Continuing the Legacy for Future Generations
by Karen Phillips, Executive Director
It is the last week of 2024, and the camp is littered with branches from the recent storm. The river is raging, swollen over the banks and hiding all the landings used for swimming each summer. The sound of a falling heavy branch crashes in the woods, disturbing the quiet as the forest enjoys a long winter's nap.
It is the "off-season" here, but there is no napping for the small staff at Camp Hope as the focus shifts from operations to planning, maintenance, and fundraising. It is hard but rewarding work as we focus on improving our business practices, our programs, and community partnerships. This is the back-office work of transforming this old Girl Scout camp into an Outdoor Sanctuary that fosters Community, inspires a Sense of Wonder, and cultivates Connections for Generations to come.
Community. In 2024 we served over 25 rental groups who came to enjoy overnight camping and day use for their family reunions, outdoor schools, church camps, and scout troops. We offered 22 days of camp for youth ages 9-17 and hosted a free weekend of camping and activities for 17 foster families in the fall. All of these campers enjoyed the fruits of the natural habitat and time off their screens playing games, learning, hiking, swimming in the river, and making memories with friends and family.
Wonder. To visit Camp Hope of SW WA you must drive a ¼ mile down a winding, single lane dirt road along the East Fork Lewis River past a dense forest of tall Douglas fir trees, big leaf maples and alders. You will question if you are on the right road and if you can turn around somewhere. In short order the forest opens up into a large field and a few small buildings set among the tranquility of towering fir and cedar trees. You will catch your breath and wonder how you never knew this beautiful place existed so close to home.
Connection. You unpack your car and move into your rustic bunkhouse. You check your phone and find no service. The wind tousles the tips of the evergreens, and you look up to see trees and sky. You feel your lungs fill with the rush of beauty - the fresh air, tall trees, clear sky, and friendly people - and you realize this is what it means to be happy. (Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar)
Legacy Lands. Clark County Parks owns this property as part of the Legacy Lands program to preserve natural habitat for future generations. It is our privilege to maintain this park and make it available for our community.
I often meet women who came to Camp Juliana as a Girl Scout. They each have a twinkle in their eyes as they fondly recall their time out here in this sanctuary. We envision future generations will have the same sparkle as they recall their time at Camp Hope of Southwest Washington.
If you would like to learn more how you can contribute to the transformation of this old camp into an outdoor sanctuary for generations to come, contact camphope@camphope-wa.org.
Comments