1 min read
Playing fun games. Cooling off in the water. Making crafts. Trying something new. Forming friendships. Oh, summer camp.
As many people look back on their childhood summers, some of the most cherished memories come from camp experiences. Kids return home full of stories about the fun they’ve had and the new things they’ve tried. They treasure the newfound independence and sense of adventure that camp provides. At UGM, our hope is that Campers leave with lasting relationships with caring adults, trusted friends, and ultimately, Jesus Christ.
This summer, we proudly cut the ribbon on the Crandell Adventure Course, which has been eagerly anticipated for the past year. Kids are finally enjoying the Course and loved sharing about it:
“I learned to trust my cabin and they helped me cross the rope on the Adventure Course.”
– Ivory
“I learned to listen to other peoples’ ideas.”
– Jayden
“I learned the people you love matter the most.”
– Gabe
The Crandell Adventure Course offers an incredible opportunity for kids to deepen friendships, communicate effectively, and build self-confidence. It was made possible by a generous legacy gift from Dan and Ruth Crandell, who became Legacy Partners by including UGM in their estate plans.
As school teachers in the Spokane community, Dan and Ruth Crandell had hearts for children and their struggles.
After Ruth's passing, Dan wanted to create a legacy for future generations and began partnering with UGM. As the relationship grew, he learned of UGM Camp's mission to serve underprivileged youth. Today, we see his dreams come to life as kids flourish on the Course.
"Dan's heart was to provide a new amenity to their UGM Camp experience, which each child would remember and take home with them. The Course provides unique trust- and team-building elements. We are extremely grateful to have this wonderful adventure course up and running,” shared Gwen Schwartz, Director of Legacy and Gift Planning.
Legacy gifts like the Crandells’ help us expand our services across the Inland Northwest. Without the support of our community, this would not be possible. Thank you.
To learn more about legacy giving at UGM, contact Gwen Schwartz,
Director of Legacy and Gift Planning, at 509.536.3797 or gwen.schwartz@uniongospelmission.org.
2 min read
The 2025 Life Recovery commencees have journeyed through deep valleys of struggle and hardship. Yet, with resilience and grace, they have emerged...
4 min read
Chrystin struggled with alcoholism for sixteen years before entering UGM’s recovery program. “I felt so defeated and was lying in bed, drinking, just...
3 min read
At Union Gospel Mission, we understand that meeting urgent needs—food, shelter, medical care, and job training—is just the beginning. These are the...
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director : September 12, 2024
What Camp Sponsorships Provide This summer, friends like you helped provide a safe, loving environment for underprivileged children in our community....
Laughs and tears are shared as Jerry and Stephanie Belden recount years of following Jesus together. They are passionate about supporting Union...
Union Gospel Mission : September 2, 2016
UGM Camp is over for the summer, but it's worth ruminating on those marvelous eight weeks a little longer. (Unfortunately, the last week of camp was...
