Faith-based Camps Connect Faith and Fun

N-Sid-Sen combines campers from two camps, opening one site for mission

N-Sid-Sen campers build community playing beachball volleyball.

“Beyond Belief” is the theme for the 2018 camps at N-Sid-Sen Camp and Conference Center of the Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Registration for youth camps is on par with previous years, but this summer, campers from throughout the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ will come to N-Sid-Sen, rather than be divided between there and Pilgrim Firs Camp and Conference Center at Port Orchard.

Counselors and directors are coming from both eastside and westside churches.

 “We are working on transportation to make sure campers from across the conference can come to camp,” said Mark Boyd, managing director of N-Sid-Sen.

One church has provided funds to rent vans.  The conference is also helping connect people who need rides with people who can provide rides.  To rent vans will require two drivers to comply with safe church policies.

 “We are bringing all the youth camps here because we are better set up for larger youth activities,” Mark said. “In the past, our two camp sites were competing for campers. 

“Pilgrim Firs will be hosting mission-trip based camps with youth groups coming from around the region and nation,” he said.

Volunteer directors and counselors run the programs at both sites.

As they bring campers together from the two camps, they will focus on valuing the traditions of each camp and on creating new traditions.

Mark said that having the camps for the different age groups facilitates activities, such as worship, meals and campfires.

“Stories we tell for senior high campers are different from those for younger campers,” he said.

For information, call 208-689-3489 or visit n-sid-sen.org.

Copyright © June 2018 - The Fig Tree