MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — Devil’s Den Escape Rooms, a family-owned business that opened in 2023, has quickly made a name for itself as a community-focused enterprise. With three escape rooms designed and built by the Sokoloff family—and a fourth on the way—the business has earned a 5-star rating on Google and a 100% rating on Facebook. Beyond providing entertainment, Devil’s Den has demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back.
“When my wife Susan and I decided to open our business, it was important to give back to the community,” said owner Michael Sokoloff. “We also have the deepest respect for those who sacrifice for our community. Whether on a local or national basis, first responders and veterans do so much to provide us safety, security, and peace of mind. It is only fair that we thank them in some way.”
That desire to give back led to the creation of the Devil’s Den Scholarship Fund in 2024. The scholarship provides renewable financial assistance for the dependents of first responders and military personnel, whether active duty or veterans, attending two-year or four-year colleges or trade and vocational schools.
To support the scholarship, Devil’s Den organized a golf tournament last April at Wicomico Shores Golf Course. The event, a two-person team scramble, featured greens and cart fees, beverages, and lunch provided by Mission BBQ. Participants could also compete in mini-games, including one themed after the escape room’s “Search for the Grail” room. The golfer who located the hidden grail on the course won a prize, adding a unique twist to the tournament.
“We had approximately 20 teams participate in our inaugural event and were able to raise enough money to fund our first scholarship this year,” Sokoloff said. “Our goal is to continue to grow the tournament each year in hopes of possibly offering additional scholarships. This year we will issue our first scholarship through the St. Mary’s County Business, Education, and Community Alliance (BECA) common scholarship application process.”
In addition to the scholarship fund, Devil’s Den shows its appreciation for first responders and military personnel by offering a standing 10% discount. The discount extends to the dependents of active-duty personnel and applies to all group members. “Claiming the discount is simple; users can enter the promotional code HEROES_10, and the booking system will automatically apply the discount to the group,” Sokoloff explained.
The business itself is a family endeavor. Sokoloff oversees design and operations, while his wife Susan, a graphic designer, contributes decorative painting and thematic design. Their daughter Kaitlyn handles digital elements like lobby music and audio-visual puzzle design, and their son Scott takes on tasks like building walls, running wires, and soldering electronics.
“This is really a family effort,” Sokoloff said. “I couldn’t do this all without them.”
Devil’s Den Escape Rooms is proving to be more than just a place for adventure—it’s a business deeply invested in its community, honoring local heroes and creating opportunities for future generations.
Devil’s Den Escape Rooms is located at 29190 Three Notch Rd, Mechanicsville, MD. For more information, visit their website.
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