Access Mammoth to Host First Major Military Event at the Copeland Center: Operation High Altitude

Military Camp Marks a Milestone for Adaptive Recreation in Mammoth Lakes

MAMMOTH LAKES, CA – Access Mammoth, formerly Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, will host its first major military event at the Jack and Kathy Copeland Center when Operation High Altitude (OHA) returns Aug. 2-7. The six-day adaptive recreation camp will bring together more than 15 veterans, active-duty service members, and peer mentors, marking a significant milestone as Access Mammoth begins using the Copeland Center as a hub for year-round programming.

The Copeland Center is the result of nearly two decades of work by founder Kathy Copeland and the Access Mammoth team. Initially envisioned as a National Wounded Warrior Center, the project was reconfigured with the purchase of 100-year-old Fern Creek Lodge and renamed in honor of Jack and Kathy Copeland. The property has been beautifully restored to be entirely accessible and includes 10 individual cabins surrounding a central lodge. The combination of individual lodging and communal areas gives guests a variety of opportunities to come together, whether through a game of chess at the outdoor gazebo, a meal in the lodge, or simply quiet time in one of the outdoor spaces.

[Insert quote] – A quote about what it means to Access Mammoth to finally host its first major event at the Copeland Center after 15 years of work, and what this milestone makes possible for future programming.

OHA is built around the idea that shared outdoor experiences help participants reconnect with movement, nature, and purpose. Throughout the six-day camp, participants will stay at the Copeland Center while taking part in adaptive paddling at June Lake Beach, rock climbing at Horseshoe Slab, fishing at Crowley Lake, mountain biking at Mammoth Mountain, and small-group activities at the Copeland Center. Dinners at the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department and Burgers, along with wellness sessions through Elevate, will help round out their introduction to the Eastern Sierra.

Through funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant, and donations from our caring community, Access Mammoth provides all adaptive equipment, instruction, lodging, wellness workshops, and activities at no cost to military participants.

The Copeland Center is beginning to welcome lodging inquiries. To learn more about availability, contact Brent Truax at [email protected] or (760) 935-3759.

About Access Mammoth

Access Mammoth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and facilitating fun, inclusive, and individualized outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Through adaptive skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, paddling, camps, and year-round programs, Access Mammoth helps individuals build confidence, connection, independence, and joy through the power of mountain recreation.

For more information about Access Mammoth, visit accessmammoth.org or contact:

Johanna Meezan

Development and Communications Coordinator

Access Mammoth

[email protected]

760-934-0791