or risk-taking capacity—can jump in
and try something new.”
The brothers’ adventurous
spirit and dynamic leadership style
shapes every aspect of the pro-
gramming, and success has been
sweet for the entire team. Calleva
is widely recognized as an innova-
tive force in the outdoor adventure
world, having developed a unique
brand that conveys an appreciation
for both unbridled exploration and
the simple joys of rural life. Sum-
mer camp, wilderness experiences,
a dynamic paddling program,
environmental education, and
small-scale sustainable farming all
Riding at Calleva Farm: “We help our
students become better riders and allow
them to explore the values & adventure
of the farm life as well.” – Tess McKone,
Equestrian Director
Dirty Dinners at Calleva Farm: “We want to give adults the opportunity to experience
the bounty of the farm, the relaxed joys of an evening among friends in the country,
and the simple beauty of the great outdoors in Montgomery County’s Agricultural
Reserve.” – Olivia Murphy, Calleva VA Co-Director
come together under the Calleva
umbrella. It would be impossible
to headquarter all this in a single
location, so Calleva has created
an innovative variety of mobile
programming, taking participants
to the best parks, trails, rivers, and
rocks in the Mid-Atlantic region
while operating an educational
farm in Montgomery County and
even coordinating international
trips for its Liquid Adventures pad-
dling school.
Meeting the Calleva team, one
Kayaking the Potomac near Seneca Creek: “We encourage our paddlers to take a
good hard look and decide for themselves if they are ready for what they are about to
take on. It is a very empowering question to ask yourself, and whatever the answer is,
it’s your answer, your decision.” – SteveO McKone, Liquid Adventures Director
42
PLENTY I SUMMER GROWING 2019
is impressed on multiple levels.
There is a contagious enthusiasm
for the outdoors, for creativity, and
for sharing these passions with
others through experience. Also re-
markable are the range of expertise
and the diverse perspectives that
exist among the team members,
who are adventurers, farmers, and
artists from around the world. Cal-
leva’s team builds steam during the
spring months, from a year-round
core of 25 to full strength of more
than 200 instructors, counselors,
and directors by Memorial Day.
“The strength of our commu-
nity is as important as the indi-
viduals who join each season,” Nick
explains. “At Calleva teamwork,
stewardship, and a strong com-
mitment to personal growth are all
part of our DNA. We’re reminded of
these ideals every day, and there’s
an expectation to ‘practice what we
preach’.”
The Markoffs agree that every
Calleva day is a celebration of the
wonders of the natural world and
the joy of shared experiences in it.
Matt summarized, “We believe in
the power of the outdoors to heal,
inspire, and renew. We truly do
love what we do.”