ABOUT CASCADES
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WELCOME TO A PLACE OF WONDER AND DISCOVERY IN CHRIST
As a nonprofit camping ministry, Cascades Camp and Conference Center has helped people of all ages open their hearts to experience new life in Christ. With its pristine beauty and peaceful, protected setting in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, children and adults alike can take a break from the struggles of everyday life, find hope, and renew their faith in Jesus Christ.
Built upon the vision and faith of previous generations, Cascades has provided a rich spiritual environment where countless people have enjoyed life-changing experiences since 1989. Children have met important role models who have encouraged them and helped shape their futures, marriages have been strengthened, and through the ministry opportunities available at Cascades, many have chosen to dedicate their lives to serving the Lord full-time.
Developed on nearly 1,000 acres of Western Washington wilderness, Cascades offers lush green forests, lakefront enjoyment, and breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Spring-fed Elbow Lake is ideal for canoeing and swimming, while the Nisqually River, with its origins from the Nisqually Glacier on Mt. Rainier, offers excellent fishing and river rafting.
Located 25 miles east of Olympia and Interstate 5, near Yelm, Washington, Cascades offers year-round retreat facilities only an hour and a half drive from Seattle, and a two hour drive from Portland, Oregon. It’s a convenient weekend retreat destination from many Washington and Oregon locations.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE VALUES
Our mission is to share the love of Christ with campers and guests through the wonder of creation and recreation.
Our core values provide us with the overall direction for our ministry and our program:
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Transformation | Fostering spiritual growth and personal development.
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Human Dignity | Honoring the image of God in all people.
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To stretch the field of interest of each camper through opportunities for development of new skills and group activities.
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Partnerships | Curating partnerships based on our mission, vision, and values.
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Sustainability | Stewarding our resources for generations to come.
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Wonder and Discovery | Inviting play, rest, wonder, and exploration.
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Our Story | Sharing the legacy of faith: Cascades past, present, and future.
WHAT GOES ON IN THE SUMMER MONTHS?
Get ready for a jam-packed summer! You'll experience all of your favorite programming, including Rainier Kids Day Camp, Primary Camp, Brightwood Station, Camp Timber Rock, Sunrise Farms Camp, and the S.A.L.T. Program! By working on summer staff at Cascades, you’ll have the chance to support all of these programs while simultaneously hosting a wide variety of guest groups renting our facilities.
Rainier Kids Day Camp hosts first through sixth-grade students from our local Yelm area. Kids come and “get away” to camp five days a week and have tons of fun playing games, singing goofy songs at Jubilation, exploring the outdoors, and learning more about God.
Brightwood Station is a railroad-themed camp that hosts hundreds of elementary-aged campers each summer. These campers experience traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, archery, and worship, and draw inspiration from God revealed through counselors and staff.
Camp Timber Rock welcomes hundreds of middle school-aged campers each summer who laugh, swim, and play all week. They are challenged by the truth of God’s word, inspirational speakers, and meaningful Bible studies. They also witness Christ’s love lived out in counselors and staff.
Sunrise Farms Camp offers a rustic, hands-on adventure where campers grow, explore, and care for the animals and crops at Sunrise Farms. Guided by trained counselors, campers learn creation-care skills, build friendships, and experience the rhythms of farm life in a fun, supportive environment. Daily worship, Bible study, and chapel times help campers see God at work in the world around them, making each day both exciting and meaningful.
The S.A.L.T. Program invites high school students into an intense, hands-on discipleship experience modeled after Jesus' servant-leader example. They get to experience life behind the scenes at Cascades while growing through Bible studies, mentoring younger campers, and creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
Family Camps for children and adults of all ages provide exciting recreation, motivating speakers, and a sense of belonging to the family of God.
The Conference Center hosts over 7,600 guests year-round. These guests are groups of people from various Christian churches and organizations, mainly from the Pacific Northwest. Cascades seeks to provide the very best in lodging, dining, and recreational facilities to these groups through our camp host and staff.