Our mission statement at Camp Gifford reads "Our mission is to use nature and the great outdoors to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach environmental awareness, encourage pro-social behavior and safely provide opportunity to every camper for fun and adventure."

Links within this page: Since when?    Where do campers come from?  Why do we do this?  Activities   Daily Schedule  Form to get more information.  Other information:  What should I bring to camp?

CAMP FACTS:  Our male to female camper ratio is about 1:1.  Our camper to staff ratio is about 5:1.  Our camper to counselor ratio is about 8:1 (varies from 6:1 to 12:1 depending on the age of campers).  In 2004 approximately 2% of our campers were homeless, 15% came from foster homes and children's homes, about 86% of our campers came from homes that live at or below poverty levels (based on USDA guidelines), and more than 500 campers acknowledged a belief in their Creator and Savior Jesus Christ and asked Him to into their lives!  We welcome children of any race, income and religion* so far as they are able, emotionally and physically, to follow directions, care for their own basic needs and move about the camp with a cabin group. (*Children of all faiths are welcome to attend Camp Gifford with the understanding that we are a branch of the Christian church and our chapels, devotion times and etc. reflect those beliefs.).

Following the links listed below is a general description of our community service summer camping program.  You may follow the links below to jump to specific sections of this page or to other pages within this site which give more specific information on programs offered each summer.   To have information or an application sent to you go to "Summer Info." by clicking on the highlighted words.

Summer links within this site: 

        Camps for youth - ages 6-12

    Information on camp programming for youths.

        Camps for teens - ages 13-17

    Information on camp programming for teens.

        Information Request Form

    Form to request additional information.

        Summer Employment Opportunities

    Summer ministry as a Camp missionary!

        Jobs Available

    Okay, what jobs are available at camp?

        Staff Application Form

    The application starts here.

 

Other links within this site:  What is The Salvation Army?  What does The Salvation Army believe?    Retreat and Conference Information 

Camp Gifford has been providing affordable Christian camping experiences to children and teens since 1921.  Over the years tens of thousands of campers have experienced the joy and wonder of Camp Gifford.   Many campers have returned to Camp as staff, many others have gone on to pastoral work in The Salvation Army as Salvation Army officers, others have gone on to live fulfilled and constructive lives thanks, at least in part, to the knowledge gained at Camp.

Campers come to Camp Gifford from western Montana, northern Idaho and eastern Washington.  Four weeks summer campers come from out-lying areas and three weeks of summer we bring children out from the greater Spokane, Washington area.   Campers come to Camp from every imaginable circumstance.  Some come from loving Christian homes while others come from homes where sexual and physical abuse happen every day.  Some of our campers come from middle and high income homes while many come from homes that are well below poverty level.  We make no distinction in our treatment of any child - each child is shown unconditional love and acceptance and each camper is given an opportunity to participate socially in the fun of camp. 

During their week spent at camp campers are given opportunities for fun, adventure and learning.  One of our primary purposes in offering an affordable camping experience with kids is to share with them the good news that the creator of our world loves them in a special and personal way.  No matter what circumstances surround a child, no matter how low their self-esteem, no matter how injured they have been physically or emotionally, knowing that the King of Heaven cared enough for you to come to earth and die for you is a good chance for a new beginning and for healing and self-worth to begin.  If you'd like to know what The Salvation Army believes take a look at our Doctrines.

Children are given opportunities at camp to swim, canoe, use paddle-boats, participate in archery, hiking, crafts (a real favorite for many), basketball, overnight hikes, team games, and more.  Additionally, each week we offer "Tribe Times", classes that the campers are able to choose from.   These classes change from week to week and may include things like drama, cheer-leading, survival skills, swimming, back-packing, soccer, volleyball, basketball, singing, music, art, poetry.... Cabin groups also have opportunities to choose activities together - each day we have a "Cabin Activity Time" during which each cabin does an activity of their choice.  (For specific information on Teen Camp or Youth Camp click on the title of interest).

A typical day at Camp Gifford may run like this (schedules vary a little from week to week and differ from youth to teen camps):  For a more complete description visit our Youth Camp page or our Teen Camp page.

The Salvation Army is a part of the Christian Church and we are serving you to share the love of Jesus Christ!

Send mail to campgifford@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified:  March 3, 2010