Looking Back on Summer 2024

Summer 2024 was a huge success! So many lives were changed, and many encountered Jesus in a new way. This past summer's theme was Eclipse, where we explored the books of the Prophets from Isaiah through Malachi. As we delved into these Scriptures, we saw a recurring theme of God's constant grace and forgiveness towards His people, despite their repeated sins and turning away from Him—creating an “Eclipse” in their relationship with Him.  With all summer programs centered around this ...

A Remarkable Story

Have you ever been part of a moment when God did something so amazing that you know this is a story that needs to be told from generation to generation? The joining of Black Diamond Camp and Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center to form Warm Beach Camp Ministries is a remarkable story of God’s leading and provision. In the fall of 2020, right in the middle of COVID, the Board of Black Diamond Camp sought to give their growing ...

Meet the Team – Guest Services Director

Hello! I'm Kaelin Lara—dog mom to Maggie and Ollie, wife to JJ, amateur baker, thriller book enthusiast, and, most recently, the Guest Services Director here at Black Diamond Camp! I grew up in Texas, and in 2013, while attending Camp Eagle as a camper, I had a life-changing encounter with the Lord. From that moment on, camping ministry has held a special place in my heart and has shaped who I am in so many ways! In 2018, I took ...

Connecting through Adventure

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 ...

Adventure Day at Black Diamond Camp

Join us for an afternoon of adventure, community, and fun at Black Diamond Camp’s Adventure Day! This FREE event is open to friends and families of all ages, offering a chance to explore Camp, try exciting activities, and experience the energy of camp life together.  Exciting Activities for All Ages:  3D Climbing Wall – Climb the crane, or maybe the logging truck! Come try this fun and unique climbing experience.  Indoor Swimming Pool – Come swim in the super cool ...

Positive Outlets

In an ever-changing world where demands for one’s attention are at an all-time high, finding positive outlets is a welcome relief. Dominion Of Worship Tabernacle Ministries visited Black Diamond Camp this past summer and experienced just that for themselves and the youth they serve. A group leader had a unique perspective on their time at Black Diamond Camp as both a volunteer and parent to children attending. “As a volunteer, this was a soul-nourishing experience, powerful and full of spiritual ...

Laser Tag Fun!

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 ...

My Summer Staff Experience: Mateo

Hello! My name is Mateo Cuadros, I am 20 years old and am from Washington state! Last summer I worked at Black Diamond Camp as a Summer Staff Counselor. I spent the summer counseling for both the middle school/high school aged program, Group Camp, and the middle school program, Teen Camp, where I led Bible studies, ran activities, and promoted group development through team building initiatives. Before coming to Camp, I was looking for a summer job. When I found ...

Giving God praise for the Kingdom work!

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. ...

The Need for Control

There are two sources of control, a focus of control, and two very different outcomes of it. In one verse God’s word gives us the truth about control.  “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NLT The two sources of control are (1) our sinful nature and (2) the Spirit of God. Our sinful nature is the opposite of the Spirit of ...

The Impact of Kids 2 Camp Funds

Did I effectively share the love of Christ? Are guests applying what they learn at Camp to their everyday lives? Did my contribution make a difference? Are lives actually changing here? When you are a part of camping ministry, whether you work, volunteer, or donate, these questions come to mind. Pacific Northwest Leadership Camp (PNWLC), which was recently at Black Diamond Camp with the help of the Kids 2 Camp Scholarship Fund, helped answer those questions. The faith-based group’s mission ...

Summer Service Teams!

When teenagers age out of camp sessions, that is often when structure, a supportive community, and the presence of God are needed the most in their lives. Trying to figure out who you are and where you belong in this world can be frightening for anyone. To help bridge the gap, Black Diamond Camp has created a program that offers teens an outlet to gain life and work experience within a safe camp experience. The Service Team is a free ...

Different Than He Commanded

“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.” Leviticus 10:1 NLTWhat’s the big deal here?  This chapter begins with a very important truth to take to heart:  With very specific instructions from God, we choose to do things differently than God has commanded us to. There is a follow-up ...

Summer Leadership Intro: Chase

Hi there! My name is Chase Rodriguez, and I am excited about being this years’ Group Camp Speaker! I am originally from sunny Phoenix, Arizona, and have been in the Seattle area for almost nine years. I’ve had the privilege of serving in various youth ministry contexts in both the Church and non-profit organizations, which has led me to my current position as the Bible and Theology Teacher at Rainier Christian High School. My wife, Ali and I live in ...

Among Us and With Us!

This past Spring Break Day Camp was a huge success! Through our theme "Among Us and With Us," campers learned how God’s presence is everywhere and is available to everyone, and most importantly, that God wants to have a relationship with them today! Thankfully, the weather was wonderful all week long and the 20 campers that attended were excited to learn about God, ready to play, and had the urge to dance. It was a fun week! With spring break ...

Summer Leadership Intro: Preston

What's up! My name is Preston, and I am from Kent, Washington. I began working at Black Diamond Camp in the summer of 2022, have been a part of the Internship Program for the last 2 years, and I was the Service Team Lead last summer. I am so excited to say that I will be returning to be one of the Service Team Leads this summer! If you aren’t familiar with Service Team, this program is designed for students ...

Summer Leadership Intro: Libby

My name is Libby Schneider, and I am 19 years old. I am currently living in Bozeman, Montana while attending university. When I first applied for Black Diamond Camp, I knew very little about the program. My roommate and I were looking to apply for a summer camp, and we both ended up applying to Black Diamond Camp because my roommate loved attending the Warm Beach Camp campus as a kid. When we interviewed, we thought the managers seemed friendly, ...

Welcome to the Dining Hall

Have you had the chance to visit the Mount Baker Dining Hall at Black Diamond Camp? Here at Camp, we believe that some of the best conversations happen at mealtimes. So, we serve meals family style! That means when a group arrives at the Dining Hall, they will have tables reserved just for them; already prepared with plates and utensils. There is also a wooden token that gets taken back into the service area of the kitchen in exchange for ...

Summer Leadership Intro: Liza H

Hi! I am Liza Hubbard, I’m 20 years old and from Centralia, Washington. I was first introduced to Black Diamond Camp in 2018 at a Dare to Share event that was hosted onsite. After that I attended Group Camp for the next four summers. Being a camper, I loved every aspect that Camp had; from Bible Study and ziplining to dance parties and hanging with friends. After my last summer as a camper, I knew that the next step for ...

Summer Leadership Intro: Maddie W

Hey everyone! My name is Maddie Williams, and I am a 21-year-old college student from Auburn, AL, currently studying Management at Auburn University. I unconventionally stumbled upon Black Dimond Camp online and I could not think of a more perfect fit for me! Adventuring outdoors is one of my favorite pastimes. The opportunity to pair it with intentional emotional and spiritual growth while pouring into others is a near-perfect alignment of my passions and values. When offered the opportunity to ...