Twinlow's new director was its assistant
United Methodists account for 30 percent of campers and retreatants at Twinlow Camp on Spirit Lake near Rathdrum, Idaho, said Kristen Moon, who was assistant director for five years and became director March 15 when Tyler Wagner retired.
Having grown up in camping, she was on the staff three years at Lazy F, another United Methodist camp near Ellensburg, after graduating in political science from Central Washington University in 2013.
Growing up in Douglas, Wyo., she went to a Baptist camp. She became United Methodist in college.
"I felt a call from God to do camp ministry," said Kristen. "As director, I keep camp on track with its mission."
Twinlow staff and board are reviewing the long-term vision of providing children with hospitality on holy grounds, and welcoming everyone in a safe space for retreats, relaxation, renewal and experiencing God's love.
"There's a new twist in the modern world. With everyone bringing their ideas to camp and with social media connectivity, it's hard for them to get away. Things change fast. Camp needs to keep up, but not stray from what we do," she said. "With cell phones, 24-hour news and a barrage of information, camp is an important place to retreat."
Summer camps are June 23 to Aug 16, and Twinlow is also open year-round for retreats with partner groups.
There are four programs each week—third to sixth grade elementary, sixth to ninth middle school, and ninth to 12th high school, plus Idaho Mission Projects. Age-groups have separate programs but come together for meals and games. There are shorter primary camps for first to third graders. Family camp is July 3 to 7.
The Idaho Mission Projects will draw 13 youth groups this summer.
Twinlow and Lazy F are two of the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church's four camps in the region. The others are Ocean Park Camp at Ocean Shores and Camp Indianola on Puget Sound.
For information, call 208-352-2671 or email Kristen@twinlowcamp.org.
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, June, 2019
