Camps and Retreat Centers 2024

N-Sid-Sen summer camp theme is 'Linked by Love'

N-Sid-Sen Camp and Retreat Center, a ministry of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), is again planning its aqua and adventure camps as part of the 2024 summer sessions.

For four weeks, the camp is directed by volunteers from conference churches in the setting of woodlands, creeks and meadows with a mile of shoreline along the east side of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"We will welcome children, youth, families and adults from infancy to senior adults who come to explore, grow and renew in groups of 16 to 150," said Pam Peterson, designated managing director. "Guests and campers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, faith traditions and community groups."

Woven in with the year's theme, "Linked by Love," each camp will have morning watch, evening vespers and a closing worship. Activities include swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, tubing, water skiing, hiking, field games, wacky games, arts and crafts, campfires, sing-a-longs and star gazing.

The first week, July 14 to 21, junior high campers in grades 7 to 9 will do a float trip down the Spokane River—an aqua camp tradition—and the fifth and sixth grade intermediate campers will have a float day in the swim cove.

"Junior high campers come to rekindle old friendships and discover new ones, plus engage in meaningful conversations on the summer's theme with peers and leaders," she said.

To introduce camping to young children, N-Sid-Sen offers two camps: You and Me Camp from July 22 to 24 for an adult family member with a child or children in grades 1 to 4. Kids Camp from July 24 to 27 is for children in grades 2 to 4. You and Me campers in grades 2 to 4 can opt to stay the full week.

Both camps share meals and campfire time with Senior High campers, who are there July 22 to 27 and overlap with both camps to maximize use of the facilities.

Senior High camp also features the "aqua camp" Spokane River float trip, tubing, boating, swimming and campfire time.

"When multiple age groups are in camp at the same times, the sessions operate separately, and kids are in cabins with their age group, but there is mixed interaction during meals and campfires," said Pam.

"Making a new friend, exploring trails, jumping into the lake may seem like simple fun, but, in reality, the campers are gaining critical social skills, independence and awareness of God and creation."

The third and fourth weeks—July 28 to Aug. 4 and Aug. 4 to 10—are "Family Camps" for family members of all ages and generations.

In addition to the camps for children, youth and families, N-Sid-Sen has an Emerging Young Adult Camp June 14 to 17 for ages 19 to 35, a long weekend retreat for young adults to play together and explore ways God is moving in the world. It also includes time to do an optional service project, as well as free time to enjoy the site.

"The Pacific Northwest Conference offers scholarships for those needing financial assistance," said Pam. "Campers do not need to be associated with a United Church of Christ receive funds to attend the camps."

For information, call 208-689-3489 or visit website N-Sid-Sen.org.