2026 Summer Camp Series

N-Sid-Sen invites campers to give back

 

The enthusiasm of campers and volunteers coming to N-Sid-Sen has been inspiring as they work bit by bit to help with the extensive cleanup since a Dec. 17 storm tore out 35 trees in a swath from the outdoor beach chapel through cabin 12, with little damage to buildings.

A logger took out the big trees, but left branches. Campers and volunteers have helped clear them from the trails and grounds.

A third grader in a Montessori camp likened the cleanup to the adage about how to eat an elephant— "one bite at a time."

"We previously called our spring and fall volunteer camp weeks Work Camp. Now we call it 'Giving Back Camp'," said Linda Crowe, who has spent the last year as a volunteer co-manager with her husband, Randy, who was camp managing director from 1990 to 2012.

Each group holding retreats and camps this spring have taken some time to help carry branches to burn piles to give back.

When the power was out in the storm, sprinklers in the welcome lodge turned on, damaging the flooring.

Participants in June and October dance camps, who have come for more than 40 years, donated more than $7,000 toward repairs beyond what was covered by insurance.

In addition to the grounds cleanup, Randy and Linda have worked with volunteers to replace carpets and repaint in Spirit Lodge.

Some participants in a March Textile Camp made 10 quilt tops that will be completed by Textile Camp participants and later by a quilters group.

This spring, there were also retreats and camps with Temple Beth Shalom, a yoga group, three Montessori schools and Catholic youth.

Randy said the N-Sid-Sen has a full season from July 1 to Aug. 8 with United Church of Christ (UCC) for elementary, middle and high school kids, family and intergenerational camps. The 2026 theme is "In the Wilderness."

While many weeks and weekends from June into fall are reserved, Randy said that there are still a few openings.

"Our program has happened because of incredible gifts of time, talent and money in the last 10 months," Randy said.

As an example of the generosity, he told of a man visiting to prepare for details for the dance camp. When he learned one lodge needed a washer and dryer, he pledged Randy a donation for the total cost.

Along with many long-term camp supporters keeping the camp well cared for, newcomers, like one who came from Colbert to the May Women's Retreat, are appreciating the site.

"I wonder why it has taken me so long to get here," she said.

Another woman, who came from Seattle and went to N-Sid-Sen as a camper years ago, decided to send her children to Kids Camp and to come with them as a volunteer.

The Pacific Northwest Conference of the UCC, which owns and operates N-Sid-Sen on the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, is in the process of hiring a new managing director to provide a ministry of hospitality, for all who come to N-Sid-Sen, including for UCC folks and congregations.

For information, call 208-689-3489, email randy@n-sid-sen.org or visit n-sid-sen.org.