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CAMP GIFFORD
since 1921
the adventure begins...
The property which is now Camp Gifford, was purchased in the early 1920's, most likely 1921. At the time the Deer Lake area was underdeveloped with the exception of logging roads and a few cabins around the lake. Camps began at Camp Gifford (then named Camp Cougar) in the mid 1920's. Camp was not much more than tents and open fires - but the lessons the kids learned about their Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. Camp was not near to power, eater or sewer. There were few stores or amenities within many miles of our location. Bears, cougar, elk, deer...wildlife of all types were at times prominent at Camp Cougar.
Over the next 30 to 40 years the camp grew little by little. Additions were built onto the dining hall, the little cabins that were built were occasionally moved to different locations, a boat house (in fact a few different boathouses) were built, the White House by the beach was built. The next major addition to Camp was in the early 1970’s when a group of A-frames and central bath facility were built across the road from the rest of camp’s buildings. The boy’s moved into the new cabins across the road and camp was now able to accept more campers! The next major physical improvement to camp came in the 1980’s when another group of A-frames and central bathroom were built a couple hundred yards from the first A-frame village. Camp was now able to accept 120 children or more for all ten weeks of the summer!
In the mid-1990’s the cost of providing ten weeks of summer programming became a larger expense than the Salvation Army Corps (church) in Spokane could bear. A decision was made to open the camp up to retreat groups for rentals, conferences and special occasions. A year round Camp Administrator was hired (in addition to an existing Caretaker) and the work began! During the years of 1995 and 1996 much work was done to physically enable Camp to operate throughout the winter months.
Mailings were sent out to local churches and non-profit businesses to generate business. In 1995 only five rental groups made use of Camp – but in recent year 40-50 groups made use of our facility. Not only does this enable us to make use of God’s property at camp to provide life-changing experiences to our rental groups – it also enables us to make on-going improvements in programming and property changes at the camp.
Between 1997 and 2010, Camp changed dramatically – first, by acquiring an additional 120 acres of land, ensuring the outdoors feel stayed in tact as logging and development got closer to camp, and with additional structures being built to facilitate Camp’s larger sessions. In addition to our signature A-Frame cabins, a new dining hall was constructed, as well as the chapel overlooking the lake, and our infirmary was equipped with new health equipment that helps keep our campers and staff healthy throughout the summer season.
the adventure continues...
Today, Camp Gifford serves hundreds of children every summer, providing them with a week of outdoor experiences, filled with adventure, fun, and an opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ.
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