Recruiting Whirlwind

Scott Baker and I spent last week at Walla Walla University recruiting staff for Sunset Lake Camp. It was the busiest two days of recruiting I have had since becoming the director for Sunset Lake. Both Scott and I ran concurrent interviews from 7:30 in the morning until 5 or 6 p.m. We held over 60 interviews in two days and met with many promising staff candidates. I have been very impressed over the past two years with the changing face of Walla Walla University. Each year we are made to feel welcome and and the quantity and quality of interviews is increasing. At some point during the week members of the administration stop by to check in on the various camps. Hats off to all involved.Our interviews continue this week at Southern Adventist University. We have just arrived on campus and are looking forward to meeting former staff members and many new people.

Sunset Lake Photoshoot

This past Sunday, two photographers and 3 student models met at Sunset Lake for a summer camp brochure photo shoot. Everyone had a lot of fun and we got some great pictures. This year's camp brochure will be a marked departure from previous ones. Rather than simply an informational piece, the 2010 brochure will be in narrative form. It will chronicle the journey of several staff members to Sunset Lake. You can expect to see the finished product in the mail by the first week of April. Here's a few sneak peeks at some of the photos. Thanks to Heidi Martella and Jonathan Baumgartner for lending us their photographic expertise.

Kaleigh Bing was a natural in front of the camera!

Nolan Baker graced us with his guitar renditions. Check out Sunset Lake's YouTube channel for a sample of his musical genius.

Eric Yeagley spent most of his time behind the wheel wishing he could drive our classic VW bus. Here he is taking a break with the rest of the cast.

For a video of the photo shoot go to http://www.youtube.com/user/SunsetLakeCamp

2010 Summer Schedule

After a lot of planning, I am excited to announce the final schedule for the 2010 summer camp season at Sunset Lake. There is a lot that is familiar and a lot that is new. Take a look what we have to offer and then plan on joining us for a week of camp this summer.

Base Camps
Adventure Camp: June 27-July4
Junior 1: July 4-11
Junior 2: July 11-18
Tween Camp: July 18-25
Teen Camp: July 25-August 1
Urban Youth Camp: August 8-15

Specialty Camps
Cowboy Camp 1,2,3,4: July 4-August 1
Lego Robotics Camp: July 4-11
Motor Works Camp: July 11-18
Lifeguarding Camp: July 25-August 1
Specialty Week (Aquatics, Challenge Course/Rock Climbing and Equestrian): August 8-15

Summit Camps
Wed and Wild Aquatics Adventure: June 27-July4
Rock Climbing Excursion: July 4-11
The Ultimate Road Trip: August 1-8
Mountain Leadership Summit: August 8-15

Family Camp
August 1-8

Complete camp descriptions and summit itineraries will be available on our website http://www.sunsetlake.org/ by the end of the month. Online registration opens on February 1. We will also have a complete morning class list available shortly.

Can't wait to see you at camp this summer!

The Hidden Side of Sunset Lake

You may think you've experienced all there is to see and do at Sunset Lake, but come winter when the campers are all gone and the grounds are finally quiet, a whole new side of Sunset Lake Camp appears. here's a few things you might discover at camp in January.

• Sunset Lake buried in snow is an awesome sight!
• It's a strange feeling to stand in the middle of the lake when its frozen over and listen to the cracking ice reverberate under your feet.
• A mountain lion running down the entrance road is a great way to get your adrenallin pumping. Just ask Bart Soper.
• Sledding down the entrance road is a lot more fun than driving!
• The sound of trees crashing to the ground in the middle of a wind storm sends chills down your spine.
• Sometimes cross country skis are the best way to get around camp. Last year I skied from the entrance to the top of the pasture and back again.
• The camp can get really quiet when you are the only person in the entire 400 acres.
• The best way to beat the after school blues is to go ride a horse.
• Once in a while it's fun to have the camp all to yourself -- but I'll take it full of kids any day!

I can't wait for summer to start -- the sound of campers singing echoing off the lake, the bugle call at line call, the constant roar of the Air Nautique, the clatter of dishes in the dining hall -- that's what makes Sunset Lake a camp. Hope your planning to be there this summer to make some noise it won't be the same without you.