Fauntleroy Church families have two camps they love that offer amazing summer programs. Both are opening this summer with thoughtful safety protocols. Some things will change a bit, of course, but the constant will be fun in some beautiful outdoor spaces and great friendships. If you are thinking about summer activities for your kids, you might check these out to see if they are the right, safe fit for your family:
First, there’s Camp Colman, which was founded by some of the original members of Fauntleroy and is run by the YMCA. Before this long pause of a pandemic, this was the site of our annual church camp year after year. You can learn some of Camp Colman’s history here: Camp Colman History | YMCA of Greater Seattle (seattleymca.org)
Camp Colman is a 100-acre forested area on Case Inlet, with a mile of beachfront and an enclosed saltwater lagoon, cabins, trails, fire pits, a chapel area, challenge courses, archery and play fields, and an amazing giant swing! You can learn about the camps available at Camp Colman and register here: Camp Colman | YMCA of Greater Seattle (seattleymca.org)
OR consider sending your junior or senior high youth to N-Sid-Sen, one of two camps owned by the Pacific NW Conference of the United Church of Christ. N-Sid-Sen is a year-round camp and retreat center located on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. This incredibly beautiful site includes 270 acres and almost a mile of shoreline. N-Sid-Sen has a cove and docks for swimming and boating, hiking trails, sports fields, an outdoor chapel, campfire circles, basketball and volleyball courts along the lake and lots of quiet places where youth can enjoy this beautiful piece of God’s creation. Some of our Fauntleroy youth have made some of their most lasting friendships with kids they’ve met at this camp, and Pastor Leah has been a counselor here a couple times now.
There are three youth camps this summer: a Jr. High and a Sr. High Camp, both a bit smaller and offering social distanced programs that will include worship, games, discussion, and service opportunities, and a special Class of 2020 Camp. This is for the youth who graduated High School in 2020 and were not able to attend camp. There are also other opportunities for families called “Family Escapes”. To learn more about all N-Sid-Sen’s camps, special COVID protocols, and registration go N-Sid-Sen – Camp & Retreat Center. After reviewing what other camps across the country did that worked, N-Sid-Sen staff believe they have a set of protocols that will provide the best safety for both campers and staff.
AND please let us know if you plan to register! The Christian Education Ministry budgets money to offset some PNC-UCC Conference Camp expenses, too! Our youth have told us what an amazing experience church camp has been for them! And we want to be sure they can go back year after year.
