I am happy to announce the release of our online Registered Child & Youth Worker (RCYW) Training. This will help our mission center be more efficient in processing RCYW Applications since most applicants will no longer need to wait until we can offer a training. This online training will also allow our many RCYW’s to take their refresher course every 3-5 years at a time that works with their schedule. If someone does not have access to internet, they should connect me at the contact information below so that arrangements can be made.
Here is how the process will work for those needing to take the training as a new applicant or as a refresher course:
Once you complete the training, I will contact you to confirm whether or not you received credit for the training and to review any potential incorrect answers.
For those wanting to apply to become a RCYW, please continue:
Complete the fillable application and turn in to your pastor. RCYW Application: click here.
Helpful Notes:
Applicant should not use references related to them or the pastor reviewing the form.
Applicants need to be at least 15 years of age and older and be connected with Community of Christ for at least 6 months.
RCYW Assistants: Age 15-20
Registered Child & Youth Workers: 21 and older
Applicant must become a RCYW within a year of taking the course. If not, they will likely need to take the training again before application can be processed.
The application must be processed and approved within 6 months from the time that the form is dated.
If you have any questions related to the RCYW guidelines or this process, please contact Brooke Schlenker (bschlenker@cofchrist-gpnw.org).
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS Please notify Jill Brunette (jbrunette@CofChrist-GPNW.org, 425-207-8712) of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows: • Before Registration Fee deadline: 100% • On or after Registration Fee deadline, prior to the first day of reunion: 2/3 • On or after first day of reunion: No refunds
PART-TIME & DROP-IN WITH NO OVERNIGHT STAY ON SITE • No Overnight On-Site Stay – If you will attend reunion for any amount of time and will not stay overnight on site, RSVP directly with the Reunion Director, who will confirm your payment amount, to be paid on site. Reunion Registration is not required. Any overnight stay, for any length of time, requires registration.
FAMILY REUNION at LEWIS RIVER
DATES: June 25-30, 2023
THEME: God, Where is your spirit Leading Next?
Enjoy the renewal of friendships and the wide range of ages joining in fun and fellowship at Lewis River Reunion! Families gather around the creek. Children and grandchildren play with glee. Teens reconnect with old friends. Adults gather for chats under a tree. The adventurous explore the waterfalls up the hill or swim in the river below. Music, laughter, learning, new opportunities for discipleship, and sharing one’s heart are all possibilities within the week’s experience.
Building on the extraordinary experience of Samish Reunion 2022, we ask God, “Where is your Spirit leading next?”. We are planning and preparing many fun activities for the whole camp to enjoy as we ponder and seek exciting answers to this question. Camp will bring many traditions of our Samish Island history to the forefront along with creating new opportunities to share in fellowship and reconnect in community. Worship, Recreation, Classes, Salmon BBQ, Arts & Crafts and Campfires will weave into a relaxing week that we hope everyone can attend.
As always, we need YOU to make this highly anticipated camp a success. Where do you see yourself helping out? Teaching a class? Leading Arts & Crafts or Recreational Activities? Music Ministry? Bring your talents and join us for an “EPIC 2023 SAMISH REUNION!!”
REUNION MINISTRY: Ron Harmon, Shandra Newcom and Donald Welch
Come spend a week under the Murtle trees with Richard Betts, Western Field Support Minister, at Remote reunion. Enjoy worship, engaging classes, fun, food and fellowship as we work together to build community and explore the theme “God, where is your spirit leading next?”
REUNION MINISTRY: Richard Betts and Ashley Whitham
The combined Adult and Singles Reunion for 2023 continues our international focus with testimonies from Apostle Richard James, the secretary of the Council of Twelve Apostles, assigned to the British Isles Mission Centre, Western Europe Mission Center, and Eurasia Mission Centre. Richard was born in Wales and has traveled extensively in his field. Expand your understanding of what it means to be Community of Christ as you hear the successes of challenges of our brothers and sisters across the Atlantic, including the impact of the war in Ukraine.
Who’s ready for summer camp? Registration opens April 1st!
2-for-1 Discount: We offer a 2-for-1 discount when a GPNW camper brings a friend who is new to our GPNW camping program. Enter Promotional Code “241” by clicking on the blue “Enter Promotional Code” link located in the top right of the pop-up window after clicking on the green “REGISTER” button. Be sure to enter your friend’s name you are partnered with when asked. Your friend must also submit a registration.
Financial Assistance: In addition to the Early Bird and 2-for-1 discounts, financial assistance may be available from your congregation, and limited financial aid may be available from the GPNW Mission Center. Be sure to contact your congregation for potential financial support before requesting assistance from GPNW. A completed form and camper’s portion of payment must be submitted by deadlines indicated.
If you are receiving any financial assistance, contact GPNW Membership Services Administrator Jill Brunette (jbrunette@CofChrist-GPNW.org, 425-207-8712) for a Financial Aid Form and/the appropriate discount code BEFORE registering online.
Cancellations and Refunds: Please notify the Camp Director of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows: • Before Registration Deadline: 100% • On or after Registration Deadline, prior to first day of camp: 2/3 • After first day of camp: No refunds
Special Needs Campers: Parents of special needs campers must contact the Camp Director prior to registration to discuss arrangements for a possible attendant (who must be a registered youth worker). Because we have volunteer staff, the camps are not equipped to provide trained assistants. We want to be inclusive in our camping program, and we also want to provide a safe and secure environment for our campers.
Medications: All medications must be listed on the registration form. Prescribed medications must be in the container dispensed by the pharmacy, with pharmacy instructions intact. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container, labeled with the camper’s name and specific instructions. All medications stay with the Camp Nurse in a secure location.
Worth of all Persons: All are welcome at our Youth Camps. There is to be no discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliations, religious beliefs, race, national origin, and range of human ability. The teachings at our youth camps must reflect Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, as well as Policies and Statements. Our staff seek to provide a safe place for all including the use of preferred names and gender identities. To share how we can provide a more inclusive experience for your child or to express any concerns, please contact the Camp Director or GPNW USA MC Camping Ministries Director.
REMOTE KIDS & JR HIGH CAMP
For Children & Youth Entering Grades 3-8 in Fall 2023.
This camp is a blended Kids Camp and Jr. High Camp Experience at Camp Remote.
Theme: Unity in Diversity
We will provide a safe place for all campers to worship, learn more about diversity, and number one…to have fun? We will have tye-dye creations, staff making, and of course don’t forget the slip and slide. The plan is to also go into Coquille and Myrtle point for an afternoon of swimming and root beer floats. The last night will be celebrating our camp with a party/movie.
THEME: Catching Fire: Igniting the Flame of Faith and Friendship
For 3rd-8th grade campers, we want to focus on how our faith and our friendships need constant care, similar to stoking a fire. How do we sustain the flame and share it with others? Who inspires your internal flame to continue burning, and who do you inspire? Come spend a week re-igniting the flame of faith and friendship with games, food, singing, and learning all about our fire.
Camp Zarahemla DIRECTOR: Laura Schlenker, 360-389-8952, zarahemla@CofChrist-GPNW.org JR. High Camp DIRECTOR: Molly Schlenker, 816-885-3676, LRJRHIGH@CofChrist-GPNW.org EARLY BIRD FEE: $175 by June 30 or REGISTRATION FEE: $225 by July 14 *Contact Directors about registration after July 14
Theme: Thank You, God for Making Me Awesome! Let’s Celebrate
If you enjoy fun crafts, epic outdoor games, making new friends, lots of great food, and exploring nature, then Camp Mungai is the place for you! Join us this year as we celebrate and thank God for making each and every one of us awesome in his sight!
Are you going into grades 7, 8 or 9? If you are, Camp Atsaken is the place you want to be in 2023. We will explore “Discover Your Purpose” through a variety of fun activities from our themed class in the mornings to fun activities in the afternoon. Each day we will have a variety of choices including hiking, swimming, canoeing, and skills-based classes. Spend your week getting reacquainted with old friends and making new friends that will last a lifetime.
Sr. High Camp 2023 will be exploring what it means to lift our voices. Everyone has a voice, and whether you prefer to express that voice through music, written words, movement, or something else entirely, we want to know what your voice says. This fun-filled week will be challenging, exciting, and an all-around blast. We can’t wait to see you there!
DIRECTOR TEAM: Mike Sahlberg: 503-298-8245, Nicholas White: 503-490-8657 & Natalie White: 913-963-0867 RemoteSrHigh@CofChrist-GPNW.org
EARLY BIRD FEE: $215 by June 30 or REGISTRATION FEE: $265 by July 14 *Contact Director about registration after July 14
Kimtah 2023 is all about belonging. Throughout the camp we will journey with the theme of “Discover Your Purpose”. Through classes, worships, and conversations we will explore the daily theme. We will push ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones in how we view ourselves and those around us, for all of God’s children are of worth. So, plan today to come to Kimtah 2023 and be thinking about who you can invite to join to camp with you!
“SPEC” (Spectacular) is an annual week-long worship, leadership, sports, music, and arts camp held on the campus of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. It is sponsored by Community of Christ and will be attended by approximately 500 high school students and staff from around the U.S. and Canada. This is the largest gathering of youth in Community of Christ. The mission of SPEC is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages teenagers to discover God, their inherent worth, and cultivate and express their giftedness.
The theme for SPEC 2023 is “Wonder”. Daily themes will be explored through classes, worship, and other activities. We will travel as part of the Northwest Delegation, which consists of campers and staff from Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Wyoming, Northern Utah and Montana, as well as friends in British Columbia and other locations.
When is IYF/SPEC held? SPEC Trip: July 12-22, 2023 July 12-15 – in Independence, MO, for delegation bonding, sports practicing, devotions, a visit to a water park with dinner on the Independence Square, and more. We will be staying at the Family Life Center. July 15-22 – in Lamoni, IA at Graceland University for SPEC.
Who Can Attend? Any high school student who is CURRENTLY in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 may attend. Invite your friends!
How Do I Sign Up?
Sign-up here to participate with the Northwest Delegation:
This registration link registers you to attend with the Northwest Delegation. The participant will also need to register with Spectacular as well. SPEC will go live with their registration this Spring. Once they do, the link will be emailed to those registered with the Northwest Delegation.
What is the Cost? The cost for the 11-day trip will be $910 per camper. This includes camp registration and a camp shirt, most meals, lodging, two delegation shirts, and all transportation. The campers will need to bring money for four meals, as well as their own spending money. We suggest about $75 for meals on their own.
The first payment of $500 is due by April 15, 2023, and the second payment of $410 is due by May 20, 2023. Please pay online using the links below (no fees), or send payments to: Northwest SPEC, c/o Cindie Ellwanger, 30442 101st Pl. SE, Auburn, WA 98092. All checks should be made payable to “Community of Christ” with the participants name in the memo line.
Please don’t let money prevent you from attending. If Financial Assistance is needed, a request can be made to Sean Langdon at the contact information below by April 10.
Northwest Spec Camper Payment 1:
Northwest Spec Camper Payment 2:
Northwest SPEC Staff Payment 1:
Northwest SPEC Staff Payment 2:
Your Generosity is Appreciated!
The Northwest SPEC Delegation gladly accepts donations for the Terry Read Financial Assistance Fund. Donations made to this fund goes to help provide financial assistance for campers and staff who can’t afford the entire fee to attend SPEC. Attending SPEC isn’t cheap so your donations help greatly to ensure all who want to attend, can attend.
To donate, send a check made payable to “Community of Christ” to Sean Langdon, 1715 Chester St, Unit 2, Aurora, CO, 80010. Please write “TR Fund” in the memo line.
Or you can donate using the PayPal button below:
Who Do I Contact? Northwest Delegation Leaders: Kelly Mongrain, 253-569-1510 Sean Langdon, 425-293-6366 Email: northwestspec@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Youth Camps are part of our rich camping tradition within Community of Christ. They provide an opportunity for children and youth to gather in safe space to learn, nurture, and grow in their relationship with God, self, and others. We are offering 4 youth camps and 4 reunions at our 3 campgrounds this summer. Register today!
For camp program questions, contact the Youth Camp Director
For questions regarding the GPNW Camping Program, contact Sean Langdon (slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org, 425-293-6366)
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: Please register and pay online at http://gpnwCofC.eventbrite.com/. Contact Mission Center Membership Services Administrator Jill Brunette (jbrunette@CofChrist-GPNW.org, 425-207-8712) for a Youth Camp Registration Form only if you cannot register online.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Receive a discounted registration fee when the camper registers and either pays in full or submits a completed Financial Aid Form with camper’s portion of payment by the Early Bird deadline.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Final registration and payment deadline is TWO WEEKS before camp. Registrations and payments postmarked after the deadline will be accepted at the discretion of the Camp Director.
TWO-FOR-ONE DISCOUNT: We offer a Two-for-One discount when a GPNW camper brings a friend who is new to our GPNW summer camping program. Online, enter promotional code “241” by clicking on the blue “Enter Promotional Code” link located in the top right of the pop-up window after clicking on the green “REGISTER” button. Be sure to enter your friend’s name you are partnered with when asked. Your friend must also submit a registration.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Limited financial assistance may be available from the GPNW Mission Center. Be sure to contact your congregation for potential financial support before requesting assistance from GPNW. A completed Financial Aid Form and camper’s portion of payment must be submitted by the deadlines indicated. Contact Mission Center Membership Services Administrator Jill Brunette for a Financial Aid Form, instructions on starting the Financial Aid process with your congregation, and the appropriate discount code BEFORE registering online.
CANCELLATIONS: Please notify Jill Brunette of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows:
Before Registration Deadline: 100%
On or after Registration Deadline, prior to first day of camp: 2/3
On or after first day of camp: No refunds.
VISITORS AT CAMP: We offer a “closed camp” experience at our youth camps. There are to be no visitors unless recruited by the Camp Director. This includes youth who cannot attend the whole week but want to drop in for part of the day. Visitors cause disruption to the camp experience and create potential safety concerns.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS: Parents of special needs campers must contact the Camp Director prior to registration to discuss arrangements for a possible attendant (who must be a registered youth worker). Because we have volunteer staff, the camps are not equipped to provide trained assistants. We want to be inclusive in our camping program, and we also want to provide a safe and secure environment for our campers.
WORTH OF ALL PERSONS: All are welcome at our Youth Camps. There is to be no discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliations, religious beliefs, race, national origin, and range of human ability. The teachings at our youth camps must reflect Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs, as well as Policies and Statements. Our staff seek to provide a safe place for all including the use of preferred names and gender identities. We also seek to recruit staff who represent the diversity we welcome and celebrate at camp. To share how we can provide a more inclusive experience for your child or to express any concerns, please contact the Camp Director or GPNW USA MC Camping Ministries Director.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation to and from camp is provided by the parent/guardian. If your child is sent home for behavior or health concerns, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange transportation from the campground in a timely, efficient manner. Campers should arrive and depart camp according to published times. Late arrival or early departure will not typically be allowed, as they are disruptive to the camp experience. If you have special circumstances, seek the Camp Director’s approval in advance.
MEDICATIONS: All medications must be listed on the registration form. Prescribed medications must be in the container dispensed by the pharmacy, with pharmacy instructions intact. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container, labeled with the camper’s name and specific instructions. All medications stay with the Camp Nurse in a secure location.
WHAT NOT TO BRING: Weapons of any kind, illegal drugs, alcohol, marijuana, bad attitude, inappropriate reading material, foul language, large electronics such as laptop and gaming systems, and large amounts of cash. It is also discouraged to bring snacks including candy & gum. These items may be confiscated at the Camp Director’s discretion.
WHAT TO BRING:
BEDDING: Sleeping Bag and Pillow
CLOTHES: Jeans or other long pants, T-shirts, Shorts, Swimsuit(s), Jacket/Sweatshirt, Pajamas, Underwear, Socks, Sturdy closed-toe walking/hiking shoes/boots, Sandals, Shower sandals
TOILETRIES: Towels, Beach Towel for water activities, Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant / Antiperspirant, Comb or brush, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, Lip balm
SPECIAL ITEMS: Bible, Flashlight & batteries, Camera
The camp and mission center are not responsible for any lost or stolen items at camp.
For children entering Grades 3-9 in the Fall of 2022
Kids Camp/Jr. High Camp @ Remote
These two camps will happen alongside each other at Camp Remote with some activities together and some separated by grade.
3 PM on Sunday, July 31, to Noon on Wednesday, August 3.
KIDS CAMP THEME: LEGO: Build for Jesus!
As disciples, what and how can we build for Jesus? In the Bible, we will teach the campers what was built and how others came to help Jesus. Using skill building, building crafts, and learning the basics of how our church has built for Jesus will be just a few things with kids camp this year.
At this camp we will learn that each of us holds a tremendous treasure that has been given to us by God and that while each of us has a very unique, rough, imperfect shell . . . that shell holds a trove of valuables that we can use to make our world a better place. Come to camp and learn how to use your treasures for good. A highlight of this year’s camp will be the fun of celebrating 4th of July together!
Camp Mungai this year is an expanded grade experience for those entering grades 3-9 in the Fall of 2022.
4 PM on Sunday, August 14, to Noon on Thursday, August 18
THEME: Jesus is the Rock
Join us at Camp Mungai this year as we go Prehistoric! We will explore the many ways that Jesus is our solid foundation, and the One we can trust to guide us when our path gets rocky and life gets hard. So if you enjoy fun crafts, epic outdoor games, playing with friends, good food, and exploring nature, then Camp Mungai is the place for you!
DIRECTOR TEAM: Sue Wheeler (253-939-7082), Sandy Webb-Johnsen, and Jean Cravy (360-969-3188), Mungai@CofChrist-GPNW.org
EARLY BIRD FEE: $205 by July 15 or REGISTRATION FEE: $245 by July 29
For youth entering Grades 10-12 in the Fall of 2022 and 2022 Grads
Sr. High Camp @ Remote
3 PM on Sunday, July 10, to Noon on Saturday, July 16
THEME: Reflection of the Prodigal Child
We have all heard the Story of the Prodigal Son. Have you ever really thought about it though? Did you know there are three movements in the Story? This week we will delve deeper into the story and see if we can’t find where we fit into this story. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger
4 PM on Sunday, August 7, to Noon on Saturday, August 13
THEME:Belong
Kimtah 2022 is all about belonging. Throughout the camp we will journey with the theme of “Belong”. Through classes, worships, and conversations we will explore the daily themes of “I Belong”, “You Belong”, “They Belong”, and “We Belong”. We will push ourselves to go beyond our comfort zones in how we view ourselves and those around us, for all of God’s children are of worth. So, plan today to come to Kimtah 2022 and be thinking about who you can invite to join to camp with you!
Reunions are part of our rich camping tradition within Community of Christ. They provide an opportunity to gather in sacred community for play, worship, discipleship formation, and fellowship as we rekindle friendships and create new ones. We offer three family reunions for anyone to attend at each of our campgrounds as well as a reunion for adults at Samish Island Campground. Scroll down to the reunion want to attend and register today!
For reunion program questions, contact the Reunion Director
For questions regarding the GPNW Camping Program, contact Sean Langdon (slangdon@cofchrist-gpnw.org, 425-293-6366)
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: Please register and pay online below. Alternatively, send your completed Reunion Registration Form and full payment to Attn: (name of reunion), Community of Christ, PO Box 60227, Renton WA 98058. Make any checks payable to “Community of Christ.” All payments will be processed when received. Advance freewill offerings cover costs not included in the registration fee and are appreciated to help meet the reunion budget.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Receive a discounted registration fee when registration and full payment are received or postmarked on or before the Early Bird deadline.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Final registration and payment deadline is noted for each reunion. Registrations postmarked after the Registration deadline will be accepted at the discretion of the Reunion Director.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Please notify the Reunion Director of your need to cancel as soon as possible. Refunds will be made as follows:
Before Registration Fee deadline: 100%
On or after Registration Fee deadline, prior to first day of reunion: 2/3
On or after first day of reunion: No refunds
PART-TIME & DROP-IN:
Attending During One Meal Time, No Overnight Stay: If you attend reunion during a single meal time (whether or not you eat the meal) and do not stay overnight, RSVP directly with the Reunion Director. A Reunion Registration (online or form) is not required. A single drop-in meal fee will be payable on site.
Single drop-in meal fees:
Family Reunion at Lewis River: $6 per person (ages 11 & up), $4 per child (ages 5-10), and free for ages 4 and under
Family Reunion at Samish Island: $10 per person (ages 12 & up), $5 per child (ages 6-11), and free for ages 5 and under
Family Reunion at Remote: $6 per person
Adult Reunion at Samish Island: $10 per person
Attending During Two or More Meal Times, No Overnight Stay: If you attend reunion during two or more meal times in a day (whether or not you eat both meals) and do not stay overnight, RSVP directly with the Reunion Director. A Reunion Registration (online or form) is not required. Your director will provide you with your fee, payable on site.
Any Part-Time Overnight Stay: If you plan to stay the night on site for any length of time, you must complete and return a Reunion Registration Form and pay the daily rate indicated on that form.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: Our cooks do their best to meet the special dietary requirements and food allergy needs of our campers. Sometimes those needs cannot be met due to limited cooking staff. It is a best practice to bring some personal food with you to supplement what is provided. Please only indicate a special dietary requirement if this is reflective of your everyday diet.
EVENT RULES: Not following the printed or announced rules and reminders of camp may result in you and your family being asked to leave the camp experience.
Participate in a daily work assignment if physically able.
Follow the health, safety and property care rules of the campground.
Be courteous and respectful of others and their property.
No pets of reunion campers allowed on campground property.
Do not possess or use recreational marijuana, medical marijuana, alcohol, or illegal drugs on campground property. Do not use e-cigarettes or tobacco products on campground property.
You must be the parent or legal guardian, or have consent of the parent/legal guardian, to register and/or sponsor any child/youth under the age of 18.
Sponsors of children and youth must be a minimum of 21 years of age or older AND a minimum of 5 years older than the children and youth they are sponsoring. Children and youth must stay with their sponsor, who is responsible for their whereabouts and behavior. Children and youth are those under the age of 18.
Community of Christ is not responsible for any lost or stolen items at reunion.
Follow any COVID-19 Guidelines announced or posted by Reunion Leadership, Campground Staff, and Mission Center Leadership Team.
WHAT TO BRING: Appropriate clothing and shoes, Toiletries, Towels & Washcloths, Shower Sandals, Sunscreen, Insect repellent and protective clothing, Bedding, Swimwear & Beach Blanket (for water activities), Spending money for snacks at canteen (if desired – for family reunions only), and Lawn or beach chair (if desired).
Family Reunion @ Lewis River | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Sunday, June 26 (2:30 PM) – Friday, July 1 (Noon), 2022
Enjoy the renewal of friendships and the wide range of ages joining in fun and fellowship at Lewis River Reunion! Families gather around the creek. Children and grandchildren play with glee. Teens reconnect with old friends. Adults gather for chats under a tree. The adventurous explore the waterfalls up the hill or swim in the river below. Music, laughter, learning, new opportunities for discipleship, and sharing one’s heart are all possibilities within the week’s experience.
Family Reunion @ Samish Island | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Sunday, July 10 (2:00 PM) – Saturday, July 16 (Noon), 2022
When we said our goodbyes at Samish Reunion in July of 2019, we had NO idea it would be 3 years until we’d be able to gather once again in our sacred space. We have all missed the annual pilgrimage and traditions each summer brings as we share and grow in fellowship, worship and cherished activities.
As we look with excitement to plan and prepare for a week of true REUNION, we are finding new ways to slow down the pace of the daily schedule, so that we may all enjoy time to visit, re-connect and embrace the opportunity to gather. Time honored traditions such as Worship, Salmon BBQ, Arts & Crafts and Campfires will weave into a relaxed week that we hope everyone can attend.
As always, we need YOU to make this highly anticipated camp a success. Where do you see yourself helping out? Teaching a class? Kitchen Cook/Help? Leading Arts & Crafts or Recreational Activities? Music Ministry? Bring your talents and join us for an “EPIC 2022 SAMISH REUNION!!”
Family Reunion @ Camp Remote | Living Jesus… Living Peace
Saturday, August 6 (2:00 PM) – Friday, August 12 (Noon), 2022
Come and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Camp Remote while experiencing the ministry, fellowship, great food and fun that Remote Family Reunion offers. We anticipate a great week with guest ministry provided by High Priest Sara Tubbesing, former Arizona Mission Center President, and as well as our own Mission Center President Kim Naten.
Highlights will include powerful worships, engaging classes for all age groups, intergenerational fellowship services, lively chats, fun and spiritually uplifting campfires, and MUCH MORE!
Adult Reunion @ Samish Island |The Voices of the Islands
Saturday, August 20 (3:00 PM) – Thursday, August 25 (Noon), 2022
Apostle Mareva Arnaud and her husband Muna are traveling from French Polynesia to be our guest ministers at the 2022 Adult Reunion, along with our own GPNW Invitation Support Minister Sean Langdon. Come and celebrate the diversity, community, joy and song of Tahiti and the Islands of French Polynesia. Hear stories of cultural diversity, expanding mission, and generosity as a way of life. We will close the week with an island Coronation Reception for our guest ministers, and a Tahitian Song Competition (Te Tatauraa te Himene), called an Oaoaraa!
We’re also excited for an enhanced reunion experience as this will be the first year the Singles and Adult Reunions are blended together! The week will include some elements drawn from the Singles’ Reunion as well as Adult Reunion program—flavored of course by the salt of the tides and the winds of the oceans! Bring your ukulele, hand drum, or guitar!
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Adult Reunion
Given the older, vulnerable population that typically attends the Adult Reunion, the decision has been made to require all campers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccinations in order to attend the 2022 Adult Reunion this summer. For this definition, fully vaccinated means having received the primary vaccination dose(s) at least two weeks prior to the start of reunion. A representative of the Reunion Directing Team will contact all registered campers to request a copy of proof of vaccination. If one is not provided prior to reunion or during registration at reunion, the camper will be asked to leave until a copy can be provided.
The Adult Reunion Directing Team has also determined that masks will be required for all indoor activities, except when consuming food or beverage. If this COVID-19 guideline for participation at Adult Reunion changes prior to reunion, that will be communicated. All Reunion Directors reserve the right to enforce COVID-19 masking or social distance guidelines for participation at reunion this summer.
Our GPNW Youth Venture for Christ Caravan will soon be hosting its annual dinner-auction fundraiser for this year’s mission trip to Hawaii. This year our auction will have an “in person” option with a Hawaiian-themed dinner as well as an online option via Zoom. Last year we raised over $10,000 and hope to do the same this year. Click here to download updated flyer.
For Those Gathering In Person… Will be held in person at Eugene Community of Christ (1485 Gilham Rd, Eugene, OR 97401). Doors open at 4:30 PM (PST), with dinner at 5:30 pm (PST) and the live auction at 6:30 PM (PST). Dinner is a suggested donation of $10 each. A table for 8 can be reserved for $80, if paid in advance.
For Those Gathering Online… Zoom will open at 6 PM (PST) with the Live Auction starting at 6:30 PM (PST). Those joining online will need to pre-register here: https://2022caravanauction.eventbrite.com.
Plan now to participate in person or online as we raise money for this life transforming Sr. High Youth ministry. Contact Troy & Jody Barnhart (caravan@cofchrist-gpnw.org) with any questions or to reserve a table! Individual RSVP’s aren’t required but appreciated.
Caravan is also looking for donations for their auction. Some suggested items: Weekend at your vacation home, home canned foods, themed basket, artwork, homemade items, and more. Please contact the Barnhart’s if you have an auction item to donate!
Save the date and plan now to attend our Youth Camps and/or Reunions this summer! Youth Camp and Reunion descriptions, fees, deadlines, registration/payment links, and more will be posted here on the Chinook this April 2022. Come back then to register!
“SPEC” (Spectacular) is an annual week-long worship, leadership, sports, music, and arts camp held on the campus of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. It is sponsored by Community of Christ and will be attended by approximately 750 high school students and staff from around the U.S. and Canada. This is the largest gathering of youth in Community of Christ. The mission of SPEC is to create a safe, Christ-centered community that encourages teenagers to discover God, their inherent worth, and cultivate and express their giftedness.
The theme for SPEC 2022 is “Together”.
Daily themes will be explored through classes, worship, and other activities. We will travel as part of the Northwest Delegation, which consists of campers and staff from Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Wyoming, Northern Utah and Montana, as well as friends in British Columbia and other locations.
When is IYF/SPEC held? SPEC Trip: July 13-23, 2022 July 13-16 – in Independence, MO, for delegation bonding, sports practicing, devotions, a visit to Worlds/Oceans of Fun Amusement Park, and more. We will be staying at the Family Life Center. July 16-23 – in Lamoni, IA at Graceland University for SPEC.
Who Can Attend? Any high school student who is CURRENTLY in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 may attend. Invite your friends!
What is the Cost? The cost for the 11-day trip will be $960 per youth. This includes: camp registration and a camp shirt, most meals, lodging, two delegation shirts, and all transportation. The campers will need to bring money for four meals, as well as their own spending money.
The first payment of $500 is due by April 15, 2022, and the second payment of $460 is due by May 20, 2022. Please pay online using the links below (no fees), or send payments to: Inland West Mission Center, ATTN: GPNW SPEC, 11515 E Broadway Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99206. All checks should be made payable to “Community of Christ” with the participants name in the memo line.
Please don’t let money prevent you from attending. If Financial Assistance is needed, a request can be made to Sean Langdon at the contact information below by April 10.
This registration link registers you to attend with the Northwest Delegation. The participant will also need to register with Spectacular as well. SPEC will go live with their registration this Spring. Once they do, the link will be emailed to those registered with the Northwest Delegation.
COVID-19 Guidelines
The SPEC 2022 organizing team is requiring that everyone participating in SPEC 2022 be vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted (if eligible). This means that individuals have completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines within the 6 months prior to SPEC or the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months prior to SPEC. If vaccinations occurred prior to that, then being boosted is required. For those attending from British Columbia, Canada, the AstraZeneca vaccine qualifies as well.
At this time, masks will be strongly encouraged but not required. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the campus and high-touch surfaces will be regularly disinfected. Current guidelines information will be shared as we get closer to the trip.
Who Do I Contact? GPNW Mission Center – Northwest Delegation Leaders Kelly Mongrain, 253-569-1510 Sean Langdon, 425-293-6366 Email: northwestspec@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Attention youth currently in grades 9-12… Plan now to attend Spectacular (SPEC) 2022 with the Northwest Delegation! Our trip will be July 13-23, 2022. We’ll spend July 13-16 in retreat as a delegation at the Family Life Center in Independence, MO. Then we travel to Graceland University for SPEC from July 16-23.
The camper fee for this year’s trip is $960. This covers your airfare, most meals, delegation shirts, lodging, admission to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun Amusement Park, and more! Your first payment of $500 will be due on April 15 and final payment of $460 will be due on May 20. More information will be shared soon. For now, plan on fundraisers to start earning money for this year’s trip. Due to increased travel costs, this year’s fee is higher. Therefore, we really encourage congregations and families to find ways to earn money to send their youth to SPEC. We will also have some financial assistance available.
Questions? Contact Delegation Co-Leaders Sean Langdon and Kelly Mongrain by email: northwestspec@cofchrist-gpnw.org. For updates, follow “Northwest SPEC” on Facebook.
