 Help us wake up Samish Island Campground & Retreat Centre after its winter hibernation! You’re invited to join us on February 7–9, 2025, to spend a day, a night, or two at our beloved Samish Island—at no cost—and assist staff in preparing the grounds for our 2025 camping season, which starts the following weekend.
We welcome all volunteers! To help us plan meals, please call or email any of us to let us know your plans. Thank you! Jeri Mortimore: [email protected] 360-901-9619 Christine Campbell: [email protected] 360-766-8125 Shawna Custer: [email protected] 360-399-1021
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 The Canada West Men's Retreat has happened for the past fifteen years. If you are interested in attending you should be at least high school age. There will be an ice-breaker hosted by Jae Senga on Friday night. Saturday will consist of several sessions led by our guest minister, Parker Johnson, and Saturday evening we will have a campfire (not to be missed) followed up by eating snacks and playing games in the dining hall. Sunday morning we will have a Communion Service and, at about noon, we hit the road to return home. The weekend is a great chance to reconnect with the men in the Canada West Mission Centre, experience spirituality, have some laughs, and eat as much pie as you want (it's kind of our thing). It has structure and a schedule, but it is designed for you so if you need to miss a session then do so.
I’m excited to have Parker with us! His theme for the weekend is "Clarity" and who couldn't use some of that? I believe that good things come from accepting invitations - it didn't work out too bad for the disciples. Even better for us, we get to make a road trip out of it. So get a couple of guys in the car and join us for the adventure. I hope to see you September 13-15. Dan Esch - Retreat Director  By: Becky Middleton - Canada West Mission Centre Co-President
As our Family Camp and Youth Camp at Hills of Peace have drawn to a close we are very encouraged by the joy and excitement shown by those in attendance. The participants are slowly building in numbers again and we are very hopeful that this will continue to be the case. The enthusiasm shown by young families and the youth/young adults is wonderful! Family camp was a real joy to be at with meaningful worship, classes, crafts, games and visiting too. The youth camp inspired us all with their highly successful fundraiser and the polar plunge challenge. Both camps were enriched by the ministry of Matt and Margo Frizzell. A good time was had by all! We know registration costs are significant as is the cost to run camping activities and the campgrounds. We are very appreciative of any donations to the mission center in support of camping and the ability to offer subsidies to those who require help. THANK YOU! The Men's Retreat at HOP is coming Sept. 13-15 and we encourage men of all ages to attend it will be a wonderful time I'm sure! Also our mission center conference in Edmonton is coming Sept. 27-29. We encourage all who can come in person to do so and it will be shared via zoom as well. It is so good to be able to be together to share in worship, fun and fellowship!  By: Marian Thompson - Camp Director
This year saw another excellent Family Camp at Hills of Peace (Aug 3-8). Our camp started at 3:00 pm on Saturday of the August long weekend. We had several young families attend on the weekend, with a Sunday attendance of 65 people. Our weekend was lively as we explored our theme ‘Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative’. We all worked together to make Nature Mandalas in the morning during ‘Make Time for the Planet’ as we focused on the wonderful creation of the earth. In the afternoon fairy gardens were a hit with the children. The Sunday evening worship service was noted as a highlight. Our attendance dropped to 34 from Tuesday to Thursday and our week became much quieter. All were very appreciative of the ministry given by Matt and Margo Frizzell. The adult class material was well received. Everyone appreciated the time to visit, relax, learn, and work together as a community. Feedback at the end of the week suggested people would like to start the camp on Friday evening, extending the amount of time people could attend on the weekend.  Join Parker and Dan as we search for Clarity surrounded by the beauty of the Hills of Peace. Together we will enjoy amazing food, lots of laughter, and delve deeper into what it means to have clarity in today’s world. Together we will look at our lives, the church, and world at large. Then we’ll turn our focus to the future and try to find direction on how we can find our place(s) in it and help set healthy boundaries that will aid in building a brighter tomorrow.
September 13 - 15 Hills of Peace campground  This week Gwyn and Becky are at Hills of Peace Family Camp. The guest minister is Matt Frizzell.
Some young friends created this nature mandala and then released back to nature. It's wonderful to be having camp at Hills of Peace in spite of the damage that was caused by a recent hail storm.  Mark your calendar for September 13-15 and plan to join us at Hills of Peace campground for the Western Canada Mission Centre Men’s Retreat. We’ll meet Friday night for an icebreaker and depart Sunday morning after a communion service. In between, we will hang out, eat some pie, and share with each other and our guest minister, Parker Johnson from Calgary congregation. It’s a chance for a road trip and to get together with friends from Western Canada. You make a lot of tough choices in your life – this shouldn’t be one of them.
Parker is the latest in a long list of great guest ministers we've had over the years. Past guest ministers include church officials from Independence, a prison minister from Montana, a friend Dan met on a mountain in California, and Steve Thompson from Edmonton. If you have any questions contact Dan at [email protected] or 306-540-2359.  Experience a transformative week at Samish Island Reunion, where our guest ministers, Presiding Bishop Ron Harmon and Apostle Robin Linkhart, will lead us in exploring the theme "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative." Through classes, worship, and engaging activities, we'll respond to the World Conference Resolution 1325 Climate Emergency with education, formation, and a call to action.
Discover the intersecting issues of justice and peace rooted in the climate crisis and find your place in the web of life with humility and urgency. Participate in workshops, evening campfires, games, and more. Your unique gifts and talents will enrich our community as we create cherished memories together. About our guest ministers Apostle Robin Linkhart is a member of the Council of Twelve assigned to the North Central USA Mission Field. She also serves on the International Leaders Council, Theology Formation Team, Ecumenical and Interfaith Ministries Team, and chairs the Latter-day Seekers Ministries Team. Ron Harmon serves as Presiding Bishop. His previous assignments include president of the Council of Twelve Apostles, Congregational Leadership Development, Spectacular and International Youth Forum, Urban Ministries, and president of the Kentucky-Indiana USA Mission Center. Join us for an unforgettable week of learning, worship, and community-building! When: July 20-27 Where: Samish Island, 11633 Scott Road, Bow, WA Please find this week's article in our main blog page
 Mark your calendars and register! Family Camp is just a month away. Join us from August 3 to 8 for fun and fellowship with friends, family, and our Guest Ministers, Matt and Margo Frizzell, from Chicago. Enjoy the beauty of Hills of Peace as we explore our theme, "Heal the Earth," together. The deadline for online registration is July 15.
Inquiries: [email protected]  If you or a loved one wants to attend camp this summer but financial issues are a barrier, the Canada West Mission Centre offers a Subsidy Request Form for Camps and Retreats to help make your plans a reality. We are dedicated to providing support so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from our camp reunions and retreats.
 Attention campers and families! There is only 1 week left to take advantage of our Early Bird Pricing! You get $25 off if you register and fully pay your fees by July 1st. Bringing a friend? Use code FRIEND25 to get $25 off the fees for both you and your friend.
If you love to live life #Unfiltered, join us Aug 10-16 for everything you love about camp: friends, food, Nailed It HOP Edition, campfire, and more. Don’t miss out on what is sure to be one of the best weeks of your summer! Instagram: cwm_youthcamp Email: [email protected]  A moment with your Mission Centre President by Becky Middleton, Canada West Mission Centre Co-President It is with sadness we acknowledge the cancellation of Kid's Camp for yet another year. The camping program has been, and may continue to be, the connection our young people have to each other and the Community of Christ. My grandchildren have all loved going to family camp and subsequently Junior (Kid's) and youth camp. Relationships made at camp between the youth have continued through social media connections, Spectacular, Mission Conference etc. Relationships made with God and learning about the Community of Christ at camp continue for a lifetime.
Yes, there is work involved too, but most importantly camp is FUN! It starts with Family Camp. PLEASE consider bringing, sending, paying for your children, grandchildren, adoptive family etc. and come to camp! We need you to step up. Now, more than ever, we need to support our Hills of Peace campground and the camping program!  Bring your family, July 20 - 27, to the beautiful Samish Island campground for a week of fun in the sun! Activities include: games, crafts, music, worship services, relaxing, classes, guest speakers/ministers, horseshoes, volleyball, canoeing, baseball, evening campfires. We will explore the theme "Heal the Earth: A Restoration Imperative" with our guest ministers Apostle Robin Linkhart and Bishop Ron Harmon.
Camp Directors: Chris Phelps (Canada West Mission Centre) and Lisa Stecher (Inland West Mission Centre)  We are sorry to announce that due to low enrollment, and lack of staff, this year’s Hills of Peace Kids Camp has been cancelled. We hope to see you next year!
If you have any questions please email the directors at [email protected] Directors: Amanda Senga, Deborah Mason, Marsha Kliotis  Register now for a summer adventure at Hills of Peace Kid's Camp! We invite all kids entering grades 3 - 7 to join us June 30 to July 5 for a week of fun activities including campfires, arts & crafts, dance, cooking classes, movie nights, and more. Our camping team is dedicated to ensuring every camper has a fantastic and safe time. We can't wait to see you and share this exciting adventure! The sign-up period is closing soon. Register today to secure your spot! From Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 3:00 PM MDT To Fri, Jul 5, 2024, 11:00 AM MDT Hills of Peace Campground North West 2-38-6-West 4 Cadogan, Alberta, Canada  We are excited to share that we surpassed our goal and raised $35,138.00 during Hills of Peace Month! Your donations will cover the campground’s insurance premium and help us continue serving the Canada West Mission Centre. Please be sure to read the attached letter from Dorothy Ungstad, Chair of Hills of Peace Campground, to learn more. Thank you! 
 Young adults, ages 18 (HS Grad) through 35, are invited to spend a weekend enjoying the beauty of Samish Island and building our community. We will explore, imagine, and dream what “discipleship” can look like in the 21st century!
Samish Island Campground 11633 Scott Road, Bow, WA  CWM/IW Reunion Coordinators: Chris Phelps and Lisa Masters Hello everyone, Hopefully you are starting to get excited about our joint Canada West/Inland West Mission Centres Reunion at Samish Island this summer from July 20-27. If you are not yet registered, please do so soon. There are still a few jobs that we are looking to fill. Please have a look through this list and let me know if you are interested in taking on one of these for our week at Samish.
Class Teachers: We have primary (grades 1-3/4), and a senior high (grades 9/10-12), teachers locked in. But we still need at least one, possibly two teachers, for the middle age range. We can divide things up in a variety of ways depending on who steps up and the number of kids. If you are interested in taking on the challenge of teaching kids for the week - in some form from grades 3-9 (not that whole range - that would be insane!!!) please contact Chris or Lisa ASAP. Canteen Coordinator: We need someone, or a small group, to take on the Canteen. We will likely have someone managing the Canadian $ side, and someone else the US $ side. If you are interested, let Chris know and we can talk about the job so you know what to expect. Evening Youth Activities: We could use a couple of people to coordinate evening youth activities, with an Inland West counterpart, on Sunday, and Friday. These would start at approximately 9:00 and end at approximately 10:30, and can be whatever kinds of activities you’d like to plan. Think ages 13-19, and interactive. Some previous youth activities that have been successful are: Karaoke night, games night, outdoor activities like scavenger hunts, volleyball in the CFC, etc. Most just need a little setup and someone to get things started. Recreation Activities: We could use a few days worth of (mostly) outdoor activities geared towards kids and youth. We have a couple of things already planned, but could use some planned help with activities like: Slip and slide (setup and start and cleanup), obstacle course, softball/kickball games, horseshoe tournament, afternoon volleyball, other ideas that you come up with! Let me know if you have ideas, and really let me know if you are willing to take on the setup/startup/cleanup aspects for a day. Jobs/chores Coordinator: We need someone from Canada West and someone from Inland West to work together organizing all the jobs/cleaning/etc. for the week of camp. This entails organization/communication/and follow up with people to make sure all the jobs are assigned and check in with people to make sure there are no problems that need assistance. Creative Activities: We have a number of creative activities scheduled this year, but if you have something you’d like to offer, for one day, all week, or anywhere in between, please contact Alexis Beer [email protected] or Ciara Mielk - [email protected] to add your activity to the list. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Samish in July! May 31-June 2  Are you looking for something to do on the weekend?
Come to the opening weekend of the Hills of Peace, Friday May 31, 2024 to Sunday June 2, 2024. Enjoy the time, the walking trails, see the lake from the beach (there won’t be a lifeguard, so no swimming), visit with people, and look for birds and their nests. We also take some time to clean: the cabins, the bathrooms, and shower rooms. Dorms, chapels, and classrooms (Craft Shack). You might see some flies or a mouse but that is ok right?! You might want to cut the grass or plant some flowers. Eileen Johnstone has a three page list of the work that needs to be completed. Other people also have a list of things that need to be done. Don’t forget the dining room and the kitchen! The dishes need cleaning before the food can be prepared. The meals are Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. We have 2 Chefs Dave Symington and Chris Ungstad preparing the food. You will have to guess what will be served. Between the work there might be some games or playing in the sand box. You can select your own cabin or dorm to sleep in for the weekend. Bring your own bedding |
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