The Barn Changed Me
Before the barn, I felt like I was missing something—like my purpose began and ended with being a mom and a wife. While those roles are sacred, I knew deep down there was more of me waiting to be found. I was searching for myself… learning how to honor my truth, how to listen to my own voice, and how to step into confidence in who I am. Then I found the barn. And slowly, quietly… it began to change ...
Horsemanship News, News |
Where one meets God
For more than 20 years, Bishop Blanchet High School has come to Warm Beach Camp for their Kairos retreats; “Kairos” meaning God’s time. These retreats happen multiple times each year, offering Juniors and Seniors intentional space to deepen their relationship with God through listening, discussion, sacrament, prayer, and moments of rest and reflection. When students arrive, they are greeted by a team of staff and student leaders. One of the first things they are asked to do is place their ...
General News, News |
Milestones & Transitions
I am writing this to you as a special announcement, thanking God for the amazing journey of Warm Beach Camp Ministries while, at the same time, leaning into the future, sensing His special direction and leadership for what is to come. 2026 is a year of celebration. We are celebrating three milestones: 10 years of ministry of Black Diamond Camp, 30 years of ministry of The Lights of Christmas, and 70 years of ministry of Warm Beach Camp. In the ...
General News, News |
An Anniversary to Remember!
2026 marks the 30th year of The Lights of Christmas! To celebrate this significant milestone, Warm Beach Camp Ministries is excited to announce that this year will be a primarily walking experience! God has faithfully led the ministry through every change of the event over the past 30 years. Kayla Castiglione, The Lights of Christmas Director, explained, “Grateful is the first word that comes to mind. The Lord has provided us with the means to adapt and remain open to ...
News |
Finding a purpose beyond leisure
When Judy Lang retired — for the second time — she didn’t imagine she’d find herself hauling mail, cleaning mini golf courses, or pressure washing sidewalks. What she really didn’t expect was to discover a new calling that would fill her days with purpose, friendship, and laughter. “I didn’t even know you could live full-time in an RV,” Judy said with a laugh. “And I didn’t know people volunteered at Christian camps!” That moment of curiosity — sparked by a ...
General News, News |
Surrendered Relationship
“And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” Ephesians 5:21-22 and Ephesians 5:25-26 NLT Reflection The focus of the writing today is for husbands. In chapter 4, Paul transitions the conversation of ...
News |
Emma’s Journey of Growth, Confidence, and Leadership
Emma joined the Horsemanship program two years ago, at the age of ten. Like many children her age, she is still discovering who she is and learning what she is capable of. Middle and high school can be a challenging time, with constant pressure to compare oneself to others. Confidence and anxiety are major issues for kids today, and social media often keeps them indoors, limiting opportunities to develop real-world skills. What began as a simple love for horses has ...
General News, Horsemanship News, News |
A Beacon of Light
During the month of December, Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center transforms into a beacon of light and hope, drawing thousands of individuals from all walks of life to enjoy the festive atmosphere of The Lights of Christmas. Every detail of The Lights of Christmas, from over one million lights and dazzling displays to the larger-than-life Nativity scene and the kind hospitality of event staff, hints toward something more miraculous at work behind the scenes. Last year, while working down ...
General News, News, The Lights of Christmas |
Human Effort, a Poor Substitution
“Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” Galatians 3:2-3 NLT What is it with us? Why are we so willing to substitute ourselves in for the ...
Devotionals, General News, News |
Finding Sacred Spaces
In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety can easily overwhelm us, leaving us feeling depleted and disconnected. Between work pressures, family responsibilities, and societal expectations, finding a peaceful place to slow down and quiet the mind can seem nearly impossible. However, there are sacred spaces—places where the noise fades, and we can reconnect with God and find peace. Where God’s Presence Feels Near One of the Warm Beach Camp staff members shared, "For over three decades, one of my most cherished sacred ...
General News, News |
Volunteering: The Best Gift You Can Give
Every winter, The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood, Washington, transforms Warm Beach Camp into a breathtaking winter wonderland — a place where over a million twinkling lights illuminate the night sky, joyful music fills the air, and hearts are warmed by the true meaning of Christmas. But behind the magic lies something even more beautiful: the hundreds of volunteers who make it all possible. Volunteering at The Lights of Christmas isn’t just an opportunity to give back — it’s an ...
General News, News, The Lights of Christmas |
Leave Nothing to Chance
“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 ...
Devotionals, News |
My Daughter’s Equine Experience
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. ...
General News, Horsemanship News, News |
We Want More Proof!
“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 ...
Devotionals, General News, News |
A Transformative Summer
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 ...
General News, News, Programs |
Growing in Faith, Leadership & Community: An Intern’s Story
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 ...
General News, News |
Transparent Abundance
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 ...
Devotionals, General News, News |
Join the Joy: Volunteer
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. ...
General News, News |
Horse Spotlight: Skyla
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 ...
General News, Horsemanship News, News |
Called & Transformed
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 ...
