LOON LAKE, Wash. — Summer camp represents a rite of passage for many children, but for families facing financial constraints, the cost can make that experience feel out of reach. Camp Gifford is working to change that reality.
For more than a century, the Stevens County overnight camp has opened its doors to children from all financial backgrounds, offering six sessions each summer designed to provide adventure, fun, and opportunities for personal growth.
Rather than charging a fixed fee, Camp Gifford uses a sliding-scale model that allows families to pay what they can afford, in addition to a $60 registration fee. The camp also offers scholarships to ensure no child misses out on the experience due to money.
“We want to make sure there isn’t a barrier between a kid getting sent to camp and being stuck on the couch or stuck at home in the summer,” said Captain David Cain with Salvation Army Spokane. “Kids need this opportunity. It expands their world. It helps them discover their potential.”
For those who have attended, the impact is clear.
“I really like campwide. It’s probably one of my favorite parts of the day. We play some kind of sports game. My favorite one is capture the flag. I just really enjoy running around and playing a whole game with the whole camp,” Camper Micah Cain said.
Beyond traditional sports and games, Camp Gifford offers more adventurous pursuits. Rock climbing and zip-lining are among the outdoor activities available to campers.
The camp serves hundreds of children each summer. Organizers emphasize that the goal extends beyond entertainment: they aim to give each child a week filled with experiences that foster personal development and expand their understanding of what’s possible.
For families interested in learning more about registration or making a donation to support Camp Gifford’s mission, information is available at campgifford.com.
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