2023 Summer Camps Series

Many camps committed to give 'amazing' times

"Amazing" was the word Salvation Army Major Ken Perrine repeated when telling about the 2023 camping season and the experience of summer camping opportunities the Salvation Army offers through the summer at the 101-year-old camp on Loon Lake.

The camp is still looking for seasonal staff to fill the need for 45 positions for the discovery, wilderness and sailing camps, as well as maintenance, counselors and camp directors to be present with campers who come to swim, kayak, dance, fish; to do crafts, target sports, the climbing wall and zipline, and to take classes on wilderness.

They are still looking for lifeguards and counselors over 18 as paid staff and volunteers.

"We added a human foosball court on which the kids hold onto a line and act as the pins do in the table version," Ken said, repeating, "It's an amazing place for kids to expand their self-worth and self-esteem by being outdoors and working together as they learn they can climb, swim and sail.

"They overcome their fear of swimming, kayaking and sailing as they do those activities," Ken said. "Camp allows them to grow up and build so many more skills compared with doing video games."

Ken said camp offers a chance for children and youth to be in the wilderness, make lifelong friends and learn about themselves as they learn about nature.

"Camp makes children better adults," he believes.

Camp Gifford camps operate from June 26 to Aug. 4 for about 140 children per week.

Camp Gifford and the Salvation Army recruit children each year by sending out postcards through local churches in Spokane and Stevens Counties.

Campers come from Eastern Washington, Montana and Idaho.

The camps that run from Monday to Friday are offered on a sliding scale, starting at $60. There are also some full scholarships.

Bus transportation from Spokane is available for all the camp options.

Camp Gifford offers three types of educational summer camps and two other sessions.

• Four sessions of Discovery Camps run each week from noon Mondays to 9 a.m. Fridays for ages seven to 12. They are educational and spiritual outdoor experiences with games, arts and crafts, archery, swimming, boating, singing and fun activities to learn about God.

• Six sessions of Wilderness Camp are held at Camp Cougar for youth 13 to 17 years old. Activities include hiking, high rope courses, outdoor survival skills and swimming. Campers explore nature and grow their relationship with Christ while developing friendships.

• Three two-week sessions of Sailing Camp for 12- to 17-year-olds teach campers the fundamentals of sailing while developing courage, teamwork and leadership.

• One week is for Salvation Army Youth, children and youth who attend Salvation Army scouting programs.

• Another week is a Music Camp for boys and girls ages 7 to 14 teaches and develops music skills for brass bands, guitar, percussion and choirs.

For information, call 329-2759, email campgifford@usw.salvationarmy.org or visit campgifford.com.