News & Updates

At Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center, the Horsemanship Program has long been more than just riding lessons. It’s a ministry of movement, trust, and faith — where horses become powerful teachers, instructors become mentors, and kids discover confidence, community, and God’s love through every ride. As Program Director Lisa Tremain recently shared, the heart of horsemanship at Warm Beach is about more than reins and saddles — it’s about helping riders navigate life’s challenges one step at a time, ...

“The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off ...

We are excited to welcome Brightyn Bokare to the Warm Beach Camp Staff as a new Guest Service Coordinator. She comes to us after completing an internship at the Warm Beach Free Methodist Church. After the internship Brightyn and her husband faced a pivotal decision: move back home to Indiana or seek out opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. “We were debating if we were going to move back home to Indiana… or look for other opportunities in Washington,” Brightyn explained. ...

This summer, my daughter participated in the EPA (Equine Professional Apprentice) program at Warm Beach Horsemanship. Although she was younger than the other participants, she entered the program eager to learn and grow and put herself completely into the Summer. It turned out to be a season of personal development, filled with challenges and lessons—not only about horsemanship but also about herself and her relationship with God. She discovered her capacity to tackle difficult tasks, even when she felt exhausted. ...

When you think about Outdoor School at Warm Beach Camp, towering evergreens, tidal mudflats, and playful harbor seals might come to mind. But tucked quietly below the water’s surface lies one of the most powerful yet overlooked ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest—eelgrass meadows. These underwater grasslands don’t just support marine life; they also transform how students experience science through hands-on, place-based learning. What is Eelgrass and Why Does it Matter? Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a native plant that grows in ...

“One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.” Matthew 16:1 NLT The religious leaders wanted Jesus to prove who he was by demanding a miracle or miraculous sign. In so many areas of life we ask people to give proof that they are who they say they are. Passports or Enhanced Driver’s Licenses for travel are needed as proof of who we are. It ...

As the sun sets on another summer at Warm Beach Camp, we find ourselves reflecting on the countless stories of faith, joy, and transformation that unfolded across our grounds. From the laughter of day campers to the tender worship moments around campfires, this summer has been one of growth—not only for campers, but also for staff, volunteers, and guest groups who experienced the presence of God in powerful ways. Seeds of Faith Planted in Day Camp Day Camp Manager, Sara ...

When Jessica first arrived at Warm Beach Camp as an intern two years ago, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What she found was a life-changing experience filled with growth, faith, and community. “I love being around people. I love community,” Jessica shared when asked why she chose Warm Beach over other opportunities. Her connection to the Camp runs deep—her grandparents had volunteered at Warm Beach for years. What started as volunteering grew into a calling: “I didn’t expect ...

God has blessed us with a beautiful summer and a highly anticipated month of camps at Warm Beach Horsemanship! Horse Camps kicked off this August with Pony Club Camp, which Warm Beach Pony Clubbers look forward to all year. Staff and Pony Clubbers enjoyed this week of focused learning, riding lessons, horse games, as well as other exciting activities like swimming, archery tag, and crafts. It is in this window of opportunity that students build deeper connections in their walk ...

I had the opportunity to be a part of the Equine Professional Apprentice program at Warm Beach Horsemanship in Stanwood, WA, last summer (2024). It was such a great opportunity to work with a variety of horses and people, learn how a barn runs, and see Jesus be present throughout! God really used this time to teach me more about His heart. He gave me experiences to grow my faith and confidence. The beautiful thing about being an equestrian and ...

In 1956, cattle and forestry land along Port Susan Bay was purchased to develop what is now lovingly known by hundreds of thousands of people as Warm Beach Camp. The property came with the original farmhouse, a smaller second house, and some barns for cattle operations. The original farmhouse (now called Bayview Retreat House) became the home for Elmer and Eva McDowell (my grandparents). These two sold their business in Centralia, WA, to come and play an essential role in ...

At Warm Beach Camp, something truly beautiful is blossoming — a summer experience that is changing lives, forming deep connections, and offering joy in its purest form. That something is Camp Sun Sparrow, a day camp designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But we can’t do it alone. We need volunteers — people like you — to help bring this extraordinary vision to life. We created Camp Sun Sparrow to meet a very real and often overlooked need. ...

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You ...

Ever since I was a kid, perfectionism has always been a struggle of mine. Whether it was a board game, a big test at school, or a lesson on horseback, my goal has always been perfection and strong performance. Riding horses — the thing I love the most — became a personal challenge centered on how perfect my ride could be. The true joy I once felt when riding had nearly disappeared because of the looming shadow of perfection that ...

On June 15, 2025, 97 young men with The American Legion Evergreen Boys State arrived at Warm Beach Camp with nervous anticipation for the week ahead. During the first session on Monday, they were overwhelmed by the new environment, the complexity of the information, and becoming acquainted with their peers. Then by mid-week, something transformational happened. The Evergreen Boys State (EBS) program is offered to incoming seniors (16–17-year-olds) and is designed to simulate and emulate Washington State Government with a ...

Age: 9 Breed: Pinto Height: 14.2 Weight: 980 Color: Chestnut White Paint with partial Medecine Hat Discipline: English & Western   Bio: With an endearing sparkle of mischief in her eye, Skyla is full of personality, willing, intelligent and sensitive to her riders. She came to Warm Beach Horsemanship (WBH) from a staff member (Holly) and we fell in love with her for our program. With her all-around strengths in English and Western seats, she has served both Warm Beach ...

When I was a kid, once a summer, Frank Cranston loaded up the church van with kids from Shoreline Free Methodist Church and drove us to Warm Beach Camp for Day Camp. Frank’s commitment each summer started my journey and love for camp ministry. Day Camp was influential in growing my faith and the counselors showed me how to be a follower of Jesus. I wanted to be a camp counselor when I grew up! Day Camp, Horse Camp, Fall ...

“In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.” Matthew 21:18-19 NLT The second half of Matthew 21 is a sharp contrast between the appearance of faith by the religious leaders and the real power ...

When the gift of camp is extended to a family, the impact can leave a lasting impression. Here's a story of a special interaction where God’s love was on full display! Andrew Hurst, Director of Youth Ministries at Black Diamond Camp, was working at the meet-and-greet booth during Adventure Day this past spring when a family of three approached him. The mother abruptly asked, "Are you Andrew?" He said with hesitance in his voice, “Yes, I am. How can I ...

Finding encouragement and community while experiencing hope, rest, faith, and surrender. Those coming to Warm Beach Camp Ministries are having transformational experiences each and every day. Here are just a few:   A group of underserved youth from Tacoma stayed at Rainier Camp & Retreat Center through the non-profit Peak 7 Adventures. Venturing out into the vast wilderness for the first time, these youth had space to just be kids, connect with one another, and discover a newfound love for ...