SESSION TYPES & DATES – 2024

SESSION INFORMATION

Camp Arnold has a variety of session types throughout the summer.  Please take time to look over the information on this page to find the best fit for your child.  Some types of sessions only happen once while others are repeated.  Please take note of the ages for each session type.  Your child must fall within these ages at the time of their visit (or be very close).
For more compete information please follow the links below.  Then be sure to return to the Parent’s Page to finish reading and learning how you can best support your child’s experience at Camp Arnold.
For local families:
Youth and Teen Overnight Programming:
Leadership/Discipleship Programs:

Discovery Camp

Ages 8-12

Discovery 1 – SPLASH WEEK! June 28-July 2 (Sat.-Wed.)
Discovery 2 – HEROES WEEK July 14-18
Discovery 3 – COLOR WARS July 28-Aug 1

Discovery Camps are the staple camps at Camp Arnold, running many weeks of the summer and offering a host of exciting activities and clubs (classes/activities the campers choose) for the campers to enjoy. Discovery Camp sessions last five days, beginning on Monday and ending on Friday. Campers in this program range in age from 8 to 12 and are split up into older and younger units. This year each week will have a fun theme, as noted above.  Come for Splash Week, Heroes Week, or Color Wars Week for some special thematic fun and dress ups. Our overall summer theme is “Shine Bright” based on Psalm 27:1 – each week we will combine the overall theme with the weekly theme (shown above with the dates) for chapels and special activities, games and dress ups.  We host chapel sessions that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give our campers the opportunity to learn more about who God is.

Senior Music and Arts Camp

Junior Music and Arts Camp

Ages 8-17

Senior Worship and Arts Camp July 5-12
Junior Worship and Arts Camp July 7-12

Senior Worship and Arts Camp (ages 12-17) begins a eight days of intense learning, growing, and fun for ages 12-17!  Two days later, on Monday, our Junior campers (ages 8-11) will join the fun for six days of music. Campers will be able to choose classes in music (brass, piano, guitar, ukulele, etc.) and arts (dance, painting, etc.) packaged as majors and electives. In addition to music and arts classes, campers will be given tools to practically live out their faith, grow deeper in Christ, or, perhaps for the first time, come to know Jesus, and to know that with Christ, anything is possible. An end of the week performance will showcase all they have learned. Come and be part of Senior Music & Arts Camp 2025.

Discovery Teen Camp

Ages 13-16

Teen Camp – COLOR WARS! July 21-25

Discovery  Teen Camp is programmed specifically for teenagers and will offer a host of exciting activities and workshops for them to enjoy. Discovery Teen Camp will last five days, beginning on Monday and ending on Friday. Campers in this program range in age from 13 to 16 and are split up into cabins and units based on their age. The Campers spend their days continuously engaged in activities like canoeing, swimming, archery and climbing the rock wall. This year our overall summer theme is “SHINE BRIGHT” and our weekly theme for Teen Camp is COLOR WARS! Every day we host chapel sessions that proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give our campers the opportunity to learn more about who God is.

Pee Wee Camp

Ages 6-7

Pee Wee Camp 1 July 21-23
Pee Wee Camp 2 July 23-25

Camp Arnold’s Jr. Adventure Camp happens once every summer and is designed as a transition into camping for younger children ages 6 and 7. The program runs for 3 days and 2 nights, which gives the children the opportunity to go to camp but reduces the chances of homesickness. The staff that work with these children are specially chosen from our counselor ranks and show aptitude towards caring for the needs of younger children. For the few days that the children are at camp they will take part in a full day of water games, spend time in the craft house, go for short hikes and learn about nature and even attend chapel sessions tailored to their needs. This is an exciting opportunity for your child to see just how much fun they can have at camp!

Musical Theater Camp

Ages 11-17

Musical Theater Camp* July 14-19 (Mon-Sat)

Back again after a great performance of The Little Mermain in 2024, Musical Theater Camp 2025 will feature another, yet to be determined, popular musical. Campers will be able to take part in either the performance (on stage) track or the tech (off stage) track. There’s a lot to pack in so come ready to go!!! Auditions for main parts (Ariel, Ursula, and Prince Eric) will be held prior to camp. If interested, please contact john.opina@usw.salvationarmy.org for more information. For youth ages 11-17. Spots are limited to 20 so get signed up before it’s too late!

S.A.Y.

Ages 8-16

Salvation Army Youth Camp – HEROES WEEK July 14-18

Camp Arnold’s SAY camp is our one week camp specifically for those youth who attend various Salvation Army scouting programs.  Many of our SAY Campers either attend a Salvation Army Corps, or are members of a Salvation Army Youth Group – althought everyone is welcome to attend!  During the week the youth have the opportunity to grow in their faith, learn more about God, earn badges for their scouting programs, and develop new friendships.  They will also have a fun, exciting week experiencing new activities and God in a new way. This year overall summer theme is “Shine Bright” based on Psalm 27:1.  For SAY week we will combine the overall theme with the weekly theme of HEROES for chapels and special activities, games and dress ups.

Girls 2023
SPARKS! (Age 13 only) July 28-Aug 1

Sparks! is a hybrid program with participants spending a portion of their week as campers, participating in the regular summer program, and a portion of their week serving, learning and growing through specific programming and opportunities.  Sparks! participants will have in-depth Bible study times, they will help serve in different areas of camp, they will assist in some programming, and they will have opportunities to just have fun.  Sparks! is a small group of only 8-10 youth each summer.

As a part of our Leadership Pipeline the Sparks! participants will be in a great position to apply for our Ignite! Program the following summer.

To join Sparks! this summer visit the following page to learn more and access an application: https://tsacamparnold.org/sparks-program/

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 (possible activities the teens will enjoy):

  • 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.

2025 Adventure Camp Dates

Tahoma Adventure Week 1  June 28-July 2 (Sat.-Wed.)
Tahoma Adventure Week 2 July 7-11
Tahoma Adventure Week 3 July 28-Aug 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

CAMP IS FUN!

One of our most important objectives at Camp Arnold is fun!  Campers will be participating in a lot of activities over the course of the week.  There will be learning opportunities, spiritual awakenings, problem solving opportunities, and much more.  The main thing we want to provide is a chance to just have fun, all over camp, in most everything we do.

ACTIVITIES AT CAMP

Camp Arnold is on over 660 acres.  Our property inludes meadows, forests, wetlands, a lake, and some pretty fun program areas.  Depending on the age of the camper, and which camp they are here for, they may be participating in:  archery, canoeing, swimming, hiking, human foosball, group games, clubs (fun classes that they choose), Archery Tag, Challenge Course element (high ropes and low ropes), spending a night sleeping outside, campfires, chapels, cabin devos, camp wide games, and more.

PHONE CALLS AT CAMP

Because we want your child to experience camp to the fullest without distractions, we do not encourage phone calls or visits during the camp session (excluding emergencies, or other approved circumstances). Phone calls and visits often spark homesickness in your our campers. However, we do encourage you to send your child mail while they are at camp.  If it is important that you speak with your camper/s we limit camper calls to one time a day at mealtimes (Approximately 8AM, 12:30PM, and 5:30PM).  We ask that calls last no longer than 10 minutes. This timeframe is necessary to meet the needs of all our campers and staff, as well as maintaining a positive experience for all. If you or your camper need more time then this, overnight camp might not be the right fit for your family at this time. Please note that, if your child becomes homesick, and wants to talk to you, we will make sure to get them on the phone.

MAIL AT CAMP

To send a letter or postcard please use the following mailing address:
Camper’s Name
C/O Camp Arnold
33412 Webster Rd. E.
Eatonville, WA  98328

We advise if you are sending mail to send it a day or two before your child arrives to be certain the letter/s arrive in time.  You can even send several letters in a large envelope – just write which day/s you’d like us to give each letter to your camper.

CAMPER EMAIL

Your camper will enjoy receiving notes and encouragement from their loved ones while they are at camp. A member of the office team will print, and hand deliver your message to your kids each time you send a note (typically at dinner time). For logistical reasons the campers will not be able to respond through email. We will deliver all emails the same day if received before 3:00pm.

CAMP VISITS

We would love for you to bring your camper up for a visit and tour prior to their session at camp.  Please use the link below to arrange a time to tour camp with them.  They’ll see the program areas and cabins – and we’ll be able to answer all their (and your) questions.  We do not recommend, or allow, visits while your child is attending camp.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR CAMP

Whether this is your child’s first visit to Camp or they are a veteran camper, the experience can be an adventure and a memory of a lifetime. We have developed this webpage for you, the parent, in order to give you more information about our camp and to help you prepare your child. Any trip away from home can potentially be scary for a child. Below are a few suggestions from Christian Camping and Conference Association that may help get your child ready for Camp.

  1. Talk about the activities they may be doing at Camp: swimming, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, boating, and sleeping out. Let them know that there are adults who will be watching over them and helping them through the activities.
  2. Decide what to pack (and mark all their clothing!). Go through the list of clothing suggestions and get them ready together. Make sure they have sneakers and socks. For the younger child it is a good idea to pack each day’s clothing together in a group so that they know what to wear.
  3. Prepare the postage. Send stamped and addressed postcards with them so they can easily send notes home.
  4. Sidestep the separation. Focus on the stories they will be able to tell when they arrive home. It’s best not to suggest that your camper can call home if they get homesick.  In the event of homesickness, our staff will do all they can to redirect and help your camper. Rest assured that, if the homesickness is persistent or causing excessive sadness, we will contact you to find the best solution.
  5. Send a letter. Everyone likes to get mail. It makes them feel important. Mail it even before your child leaves home (Pro tip – you can send several letters in a large envelope marked with which day we should give each letter to your camper).
  6. Celebrate the homecoming. Plan a special dinner for the evening he/she returns and make a welcome home sign.  Let them know this is happening so they can look forward to it!
MONEY AT CAMP

During the week, your child will not have a need for any money. Daily snacks, in addition to regular meals, are already part of your child’s camp experience. Your child will also be sent home with a Camp Arnold t-shirt. We also provide all crafts and activities as part of our regular summer program.  All money, if sent with the camper, will be collected on first days, kept in our safe, and be returned to them before they go home.

STANDARDS & CARE

CORE VALUES

Spiritual
Development

Emotional
Growth

Self
Esteem

Skill
Development

Friendship

Fun

ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND SAFETY AT CAMP

Camp Arnold is an accredited member of the American Camping Association. The ACA’s mission is to enrich the lives of children, youth and adults through the camp experience. They do this by establishing a set of safety standards to improve and value the safety of children in all camp programming. Camp Arnold is proud to uphold these high standards across every possible aspect of camp to ensure your children will have the best possible time while they are at Camp.
Click here for more information.

EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON

In the case of illness or injury it may become necessary for the child to leave camp early. Please be sure that the names and phone numbers for your emergency contacts are correct and in operation. In the event that we cannot reach the parent, this information becomes extremely important. If you will be out of town during your child’s visit, please provide the camp with the phone number of an adult that can help transport your child home if it becomes necessary.

COMPLETING THE MEDICAL FORM

Be sure to complete all areas of the health history.  It is important that the parental release is signed so your child may be treated by a physician or hospital in the case of emergency. No child will be allowed to stay on the campgrounds without the release being signed. Any special diet or activity restrictions should be identified on the form. Please complete the medical form in its entirety.  (Please note that biological gender is required on the medical form).

SICKNESS OR INJURY WHILE AT CAMP

If your camper gets sick or is injured while at Camp Arnold our staff will be sure to contact you for direction.  We don’t typically call home for every scrape or bump, but rest assured that our health team will be in contact with you for any significant cuts, scrapes or bruises; fevers, cold/flu symptoms, chronic tummy problems; and certainly any injuries or sickness that may require the camper to be transported.  We will check the list of OTC medications that you have allowed us to dispense and we will not provide any unapproved medications to your camper, without first calling and receiving your permission.  In the unlikely case of a serious accident or injury you will be notified as soon as possible – our first priority will be to stabilize and transport your camper.  We realize how important the care of your camper is to you and we want you to feel confident with our level of care and response.  Please feel free to call the Director for a chat if you have any questions (Jeff 253-847-2511).

EARLY DEPARTURE

All campers, whether being picked up early or at the end of the session, will only be released to the parent/guardian that is listed on the Camper Application.  If another person will be picking them up you must provide a written note, preferably at drop-off, stating who they may be released to.  We may call to confirm the note is legitimate.  Please plan to show photo identification when you come to camp (please inform any friends or family that may come pickup your child that they must be able to show valid proof of their identify – e.g., State or Federal ID.  Any adult picking a child up must also be on the paperwork that was submitted when you registered your camper – or shown on a note provided by that parent/guardian).

IF A CAMPER IS TAKING PRESCRIBED MEDICATION…
  • Each medication must be brought to camp in the original prescription bottle/container. This includes all medications (e.g., asthma inhaler package/boxes, epi-pens, etc.).
  • The physician’s instructions (dosages/times of administration) must be clearly marked on the prescription bottle/container. Dispensing pharmacy phone numbers must be legible on the prescription bottle. This should agree with the dosage written on the Medical Information Form.  Our Health Care Managers may only dispense medications using the dosages and times shown on the original prescription container.
  • Medication administration times are breakfast/lunch/dinner/and bedtime. Please ensure your camper brings a sufficient amount of medications to last the entire camp period.
  • Detailed medication information should be written legibly on the Medical Information Form. This includes medication name, dosage, and times when medication is to be administered.
CAMP ARNOLD VALUES

Spiritual Development – Camp Arnold stresses the primacy of spiritual values. This does not necessarily imply a formal religious pattern but rather accents the personal presence of Jesus Christ as a day-to-day living experience. Awakening to the reality that we are absolutely loved by a Creator God, fully and unconditionally, can be a life-changing perspective.  Camp Arnold will use chapel times, campfire devotions, cabin conversations, and creation care moments, to reflect the person and nature of Jesus as best we can.

Friendship – We will provide guided opportunities to develop social skills and friendships. Studies have revealed the depth and significance of friendships in people’s lives.  It is our desire that kids would make friends at camp using shared experiences, meaningful communication, fun and interactive games and activities, and daily opportunities to interact with new people.

Social – Emotional Growth – Campers will meet other campers from a variety of cultures, social circles, economic backgrounds, and belief systems.  Whether as a cabin group, or group of mixed individuals, they will be empowered to discuss activities that benefit the group as a whole. Using these group dynamics, we will strive to help campers become more self-aware, assist them in learning to self-lead, and move them toward better social awareness.

Self-Esteem – Camp provides a safe environment to try new experiences. When campers encounter new challenges and do well, they feel better about themselves. When they don’t do well, it provides opportunity, in a safe place, to build resilience and persistence.  With positive camp instructors cheering them on self-esteem grows no matter the result.

Skill Development – Studies have shown that time spent in nature can be restorative and healthy.  It can help unclutter the brain, bring a sense of calm, and decreases feelings of negativity.  This helps make Camp Arnold a great place for campers to develop new skills as they try and learn new things.  Whether they are painting, making a decorative frame, or playing a problem solving game with their cabin , campers will have opportunities to learn new things about themselves, the world around them, and their place in the world.

Fun – The wrap-around objective for almost everything we do is to keep it fun!  Play has been shown to improve children’s abilities to plan, organize, get along with others and regulate emotions.  If we can keep things fun and playful campers are more likely to be successful and enjoy each moment and activity.  Camp Arnold will be intentional to incorporate fun into everything

GOALS FOR CAMPERS
  • Spiritual – camper learns at least one new truth about God and His relationship with us.
  • Friendship – camper makes a new friend that they didn’t know before coming to camp.
  • Social-Emotional Growth – camper has been observed to show empathy and has engaged positively in group activities.
  • Self-Esteem – camper, through showing good, or improved, behavior and a “keep trying” attitude, has demonstrated a belief in themselves.
  • Skill Development – camper has created or learned something new while at camp.
  • Fun – lots of smiles are seen throughout the week.

REGISTRATION & FORMS

FORMS, MAP AND ARTICLES

The form below will help give you guidance on what your camper should (and shouldn’t) bring to camp.  **Make sure to mark all the clothing and items that you send!

Take a look at some of the benefits of sending your child to camp.  From the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA).

In the map of camp below you will see “Mountain Cabins” and the “Fir Grove” cabins.  These are the cabins used for campers in the summer.

Lloyd Mattson, author, pastor and camp director, has written an article on the “Benefits of a Week Outdoors”.  Unsure if camp is the right place for your child this summer?  Read on…

Information regarding the benefits of camp from the American Camping Association.  Lot’s of great information is available on their website.

Below is the parent packet that you have an opportunity to print and sign after finishing the online registration process.  If you haven’t registered yet – feel free to browse the forms.  If you’ve already registered please remember your camper MUST bring signed copies of these forms to the location where you will drop them off.

Parents Today article about the benefits of a week away at overnight camp.