 More than 15 youth from Canada West Mission Centre are excited to attend SPEC 2025 this July at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. But they can’t do it alone—chaperones are still needed to help make this incredible experience possible. If you’ve ever thought about going to SPEC, now is the time. Our youth are ready—but they need the adults in their lives to show up.
Chaperones don’t just supervise. You’re there to walk with the youth—cheer them on, share meals, help them get where they need to go, and just be there when they need a break or a little encouragement. From the Commons (where the ice cream is always on tap) and Swarm Inn, to the sports fields and dorms buzzing with energy, Graceland University’s campus is full of life, colour, and connection. Morning worship takes place in the amphitheatre in front of the Shaw Centre, and athletic events fill the surrounding fields and stadiums all week long—soccer, baseball, track and field, and even pickleball on the Shaw Centre parking lot. If the arts are more your style, you’ll find music, drama, dance, and visual art spaces alive with creativity. Volunteers—coaches, teachers, judges, cheer teams—are there to support youth in discovering and celebrating their gifts. While most of the week is spent on campus, Lamoni holds some charm too — from delicious pizza and tasty Hutterite treats to the friendly small-town vibe and a few nearby Community of Christ historic sites. You don’t have to be a coach or artist. Just someone who’s willing to show up, and be part of the experience. Travel and other support details are available—just reach out to learn more. If you are interested please contact Gwyn Beer at [email protected]
0 Comments
 Samish Work Week pending projects
From April 27 to May 4, volunteers will help with cabin repairs and painting, carpentry, sidewalk patching, mowing, landscaping, weeding, and general grounds cleanup. Bring gloves and energy—there’s something for everyone! Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly.  “...you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and shine.”
—Mary Oliver, When I Am Among the Trees Join us as we welcome the Summer Solstice with a weekend of rest, reflection, and sacred community. This retreat is an invitation to let the warmth of the sun and the connection of community revitalize your spirit and shine light into life’s darker places. Slow down. Breathe. Release. Heal. Kindle the light within. Spend June 20–22 immersed in nature on the beautiful grounds of Hills of Peace. Let the land and sky remind you of your connection to all living things. Through gentle spiritual practices and shared rituals, we’ll explore ways to ground ourselves and find strength in the integration of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Guest Facilitators: Shannon McAdam and Vickie MacArthur Contact: Lisa Neudorf – [email protected] or 1-877-411-2632 Registration: $170 Registration Deadline: Monday, June 9 Fee includes accommodations, all meals and snacks, and session supplies.  Come lend a hand while enjoying the beauty of Samish Island Campground & Retreat Centre!
Join us anytime between April 27 and May 4 for our annual work week. Whether you can help for a day, a few days, or the whole week, we welcome all volunteers—no matter your skill level. Lodging and meals are provided at no cost in exchange for your labour. RSVP to mail to: [email protected] so we can plan meals accordingly. Thank you!  Happy Hills of Peace Month, everyone!
For so many of us, Hills of Peace isn’t just a place—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where we’ve made life-long friends, laughed around campfires, and found community, rest, and glimpses of God. Whether you’ve been to camp recently or it’s been decades, Hills of Peace has a way of sticking with us and even sustaining us. But places like this don’t sustain themselves. They rely on the people who love them to keep them going. That’s why this April, we’re inviting 20 new people to become recurring donors—not just to give, but to belong, to help carry this place forward for the next generation. Of course, you don’t have to be one of the twenty to give—everyone is encouraged to support Hills of Peace in whatever way they can. No gift is too small. What matters is showing up, month after month, as part of something bigger than any one of us. Wondering what your gift would be supporting? 🎵 $5/mo. ($60/yr.) helps create meaningful camp experiences—whether it’s keeping the campfire burning for storytelling and songs or maintaining peaceful outdoor spaces. 🥾 $10/mo. ($120/yr.) supports the upkeep of trails, gathering areas, and nature spaces so campers can explore, reflect, and connect with the outdoors. 🚰 $25/mo. ($300/yr.) contributes to essential systems such as water, sewage, electricity, and internet connectivity. 🧰 $50/mo. ($600/yr.) helps maintain cabins, meeting spaces, and other essential facilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who visit. 👷 $100/mo. ($1200/yr.) strengthens the future of our campground by supporting facility upgrades, equipment maintenance, and new opportunities for connection and retreat. Will you be one of twenty to help Hills of Peace continue to be a place of love, belonging, and grace? Sign up today and watch your gift grow throughout the year! Become a Monthly Donor Please ensure you select “monthly” on the donation form to set your gift to automatically charge each month. Alternatively, you can donate to Hills of Peace Camp through Canada West Mission Centre as part of your monthly tithes and offerings. If you use CanadaHelps, select “Hills of Peace Camp” as the fund and “Monthly” as the frequency. If you use Pre-Authorized Transfer (PAT), you can update your giving preferences using this form. Be sure to specify “Hills of Peace” under Mission Centre Ministries. With gratitude for your support, Parker Johnson (he/him) and Lisa Neudorf (she/her) Hills of Peace Board Members  Canada West Mission Centre is still looking for one or two Canadian chaperones (25 and older) to join the Northwest Delegation at Spectacular (SPEC) this July. If you’re a registered Child and Youth Worker and have a heart for youth, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
You don’t need previous SPEC experience—just a willingness to show up, connect, and support our youth during an amazing 10-day experience that will be full of fun and adventure with an incredible group of youth and adults. As a chaperone, you'll be assigned a small group of youth to check in on regularly—making sure they’re where they need to be, cheering them on, and offering support when it’s needed most. There are many ways to get involved. Debra Donohue, who previously served as a chaperone, shared, “I coached one of the softball teams, was the support person for youth performing in the talent shows, and I wrote some funny skits that our staff performed as a fun way to share the do’s and don’ts with our delegation. There are lots of other roles to participate in, like helping with the nightly delegation worship.” Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It was an amazing experience… one of the best things we do for our youth. It will change you for the better.” Your expenses for the trip will be fully covered by Canada West Mission Centre. What we ask in return is your presence, energy, and willingness to walk alongside our youth during this one-of-a-kind experience. You'll come home tired—but grateful you said yes. If you’d like to learn more or are ready to volunteer, please contact Gwyn Beer at [email protected]  The newly formed CWM Camping Committee met for the first time on the evening of March 5. Representatives from Hills of Peace and Samish Island were present, and there may be others who are willing to participate in the future. We were initially uncertain about the exact purpose of the committee, so we took the evening to discuss our overall objectives and identify what information we are missing in order to reach our goals.
The initial purpose of the group is to:
Some specific ways this committee can help:
Our discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the representatives from each campground gaining a better understanding of the operations of the other campground. We will need to meet further to develop a practical approach to achieving our goals. Our next meeting will take place sometime in April. Wish us luck, CWM Camping Committee  We are planning a retreat that will take place at the Hills of Peace in late June and would love your input. Would you be interested in attending? What type of retreat would you prefer—a Spiritual Retreat or a Women’s Retreat?
This gathering is inspired by Lisa Neudorf’s experience at the Nurturing Spirit Retreat at Samish Island, where she was reminded of the importance of community and connection. To help shape this event, we’re asking for your feedback. We’ve created a short, four-question survey to gather your preferences. Your input is important and will help determine the direction of this retreat. Survey closes at midnight on Sunday, March 16 PDT. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts—your input is greatly appreciated!  The Canada West Camping Committee is seeking dedicated individuals with a deep connection to Hills of Peace camping to help shape its future. We’re forming a dedicated team to support and strengthen our camps, and we need experienced volunteers who are passionate about camping ministry to join us.
If you have experience with Hills of Peace programming—as a volunteer, staff member, or long-time camper—and have a heart for camping ministry, we’d love for you to be part of this team. This committee is a hands-on group focused on strengthening and supporting our camps. While camp directors will be involved in conversations, this committee is specifically for those who are not currently serving as camp directors but have experience with camp programming and a passion for its future. The committee will meet twice per year—once in late winter or early spring to prepare for the upcoming camping season, and once in the fall to debrief, troubleshoot, and confirm camp directors for the following year. An initial online meeting will be scheduled soon. The committee will provide guidance and support for camping at both Hills of Peace and Samish Island, ensuring strong programming, assisting with staff recruitment, maintaining the summer camp calendar, and overseeing budgeting and training needs. Members will also help facilitate feedback from campers and staff, sharing insights to improve future camps. If you are passionate about camping and want to help it thrive, we’d love to hear from you! To express interest or ask questions, please email Shannon McAdam at [email protected]  Canada West Mission Centre (CWM) is looking for registered Child and Youth Workers (25 and older) to chaperone youth as part of the Northwest Delegation as they travel to Spectacular (SPEC) at Graceland University. Whether you’re coming on your own, as a couple, or with friends, this is your chance to support youth on a life-changing trip.
As a chaperone, you’ll travel with the delegation, attend SPEC, help lead team activities, take part in nightly devotions, and be there to support the youth as they need. You’ll experience the energy, excitement, and deep connections that make SPEC so special—all with your expenses covered by the mission centre. The adventure begins in Independence, MO, where the delegation spends time bonding, forming teams, and leading the Prayer for Peace at the Temple. There’s also a chance they might spend an afternoon at a waterpark before heading to Graceland for Spectacular. Once on campus, the days are packed with sports, the arts, worship, and special events like a campfire on the quad and a final-night dance. This is more than just a trip—it’s a chance to connect, grow, and share in an experience that stays with you long after it’s over. You’ll leave tired, but grateful you said yes. If you’d like to join the delegation or have questions, please contact Gwyn Beer [email protected]  Camping is one of the most meaningful and community-building activities in Canada West Mission, bringing people together in faith, friendship, and fun. To help strengthen and support our camping programs, we are forming a Camping Committee and inviting those who love camping and are actively involved to take part.
If you regularly participate in camps—as a volunteer, staff member, or long-time camper—and have a heart for camping ministry, we’d love for you to be part of this team. This committee is a hands-on team focused on strengthening and supporting our camps. While camp directors will be involved in conversations, this committee is specifically for those who are not currently serving as camp directors but have experience with camp programming and a passion for its future. Members should be familiar with the programming at either Hills of Peace or Samish Island to support planning effectively. The committee will meet twice per year—once in late winter or early spring to prepare for the upcoming camping season, and once in the fall to debrief, troubleshoot, and confirm camp directors for the following year. We are planning an initial online meeting in February, with tentative dates as follows: • February 4, 5, or 6 (evening, after 5:45 p.m. Pacific Time) • February 8 (morning) • February 11 (evening) Purpose of the Committee The Camping Committee will: • Provide oversight of camping programming from a Canada West Mission perspective for Hills of Peace and Samish, particularly youth camping • Support CWM participation in SPEC • Maintain the CWM summer camping calendar to avoid overlap • Guide Registered Youth Care Worker applications, training, and renewals • Assist directors in finding staff and future directors for camps • Create tools for feedback from campers and staff and share insights with directors • Oversee budget preparation and reporting to the Mission Centre for Hills of Peace camps • Provide feedback and support for registration software and ensure registration opens online • Share wisdom and best practices from different camping programs If you are passionate about camping and want to help it thrive, we’d love to hear from you! To express interest or ask questions, please email Shannon McAdam at [email protected]  Youth in Grades 9–12 are invited to join us February 14–16 for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and connection—and a chance to learn more about SPEC 2025! Whether you’ve been to Spectacular, want to go, or are just looking for a great time with friends, this retreat is for you.
For those attending in person, the cost is $100, and you can register at Eventbrite. A Zoom option will be available for those who can’t attend in person. Please contact Gwyn Beer ([email protected]) if you would like to attend online. Details about the directors, and Zoom link will be shared soon. Let’s get ready to reconnect, have fun, and build excitement for Spectacular 2025!  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  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 |
Categories
All
Archives
April 2025
|
RSS Feed