Summer camps where faith and adventure take root

On the shores of Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, Washington, children arrive each summer ready for adventure. Whether they're a third grader stepping onto a private island for the first time or a sixth grader paddling out on the water, they find themselves in a place where faith feels alive and natural. The days are full—wake sports, sailing, mountain biking, ropes courses—but underneath the energy is something quieter: the chance to encounter God's presence in creation and in community.

For younger campers, the forest itself becomes a classroom. Kids climbing trees, discovering hidden corners, and following their curiosity learn that faith grows when we slow down and wonder at the world around us. For teenagers at overnight camp, the waterfront becomes sacred space—a screen-free summer where they can be fully present with their peers, their counselors, and their own deepening questions about who they are and what they believe.

Beyond the summer months, The Firs reaches into different seasons of life. Young adults in their formative years find roots in Christian community through intentional living programs. Families and groups gather at The Chalet year-round, whether for snowy winter retreats near the ski area or spring hikes through the surrounding mountains. Every program reflects the same belief: that faith flourishes when we step away from the noise, connect with creation, and grow alongside others who are seeking the same grounding.

For over a century, The Firs has been a place where hearts turn toward Christ and where young people leave with a stronger sense of belonging—both to God and to a community of believers walking the same path.