UPWARD BOUND CAMP

-Established 1978-

A Note From The Director: Greetings From Robin!

Diane "Robin" Turnbull

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

NIV Psalm 119:105

Summer Camp 2022 was a summer of learning new skills, trying out new activities and meeting new camper and staff friends, just the way we always hope for camp to be!
For example: Bibles were distributed and the devotionals this year were active and memorable! The music was beautiful and fun. Friends were made. Lives were changed and changed again. There was laughter and there were tears.

And the activities! The counselors truly engaged their imagination, creativity, knowledge and gifts to bring fun and excitement to each day with campers, even when they felt it was out of their personal wheelhouse. I am so proud of the tireless work of our summer staff. Looking back on the events of the summer from the vantage point of October I fully recognize the gift that each of you are to me, the campers and the camp.

Indeed, it was a wonderful summer!

And now Autumn is here.

I always experience a certain amount of “let down” at the end of the summer and into the early part of fall. Campers and summer staff have said their goodbyes, the tents and the beds and furniture have been taken down and stored away until next summer. And almost in the blink of an eye it is just us; me, the year-round staff and the camp animals. It’s quiet. It’s a time for reflection and rest, two things I am not particularly good at. For that reason, I am grateful to those who remind me that it is good to rest, reflect and rejuvenate at the end of the summer.

Each person who finds themselves at Upward Bound Camp, whether they are campers, staff, family, friends or volunteers, brings their personal gifts of love and light to share. For me, the joy I find in the light and love of others is exactly what I need to bring me back to my own light. A light that guides me back to my physical, emotional and spiritual balance in service to continuing the work of Upward Bound Camp. With my Heavenly Father to lead me, and each of you beside me, we will do great things for our camp, our campers and our community.

Can I get an AMEN?

Find out more about Camp!

ABOUT UPWARD BOUND CAMP

Purpose
The purpose of Upward Bound Camp is to provide on-going Christian based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with disabilities, twelve years of age and over in an environment that presents opportunities for growth outside the individual’s usual routine or habitat.

The philosophy of Upward Bound Camp is to sing a S.O.N.G. of respect.
• Respect Self
• Respect Others
• Respect Nature
• Respect God
Upward Bound supports the belief that every person is important, created by God, worthy of love and caring service.

Our Mission
Upward Bound Camp (UBC) provides year-around, Christian-based recreational and educational camp experiences for persons with diverse-abilities.

Our Vision
Upward Bound supports the belief that every person is important, created by God, worthy of love and caring service. UBC gives every participant opportunities to realize and share their gifts and strengths with each other.

Our Values
Since 1978 UBC has worked to establish a diverse community of campers, staff and volunteers, intentionally building a strong and inclusive community, promoting respect and understanding of all who participate. UBC staff and board members actively cultivate relationships with business and community members in the Santiam Canyon and beyond in a sincere and conscious effort to expand the understanding of community, acceptance and inclusion, enriching the lives of all participants.

Affiliation and Accreditation
Upward Bound Camp, a state licensed program founded in 1978, is nationally recognized for creative programming by the American Camp Association. Upward Bound Camp is also a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.