2025 Summer Camp Series
Camps' community building creates lifelong friends
Northern Lights Christian Church Disciples of Christ (DOC) camps will use a curriculum called "The Gospel's Greatest Hits," because camp is an introduction to the Christian faith.
"Many youth who come to camps do not know the basics about Christian faith, so we offer an introduction to it through songs, music, crafts, science and more, as well as time outside in community," said Paul Allen, regional minister of the Northern Lights Region of the DOC.
The two camps were previously owned by the DOC Northern Lights Region but are now separate nonprofits run by boards that provide staffing and maintenance. The Region's Faith and Formation Committee organizes the camp programs and partners them now.
"That's a pattern similar to other Disciples of Christ regions across the country," Paul said.
The camps they have ties to are Grinwood near Lacey in Western Washington, run by Kate Ayers, executive director, and Cane Ridge West near Lincoln in Western Montana, overseen by Ruth Lindabury, caretaker.
The junior and elementary camp at Grinwood is July 7 to 10, and the Chi Rho middle school and high school camps are July 7 to 11. They are run at the same time because Grinwood is a large camp.
The junior and elementary camp is from July 7 to 11 at Cane Ridge and the Chi Rho middle school and Christian Youth Fellowship high school camp is from July 21 to 26.
"Since having a hiatus during COVID, the region has worked to rebuild the youth camping programs," he said.
Beyond youth camps, Paul said every weekend of 2025 the camps are filled with church retreats and retreats by other organizations. The region is also planning some region-wide retreats—a pastors and partners retreat, a prayer retreat and a women's retreat.
"We rely on pastors and lay people who come as volunteers to direct camps," said Paul.
People who want to have retreats call to schedule their times. Groups come year-round from around the region and beyond.
"Camp supports the growth of young people. I have been working at camps and retreat centers since I was 14, continuing as a counselor and chaplain," he said.
The value of camps is that they focus on faith for young people who may not find their needs met in church worship services geared to meet the needs of large groups.
"For many, camp is the first experience away from home and the first experience in nature. It is also a time for counselors to build relationships with campers," Paul observed, telling of his own experiences with friendships from camps. "Community building is wonderful."
Matthew Goodrich, who is pastor at First Christian Church in Missoula, Mont., is chair of the Faith Formation Committee, which plans the camps.
For information, call 406-702-9386 or email minister@fccmissoula.org
