2026 Summer Camp Series

Silver Lake Camp has full camping schedule and recovery from 2023 fire

Silver Lake Camp in Medical Lake is set for the summer camping season with 16 camps coming for five days from nearby states, according to assistant camp director Kaye Peterson.

Silver Lake provides varied lodging options and activities, and different groups create their own programs. Many have come since Silver Lake Camp's founding in 1962.

 "We had record numbers of campers for the second year as we continue to recover from the devastating Gray Fire in August 2023," she said.

In addition to tubing, kayaking and swimming, Silver Lake Camp added a basketball/pickleball court and soccer nets. It has a 40-foot water blob, high dive, giant swing, golf course and sand volleyball. "We provide places to overcome fear and build confidence," Kaye said. "The basketball/pickleball court also provides areas for groups to gather for quiet times."

Other gathering places are in cabins. Cabins rebuilt since the fire have patio areas and picnic tables for this purpose.

"Our updated light and video system helps create an immersive experience for worship and other programs," she said.

Many camp programs remove cell phones, providing disposable cameras for photographs instead.
"That way kids learn the value of face-to-face connection," said Kaye.

Camp can change the lives of those who participate in the programs and those who volunteer to serve meals, care for lawns and do maintenance, she said.

"At meals, eight to 12 people serve the students," she added. "Then volunteers sit together and visit. Ministry happens as volunteers create connections with each other," she said.

"For camp participants and volunteers, lives are reset and change for the better," she said. "As people grow in their faith and make connections, they gain a new sense of freedom," she said.

Family Camp from June 28 to July 2 is the only camp for which Silver Lake Camp plans the program. This year the guest speaker is Jeremy Johnson, president of Northwest University.

Through the year, Silver Lake Camp offers options for college retreats, men's and women's retreats, middle and high school winter camps.

"The sole reason we exist," said Kaye, "is to create the greatest places on earth to bring a kid—actually anyone of any age—to camp to easily experience Jesus Christ."

Along with mentioning efforts to clean up the camp after the wildfire in August 2023, Kaye said that after the fire, the camp's relationship with the community, government and community partners and volunteers has grown.

"We are grateful for all that has transpired in the community after the fire," she said.

For information, visit silverlakecamp.org