2026 Summer Camp Series

Camp Spalding has unprecedented sign ups

 

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest, which operates Camp Spalding on Davis Lake near Newport, Andy Sonneland, executive director of the camp for 36 years, told how running a camp that draws campers into relationships with Jesus "never gets old."

Over the years, especially in the last four years, he has found that the level of interest in the camps, especially the teen camps, has been "unprecedented."

He opened registration at midnight March 9 and by 9 a.m., all 204 slots for high school girls were filled. By noon, there were more than 1,000 registrations and 40 on a waiting list.

By early May, six of nine camps were sold out, including Junior and Senior High. are 137 kids on a waiting list.

Andy believes the main draw for campers is their summer staff of 40 college and just-graduated college students.

"I look for staff who set aside time to be with Jesus each day in Scripture and prayer, and who are learning to listen to him, as the Holy Spirit brings to mind words that align with the timeless truth of Scripture," said Andy. "As they do, God will be sure to stir their hearts by what's on His heart.

"Those who intentionally cultivate daily time with Jesus reflect the joy of Christ. It's attractive. Campers want what their cabin counselor has—a fully alive faith, moving toward greater wholeness, freedom and purpose walking with Jesus on the narrow road that leads to life," he said.

"The counselor's relationship with Jesus is attractive, yes, but also inviting, growing, attractive, authentic and real," he added

Andy said teens desire to attend Camp Spalding because they "see Jesus in a summer staff  member who lives out a counter-cultural, growing faith."

The camp's activities include "boating, swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, craft projects, hilarious skits, one-of-a-kind camp games, new friends and lasting memories."

To meet the increased demand and bring more kids off waiting lists, Camp Spalding is planning to expand its facilities.

It set a goal of raising $810,000 for Phase I of its capital campaign to build two more cabins and a bathhouse. To date, it has exceeded its goal, raising $1.2 million, which puts the camp into Phase II of the campaign—to replace its 1957-era cabins.

"It's an amazing blessing to see God work in kids' lives week after week, summer after summer, as God draws campers into relationships with Jesus," he said.

For information, visit campspalding.org.