Registration for Summer Camp is Open
At N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs,
kids (and adults) can be themselves
and get dirty, have fun,
and make memories that last a lifetime!
Camp is about connecting face to face
with cabin mates and caring leaders.
Camp is a safe place to try new things,
learn about God, and grow as a person.
Camp is a place to laugh, sing,
play and pray together!
N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs
These inspiring spaces are the camp and retreat centers of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC). The UCC is a mainline protestant denomination, which welcomes all God’s people, honoring each individual’s country of origin, race, age, abilities, gender expression, sexual orientation and religious background.
Each have a long tradition of serving children, youth and adults through summer camp and year-round retreat experiences. Both provide unique opportunities for exploration, growth, rest and renewal. Our guests and campers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, faith traditions and community groups.
N-Sid-Sen is nestled along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho amid nearly 300 acres of woodlands, creeks and meadows. This site can accommodate groups of 16 to 150.
Pilgrim Firs is located just outside of Port Orchard, Washington. With over three miles of trails meandering through fields, meadows and woodlands, and Lake Flora tucked inside its 120 acres, Pilgrim Firs is an oasis on the edge of suburbia. This site can accommodate groups of 15 to 135.
N-Sid-Sen Camp & Retreat Center
36395 S Hwy 97
Harrison, ID 83833
208.689.3489
director@n-sid-sen.org
Pilgrim Firs Camp & Retreat Center
3318 SW Lake Flora Rd
Port Orchard, WA 98367
360.876.2031
info@pilgrim-firs.org
You & Me Camp | JULY 19-22
entering grades 1-4 with an adult
Kids Camp | JULY 22-25
entering grades 2-4
Intermediate Camp | JULY 12-18
entering grades 5-6
Jr High Camp | JULY 12-18
entering grades 7-9
Sr High Camp | JULY 19-25
entering grades 10-13
Family Camp | JULY 26 – AUG 1
all ages – families, couples, singles
Camp Together | AUG 2 – AUG 8
all ages – families, couples, singles
Faith-Based Immersion Experiences
Life often seems to be moving at warp speed. In the rush of our daily lives, our faith, deeper connections with others, and moments to slow down and breathe in God’s creation can easily be left behind.
That’s why it is so important to embrace opportunities like summer camp at N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs where we are invited to slow down, connect with God and others, and seek more sustainable ways of living in our demanding world.
Leadership is Key
Our caring team, from managing directors to experienced volunteer event directors, trained cabin leaders, certified health care & waterfront staff, and the site hospitality teams are dedicated to creating safe and welcoming environments for our campers.
Team members provide positive leadership and guidance, and are screened and trained in accordance with our Safer Camp procedures. Additionally, they receive job-specific training and support appropriate for their positions.
Mixed Age Groups at Camp
Grades 1-12?!
When multiple age groups are in camp at the same time, the different sessions operate fairly autonomously. Most of the mixed interaction times are during meals and events specifically designed for the extended age group.
Cabin and most activity groupings, as well as shower times, are by session. Example: Kids Campers live with other Kids Campers. Bedtimes are determined by the session and are appropriate for the age group.
In the case of intergenerational camp, family groups are responsible for monitoring the interactions of their own family members.
Activities
There is much to see and do at N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs! Depending on the ages and interests of the groups, these are just some of the options available.
Canoeing + Crafts + Basketball + Beach Fun
Silly Skits + Nature Discoveries + Goofy Songs
Team Building + Water Games + Camp-Style Worship
Paddle Boarding + Labyrinth + Swimming + Faith Chats
Campfires + Field Games + Hiking
N-Sid-Sen Extras: Volleyball + Tubing + Water Mat + 9-Square
Pilgrim Firs Extras: Pride Garden + Serenity Garden
Theme
Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. The wilderness can inspire us and guide us, assuring us of God’s constant presence.
As the Spirit guides us through the wilderness, we find what we need to face our fears and the very real challenges that impact our world. The wilderness teaches us the importance of community and the ways we navigate challenges together. The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come.
The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there.
LODGING
Each site offers distinct accommodations. Youth campers stay in traditional cabins, while families are housed in a variety of lodging options that vary by session and location.
N-SID-SEN
Cabins: 12 cabins with a centrally located shower house. Each has bunkbeds for 8-12, windows, electricity, and a curtained changing area.
Ford Cabin: Built in 1926, this building includes beds for 4 (one twin, one double, one bunkbed), a great room, small kitchen and bathroom.
Spirit Lodge: 12 sleeping rooms – 8 with two twin beds, 4 with one double bed, one twin and two single top bunks. This lodge accommodates up to 32. Single-use bathrooms are located in the hallways, and the first floor is fully accessible.
PILGRIM FIRS
Cabins: 11 cabins with bathrooms in the cabin. Each has beds for 8-10, windows, electricity, and a common area.
Huckleberry House: 4 bedrooms with 4 twin beds each. This lodge includes meeting space for up to 25 and 3 restrooms.
South Lodge: 12 sleeping rooms – 9 with two twin beds, 2 with four twin beds, and 1 with three twin beds. This lodge accommodates up to 29. Bathrooms are located in the hallways. The first floor of South Lodge is fully accessible.
MEALS
Our meals are camper-friendly and include lots of fruit, vegetables and other healthy options. Daily snacks are also provided.
Partnering with parents and adult participants, and with advance notice, we strive to accommodate special dietary needs whenever possible. Please double-check that the Allergy & Dietary sections of the camper’s online Health Form are completed in detail and are up-to-date at least three weeks prior to the camper’s session.
In addition to our standard fare, we strive to provide gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and any combination of these options. Please know we will also provide options for those with serious allergies (ex. nuts, shellfish). We are, however, unable to offer specific options related to other dietary choices.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of each family.
We recognize that N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs can be a long drive depending on where you are coming from. We suggest:
- Carpooling with friends and family
- Encouraging your congregation to organize carpools
- Planning a get-away before, during or after your camper’s session
If heading to N-Sid-Sen, plan a getaway to Coeur d’Alene, Spokane or any of the many inviting towns and nearby recreational areas. If heading to Pilgrim Firs, there’s lots to explore in Gig Harbor, Port Townsend or the Olympic Peninsula.
Check out the About Us sections on our websites for directions to camp.
Arrival & Pickup Schedules
N-Sid-Sen
Kids Camp: arrive Wednesday at 3 pm – pickup Saturday at 11 am
Intermediate Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – pickup Saturday at 11 am
Junior High Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – pickup Saturday at 11 am
Senior High Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – pickup Saturday at 11 am
You & Me Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – depart Wednesday at 10 am
Family Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – depart Saturday at 11 am
Camp Together: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – depart Saturday at 11 am
Pilgrim Firs
Kids Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – pickup Wednesday at 11 am
You & Me Camp: arrive Sunday at 3 pm – depart Wed at 11 am
Youth Cabin Buddies
TWO campers may request to bunk together. However, they must be within one year of age AND both request each other when registering online. All written requests are considered, but not guaranteed.
It’s fun to share a week of camp with old friends. Campers are encouraged to recruit their friends, however, if numerous friends are recruited, not all can be in the same cabin. Whenever possible, we avoid putting more than two friends together because it can be overwhelming for the rest of the cabin, especially for those who come without a buddy. We also try to avoid putting siblings together, allowing each to have their own unique camp experience.
Camp provides great opportunities to make new friends and build new relationships. It is our responsibility to assign campers in the way we feel is in the best interest of the entire camp family.
Optional Mixed-Gender Cabins
In line with UCC values, we honor each person’s right to define and understand their own gender identity. To that end, we are committed to creating a safe and positive experience for all camp and retreat participants, including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming participants. In an effort to increase inclusivity, this year we are offering optional mixed-gender cabins for Junior High and Senior High camps.
What is a mixed-gender cabin?
A mixed-gender cabin is a cabin available for participants of all genders. These cabins are supervised by skilled, culturally-competent adult leaders.
Who can stay in a mixed-gender cabin?
Any participant, with permission of a parent or guardian, may stay in a mixed-gender cabin. This may be a great option for non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender participants, along with a binary friend. Be sure to complete the related questions while registering.
What if I am not comfortable with my child staying in a mixed-gender cabin?
We understand that not all parents, guardians, or participants may be comfortable with a mixed-gender cabin. When that is the case, we will assign your child to a single-gender cabin. We trust parents and guardians to make the best decision for their child. Be sure to complete the related questions while registering.
We are passionate about the power of church camp and committed to ensuring that N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs are accessible for children and youth, no matter their family’s financial situation.
TIERED PRICING
We recognize that families are differently gifted and have different financial constraints. We seek to balance the cost of providing a quality camping experience with options for families to pay at the level that best fits their budget. To do this we have a three-tier fee program.
Each family chooses the rate that is most suitable for their circumstances. This choice is confidential.
Gratitude Tier
This higher tier more closely reflects the true costs of providing our camp experience, including facility maintenance, equipment repair and replacement, program development, and insurance. It addresses increasing costs for food, fuel, and staff. Even if you cannot afford to choose the Gratitude Rate in any given year, we hope seeing this higher tier helps to increase awareness of the actual cost of the camp experience – costs we must seek to make up throughout the year.
Direct Cost Tier
This tier reflects a payment that covers the direct costs of a session of camp for a camper: programming, food, and summer staff.
Subsidized Tier
This tier covers a portion of the direct costs, but not all of them. The balance of the fee is covered by general support donations to N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs, along with higher rates paid by groups and individuals throughout the year.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Please do not let finances prevent your child from attending camp this summer! If the Subsidized Tier is still too high for your family, there are several financial assistance options available.
First, we recommend checking with your church. Many UCC congregations pay a portion of the camp fee for their members.
If more support is needed, contact N-Sid-Sen or Pilgrim Firs.
Assistance is available for families receiving state aid and others with significant financial needs.
REGISTER & PAY ONLINE!
Online registration requires a minimum, non-refundable deposit of $100 per full-week camp per person, $50 per part-week camp per person. Registration links can be found on the tab entitled Summer Camp Schedule, Details, Pricing & Registration Links above.
Payment Plan
When you register online, it’s easy to make partial payments to your account at your convenience. No special arrangements are needed.
Final Payment
The FAMILY SHARE of the camp fee is the portion of the fee paid by the family, as opposed to a share paid by a church or agency, or allocated from the scholarship fund. This FAMILY SHARE must be paid in full 14 days prior to the start of the camper’s session. Earlier payments are welcome. If your church pays a portion of the camp fee, we will bill them.
Registration Confirmations
You will receive confirmation of your completed registration within an hour or two of your online registration and payment of deposit.
Pre-Camp Information
An extensive guide to help you and your camper(s) prepare for camp will be available by April 1 on both the N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs websites. Packing lists for the different sessions and directions to camp are included.
Health Form
The Health Form is part of the online registration process. It is required for every camper including adults. A physical exam is NOT required, but current health information, immunization dates, details about medication and current health issues, and an authorization for treatment are required as part of the online form.
We highly recommend reviewing and revising the online HEALTH FORM form 7-14 days prior to camp. Changes to medications and health & dietary issues often occur between the registration date and the first day of camp.
If your camper has significant health or dietary issues or needs, please contact the appropriate camp office BEFORE registering.
CANCELLATIONS
The deposit is non-refundable.
If a registration is cancelled in writing at least 30 days in advance of the start of the camp session, the full camp fee (minus the deposit) will be refunded.
When written notification is received between 14 and 29 days, up to 75% of the total camp fee will be refunded. When less than 14 days of notice is received, no refund is given.
In case of sudden illness, accident, or emergency, we can transfer your registration to another age-appropriate session – if space is still available. If sessions are full, then a full refund will be considered.
Session Cancellations: If a session has ten or fewer registrations, we reserve the right to cancel that session up to ten days prior to the start date. In this case, the family may select a different session or receive a full refund.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Register by April 1st & SAVE
- Full-Week Youth Camps – $50 per camper, per session
- Part-Week Youth Camps – $25 per camper, per session
- You & Me Camp – $25 per camper
- Family Camp – $50 per camper
- Camp Together – $50 per camper
To receive this discount, online registration, with payment of non-refundable deposit, must be completed by Wednesday, April 1st.
Bring a Friend and SAVE
Bring a Friend and SAVE
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! Help us spread the Good News about N-Sid-Sen & Pilgrim Firs! This is a special opportunity so don’t miss out!
When you bring a friend to camp who is NEW to N-Sid-Sen or Pilgrim Firs Summer Camp or has not attended since 2022, you save and your friend saves!
- Full-Week YOUTH Camps – $100 for returning camper & new camper
- Part-Week YOUTH Camp – $50 for returning camper & new camper
This special discount does not apply to Camp Together or Family Camp.
For You and Me Camp, pairs can bring friends and save $50 for a new camper or $100 for a new pair of campers. Each new friend saves $50.
What if we are ALL new to summer camp at N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs?
Two friends, both new to N-Sid-Sen and Pilgrim Firs summer camps, can register and each receive $100 off their full-week youth camp or $50 off their part-week YOUTH camp. This aspect does not apply to You & Me Camp.
What if I recruit LOTS of friends new to N-Sid-Sen or Pilgrim Firs?
GREAT! You receive the appropriate discount for the first friend and 50% of the appropriate discount for each additional friend.
Please be aware that if several friends are recruited, they will likely not all be in the same cabin. Please see the information under the “Arrival & Pickup Schedules, Cabin Details” tab. There will be opportunities for friends in different cabins to spend time together.
Sign up for the Bring a Friend discount when registering online.
NOTE: Some may opt not to take this discount, and that’s okay.
The discount will be applied after both friends/pairs are registered.