Activities & Recreation at Conference Center

Please inquire with your coordinator for availability and pricing information.

Adventure Programs

Sequoia Ropes Course

The Sequoia Adventure Course is one of our most popular courses.  It consists of 14 different high ropes elements that range from 30 to 80 feet above ground, and ends in a tandem (2 person) zipline.  All elements are done with a partner.  All participants wear harnesses, helmets, and are connected to overhead cables by a double system of safety ropes and clips.  The course is supervised by 3-5 of our expertly trained staff.  It can accommodate groups of 10-30 participants, averaging a speed of 10 traversing the course per hour.

Discovery Grove

Discovery Grove is our newest Ropes Course.  It consists of 7 different high ropes elements that range from 5 to 20 feet above ground, and ends in a zipline.  Discovery Grove is the perfect experience for those who are new to ropes course acitivites and wanting to start a bit closer to the ground. It is also well-suited for younger kids. All participants wear harnesses, helmets, and are connected to overhead cables by a double system of safety ropes and clips.  Discovery Grove is supervised by 3-5 of our expertly trained staff.  It can accommodate groups of 5-30 participants, averaging a speed of 15 traversing the course per hour.  

Redwood Canopy Tour

Soar through the unique forest groves and experience the giant redwoods from 150 feet above the canyon floor and zipping through the trees. This is the ultimate shared experience as small groups are led through a two-hour experience of seven platforms, two skybridges and six zip lines of up to 440 feet in length. Participants must be between 75 and 250 pounds and at least 52 inches tall.

Outdoor Climbing Wall

Provide an opportunity for your group to not only strengthen their climbing skills, but also give them the chance to encourage and coach each other as they climb. Approximately 30 people per hour.

Kayaking

Give your group a special morning or afternoon outing to experience waves, the kelp gardens, sea otters, seals, and even dolphins. A peaceful trip to the ocean can be just what your group needs during their time away. Each tour is approximately 2.5 hours round trip. 

Archery

Practice perfection with our staff at the shooting range by challenging each other with accuracy or just by improving your personal skills. Approximately 40 people per hour.

Mountain Biking

Take advantage of the beautiful scenery located in and around Mount Hermon by participating in a mountain bike tour. Our guides will take you around camp as well as off campus through the beautiful redwood forests. Tours can be personalized for all types of fitness levels. Each tour is approximately 2 hours round trip.

On-Site Activities
Board Games
Various board games and card games are available for check out at the Front Desk.

Fitness Center
A fully equipped Fitness Center is available to registered guests. It is located on the lower level of Youth Memorial. Participants must be 16 years of age or older in order to use the equipment. Guests may request an access code from the Front Desk, and are asked to wear their nametag. Hours: 5:30 AM–11 PM

Hiking Trails
Many beautiful stream-side trails among the redwoods and ferns are located at Mount Hermon. Trail maps may be requested at the Front Desk.

McAfee Fieldhouse (Indoor Recreation)
• A Game Room (including Ping Pong, Air Hockey, Gockey, etc.) is available to registered guests. It is located on the second floor of the McAfee Fieldhouse.
• Basketball and volleyball courts are located in the gymnasium of the McAfee Fieldhouse.
• Mount Hermon kindly asks all guests to wear their name tag while using the McAfee Fieldhouse.

Hours*: Friday 9–11 PM; Saturday 1 PM–5:30 PM & 9–11 PM

*Midweek hours may be available; please contact your Mount Hermon coordinator for more details.

Use of the recreational equipment in the McAfee Fieldhouse is a privilege for all of our groups. Use will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Exclusive use or reservation of a portion of the McAfee Fieldhouse during the established open hours is not permitted. Reservation of the McAfee Fieldhouse outside of normal operation hours is available for $100 per hour, including necessary staffing and equipment.

Swimming Pool
Swimmers may enjoy our 25-yard pool with diving board and enclosed slide. A wading pool is also available for children. The pool may be requested during the months of May–October and additional charges will apply. Rental of the pool is a privilege for all of our groups.

Hours*: Saturday 1:30 PM–5 PM

*Hours may be subject to change.

Off-Site Activities
Antiques & Boutiques
There are a variety of antique shops, boutiques, stores and coffee shops located in the San Lorenzo Valley towns of Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek as well as Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Downtown Santa Cruz.

Elkhorn Slough
A natural estuarine research reserve, including 5 miles of trails for hiking. Located 40 minutes south on Highway One.

Golf Courses
Local courses include Aptos Seascape, DeLaveaga, Pasatiempo, Boulder Creek, Valley Gardens and Spring Hills. (Directions are available.)

Helpful Website to Visit
Santa Cruz Count Conference & Visitors Council, phone (800) 833-3494

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
See old-growth redwood forest. Walk a short nature trail loop, or explore deeper on a variety of trails. Visit the Nature Center and shop in the gift store.

Monterey & Carmel
The famous 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the town of Pacific Grove, and the Carmel Mission can all be accessed by a one hour drive south on Highway One.

Nisene Marks State Park & Wilder Ranch
Miles of beautiful hiking trails among the redwoods are found at Wilder Ranch and Nisene State Park. A two-mile walk in Nisene State Park will take you to the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake.

Other Places of Interest
Long Marine Lab and Seymour Discovery Center have many wonderful exhibits, including an 87-foot blue whale skeleton. Local Museums include Santa Cruz Memorial Park, the City Museum, the Surf Museum and the McPherson Center.

Point Lobos Reserve
Coves, beaches, wildlife and tide pools may be enjoyed at this 1,250 acre shoreline reserve.

Roaring Camp Railroad
See California’s towering redwood forest from two historic railroads. Authentic steam-powered trains with daily departures, next to the park where you can.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Rides, games, miniature golf, Fisherman’s Wharf and a mile long beach are all found at this historic amusement park.