RSSPurpose and pleasure
Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp mixes usual camp standards with religious themesfor the Yakima Herald-Republic
Colleen Newell, 15, a sophomore at La Salle High School, practices archery during free time at Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp. The summer of 2008 is Colleen's 4th year coming to Ghormley.
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RIMROCK -- Archery. Hikes. Rock climbing. Crafts. A zip line. Fifteen feet of free-falling on a giant swing.
For sessions lasting up to a week, campers at Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp get to immerse themselves in these and other camp activities.
The camp's executive director, Mark Washam, says one purpose of Ghormley is to give "unusual experiences that challenge the campers while keeping them safe."
True, it isn't easy to find the same experiences at home. At this retreat in the Cascade Mountains, you can tie-dye T-shirts, sing crazy songs and play fun games every day. It's very hard to duplicate in our everyday lives.
Camp Ghormley is a Christian camp run by First Presbyterian Church of Yakima. It opened in 1939 and will celebrate its 70th anniversary next year.
Hundreds of campers come each summer, and approximately 140 different groups come for retreats during the rest of the year. Church and school groups can use the camp for about $50 per person, per day.
And Ghormley is rented out often, says Bryce Post, program director of the camp.
Campers are usually happy to come and sad to leave, and this causes 15-year-old Colleen Newell, to "go again year after year." Newell, a sophomore at La Salle High School, attended Ghormley for the fourth time this summer. She recommends being open to new experiences and people at camp.
Each summer is coordinated around a central theme. Past themes include construction, or building your faith on the rock of Jesus, a reference to Matthew 7:24-27. This was used in 2006.
This summer, the theme is mystery. This refers to the mystery of Jesus, a reference to Colossians 2:2-3.
Campers are divided into teams based on the theme. For instance, during the construction-themed summer, team names included John Deere and CAT.
This summer's teams are Inspector Gadget, Scooby Doo, Pink Panther and Sherlock Holmes.
In addition to the fun and games, Ghormley is a Christian camp, so there are times for prayer and worship.
Washam says the most fun part of his job "is seeing kids' lives change" by making friends, having fun, building memories and making spiritual decisions.
"We see our job as serving the church and our community," Washam says. "We are here to change lives."
One of Newell's main reasons for returning year after year is to "grow closer to God" along with making friends and making new memories.
The counselors and staff members mentor the campers in their spiritual and emotional growth while at camp.
They and the experiences at camp "give you inspiration to help others," says Newell, who's planning to return again.
"I want to come back to be a counselor," she says, "so I can help others have the same experience I had."
* Unleashed reporter Libby Young attended Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp this summer. For more information about the camp, visit www.ghormleymeadow.org.
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