2023 Summer Camps Series

Disciples churches, Zephyr sale help campers come

The sale of Zephyr Lodge at Liberty Lake, which the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Northwest Region owned from 1946 to 2016, helps provides funds for campers at what is now the Northern Lights Region summer programs at Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, Wash., and at Cane Ridge West Conference and Retreat Center in Lincoln, Mont.

The cost of a week of church camp for elementary groups and for middle and high school students is a maximum $250, said Chris Snow, former youth and children's ministry coordinator for the region and now on the Outdoor Ministry Team.

"FruitFULL Faith: A Spirit-Filled Life" is the theme for the 2023 Disciples camps July 10 to 15 at both locations and July 17 to 22 at Cane Ridge West.

In addition, there is a "GMPK" Camp for 20 first to third graders with a parent, grandparent or guardian July 7 to 9 at Cane Ridge to introduce young children to camp, and there is an intergenerational camp.

Along with a low-cost, there are camp scholarships provided by legacy gifts from churches and the sale of Zephyr that support the program.

Gwinwood, on 29 acres on Hicks Lake, has forest trails, canoes, kayaks, a labyrinth, challenge course and screen house.

Cane Ridge West in the Rocky Mountains activities include fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Chris said the region hopes numbers will increase at the camps, which are run by volunteers.

Disciples churches and groups rent the camps for retreats, as well as outside groups. Rent helps cover facilities and staff costs.

"Camp experiences have a tremendous impact on children and youth, helping them discover possibilities and develop visions of what the church can look like and what kind of church they want to help build," said Chris.

For information, call 509-325-5400 or for Gwinwood, call 360-491-0195, email info@ gwinwood.org, or for Cane Ridge, call 406-564-1887 or email contactus@caneridgewest.org.