“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,” John 10:10.

Tshimakain Creek Camp has a two-fold purpose: to give underprivileged kids a fantastic camp experience while also training high school students to reach out to the hurting and broken around them. We thought you might like to read what the kids themselves say about camp – from the silly to the serious. The following excerpts reflect a mixture of reactions from both campers and counselors.

“I absolutely adored Tshimakain Creek Camp! I can honestly say the experience I had up at this battle-field of God was the highlight of my whole life! Through facilitating on the challenge course, I learned how to be a leader and not just step into people’s lives but to move slowly and ask questions. I learned how to communicate better and invest in my teammates. The whole summer was a practical course in how to live out Christ’s commandment to love your neighbor. One of the best weeks was the one I spent as a counselor for a cabin of nine boys. We had such great Bible stories that week. The boys laughed and cried. It was just great!” – Jesse, 17, work crew

“My favorite part of camp was getting to have free time, and I absolutely loved swimming. My second favorite part of camp was getting to do a bunch of challenging things up on the big field, and here are some of the things we did: 1) tongue-twisting name game; 2) toy maze; 3) pit of doom.  I especially appreciate you for paying for me and my friends to come to camp.” – Destiny, 10, camper

“It was great to see a drastic change in all of the students. They went from shy and keeping everything bottled up inside to openly sharing how they felt. They came to find fun, and along with that, they ended up finding hope.” – Jess, counselor

“I love spending time with my counselors here. It was very fun and loving. I also got to get closer to God than ever. I am very happy I came.” – Heather, 9, camper

“I loved all the H2O and other liquidy activities.” – Sam, 12, camper

“My student opened up a wound from the past that was as deep as it possibly could be. In the safety of Tshimakain Creek Camp, she allowed God to wash her wounds and begin the healing process. This is the beginning for her. This is where her story starts! She is leaving with a newness in her life – not to mention clothes that she is not embarrassed to wear, soap, a hairbrush . . . all the things we so often take for granted. She smiles now” – Christina, counselor

“I think that this camp is awesome.  It’s got a great connection with God. The cabin leaders rock. And I thank the Lord for bringing me to church and bringing me to camp and thank him for trying to heal me.” – Trey, 13, camper

“This was a really fun experience. At first, I was scared because I did not know anybody, but after the first hour, we were talking like we’ve been buddies for a long time. The food was AMAZING!! The snacks were served at the right time. My favorite part was worship. It was WOW! I hope to come back. It was an awesome camp.” – Samantha, 11, camper

“I learned not to blame or point fingers and have fun.” – Josh, 9, camper

“Everyone treated me with respect and really cared for me. I come from a family where my brother beats me up a lot. So I usually go to camps just to get away from him. I really didn’t care about God, but Tim helped me see a better side of God.  Isaac got me to believe more, and Stevie got me to start being a Christian. So camp helped me a lot!” – Brandon, 14, camper

“It was heartbreaking to realize that I take so many things for granted that these kids have never heard of.” – Nathan, counselor

“I learned to love kids.  Even though you are tired and angry, put them first.” – Erica, counselor

“I don’t believe I’ve cried so many times in the space of five days whether from joy or sadness. I learned that controlling the kids is not what God wants, but for us to give grace, love, build relationships and serve, and that that was more profitable.” – Mikaela, counselor

“God showed me that Spokane needs Jesus. I want to serve Jesus within my city.” – Chase, counselor

“It was definitely a different environment for me, and it absolutely taught me patience and how to rejoice in the little things.” – Sarah, counselor