Tahoma Wilderness Camp

Ages 13-16

Tucked away in the forest surrounding Camp Arnold is a beautiful wilderness base camp. Traditional canvas tents sit on wooden platforms under the towering fir and cedar trees that shelter this camp from the outside world. It is in this setting that our Tahoma Wilderness programs take place.

These camps are set up for youth ages 13 to 16 and are purposefully designed to remove the distractions of every day life while presenting safe challenges that draw campers closer to Christ. This is done through challenge courses, outdoor skills, a day hike trip to Mt. Rainier, and small groups. Each week there is a maximum of 20 campers with 4-6 staff.

All campers taking part in the Tahoma Wilderness Program will learn how to:

  • Build Fires
  • Construct Shelters
  • Cook Outdoors
  • Tie Knots
  • Read a Compass
  • Basic Emergency Procedures

Tahoma Adventures (13-16)

Tahoma Adventures happen on the Camp Arnold’s property. Campers will engage in teambuilding experiences, learn outdoor living skills, go canoeing and hiking around the property and spend a full day at Mt. Rainier participating in a day hike on the mountain and stops at either Paradise or Longmire. This program is designed to teach outdoor living skills, create safe challenges, and give campers the opportunity to experience Christ in Creation all while maintaining the exciting feel of a summer camp.

The Week at a Glance:

  • Monday: Orientation to camp, Team Building, Swimming, Campfire
  • Tuesday: Devotions, Electives, Hiking at Camp, Scavenger Hunt, Camp Out, Night Swim, Campfire
  • Wednesday: Devotions, High Challenge Course, Electives, Swimming, Canoeing, Campfire
  • Thursday: Mount Rainier Hike!
  • Friday: Pack up and Depart

If you have a child attending or are considering sending your child to Tahoma Adventure Camp, please be advised that they will be camping outside in large tents all week. Your child will also need to be prepared for any type of weather, lots of walking, challenges and a lot of fun! This program will help them become proficient in outdoor living skills, which in turn will build in them confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and leadership.

2024 Adventure Camp Dates

Tahoma Adventure Week 1 July 1-5
Tahoma Adventure Week 2 July 8-12
Tahoma Adventure Week 3  July 15-19
Tahoma Adventure Week 4 July 29-Aug 2
Tahoma Adventure Week 5 August 5-9

How can I register my Child for a Tahoma Program?

Camp Arnold is owned and operated by The Salvation Army.  Each TSA unit (corps/SE) sets tuition based upon a parent’s ability to pay, and local fundraising efforts available.  All registrations for summer camp are handled through the local Salvation Army unit (Corps/SE).  If you are not sure how to contact your local Salvation Army, please go to the Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Website and use the Salvation Army location tool located on the top right of that site.

In order to reserve a spot for your child to attend summer camp, you will need to complete an application and return it to your local Salvation Army unit (Corps/SE) as soon as possible.  Each Salvation Army unit is allotted a certain number of spots for campers.  These allotments usually fill up fast.  Complete applications, with any required deposit, are processed first.  Once your local Salvation Army unit receives this application and deposit, they will contact you to arrange transportation to Camp Arnold.

Occasionally, Camp Arnold will register a Timberlake Camper locally. You are always welcome to give use a call at (253) 847-2511 for more information, or help finding a local TSA Unit.

Building the Youth of tomorrow

Our mission is to use the beautiful setting of our camp as a means to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach environmental awareness, encourage positive social behavior and safely provide opportunities for fun and adventure.