Silver serving

(Above): Heavenly setting: canoeing on Port Susan Bay, Puget Sound (WA), is one of many incredible opportunities for nature-lovers who come to Warm Beach Christian Camp. (Below): The Warm Beach Vaulters are the largest competitive equestrian gymnastics team in the Northwest.

Warm Beach Christian Camps & Conference Center celebrated its silver anniversary — 50 years of offering individuals and families an incredibly beautiful backdrop for their outdoor adventures and special times with God.

Known less formally as Warm Beach Christian Camp, the Stanwood, WA, acreage serves the FM denomination and beyond, “meeting the needs of today’s people,” according to long-time spokesman Pat Patterson.

Examples of popular ministries at the camp include Men’s Advance (attended this year by 400 — 40 of whom gave their lives to Christ) and a mid-February couples retreat (where 150 couples got a fresh look at marriage).

In developing ministries, “We see where God’s working, what He cares about, who He’s reaching,” says Patterson. One area: disenfranchised kids. Warm Beach offers full and partial scholarships and works with 26 organizations and agencies to make outreach to these children a special part of its summer ministries. “They’re loved on, and get to hear the gospel in a beautiful outdoor setting,” says Patterson. The traditional camping experience for kids welcomes nearly 600 each summer, half of them on scholarships.

Warm Beach Christian Camp also partners with local families to offer “special friends” day camps for young people “outside” the school system — those living in group homes and such. These youths enjoy climbing, swimming, singing and horseback riding.

Warm Beach Vaulters, a 40-member equestrian vaulting team (gymnastics on horseback) evolved from the camp’s ever-popular horseback riding ministry.

An 11-year tradition at the camp, the Lights of Christmas features over a million lights and draws up to 50,000 visitors annually, some 2,000 attending a six-course dinner theater in the main dining room; many choose to stay overnight at the camp as well.

Extending its reach ever further, in 2007, Warm Beach teamed up with the FM church in Burundi, Africa, to offer a pilot camping program for widows and children. “It’s just another opportunity for the church and camp to reach out with Jesus’ love,” says Patterson. One gets a strong sense that the next 50 years will be even more exciting and life-changing for those who get the chance to visit this incredible setting and experience its warm, everlasting hospitality. Visit www.warmbeach.com for more information.