Northwest Camp was once again held on the Pacific coast at beautiful Camp Magruder located at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. While much of the Western United States experienced a heat wave, 101 campers and 64 staff enjoyed nearly perfect sunny and cool weather.

“Becoming Sons and Daughters of God” was the Christian living theme of the week, with each day focusing on a step in God’s plan to call us into His family. Due to the possibility of Covid, the dorms were kept separate from other dorms until mid-week. Everyone was thankful that the entire camp was healthy and experienced no cases.

The activities enjoyed by campers included kayaking on Smith Lake, pickleball, archery, volleyball, skim boarding and boogie board riding in the waves, speedaway on the beach, dance class (held outdoors on a patio), leathercraft, softball and water skiing at Lytle Lake. Chinook Pass Outfitters brought 14 horses and two mules for horseback rides through the woods and on the beach. Cristine Goethals brought two additional horses so we would have enough for the campers, counselors and staff to ride together. The daily Christian living themes were discussed and reinforced in the activities during each day.

On Wednesday evening campers and staff enjoyed a beautiful ride on the Oregon Coastal Scenic Train. The train is a vintage 1925 steam engine with three vintage passenger cars and operates on about 30 miles of formerly logging company tracks. The tracks cross the main entrance road coming into Camp Magruder, so everyone is able to board the train after a short walk past the camp gate. Campfire each evening included some friendly competitions, reciting memory scriptures, dorm inspection reports and a campfire story.

Sabbath services messages were given by Mr. David Goethals and Mr. Rex Sexton. At the end of the service Mr. Sexton passed a gold baton to Mr. Ben Light, who will be taking over as Northwest camp director. Our traditional Camp Banquet was a highlight, followed later that evening by the last dance of camp. We extend a special thanks to all of the volunteer staff! Their hard work and dedication made the camp experience possible for our youth.

We are thankful for God’s protection as everyone remained healthy. Our camp nurse, Christine Hendrickson, only had to deal with a few sprains and bruises—usually from speedaway. We’d like to thank everyone for your prayers and support of the UYC camp program! We are looking forward to Northwest Camp for 2023, which will be July 23-30.