2025 Summer Camp Series

Manager is third generation at Camp Sanders

 

Christy Gallogly, the executive director and camp manager of Camp Sanders near Tensed, Idaho, has a message for those interested in using the camp.

"Camp Sanders is active and open for business in spite of an arson fire that destroyed the old dining hall and gathering space last October," she said. "A new dining hall is ready."

While the dining hall was being built, the kitchen in the Lakeside Chapel building was upgraded to a commercial kitchen.

This summer Camp Sanders will celebrate 90 years of providing camping experiences in the Palouse region of northern Idaho.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 5, during Homecoming at Family Camp, the camp will commemorate its 90 years and celebrate the rededication of the Tabernacle.

Christy explained that the historical, sacred Tabernacle had started leaning to the south and needed to be rebuilt on a firm foundation. Last year, the Sanders Christian Camp Board decided to rebuild this building, which most churches, youth camps and groups prefer to use for large gatherings. After raising the funds, the renovation has been completed.

"The building has always been a special place, and so many want to have their events there. It is a barn-style building, but we can really feel the spirit there," Christy explained.

The celebration, which is open to the public, includes a meal, so reservations are needed.

Along with the offerings Camp Sanders sponsors through the summer, events planned by other groups at the camp allow it to fulfill its mission to provide a wholesome environment and affordable facilities for persons young and old to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.

In addition to the Man Camp and Women's Retreat held in April, Camp Sanders-sponsored events this summer include Family Camp, with the theme "Gathered Again" from July 3 to 6; Kid's Camp, for children who have completed grades 4 to 6 from July 7 to 10, and 55+ Adult Christian Retreat from Sept. 16 to 18.

Sanders Christian Camp, Inc., also provides a venue for ministry camps, educational and training camps, retreats, family reunions, weddings, business and leadership retreats.

As someone who attended summer camp there, whose grandfather opened the camp and whose father, Raymond Bates, served as the chair of the Friends of Camp Sanders, Christy looks forward to the camp continuing to provide an outdoor experience for youth and adults of all denominations.

For information, call 208-892-4842 or visit campsanders@gmail.com