Disciples peace interns travel camp-to-camp to lead discussions
While most Northwest Region Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) campers in 2019 will go to Gwinwood Camp near Lacey, some may go to Cane Ridge Camp near Lincoln, Mont., because in January 2020, the Northwest and Montana regions will become one region.
This year, the region promoted both camps, said Chris Snow, who is in his second year as youth and children's ministry coordinator for the region and his sixth year as pastor at North Hill Christian Church in Spokane. He also advises the Regional Youth Commission, which plans a winter retreat for middle to high school youth at Camp Koinonia near Cle Elum.
Gwinwood is owned by West side congregations. Cane Ridge West is owned by Montana congregations. Zephyr, previously owned by east-side congregations, was sold six years ago.
"Peace Works" is the theme for 2019 Gwinwood camps. Elementary children going the week of July 8, and junior and senior high sessions the week of July 14. Weekend camps include a grandparents and grandkids camp, an intergenerational camp, and a camp on Oregon Trail Theology at Cane Ridge West.
In the last 30 years, Chris said the region has grown aware of how to include and care for children and youth with developmental and physical limits. Because some may need to rest from sensory overload, camps are looking to provide a space with two adults so they can take time out to rest and re-center, he said.
Volunteer staff lead programs, and counselors oversee cabin time and facilitate small groups.
Each year, national Disciples of Christ trains young adult peace interns. They then travel camp-to-camp across the U.S. to lead conversations on reconciliation, peace and justice.
"It unites the camps across the country and provides young leaders experience in guiding justice conversations," said Chris, who graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in 2009 and served three years as youth and outreach coordinator at First Christian Church in Salem, Ore., before coming to Spokane.
For information, call 326-5400 or email csnow@disciplesnw.org.
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, June, 2019
