A Joyful Experience

As part of the Black Diamond Camp Internship, I have the privilege of helping prepare and put on The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, Washington. I enjoy preparing for The Lights of Christmas because I get to help create an experience for people to make fun memories with friends and family. Serving the community this way brings me happiness as I get to see smiles on the faces of people who come and experience it all. That isn’t even the best part, it is also a way to share about Jesus and make Him known!

This is my first year working The Lights of Christmas and I found joy working on some of the displays guests will see. There are so many awesome designs and themes you see when you drive through the experience, and I guarantee they will leave you in awe. So much time, effort, and care is put into this event every year and it is so worth it! Starting as early as August the team is working decorating all the grounds with awesome artwork and lights. I think my favorite thing to build and decorate was the big tree guests see as they exit the experience.

This year is even more special because it marks 25 years of The Lights of Christmas for Warm Beach Camp! 25 years! I’ve heard from people about how they look forward to this event every year and how many families start it as a tradition or keep their years-long tradition going. Some of my experiences working in admissions include seeing people all dressed up, cars decorated from end to end, and even talking to a couple who said they went together previously and now continue the tradition with their child. Another group said they never miss a year and have come since it started! It just shows how much this event means to people during the holiday season and I hope The Lights of Christmas can keep going for many more years.

 – Quintin Carlson, 2022-23 Black Diamond Intern