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
At this year's Life Recovery Commencement, the UGM community had the joy of celebrating men and women who completed their recovery journey. The...
6 min read
From 2001 to 2026 This year, Union Gospel Mission of the Inland Northwest celebrates 75 years of changing lives in our communities. Over the years,...
1 min read
Phil Altmeyer, Executive Director, Leanne White, Content and Communications Specialist: June 4, 2026
In the 1980s, I was part of Campus Crusade, a ministry working with students—future leaders—on a college campus, believing they'd make an impact on...
1 min read
Laughs and tears are shared as Jerry and Stephanie Belden recount years of following Jesus together. They are passionate about supporting Union...
1 min read
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....
1 min read
Union Gospel Mission : May 16, 2018
Siblings Caden and Teryn, 11 and 9, had never been to summer camp before they went to UGM Camp last summer – free of charge. “We wanted to send them,...
