By Jessica Palmer, Cascades Camp and Conference Center
There’s something uniquely captivating about a campfire, isn’t there? Something that reaches beyond its practical purposes of providing light or heat and draws you in. Perhaps it’s the ever-changing flicker that can hold your attention for hours on end, the nostalgia of camping trips past, or the comforting warmth of glowing embers.
Or perhaps it’s the faces on the other side of the campfire ring. Perhaps it’s the nods and the echoes of “me too,” or “tell me more.” Perhaps it’s the voices that come together in song, or the laying on of prayerful hands that make way for healing and wholeness. Perhaps it’s the togetherness that keeps us coming back.
We will forever remember summer 2021 at Cascades as “the summer of returning to the campfire.” This season of ministry saw movement toward a sense of normalcy with the return of most of our programs and a steadier flow of guest groups. Despite the fact that nearly every aspect of ministry here looks different that it did 18 months ago, the transformative nature of community in this sacred place remains.
Reconnection appeared to be a common priority this summer as more and more people were ready to venture out and engage in-person once again. Our family camps and getaways seemed more critical to our mission than ever before. Cars filled with both newcomers and seasoned Cascades veterans flooded through our gate, eager to get away and spend time with loved ones they hadn’t seen much of over the last year and a half. One family camper reflected, “We were reminded of the importance of setting aside time for fun and play together, and of the sweetness of community and deep friendship.” Another commented, “I loved seeing the body of Christ come together. I met many new people who are walking with the Lord and it was so encouraging.“
Our youth programs – Rainier Kids Day Camp, Brightwood Station, Camp Timber Rock, and the S.A.L.T Program – provided a much-needed respite for elementary, middle, and high school campers. The opportunity to grow in faith alongside their peers and explore God’s creation together filled a void that couldn’t help but form after a year of primarily connecting online. According to parental feedback, 24.2% of campers made a significant spiritual decision of some sort during their time here – and that number doesn’t account for all of the quietly sown seeds that will take root and spring up in a future season!
Behind the scenes, our small but mighty summer staff of 27 young adults came together in a powerful way to provide a safe, fun, and comfortable environment for our campers and guests. Working long hours side-by-side to accomplish a feat that has historically been undertaken by a staff of 80 produced the kind of fruit that can only bloom within the context of a tightknit community: lifelong friendships were formed, new gifts were discovered, trajectories were altered, and God’s message of love was proclaimed.
As we collectively reflect on this past summer of ministry, will you join us in praising God for His faithfulness to Cascades? We couldn’t have done it without the prayers and support of our Pacific Northwest Conference family, so from the bottom of our hearts: thank you. We hope that we’ll see you out at Cascades for another campfire sometime soon!
Visit the Cascades Camp and Conference Center Website for more information about the camp and their programs
