Summer Camp 2025 Information
At Camp Arnold, we want our campers to experience God in everything they do. 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. Many of our campers make lifelong friends from their time at Camp Arnold.
We offer several camp sessions lasting from three to eight days for children of various ages. Your child will be supervised by caring on-site counselors who have been pre-screened with reference checks as well as a criminal background check.
We offer three types of camping experiences for children ranging in age from six to sixteen which include; residential camps, day camps and teen wilderness camps. The three camping experiences we offer are listed below, click on the links for more information about each. If you’re not able to find the information you need on this page please click on the Information button below:
Timberlake
This traditional resident summer camp program, Timberlake, offered at Camp Arnold involves, on average, 180 campers per session. The campers are housed in modern cabins which include in-cabin bathrooms. Each child is assigned a cabin group based on their age. Each cabin group is comprised of an average of eight campers, with one counselor and other staff members. At Camp Arnold we are proud to say that all of our Timberlake programs boast a 1 to 4 adult staff to camper ratio, this number becomes even lower during our Sr. Music Camp, Jr. Music/SAY Camp, Musical Theater Camp and our Jr. Adventure Camp when more instructors from The Salvation Army come to help with the programs.
ACTIVITIES at Timberlake include things like (not all activities are available every week): Swimming, field games, the Giant Swing, arts and crafts, slip and slide, archery, basketball, Zip Line (limited availability for youth campers), hiking, campfires, chapel, Climbing Wall, soccer, skits and songs, canoeing, and more. Some activities will require signing a liability release during the registration process.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
| 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/
Camp Arnold Dismissal Policy
To provide a safe and enjoyable environment that reflects Christian values, certain guidelines must be followed. If, for any reason, your child’s behavior is considered detrimental to the other campers or to the camp, he or she will be dismissed. You are responsible for providing transportation in the unlikely event of this disciplinary dismissal. Please note that no refund will be given for that weekly session.
How can I register my Child for a Timberlake Program?
NON-LOCAL PARENTS
Camp Arnold is owned and operated by The Salvation Army (TSA). Each Salvation Army church (we call them “Corps), or program, sets tuition based upon a parent’s ability to pay, and local fundraising efforts available. Most registrations for summer camp are handled through the local Salvation Army Corps (Churches) and Service Extension units (Salvation Army Service Extension units are located across the state in areas where there are no Salvation Army churches or other programs).
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 (click the button that says “Locations” in the upper right corner).
LOCAL PARENTS – For more information on sending your kids locally click <HERE>
Local parents, those who are transporting their youth to camp themselves, can sign up through Camp Arnold. Use the links you will find below on this page for REQUEST SCHOLARSHIP (if you are unable to pay the full price of $500/camper) or REGISTER MY LOCAL CAMPER. Or, for more general information you can click the link above to go the our Local Families page, or click on the Request Information button below.
ALL CAMPERS – ALL AREAS
In order to reserve a spot for your child to attend summer camp, you will be asked to complete an online application which inlcudes printing out a packet to read and sign at the end. You’ll bring those printed/signed materials to the location where you will be transporting the campers (or to Camp Arnold if you are transporting your camper yourself). Each Salvation Army unit reserves a certain number of spots for campers which typically fill up fast.
Completed 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.
Please call us at (253) 847-2511 for more information, to have your question answered, or for help finding a local Salvation Army Church or Program.
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:
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):
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 |
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.
Day Camp (Ages 7 – 12)
Information and rates below only pertain to Day Camp
Day Camp is for kids ages 7 – 12. Every week during the summer at Camp Arnold we host a Day Camp for the local children. This camp runs along side our resident camp programs and offers campers the chance to experience the camp atmosphere while still being able to return home for the evening. Each day is packed full of fun events that give campers the chance to play and have fun, but also experience God through chapel sessions and the great outdoors.
In order to reserve a spot for your camper to attend Day Camp, you will need to first pre-register them using the link below, pay a $25 per week registration fee and then complete an online application as soon as possible. Spots are given on a first come basis. In the event that a week fills, your camper may be put on a waiting list. Please contact our office at (253) 847-2511 for more information. Spots typically fill up fast.
The packet linked to below contains paperwork that needs to be filled out, signed, and brought to camp with your camper.
2025 Rates Dates and Rates
(Rates include extended hours, breakfast, lunch, and snacks)
*Registration
*per week, per child
*1st Child
*2nd Child
*3rd Child +
*to qualify for discounts
Hours
Drop Off Times
Pick Up Times
Late Pick Up Fees Will Apply after 6:00 p.m.
- Please remember that only approved persons, with proper ID, may pick children up from camp.
- It is best to provide written permission, in advance, to authorize someone to pick up your camper. Unless you tell us otherwise we will allow the person dropping a camper off to provide information on who may pick them up.
- Camp will assume, unless told otherwise, that a person dropping off a camper may also pick them up.
- If children need to be picked up early (prior to 5:30), please let the staff know at drop off, so your child will be ready. Children must be picked up by an authorized person.
Discipline Policy
To provide a safe and enjoyable environment that reflects Christian values, certain guidelines must be followed. If, for any reason, your child’s behavior is considered detrimental to the other campers or to the camp, he or she will be dismissed. You are responsible for providing transportation in the unlikely event of this disciplinary dismissal. Please note that no refund will be given for that weekly session.
Important Information
| A Typical Day | |
|---|---|
| 6:30-8:30 | Arrival (games, Lego’s, puzzles, etc.) |
| 7:45-8:00 | Assembly |
| 8:00-8:30 | Breakfast |
| 8:30-9:30 | Team Time (group activities) |
| 9:30-10:30 | Elective |
| 10:30-11:30 | Chapel |
| 11:30-11:45 | Bathroom Break |
| 11:45-12:00 | Assembly |
| 12:00-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-2:00 | Pool |
| 2:00-3:00 | Summer Reading/Quiet Time/Snack |
| 3:00-4:00 | Team Time |
| 4:00-6:00 | Free Time & Pick-up |
Programming
Hours
Drop off will begin at 6:30 am and continue until 8:30 am
Pick up will begin at 4:00 pm and continue until 6:00 pm
Children must be picked up before 6:00 pm or late fees will be charged accordingly
Late Arrival
If you are running behind please call ahead so we know that you are still coming and then check-in at the front office. However we would ask that to the best of your ability you arrive between 6:30am and 8:30am.
Late Pick-Up Fees
(Late fees begin at 6:01 pm)
1-10 minutes = $5
11-30 minutes = $10
31-45 minutes = $20
Every 15 minutes thereafter = $10
Late fees are due at the time of pick-up via check or cash. A receipt will be given.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided for your child if they are with us at those meal times. We do everything we can to meet any special dietary needs your child may have. In severe cases you may be asked to provide/supplement our meal service with food more appropriate and/or safe for your child’s needs. Our Chef, Tyler, will be happy to work with you to come up with the best possible solution.
Canteen (Camp Store)
Each day at Camp Arnold we have “Canteen Time”. Canteen Time allows the campers to have a choice of drinks and snacks. This is included in your fees. PLEASE DO NOT BRING MONEY FOR CANTEEN. Thank you!
Important!
If children need to be picked up between 9:00am and 4:00pm, please let the staff know at drop off, so your child will be ready.
Children must be picked up by someone authorized on the registration form. Anyone picking up your camper must bring photo ID.
The following are suggestions of what to bring to camp
Please put the name of your child on their belongings with a permanent marker.
Camp Arnold Dismissal Policy
To provide a safe and enjoyable environment that reflects Christian values, certain guidelines must be followed. If, for any reason, your child’s behavior is considered detrimental to the other campers or to the camp, he or she will be dismissed. You are responsible for providing transportation in the unlikely event of this disciplinary dismissal. Please note that no refund will be given for that weekly session.
CORE VALUES
Spiritual
Development
Emotional
Growth
Self
Esteem
Skill
Development
Friendship
Fun
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.