News & Updates

See & read about what is going on in the Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center community

Staff Alumni News

Kim (Dugard) Smelser, who worked in the Registration Department from ’00 to ‘03, and Brian Smelser, on Summer Staff from ’89 to ’94, and currently a member of the WBC Board of Directors, welcomed the arrival of their third child, Luke Joseph, born June 23rd, 2008. He was greeted by big brother, Wyatt, age 4 ½ and sister, Makenna, age 2 1/2. The Smelsers live in Stanwood, where Kim is a stay-at-home mom, and Brian works as a Forensic Scientist for the Washington State Patrol.

Lea (Sutherland) Coats, on summer staff from ’92 to ’95, and husband John Coats, summer staff from ’94 to ’96, celebrated their 11th anniversary this past June (another WBC romance that made good!). They had more to celebrate, though, because the day before their anniversary, they were delighted to officially adopt their daughter, Hillary Joy, on June 20th. She is 4 ½ years old and had been with John and Lea for three years. She joins 6-year-old daughter, Maija, and 2-year-old son, Caleb.

But there’s more – in September of this year, God surprised them with another little one, a 3 1/2 year-old little boy who arrived in their home through foster care. The Coats live in Everett, Washington, where John teaches middle school, and Lea is a fulltime mom.

If you have news regarding any of our former staff members, please drop us a line to let us know. We will share your news in The Sounder with all of our Staff Alumni. Mail it to the Camp’s address, and mark it “Staff Alumni News,” or e-mail it to Gary Kocher at the Camp.

A Legacy of Prayer

I felt tears in my eyes when I learned that the Warm Beach Pony Club riders circle up and pray together before going into competition rounds. Unbeknownst to the Pony Clubbers and Meg Rudy, Assistant Horsemanship Director, that humble stance of prayer is a continuation of a legacy. For 15+ years, those of us who were part of the Warm Beach Vaulting team would do the same thing before running into a competition round. Praying at the entrance to the ...

A Joyous Gathering

The Horsemanship Volunteer Impact Dinner last month was a joyous gathering. With 70 in attendance, this event celebrated the faithful generosity, hard work, skills, and gifts of those who selflessly give of their time and energy down at the Barn. The night was filled with light-hearted laughter and heartfelt stories, reflecting the spiritual impact the program has on those involved. While the close-knit community connected over dinner, those in attendance learned how truly significant their contributions are. Mary-Grace Wallace, Horsemanship ...

Taking Root

Warm Beach Camp Ministries has cultivated an environment rich in God’s glory. By stewarding well what God has gifted us with, we have remained a place where life-changing experiences occur week in and week out. In 2023, we embarked on a journey to connect one million people with Christ. We are living with intentional faith to see this realized in 2030. In 2025, Warm Beach Camp Ministries is Taking Root in the life offered by God through faith in Jesus ...