Wilderness Northwest Blog

Don’t you hate it when you are out traveling and you need a restroom? So you stop at the next service station – rush in – and then see “the sign”…Closed! Out of Order. As you rush out, your mind says to stop and tell the manager what you think of his service, but the pressure of the moment compels you to move along and seek another open facility. It can be a real letdown when you depend on something or someone to help out and then they don’t.
Well some folks may feel a bit like that towards WNW when we announce that Day Camp 2009 is temporarily suspended as we cut back on programs for the year. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision to make.
We held our first WNW Day Camp in 1980. About 20 campers came. Our mission was to establish a fun and challenging outdoor program that would teach campers the marvelous truths of a Creator/Savior. Last year some 35 volunteer staff served over 70 campers at Day Camp. We were hoping to celebrate our 30th year this summer, but instead are facing a self-imposed reduction in programs offered.
There are multiple reasons why, and I will try to explain:
1. We have not generated enough volunteer support during the last 3 years to keep the camp maintenance up to a safe and usable level. In other words, a lot of stuff is broken down. We had a couple of great work parties last year that accomplished much, but we have a lot of work left to do. The only prayer request Jesus ever made was for laborers for the kingdom. He must have known how difficult it is to find time for the menial tasks of ministry.
2. We began Phase I: Restoration & Rebuilding about 3 years ago and must accomplish the majority of the repair needs before we can continue to Phase II: Enhancing/Enlarging our Borders…such as the shower house. We are currently looking into the hiring of part-time workers to help meet these goals.
3. We desperately need to upgrade our overnight accommodations to attract and sustain enough of today’s families/churches to keep us desirable and operational. People don’t like to rough it as much anymore.
4. We have been operating on a $23-25,000. annual budget provided by a small, but loyal group of regular donors. We are very grateful for the sacrificial giving of so few, but need to find ways to raise support for several permanent staff if we are to grow.
5. Due to a generous memorial donation from the Clark & Eva Hitchcock Estate, we are in process of designing and preparing the construction of a Restroom/shower house facility. This has been a critical part of our vision for 20 years, but clearing and construction this summer will restrict the use of some of the central area of camp. We hope to still accommodate some church groups that want to utilize the camp this summer.
We believe that all of these things are a part of God’s timing, and so we continue to plod along trusting Him to give us direction in making decisions. We ask that you pray for our executive board members as we fit together WNW plans with God’s timing and provision.
If you are interested in giving input on our development plans, I can send you a copy of our Master Site Plan in case you have ideas. Also, we will try to keep you updated on work and work parties as the season progresses. You can find current information on our blog at: http://www.wildernessnw.org.

Remember this is only a temporary inconvenience, and we will all benefit from the improvements later on. (This message also applies to those on the Olympic Peninsula for when the bridge closes on May 1st ).

30th Celebration:
We are working on plans for a 1 day celebration of our 30th year during the 3rd week of July. We will be contacting all of our known Day Campers plus family and friends for a great time of games, exploring, demonstrations, music, etc. to make sure no one forgets about us. We will send more information along later with the date and time if we can make this happen.

Financial Blessings:
We ended 2008 on quite a high note. It was the largest December giving on record with nearly $6000. in donations. While other non-profits and camps are closing due to the economic duress of the times, WNW is flourishing as never before. You should never try to outthink God, but just say thank you – because it’s all about Him and ultimately, His plan. We took our financial status as an indication to proceed with plans for our long awaited shower house. Preliminary estimates are putting the cost of the shower house at about $100,000. The journey of WNW continues and we pray that you will stay with us for the adventure.
God is never out of order and often patience is the order of the day….or decade. Endeavor to persevere – then give God the glory for what He has done and will do.

The snow has been falling, yet again, as we remember the last snow storm of December that after nearly 2 months on the ground, had not yet completely melted here in the Duckabush valley. As the inches are piling up, only 3 so far in the most recent storm, we realize there were some pictures of the last flurry that you might enjoy seeing and sharing in during the cold winter months at Wilderness Northwest.

Come join us as we walk the paths that are now silent in the snow, save a soft patter of flakes and sudden crash of a limb weighted by the snow, but full of life come summertime.

Some of the activities that are such fun in the summertime were buried in over 2 feet of snow. Archery, the craft building and the volleyball court were in such a state that rendered them almost unrecognizable to the untrained eye.

However, the next two shots, are perhaps even more unrecognizable. See if you can guess of what and where these pictures were taken…….the answers at the end of the post

Iciciles hung from buildings as the cold temperatures stayed even when the snow stopped falling.

Fishing anyone?

While fishing may be a difficult activity in this weather, snow angels are still possible to form even at depths of 2 1/2 feet.

We, at Wilderness Northwest,
hope you are all staying warm and dry this winter.

(First picture is of the fire pit at the cookhouse and the second picture is of the logs for splitting wood behind the cookhouse by the new storage shed.)

What’s the Benefit?

Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits. Psalm 68:4

A basic principle of business relationships in our society centers upon the concept of “what do I get out of the deal?” “What’s the benefit for me?” A Christian’s relationship to God is based on love, and yet the benefits received seem to be almost endless.
I know everyone has moved past thanksgiving and into the malls as we accelerate towards Christmas, but maybe we can hang onto a few thoughts of thankfulness for the many benefits of God as we near the end of 2008. I am thinking of it as a Christmas wish list-and you can add to it as you like.
I wish I could be more thankful for……..

1. The God of Creation. (Isaiah 40:28) “In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) This means that the Maker has designed me with a purpose and I am of special value created in the image of a loving and personal God. Plus, it means I’m buddies with the smartest guy in the universe! You know the phrase—- ‘it’s all about who you know’

2. The God of Faithfulness (Psalm 36:5) He never leaves or forsakes us. His faithfulness reaches to the skies.

3. The God of all Comfort. (II Corinthians 1:3) He comes along side us knowing where and how we hurt. He has great compassion on His children and really cares. That’s always a good person to have in your corner.

4. The God of Victory (I Corinthians 15:57) We have resurrection power over sin and death. We can sing a new tune (Psalm 98:1) because a supernatural power gives us a new heart to please God. That’s a really good deal!

5. The God of Love (John 3:16) Even while we were enemies of God, He gave us the “indescribable gift” of His Son, Jesus Christ. (II. Corinthians 9:15) When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son…. (Galatians 5:4) That’s the “real” Christmas benefit.

6. The God of Truth (Deuteronomy 32:4) Symbolized by the solid and immovable nature of a rock—–, God is perfect and his words are always true. We can depend on it.

7. The God of Mercy (Psalm 107:1-2) I think we can all benefit from knowing that God’s mercy is available to me in spite of what I have done.

8. God of Hope (Romans 15:13) The coming days may reveal desperate times for our nations’ economy and moral condition, but the believer can always look to tomorrow in the hope of the God of all hope. Let’s be “abounding” in 2009!

We close out 2008 very thankful for those of you who support WNW and have supported us for 28 years of ministry with your gifts, prayers, labor and volunteer staff work. I trust we have all benefited from our camp relationships. We are all especially thankful for a Creator who became incarnate that first Christmas, in order to become our Savior offering an eternal future of incredible benefits.

“Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits.”
(Psalm 103:2)

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Looking Ahead:

It has been a challenging year in 2008 to keep up progress in our plans, programs, and goals for the year. The WNW Board of Directors has been prayerfully shaping and retooling our vision for camp ministry and will be revealing those plans as we make progress in the coming months.
We still work towards completing Phase I Restoration & Rebuilding of the camp facility even through the winter months in an attempt to make camp ready for 2009. Limited resources and volunteers in 2008 have caused us to anticipate a possible reduction of available camp programs for 2009. We remain committed to do our best to maintain quality camp experiences for the future. Please pray for our plans and directions as we seek to visualize God’s desires for WNW camp ministries, and that we glorify Him in all that we do.

Jody Weed

Truck Upgrade: We were desperate for a replacement truck last
summer and the Hanna’s of Shelton, Washington responded by donating a 1993 Dodge Dakota in very good running condition. Thanks, Pat and Libby, for helping us stay operational.

We started construction on a storage shed behind the cookhouse in April and have just recently been finishing the interior.

Memorial: Marla’s mother, Dorothy Posthuma, passed away this last September. She was much loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends as reflected in the $400. of memorial gifts received by WNW.
(Obituary) Dorothy M. (Visser) Posthuma, age 88, went home to her loving Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Rest Haven Homes in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was born in Downs, Kan., on June 21, 1920, to Peter and Martha Visser, the eldest the eight children. When she was a child, her family moved to Lynden, where she received her elementary education. She put herself through high school in Chicago, graduating in 1946. She then earned a degree to teach elementary education from Calvin College, graduating in 1950, and that same year married Rev. Roger D. Posthuma, who, after 53 years of marriage, preceded her in death in 2003. Living as a pastor’s wife in Zillah, Wash.; Tucson, Ariz.; Gallup, Zuni and Albuquerque, N.M.,; and Salem, Or., Dorothy raised five children and pursued her love of teaching in Zuni and Salem as her children grew. She also enjoyed painting, working with stained glass, quilting and volunteering. In retirement she moved to Grand Rapids, where she lived for 13 years. She was a wonderful example of a godly woman, who loved to share her faith and prayed faithfully for many people over the years. “We cannot find the words to tell you how much we love, respect and admire you, Mom, and thank you for raising us in a godly home.” Dorothy is survived by her loving family: children Linda Posthuma, Ruth Posthuma, Marla (Jody) Weed, Ardith (Robert) Kruis, and Richard (Carol) Posthuma; 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Henrietta Olin and Bermice Van Dalen; brothers Bernard (Ruth) Visser, Harold (Joyce) Visser and George (Gladys) Visser; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service was held in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Monday Sept. 8. Memorials may be made to Wilderness Northwest Christian Family Camp, 1903 Duckabush Road., Brinnon, WA., 98320.

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Moose Alert: I recently made a wilderness trek to the Alaskan interior north of Fairbanks in search of the elusive moose. I joined Harley Brotherton, his daughter and son-in-law as we rafted down Birch Creek on the hunt. We eventually left the grizzly and the bull moose to live another day, but we experienced a very memorable camp adventure in the backcountry of wild Alaska.

Day Camp 2008 is finally here!!!! was the cry from the campers, staff and CIT’s alike as the third week of July got underway here at Wilderness Northwest.

It was a blessed week with 68 campers, over 30 staff and Counselors in Training, and marvelous weather.

One of the many arts and crafts projects the kids enjoyed

It was a week full of learning, activities and fun including arts and crafts projects, skills of archery obstacle courses, cooking, lessons in the Science Lab and Outdoor life.

Conquering the obstacle course climbing rope

Randy Endicott and his cooking class making Hobo Stew over the coals

Traversing the wall

Special visitors of winged friends (and their handlers) taught lessons on the spotted owl and how our spots of sin can be erased.

The CIT’s had many meetings and planned for their week of skits in which Gilligan, the Skipper and the rest of the crew and company from Gilligan’s Island went in search of “The Way”.

They called tried building boats, radios, calling for help, but found it only roused the local inhabitants of the island

More to come………..

Here at Wilderness Northwest there are many signs that summer is fast approaching eventhough the weather may not give many clues. We know that when Mrs. Edgren plants the flowers by the road sign, Day Camp is not too far away because the elk like them as well and if they are left out too long, they disappear before they can be enjoyed by passerbyers.

We know that summer is near when Timothy Edgren flies in all the way from Norway to join the work forces in preparing, planning and executing the summer camps.

He did many jobs from clean-up to digging in the aptly named “pit of despair” as the CIT’s came to call it. Thanks to Timothy, his cousin Joshua, and many of the other CIT’s that contributed, the craft building now has power that does not come via extension cord.

Timothy spent nearly a month and many hours working in camp when he was joined by the 14 other CIT’s to train and work together at the CIT retreat. This included a crash course in

drama…….


costumes……..

ping pong……..

box-hockey……

throwing frisbees from a sitting position…..

the fireman’s carry…..

balancing on the log challenges….

popsicle push-ups…..

and much much more that helped to build team-work and equip them with skills that they would need in the coming days at camp. Many thanks to all the hard workers these past few weeks and months.

Friends of Christian camping,

For those of use waiting for summer to arrive—it has. Now we just need some good weather to go with it, right?!
This year presents a significant challenge to Wilderness Northwest Camping Ministries as we are in the midst of a 2-year restoration/rebuilding program to reclaim the use, safety, and appearance of our facility. Unfortunately, with an outdoor facility, we are facing constant deterioration even as we are rebuilding. Because we operate completely as a volunteer program, this has also become a year of evaluation to determine if we can adequately continue as a volunteer organization.
In April, we experienced 2 fantastic work-parties with folks from the Brinnon Community Church and the Quilcene Bible Church. The turnout, fellowship, and potluck was great and much was accomplished. (check photos on our ‘blog’ at www.wildernessnw.org) Several other individuals have also been on site to help with various projects, but there is a lot left to do. We are down to our last month to get the camp ready for Day Camp 2008. Our quota is filled with 65 campers and the staff is making preparations to challenge the kids to boldly proclaim what they believe concerning the Creator, His creation, original sin, the failures of evolution, and the missionary message of dinosaurs. It will be a very memorable week of adventure for everyone involved.
We covet your prayer support for:
- workers to complete camp repairs
- staff preparation for Day Camp July 21-25
- safety and comfortable weather for that week
- funds to complete new storage shed
($1200. –roofing & insulation)
-a special need $3500. to replace our 25-year-old pickup which is terminal.
- God’s direction for areas of ministry growth and change

Thank you for your partnership in supporting Christian camping at Wilderness Northwest as we seek to glorify the Creator in our 28th year of outdoor ministry.

In His service,
Jody Weed

The last few weekends, the forest and woods of Wilderness Northwest have been filled with voices; voices of laughter, fellowship, and the ringing of many tools.

A group of energized volunteers swarmed the camp on successive Saturdays to engage the cleanup and restoration Phase I of WNW. The goal is to complete enough work to open the camp for the 2008 season and a major dent has been made by the Quilcene Bible church and the Brinnon Community Church. We had great fellowship with friends in both churches plus a hot lunch at noon.

Holding up the building while preparing to replace the rotten posts in the craft center

Preparing the forms for pouring the footing and slab for a storage shed

Spreading sand for underneath the slab Lucy, Anne, Alan, Jay

Tying rebar for the footings

Replacing posts, foundation and flooring on the cabin. Luuk and Rob ….with Les on photography and suprvising/administration stuff.

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Martin, Les, Dan, Gabe and Lou removing old posts, peeling, cutting, preparing, and bolting the new posts into the craft center.

Some of the CIT’s….

The first Satruday was perfect weather, about 80 degrees and we all got set for summer. The next Saturday was sandwiched between two nights of snow and barely got to 40 degrees, but we were still able to mix 3 1/2 yards of concrete for a storage shed plus many other jobs. Some 28 workers were on site for Quilcene Bible church’s workday and 33 for Brinnon Community’s day.

A diligent raker of the leaves covering the many roads throughout the campground

Picker-uppers of leaf piles and branches

Cleaners of the cookhouse

Sweepers of the roofs

Peelers of the logs Pam and Kathy, plus many more contributed

See-sawers of the teeter-totter

Many pourers of the concrete

Later that night…..

the snow fell.