News & Updates

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

The Difference was Fred

 

“Life changes here”…a phrase you may have heard. This phrase doesn’t just apply to our campers and guests, but also our volunteers and staff. Often volunteers come to Warm Beach Camp to be part of something bigger than themselves, to help with programming, labor and other tasks. Little do they know the experience is often just as life changing for them as it is for the campers they serve.

This was exactly the case for Marcus Petterson, “Fred” here at Camp. Fred came to Special Friends Camp, Warm Beach Camp’s summer program for adults with disabilities, to volunteer six years ago with his grandpa at the age of 12. His grandpa wanted Fred to be part of something that mattered, a place where Fred could make a difference. A difference was definitely made, not just in the multitude of campers and staff members Fred worked alongside of, but also in Fred.

When Fred came to camp at age 12, he was painfully shy and was struggling as a middle school kid trying to find his way in the world. He was constantly bullied, felt different, and was teased endlessly for his red hair and unique personality. That first summer, Fred found a place where he could be himself and help others.

Each summer for the last six years, Fred has returned for the first Special Friends camp in June and stayed until the last camp in the middle of August. He was the first one in line to be part of the welcoming tunnel as campers arrive. Campers absolutely adore him!

During one of these summers, Fred found his gifting. Being part of Special Friends Camp inspired Fred to pursue his Bachelor’s degree as an ASL interpreter. Fred came to camp not sure of who he was or his place in the world, he just wanted something to do. Being a volunteer at Special Friends Camp changed him, transformed him, gave him a safe place to grow into himself each summer. He made life-long friendships and came to understand who he is in Christ instead of who the world thought he should be.

Come, be part of a life-changing week at Special Friends Camp. Bring your friends, and volunteer this summer! Learn more at www.warmbeach.com/specialfriends or call Faith Oates at 360.761.1267

Preparing Leaders through Horsemanship

Warm Beach Horsemanship fosters a wide array of hopeful young riders each year. The WIT (Wrangler in Training) program is designed to develop horsemanship, schooling, and teaching skills in a ministry-based environment. Within a WIT’s time at Warm Beach, they sharpen and practice skills in horse handling, schooling horses with specific goals in mind, riding with a strong basic balanced position, and finding connection with the horse. Through the dynamics of a relationship between horse and rider, a greater understanding ...

Hold on Tight!

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT Have you ever been in a situation where someone told you to hold on tight? ...

Welcome Meg and Aly!

Warm Beach Camp is excited to welcome the new Assistant Horsemanship Director, Meg Rudy, and Barn manager, Aly Arnold! Meg Rudy Meg grew up at a camp near Spokane, Washington. Her parents were involved in the Horsemanship program, where Meg developed a love for horses and riding from a very young age. When her family moved to Idaho to run a ranch, she continued to ride horses and was involved in boarding and lessons. She is a CHA level 4 ...