 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!
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 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!  Take time to nurture your spirit and recharge your energy at the beautiful Samish Island Retreat Centre, February 28 to March 2. Explore different forms of self and spiritual care, such as Reiki and aromatherapy, while connecting with a supportive community in a serene setting.
Saturday Evening Activity: On Saturday evening, immerse yourself in a sensory experience as we create personalized Aromatherapy Bath Salts to take home. This hands-on session combines creativity, education, and relaxation, allowing you to continue your healing journey after the retreat. Discover the benefits of essential oils and craft a unique blend tailored to your personal needs. The evening will be a celebration of creativity, community, and connection, accompanied by soothing music and meaningful conversations. Find out more about the benefits of aromatherapy, explore the weekend schedule, and access the registration link here: NurturingSpirit.Corsizio.com Register today! Questions? Email [email protected]  February 28 – March 2, 2025, at Samish Island Retreat Centre Early Bird rate in effect until January 17th. You are invited to attend a retreat focused on healing for your soul, heart, spirit, and mind. There is much in the world making us anxious and fearful. As we contemplate how to live meaningfully amidst chaos and uncertainty, taking care of ourselves becomes essential. This retreat will help you find again that grounding in wellness that can guide your life journey in the weeks, months and years to come. Together, we will explore ways to better care for ourselves. Come to Samish Island Retreat Centre to find rest, renewal and healing. Register today at http://NurturingSpirit.Corsizio.com.   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 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! |
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