Campers' Thoughts....

Thanks to "Honey" for finding out just what campers really think about Cascade Camp Cedarbrook.

Watch this video!!

Week 3 - Classic Girls' Camp - is off to a shining start!

What a whirlwind it has been. With registration; activity sign ups; and the evening, division activities and campfires all complete yesterday campers headed to bed after a long hot day.

This morning we awoke to rain, thunder, and even some lightening. We stayed safely indoors and had some very meaningful, relationship-building cabin and Bible Exploration.

Now with activities well underway the sun is shining! And there are smiles, laughter, friendship, and skill building around every corner. Stay tuned as the words come "straight from the horses mouths" and we hear more about what they love about camp so far.

In the meantime here are some "pictures worth a thousand words."

Walking on the Wild Side...

It's Wednesday and we are Walking on the Wild Side. Foggy is teaching a nature awareness course as an activity and the girls are making water scopes. They also learned about our world's water supply.
The sun is shining and we are loving it.

Monday morning....

Monday morning is off to a great start after the Counselors In Leadership Training (CILTS) lead us in flag raising. We had a wonderful breakfast and are now taking personal time with the Lord during our Morning Watch time.
It is so good to see campers learning to love God's Word!

Week 2 has begun!

Week 2 is already off to a great start. Our flight boarded safely and our in-flight entertainment is being announced now. Activity sign up is one of the most exciting parts of camp!
What will it be? A walk on the wild side with Froggy; Canoeing with Teal, Sam, and Jacquimo; Leather Crafting with Finch; Princess Party with Lori; Nature Crafts with Mingo; Mission Possible with Froggy, Wind chimes with Mingo, Horsemanship with the Wranglers; Sewing with Ruffy; Pillowcase making with Ruffy; Clowning with Ruffy; Archery with Stellar and Sam; Knitting with Finch; Metal Madness with Lark, or Decopage with Jacquimo?
What a week it will be!

Headed to camp....

We are less the twenty-four hours from the start of week 2 - our first week of all girls camp. Our fantastic staff is busy preparing for your arrival now.
Drive safe and we will see you tomorrow!

Introducing our Director Team for 2011...

Introducing Our Director Team for Camping Season 2011 - "Blue," "Raven," and our newest addition "Skuttle!"

 Directing Boys Camp, Steve Duke “Blue” will be returning for his second consecutive ( and 7^th total) camping season in the role of director. He will direct week one: Boys Classic and Girls Horse Specialty Camp. During weeks two and three (Girls Classic camps) we will have director partners (working together both weeks): Judy Elbert “Raven” and Alex Jacobson “Skuttle”. 

 Here is Blue play his guitar for a songfest just this week at Boys Camp 2011!

 This is “Raven’s” 17^th season coming up as director!

Working with them all as Registrar, Health Care Administrator and Office Manager is Jayne Blackburn “Robin” (Robin is pictured here in between Skuttle and Raven)

Meet Skuttle...

Over the course of our last 20 years we often have had times when we’ve been best served by teams of directors.  The board has identified this as one of those times as we look to the future and think about diversifying offerings to our future campers. We are delighted to welcome Alex Jacobson, “Skuttle”, as a director partner during the two weeks of girls’ camp.  To let you get to know her better, “Raven” interviewed her on the way home for the Association of Cedarbrook Camps conference in November

R: “Skuttle”, what has camp meant to you over your years as camper, counselor and Division Director?

S: After changing school 13 times before I graduated high school Cascade Camp Cedarbrook and its staff was the most consistent thing in my life. It helped launch me into a more personal faith at a very young age. Camp was a marker of time as well. As I grew and changed camp grew with me. The long-term relationships and predictability provided a sense of stability and family. On the flip side of that coin camp also provided adventure and discovery as a young girl, in my formative teen years, and then as a young woman selecting what and whom I’d give my attention and time. Camp changed my life!

R: What job do you have outside of camp?

S: I was a first grade teacher at Christ the King Academy. 2010 was my fourth year of teaching there each year I learn more; develop in skill and understanding; and learn how much more there is to know about children, the Lord, and who God created me to be as a professional and as a missionary to His children. I am starting my first year as a sixth grade teacher this year, in a new school called Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton, WA. I can't believe I'm starting fresh in such a new and exciting place. I have always had a heart for young people of this age and can't wait to learn and grow along side them. I also serve in ministry with my husband Benjamin Jacobson, at Newlife Church in Silverdale. Ben, also called “Skimmer,” is a worship leader, youth leader, and all around volunteer there. I serve along side him in all kinds of ministries.

R: Tell me about your family.

S: My immediate family consists of my husband of 3 years, Benjamin Jacobson, and our 4 pets who bring us so much life. Our two energy-filled terriers are Ipa-Mae and Marley-Moe, our mischievous, little black cat is Dosey-Doe, our our latest addition (for my birthday this Easter) a wee black and white kitten named Goose. I have one sister of my own and now a sister and two brothers through Ben. I love having brothers! Our parents and siblings all live on the Kitsap Peninsula along with my grandparents and many aunts and uncles. Over the past 3 years Ben and I have also re-defined family to include people who we have chosen as family. Small group members, neighbors, co-workers and others make up a web of “family” that has enriched our lives and enlarged our hearts. We feel so blessed as family is very important to us!

R:  What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you at camp?

S: There are so many funny stories… however, the story we laugh about constantly is one that took place my first as an Explorer Counselor, when I counseled alongside “Ossie.” We took the Explorers to stay overnight in “The Ark” at Camp Lyle McLeod. Ossie and I both stayed in the A-frame nearby. She witnessed a mouse run across my pillow, down my sleeping back and back out. The next morning I found a hole in my jacket pocket, a jacket I borrowed form my Mom and promised to return in “good condition.” Inside was a sticky lozenge that had apparently been “sucked on” by a wee mouse. However, the funny part was my reaction when Ossie told me what had happened. You knew for miles that I was mortified and disgusted! J I look back and am SO grateful that Ossie didn’t awake me as it happened. That wee mouse would have been scared out of its skin. The real question is though… what funny stories can you recall about me? J Please do share!

R:  What activities did you enjoy the most as a camper?

S: Activity sign up was always filled with anxiety for me. Until I was handed that wee slip of paper, that revealed what 3 activities I would be participating in that week, I seemed to have a lump in my throat and knots in my stomach. Always listed was horsemanship! I also tried every year to do an activity that was craft based. I liked to have things to bring home from camp to show everyone. I loved candle making with Ootpik, and nature crafts with Mingo. I also love learning new skills so several years I participated in archery with Wren or swimming in the lake.  My breast stroke is forever changed by Cuckoo.

R:  What are you looking forward to about being a director? 

S: I look forward to learning and growing. I am honored to be able to dream about our future as a camp, and greatly anticipate being here to see those dreams and goals fulfilled for many years to come. As Director I feel like I am fulfilling a calling God placed on my life, many years ago, to help touch a generation today for tomorrow. God placed in me a deep rooted passion and need to be his hands and feet to children and teenagers. Directing is a way for me to share my love for Him, and the change He has produced in me with all who will watch or listen.

R:  Tell us about the conference you just went to.

Here we are at the Conference this year! Can't wait for it to be in Seattle this coming November, we get to host.

S: Growth, inspiration, sharing, challenge, vision… The Association of Cedarbrook Camps Conference was a chance for me to learn more about how Cedarbrook camps work. A place to envision where we are headed, and to see the far reaches of our kind of camping. I’m telling you… what Cedarbrook camps are doing around the nation is so special! We have a network of people who believe in growing the whole child. Conference provided training for me, and also allowed me to share with others what Cedarbrook has given me. I learned that as a collective group we are about sharing and investing in those around us and that we do that by teaching skill building, personal development and spiritual growth. We shared ideas, experiences, concerns, prayers, and our vision for camping as a way to grow and impact our world for Him. What an opportunity it was.

Get a Clue...

Cascade Camp Cedarbrook Clue

This summer’s camp theme: On Eagle’s Wings/Soaring over Cedarbrook

Theme verse: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)   But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Registration Day

Registration is from 2:00pm to 3:30 pm on Sunday. Campers may not register before 2:00pm unless you have made special arrangements with the Registrar. If you anticipate arriving later than 4:00pm, please call the Registrar's cell phone @ 206-390-7468 and leave a message stating your approximate arrival time.

During registration you will check in at the Dining Lodge. Please be sure to bring your camper's medications and TUCK (camp store) money with you at this time.  Be sure to leave any electronics (e.g. cell phones, MP3 players, I-pods, etc) in your car.  You will first meet with the Registrar where you will pick up your name tag and receive your cabin/division assignment. You will also deposit your spending money that you are bringing to camp into your TUCK account. All expenditures are tracked daily and any remaining amount will be refunded Saturday morning prior to the camper leaving.

In addition to picking up your name tag, you will also receive your camp t-shirt (sizes were ordered on the registration form). You will also check in with the waterfront director, the head wrangler (if taking Horsemanship), and then over to the  camp nurse with whom you will deposit any medications.

After you have checked in with everyone you can then take your belongings to your cabin, meet your counselor, and settle into a bunk.

Health and Safety 

Please send in the completed health form and camper release form to the Registrar by June 18, 2011. This helps us to plan for your child's health and safety while at camp. Please be sure to list immunization dates on the form (or include a copy of the camper's immunization record). A copy of the camper's medical insurance card (front & back) is also required.

All medications (prescription and non-prescription) are given to the nurse during check in. The medications will be dispensed by the nurse during the week as prescribed. An exception may be made for inhalers or topical creams.  When sending pills, please send only the number your child will use in the week—in the original labeled container. If the dosage differs from the pharmacy labeling, please bring a copy of your doctor's prescription for the correct dosage.

Our infirmary is well stocked with several varieties of pain relievers, decongestants, and antacids, so you need not send those. Please be sure you have signed the health form allowing us to give medications as your child's condition deems necessary.  The nurse's primary responsibility is to care for the chronic medical conditions of campers and staff, treat acute illness and injury, and to ensure safety for all campers and staff. Therefore, we discourage parents from sending medications that are not for a specific, diagnosed medical condition.

If your child is exposed to chicken pox or another communicable disease within three (3) weeks of his or her scheduled arrival at camp, please call the registrar before you leave home. If your child is sick when he or she is due at camp, please call the registrar to make further arrangements. A parent or guardian will be notified if off-site medical care has been administered in case of illness or injury. A parent or guardian will also be notified if your child is sick enough to be in the infirmary more than 24 hours.

Horsemanship  

Campers sign up to take the Horsemanship activity on their registration form. This activity is for campers attending the Classic Camp week.  Trail rides are offered to any camper during free time (ages Pathfinder and older) for a fee of $12 (no horse experience is necessary to go on a trail ride). The cost of the trail ride is deducted from the camper's TUCK account. Campers are guaranteed one (1) trail ride and possibly a second during the week, depending on the number of campers interested.  Campers taking Horsemanship or a Trail Ride are required to have the Horsemanship waiver signed by a parent/guardian, wear long pants and have shoes with a defined 1/2" heel.  The wranglers to have some boots in various sizes that campers may use as well.

Foot Care  

Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes such as tennis shoes are required for camp. Socks are highly recommended. Aqua socks or flip flops may only be worn in the cabin or at the waterfront area only. Shoes with a 1/2" heel are required for those campers taking Horsemanship.

TUCK Shop 

The camp store, also known as the TUCK Shop is open to campers each day during free time. Campers may purchase two candy items and one soda item daily from Wet Tuck and any items from Dry Tuck that they wish, providing there is money in their account. Dry Tuck items include: stationery, stamps, toys, hygiene items, journals, and stuffed animals. Most campers bring $20–$25 to spend in the camp store.  Remember to add an additional $12 if your camper is interested in taking a Trail Ride.

Homesickness and Telephone 

A little homesickness is to be expected of most campers. However, most campers get so busy within minutes of their family’s departure that their homesickness dissipates as they become fully engaged in the camp experiences. The counselors and staff are trained to help campers at times when they are particularly missing home. We have found it best for campers not to receive or make phone calls during their week at camp. Be assured we will not hesitate to call you if it is necessary. If you would like an update during the week, please inform the registrar before the week begins or at the time of registration. You may also email the registrar during the week to receive an update.

Our registrar also sends out daily prayer & praise requests to parents and provides a little insight as to what's happening with camp.  Be sure that the registrar has your email address so that you can read what is going on at camp and become a prayer partner.  Daily postings with pictures will also occur on the Cascade Camp Cedarbrook Facebook page.  Sign up to be a fan and get updates this way as well.

You can also help to minimize the homesickness that your camper feels by  assuring the camper that they are going to have a wonderful time at camp and that you'll be praying for them to have a great week. In addition, we suggest sending a letter via regular mail or a bunk note via Bunk 1 (see the camp website for details). These messages help to assure campers that they are doing well at camp.  Bunk 1 messages are downloaded and distributed once daily.

Emergency Information

Should an emergency require you to contact your child while at camp please use one of the following numbers:

Jayne Blackburn, Registrar, 206-390-7468
Camp Emergency Phone:  509-674-5767

Mail at Camp

It's always fun to get mail at camp. At least three days before your camper leaves home, mail a letter so they will receive it early in the week. Fill it with cheerful, positive news. Do not send food or candy. Please note:  If sending parcels via Federal Express, waive the signature requirement of the recipient. The camp address is:

Cascade Camp Cedarbrook @ Camp Koinonia
850 Camp Koinonia Lane
Cle Elum, WA  98922

Please be sure to put your camper's name somewhere on the front of the envelope.

What will a day at camp look like?

Mornings begin with flag raising, breakfast and personal devotion time with God. This is followed by activity time and Bible Exploration. Lunch is next followed by Kickback. Two more activity times occur in the afternoon as well as free time and a chance to go to the Tuck Shop. The evening starts with dinner and is followed by divisional evening programs, snacks, and campfire talks. The day ends with cabin devotions.

Driving Directions

From Western Washington

Take I-90 eastbound. 25 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass, take Exit 78 (Golf Course Road). Turn right (south) and cross the railroad tracks. Continue up the hill and take the first right. The entrance road to Koinonia, on the left, starts at the first bend in the road. Watch for Cedarbrook/Koinonia signs.

From Eastern Washington

Take 1-90 westbound. Approximately 10 miles west of Cle Elum take Exit 78 (Golf Course Road). Turn left (south) and cross the railroad tracks. Continue up the hill and take the first right. The entrance road to Koinonia, on the left, starts at the first bend in the road. Watch for Cedarbrook/Koinonia signs.

Driving time is approximately 1.5–2 hours from Seattle, and 3 hours from Spokane.

Packing List 

Please label everything with your camper's name

¨  Sleeping bag, pillow, and pillowcase

¨  Sleepwear

¨  Undergarments and socks—8 each

¨  Modest shorts and shirts—4 - 8 each

¨  Jeans or pants—2 pair (more if taking Horsemanship)

¨  Light jacket or sweatshirt

¨  2 pair sneakers or closed-toe/closed-heel shoes

¨  Swim trunks (boys) or one-piece swimsuit (girls) (immodest swimsuits will require a t-shirt to be worn over the suit)

¨  Comb, brush, shampoo

¨  Toothbrush, toothpaste

¨  Plastic cup or tumbler

¨  Soap, washcloth, and 2 towels

¨  Plastic bag to take home wet clothes

¨  Bible, pen, pencil, paper

¨  Addressed postcard or stationery to write home

¨  Spending money for the Tuck Shop

¨  Book or puzzles to do quietly during Kickback

¨  Insect repellant—non aerosol

¨  Sunscreen

¨  Flashlight and fresh batteries

¨  Any forms not previously mailed, including a copy of the camper’s medical insurance card

¨  Shoes with a defined 1/2" heel (if taking horsemanship)

¨  Watch

¨  Camera and film/memory card

¨   

Do NOT Bring:

 - Radios, iPods, MP3 players, walkmans, CD/DVD players

- Cell phones or electronic games

- Chewing gum

- Cigarettes, tobacco, alcohol or drugs

-  Guns or fireworks

-  Clothing with inappropriate slogans or pictures

-  Unwholesome books or magazines

-  Pocket knives, Leatherman all-in-one tools

-  Aerosol cans or fragrances

-  Other items that could be construed as a weapon

We look forward to seeing you and your child on registration day.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar if you have any questions.

www.cascadecampchedarbrook.com