![]()
Reflections with
Camp & Retreat Ministries![]()
![]()
![]()
Camp Latgawa
I hope that you’ve been enjoying this series that profiles each of our six amazing sites across Idaho and Oregon. It is my prayer that these profiles elicit a response in you, and that you will be inspired to attend an event, volunteer at a site, or support a particular ministry with your prayers and gifts. This week our series highlights Camp Latgawa.
Camp Latgawa began as a Methodist Camp in 1953. We acquired the U.S. Forest Service special-use permit following the operation of a soda springs resort there from 1930-1953. Most of the buildings on the site were built during the early resort years. During the time of our stewardship of the site, we have added a few buildings and we've upgraded buildings as well as many other aspects of the camp. One of those upgrades was a name change for site itself. It took us until about 1980 to change the name from the highly offensive one we had inherited from the soda springs to a name that honors the original peoples of this area.
In early 2023 we improved the infrastructure of the camp so that the water lines and gas lines are better protected and without leaks. This is making a huge difference in the experience of campers and guests. You can read more of the history of the site here. I have asked the director, Danny Lange, to share his thoughts about Camp Latgawa:
At the convergence of the south fork of Little Butte Creek and Latgawa Creek sits a magical place: Camp Latgawa. Located 34 miles northeast of Medford, Oregon, in the Siskiyou Rogue National Forest, Camp Latgawa is nestled in a year-round canopy of white and black oak, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine and my own favorite tree, the Madrone.
Latgawa Creek provides a beautiful waterfall, now named Marjorie Falls, with a waterslide that runs into a natural swimming pond. Further along the trail, campers can hike to the pinnacle with a stop at the Latgawa soda springs. Inside the camp is a large swimming pool, gaga ball court, archery range, meeting areas, and a stone-lined labyrinth.
Available accommodations include rustic bunk-style sleeping cabins, a dormitory-style building, and other cottages and cabins with a variety of amenities including shared baths and central heat or even an outside deck for creek-side meetings. Groups can have chapel time, practice meditation, or hold workshops in Uncle Joe’s, our separate activities building. Dolph Dining Hall provides meals in a rustic setting with a large wood-burning fireplace, coffee bar and activity area. Camp Latgawa can accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets with freshly-made meals.
Camp Latgawa strives to offer welcoming hospitality in a natural setting with great food, fellowship, and the wonders that only nature can provide. All are welcome at Camp Latgawa. Join us for the return of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Retreat. Sign your kids up for summer camp or contact us about booking your group or family reunion for an event in the future: 541-826-9699 or latgawa@gocamping.org.
Come volunteer and fall in love with this gem in the forest. That’s what happened to me, and now I'm the site director!
On the road to wonder, love, and justice,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
*PHOTO: Marjorie Falls at Camp Latgawa (Todd Bartlett).
The Impact of Camp
Camp provides a unique and important setting that supports mental health while creating time away from technology and building key skills like resilience and confidence in youth and young adults. The National Camp Impact Study gathered data from 2017-2022, includes both youth and staff research, and is the first longitudinal study of its kind. Its findings help to articulate the difference camp makes in young people's lives and in our communities. Read more.
View Dr. Laurie Brown's presentation on The Impact of Camp from the 2023 ACA National Conference
Impact of Camp infographic
It's not too late!
Did you suddenly realize it's ALREADY MAY 10??!! If you're kicking yourself for not getting registered for camp, stop worrying and register now! We can always welcome more volunteers at our pre-season work weekends, and the link for summer camp for kids is below.
Healing Through the Heart Retreat, May 18-21, Wallowa Lake Camp
Memorial Day Family Camp, May 26-29, Camp Magruder
Roundup Volunteer Work Weekend, May 26-29, Suttle Lake Camp
Summer camps for children and youth
Blessings Report
- Rhododendron blooms
- Curiosity of outdoor school students
- Second chances
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news.
Falling in love . . . again and again
Has this ever happened to you? You're walking along briskly, focused on getting from Point A to Point B, or maybe just putting steps on your pedometer, when suddenly you spot something that pulls you up short. Maybe it's that wildflower pictured above, or a full moon slipping out from behind the clouds, or a mushroom half-hidden beneath a log. Your destination is temporarily forgotten as you marvel--once again--at the wonder of God's creation, and the joy of being part of it.
Each of our six sites provides moments like this over and over again. Our staff and volunteers are trained to help our young campers (as well as our mature guests) recognize and celebrate these wonder-full opportunities to repeatedly fall in love with God. When you donate to our ministry, you help support all this and more.
|
*PHOTO: Wildflower at Camp Latgawa (Todd Bartlett).
|
