by Hayley Smart, Interim Camp Youth and Young Adults Program Coordinator
Summer camp at Loch Leven is a sacred and unique place for our children and youth, and mid-July marked the end of a truly wonderful 2025 camp season. Each year around this time, looking back at the summer, after all the final numbers and evaluations and debriefs, we realize anew that there is so much about the camp experience that cannot be quantified--and this year was no different.
First to enumerate what can be quantified, though: this summer the program continued on the upward trajectory it has tracked since we returned to camp in person post-lockdown. Enrollment grew for almost all age groups, and in three weeks of camp we were ultimately blessed to serve a total of 136 campers representing 27 congregations across the Pacific Southwest and Arizona Regions. Our inter-regional partnership has resulted in Arizona Disciples constituting a quarter of adult volunteers and nearly half of youth registrants, fostering young friendships and long-term ties between our regions.
Speaking of adults, the camp programming at Loch Leven is planned and implemented entirely by volunteers. We are grateful for the incredible generosity of the 48 adults--directors, counselors, clergy, musicians, and medical staff--who gave of their time this summer to create a safe and special environment for our campers. Two of our volunteers even received training as Level 2 archery instructors in order to offer our older campers the opportunity to learn a very traditional summer camp skill! We are always looking for more volunteers, so if you feel called to participate or just want to learn more, we encourage you to let us know you're interested here.
We are also proud to report that several significant facilities projects have been completed or are underway at Loch Leven. Inspiration Point, which for decades has been many campers' favorite place at camp, has been restored with durable permanent benches and a new cross. An old shed is being converted into a cold room, which will provide both relief from rising summer temperatures and a much-needed additional indoor meeting space. There are many more projects on the horizon intended to keep camp safe, comfortable, and fun for the next generation of campers. We invite you to take the time to check out some of these improvements when you next visit Loch Leven. If you feel inspired by our progress, please consider making a contribution to continue the work; it is only possible through the generosity of people like you investing in the future of outdoor ministry.
As for what cannot be measured: fellowship and faith formation remained at the core of the camp experience. Through daily devotionals, peer-led worship, team-building activities, and simply spending time together in nature, campers engaged deeply with their spirituality and faith community. Loch Leven is a retreat from our hyper-connected lives; it was surprising to hear how many youth enjoyed leaving the internet behind for an entire week to be wholly present with their communities. In this way, they forged relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds and developed support networks they can rely on "down the mountain."
The impact of our camp program over the years is evident across the many stories of growth and transformation (including my own!) that past participants have shared. You can be a part of ensuring that Loch Leven continues to be a sacred place, and summer camp a formative experience, for children and youth in the years to come. As we look to 2026, please consider whether camp is a ministry you feel called to support--whether it be your time, talent, or treasure, we welcome you with gratitude and an unrelenting hope for the future.
