Why The Spot?
Because there are plenty of beautiful places to stay—but very few that give you the whole place.
The Spot is six private acres at the edge of Smith Rock, surrounded by open desert, ancient cliffs and more sky than you know what to do with. There are no shared spaces, crowded lobbies or neighbors outside your window. Just one thoughtfully designed house, one group at a time, and room to settle in.
Wake up with the rocks glowing outside. Spend the day hiking, climbing or wandering the property. Come home to the hot tub, gather around the fire, and watch the desert disappear into darkness. Then look a little farther through the telescope at Asterisk Observatory.
The Spot is close enough to adventure that you never have to plan too hard—and private enough that doing absolutely nothing feels like the right decision.
One house. Six acres. The whole sky.
● Our Mission & Philosophy
Our Principles
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Creativity Over Perfection
We celebrate bold ideas, happy accidents, and the magic that happens when things don’t go as planned.
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Making Made Accessible
We believe the arts should be available to every child, with financial aid and support making camp more inclusive.
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Artists at the Helm
Campers learn directly from practicing artists who model curiosity, discipline, and a lifelong creative practice.
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Process Over Product
We emphasize exploration and making over polished results, helping campers see value in the work itself.
● Our Story
Meet Bennie
Bennie grew up spending summers on the road with her artist parents—painting by the lake, playing music barefoot, and putting on backyard plays by the bonfire. Those early experiences of freedom, creativity, and joy became the heartbeat of the camp she would go on to create.
Today, that vision lives on each summer, when a close-knit crew of working artists and educators gather in the woods to inspire and mentor a new generation. Together, they guide kids through hands-on discovery, bold ideas, and the kind of creativity that only happens when you’re outside, unplugged, and surrounded by people who believe in your spark.