they think of the university’s Westwood campus. But located nearly 100 miles away in Lake Arrowhead lies a 40-acre conference center, serving as a summer retreat for UCLA alumni and a year-round meeting space primarily for outside organizations.
The university’s housing and hospitality services division operates the facility, which is officially known as the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Conference Center.
Cara Donohue, manager of the conference center, said the existing UCLA Lake Arrowhead property dates back to the 1920s when it was originally built. She added that it came under the leadership of the University of California in the 1950s. In the mid-1980s, the conference center was turned over to UCLA.
During the academic year, the conference center, which can hold up to 200 occupants, primarily hosts outside groups and organizations, Donohue said.
“We host any group with a meeting purpose, from educational groups to church and charity, to trade associations and private businesses,” she added.
In addition to the outside groups and organizations, the conference center hosts several UC and UCLA groups, but Donohue noted that many people affiliated with UCLA are not aware of the center’s availability for group meetings.
Though the center is primarily designed for groups during the academic year, individuals who are UC faculty, staff or alumni are able to book overnight accommodations to experience the site’s recreational offerings.
Steve Caloca, the conference center’s director, said the facility is not like a typical conference center or hotel due to the activities available.
“We have boating for groups, softball tournaments, hiking, fishing and team-building ropes courses,” Caloca said.
The conference center is also a major employer for local residents of Lake Arrowhead, especially during Bruin Woods, a series of one-week sessions for UCLA alumni, faculty, staff and their families.
“We contribute to the community by encouraging our guests to spend their dollars in Lake Arrowhead, with The Village being a popular destination for shopping and dining,” Caloca said.
The conference center’s busiest time of the year is the summer, when it doubles its staff in anticipation of Bruin Woods.
“We have an average of a two-year waiting list to get into Bruin Woods. To be selected, you are chosen from a lottery,” Caloca said.
Caloca added that he believes Bruin Woods is great because it appeals to both children and adults and brings UCLA alumni together.
The center additionally offers opportunities that are not available during the year, such as arts and crafts, archery, riflery, water skiing, faculty lecturers, talent shows, and karaoke, Donohue said.
Approximately 50 UCLA students come to work as the counselors for Bruin Woods and help facilitate the various activities for adults and children, Donohue added.
Jonathan Bryson, a recent graduate who has spent his last three summers working at Bruin Woods, said he felt more connected to UCLA through the program.
“(Bruin Woods) is a great way to connect with alumni. … A lot of the guests are still involved with UCLA. I see them on campus. I see them at sports events,” Bryson said.
Bryson added that the relatively isolated location of the conference center leads to a strong bond among Bruin Woods staffers and with the guests.
“(The conference center) is definitely its own world and it’s hard to stay connected to the outside. But it’s such a fun, inviting place and a great way to spend 12 weeks,” he said.