Challenge and Growth

For the past three summers, I have had the incredible honor of serving as summer staff at Black Diamond Camp. This year, I am beyond excited to continue that journey as an intern! Over the years, I witnessed firsthand the incredible joy of how God moves through Camp. Not just in the quiet moments at Bible studies and evening experiences, but in the laughter and chaos of camp activities. There is something deeply beautiful about watching the campers flourish not ...

Meet the Team – Guest Services Event and Internship Coordinator

Hi everyone! My name is Delaney, and I grew up going to Black Diamond Camp! I gave my life to the Lord at the Rainier location when I was 12 years old, and camp has been a huge part of my story ever since. I love being outdoors, going on road trips, taking film photos, and visiting National Parks. I’m engaged to Dylan Clapp, and we’re super excited to be getting married this summer! My sister, Sheridan, and my dog, ...

Summer Staff Arrival is Almost Here!

We are so excited to kick off training and welcome our incredible Summer Staff team at Black Diamond Camp! This year’s crew includes hospitality staff, photographers, activities staff, program heads, Service Team leads, worship team members, and counselors for both Day Camp and Group Camp. Our team is made up of local Washingtonians, students from colleges across the country, and individuals from around the world! Summer Staff will arrive on May 28th and serve through August. It’s such a gift ...

Meet the Team – Head Cook

Hi, my name is Mickey Slakey, and I’m the Head Cook at Black Diamond Camp (BDC)! I first stumbled across BDC online in the spring of 2019 and ended up moving from California to spend that summer as a Summer Staff Counselor. It was my first real taste of camping ministry—and that summer opened my eyes to just how impactful camp can be for people from all walks of life. That summer also brought something unexpected: I met my now-wife, ...

Meet the Team – Youth Program Manager

Hello! My name is Tyler, and I’m the Youth Program Manager at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn, WA. My camp journey began in 2004 when I was just nine years old. My mom needed a summer program for me, and after hearing about Camp from a family friend, she signed me up for Day Camp. I quickly fell in love with all the activities, but what truly kept me coming back year after year were the friendships I made and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...