Every so often, a group walks through our doors and reminds us what camp is really about. Every November, Copper Mountain Lodge is invaded by a local youth group. They’ve been coming to camp for years—not because everything is shiny and new, but because something meaningful happens here when students step away from the usual noise and make space for faith, friendships, and fun. If you’ve ever watched a youth group arrive at camp, you know the sound: doors thumping, ...

When challenges arise, what is your first instinct? Is it to take it out on others around you, to pretend like everything is fine, or to feel ashamed, turn inward, and shut the world out? What would happen differently if you found yourself in the presence of someone who compassionately holds space for you to voice what is troubling you and reflect back the love and warmth of Christ? This past summer, a particular group visiting Rainier Camp & Retreat ...

It is such a blessing to have Laser Tag at Black Diamond Camp fully funded and so quickly, too!! For new and returning campers, Laser Tag is a tremendous boost to Black Diamond Camp’s summer programming and year-round activity offerings! This summer, our campers had so much fun taking Laser Tag into the great outdoors. While strategizing behind giant inflatable bunkers in how to defeat their opponents, teamwork and communication were two skills that were quickly sharpened out on the ...

Being in unfamiliar territory can be flat-out frightening. Often times, out of self-preservation, walls are built to keep one safe. In those moments, having a support system surrounding you can make all the difference! A Tacoma-based conference with 80 youth recently attended Black Diamond Camp. For many of these kids it was the first time they ever ventured out of city limits. Arriving at camp, there was reluctance to be in a space so far out of their comfort zones. ...

Dan, lead Pastor of Parkside Church, walks up to the podium at center stage. After a night's rest in the comfortable beds at Glacier Peak, he and his church are ready to soak up all that God has for them this weekend. Climbing walls, indoor swimming, and drift trikes for the kids are just a few activities that have been booked for the annual family retreat. He loves that his group gets to sleep in the same building where they ...

At Black Diamond Camp, we offer a variety of indoor and outdoor adventure activities for groups of all ages and sizes. The Vertical Playpen is one of my favorite adventure activities to facilitate at Camp. This activity is a high ropes course that resembles a climbing wall, built between two trees. Up to three participants may go at the same time and are all individually attached to a post belay system through the front of their harnesses. The participants are ...

Warm Beach Camp Ministries seeks to connect 1 million people with Jesus by partnering with leaders in providing transformational experiences over the next 5 years. As I allow our strategic intent statement to seep into my heart and mind, I am beginning to see the Lord transform (all be it slowly) the way I engage with leaders, think about leaders, and pray for leaders. This week I got caught up in a text thread with a passionate and wonderful leader ...

At camp, my favorite activity is definitely the zipline. I love running the zipline, especially when I get to facilitate the crow’s nest. The crow’s nest position means you are at the top of the tree and are the person who is responsible for getting people safely attached to the zipline, talking them through the process, and providing the support needed for them to zip down. The crow’s nest sits at about 35 feet up and it’s amazing up there! ...

Sound Christian Academy brought 100 high school students for a few days at the end of August to help build connections among scholars for the new school year. They participated in several group development activities where students stepped out of their comfort zone to complete the 3D Web as well as the TP Shuffle; unique team building activities at Camp. The dean of students expressed how great it was to see several of their new students talk about how much ...

Adrian came to Camp as part of a guest group at Black Diamond. He was recognized for his outstanding participation in the virtue and wisdom courses during the retreat. The camp staff observed almost immediately that Adrian paid more attention during the virtue and wisdom seminars than any of the other boys. His questions about faith were well thought out. Adrian made friends right away and approached each activity with great enthusiasm. One activity was a bit of a challenge ...