P L E N T Y SUMMER 2019 Plenty Summer 2019-joomag copy | Page 41

The nonprofit has grown by
leaps and bounds since it was
founded in 1993 by three brothers—
Nick, Alex, and Matt Markoff­—from
the inspiration of their grandparents
who created Valley Mill Camp in
the 1970s. “Remembering where we
have been is essential to who we are
today and to where we are going,”
says Matt Markoff, the youngest
of Calleva’s founders and current
executive director of the organiza-
tion. For more than two decades,
the Calleva ethic has centered on
valuing nature through conserva-
tion, community, and adventure.
The brothers are quick to say that
their core mission has been consis-
tent for all these years. “Calleva gets
city kids out to DC’s backyard for
fun and adventure,” Alex explains.
“And we work hard to provide a va-
riety of entry points so that literally
anyone—regardless of age or ability
Hiking along the Potomac River: “A Cubs week is designed to ignite the adventurous spirit in our
littlest campers, and YES—your kids will get dirty!” – Lucy Martin, Program Director
Growing Green: “We want to give kids the full farming
experience – they learn about being self-sufficient, rais-
ing animals humanely, using traditional grow practices,
and eating local.” – Alex Markoff
Tubing on Seneca Creek: “Nothing’s better than cooling off at the end
of a hot summer day full of exploring the trails and streams around
Seneca Creek.” – Andrew “Baldy” Pratt, Summer Camp Director
PLENTY I SUMMER GROWING 2019
41