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Longing for Community
Every year, the holiday season seems to start earlier—decorations go up and purchases are made in preparation for Christmas long before December....
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.
Opening the Crandell Adventure Course
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
Schoolteachers With Lasting Impact
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.
Legacy Gifts Coming to Life
"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.
5 min read
Holiday Ways To Give
The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread some cheer than by helping those in need? Homeless and low-income individuals...
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Gratitude in Recovery
One of UGM’s core values is Thankfulness, and this month we reflect on the pursuit of gratitude in our day-to-day lives and in the work of healing...
Wrapping Up 2024 UGM Camp: A summer of touched hearts
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....
A Lasting Partnership: The Belden’s commitment to UGM
Laughs and tears are shared as Jerry and Stephanie Belden recount years of following Jesus together. They are passionate about supporting Union...
Beyond UGM Camp: Local Churches Serve as Bridges from Camp to Home
Genevieve Gromlich, former Content and Communications Manager : August 31, 2023
Throughout Spokane's low-income neighborhoods, churches are partnering with UGM Youth Outreach to reach kids growing up in challenging circumstances,...