The Council approved setting up a restricted fund account for purchasing a camp property in the Northwest region of the United States. This is a first for UCG, since we have never owned our own camp facility even though we have sponsored camps since 1995. The Council also approved that if future funding allows it, perhaps additional camp properties could be purchased in other areas of the U.S.

This came about because of a very generous donation by a family in the Northwest to buy a camp facility specifically in that region. Two other families have committed to donations as well that have now totaled $308,000. As we work towards our goal of $1.5 million, we are already off to a great start!

We wish to thank these brethren for their vision and their generosity. We are praying for God to show us His will as we begin to look for an appropriate camp. We have placed this into His hands, and ask Him to direct our steps and to open up an excellent camp facility where His Name is glorified, and where His truths will be taught to all who stay at the camp facility.

We feel that the ideal location for a Northwest camp facility would be in the state of Oregon, which is centrally located to families throughout the region.

Such a camp facility and retreat center would serve as a multi-use venue for the entire Church. Uses would include teen and preteen camps, young adult weekend retreats, women’s enrichment weekends, men’s retreats, family retreats, weddings, marriage retreats and ministerial meetings. It is anticipated the facility would be used on an average of once a month and most of these uses would be multi-day events.

Since the beginning of the United Church of God in the spring of 1995, youth camp has been a part of our vision. Our goal in United Youth Camps has been to teach campers God’s Word and encourage them to live His way of life. Since the first youth camps in the summer of 1995, thousands of young people have attended either preteen or teen camp. Once teens move into their young adult years, many of them become an integral part of camp by serving as staff, then as adults serving in their local areas. What they learn at camp becomes a part of their godly character for the rest of their lives.

We would dedicate such a camp facility as a place where the Word of God is taught as the foundation of all knowledge to those who attend. This camp would be dedicated to teaching the true values from the Bible, where future generations will be inspired to learn more about God’s vision for them and become pillars in His Church. It will be a place where the laws of God are taught and lived. Adults and families could also enjoy the benefit of coming together on special family weekends for Sabbath services, for recreation and for fellowship. The camp and retreat center would serve members of the Church from all across the U.S., including Canada and other nations.

We are excited about the potential of the United Church of God owning its own camp and retreat facility. We see this as a literal investment in the lives of many children, teens and adults for years to come. Our desire is that God would use such a facility to provide a positive environment where spiritual fruit will be produced in the lives of the youth, adults and families. We ask for prayers that the Almighty God will direct our decisions and our search, and that His will be done.

You can donate online to the Youth Camp Facility fund through our donation page at donate.ucg.org or send a check with “Youth Camp Facility” written in the memo line. All donations are tax-exempt and you will receive a receipt at the end of the tax year. We thank you for your prayers and support in this endeavor!