UGM Camp: The lasting impact of faith and friendships

Preparing for UGM Camp

The 2024 UGM Camp season will be here soon, and we are prepping in anticipation of all the children who are about to be invited into a relationship with God within a safe, loving community.

It’s been over 60 years since I attended a summer camp as a youngster, yet I still cherish those memories from my childhood. I can recall memorizing my first Bible verse, which I can still quote to this day. The competitions, the games, and the camp leader all left a lasting impression on me. In fact, it was that same camp leader who later asked me to serve on staff to minister to younger kids when I was in high school. Camp had a profound influence on my life and helped shape who I am today. 

 

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

(Psalm 78:4)

Making an Impact

Throughout the Inland Northwest, churches are investing in the lives of at-risk youth and families by partnering with Union Gospel Mission throughout the entire year. During summer break, up to 600 kids from Spokane’s low-income neighborhoods are invited by their local church to spend a week at UGM Camp. It’s a place where kids ages 8-11 can build quality friendships and experience God’s creation.

By inviting children to UGM Camp, we’re offering the opportunity for their lives to never be the same.

“For me, the most special thing about UGM camp this week has been growing closer with my friends and leaders. I feel like people now really know me & I know them…we talked about the importance of teamwork, communicating, and not giving up in life.”

– Addy, 2023 UGM camper

The Gift of Healthy Friendship

UGM Camp is so much more than a week of adventure; it’s an invitation into friendship. 

Through trust-building exercises, team sports, and a group-oriented challenge course, kids experience the power of working together. And in the evenings, cabin leaders facilitate more intimate discussions about faith, family, and struggles the campers are facing.   

 God created us for friendship. We are meant to walk alongside each other as we follow Jesus together. At Camp, kids are given the opportunity to make healthy friendships, be led by trustworthy role models, enjoy time together, and develop skills that will help them navigate future relationships.

We want every child to leave on their last day of Camp knowing that Jesus is the greatest friend they will ever have. He is the only friend who will never turn away, never change His mind, and never fail to love. 

“I have gone to UGM Camp for 8 years now, first as a camper, then as work crew,
and [then] as a leader…This camp changed my life…Thank you so much for donating and supporting this camp. Know that you are making a difference in these kids’ lives.”

– Levi, former camper and leader

Sponsor a Child for $152 

Each year, kids rely on the generosity of community members like you to cover the full cost of Camp, ensuring that the experience and all necessary items will be provided at no cost to them. If you’re interested in sponsoring a UGM Camper, visit www.uniongospelmission.org/camp-sponsor. Sponsorships are $152, but gifts of all sizes make a difference.

Because we accept no government funding, we are able to teach the good news of Jesus every day. Offering a week at summer camp is amazing, but the real gift is the lasting impact of caring, trustworthy adults and a relationship with Christ.

Together, let’s pray over these young lives. That generation after generation will be transformed by His great love.