On the weekend of Sept. 21–24, 2017, former Camp MiVoden staff and their families rolled in to Camp MiVoden in Hayden Lake, Idaho, and enjoyed a short version of summer camp. The weekend culminated with a farewell for Bruce Christensen, who is retiring this year.
Designed like a mini summer camp, alumni participated in archery, swimming, ceramics and horseback riding on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Boat rides and water skiing on the lake were also offered. The weekend speaker was Gordon Pifher, who was a former camp director. Former directors of camp Richard Parker and Clayton Child also attended. Throughout the weekend the 100-plus former staff swelled to 300 by Saturday night.
Many attendees took advantage of the beautiful fall weather to hike out to Surewood Forest or to former outpost camps. On Sabbath many staff shared their camp memories and stories of Bruce and Sandy Christensen. Their lives had made a big impact on many lives.
On Saturday night a special retirement program was planned by Rafat Shirinzadeh. Amid much laughter and typical Camp MiVoden style, the Christensens were bid farewell. Bruce was awarded a plaque thanking him for the many ways he was an asset to Camp Mivoden.They will be greatly missed at camp.
Gordon Pifher was the camp director in the 1980s and early 1990s at Camp MiVoden.
A group photo of camp staff from the 1990s on surround Sandy and Bruce Christensen.
Richie Brower and Rafat Shirinzadeh reenacting a famous skit.
Bruce Christiansen plays his guitar with current and former staff.
On a Sabbath Afternoon hike many noted the wagon is still by Mokins Creek where Gold Miners Camp used to be.
