In Summer 2025, Sound Life Day Camp became more than just a place for games and activities. Across three sites, more than 100 kids gathered weekly, and with nearly 60% coming from non-Adventist homes, the camps became powerful spaces where children met Jesus and young leaders discovered their calling.
For Shechinah Gonzales, a counselor at the Port Angeles site, the experience was life-changing.
“When I first agreed to be a counselor, I thought of it as just a summer job to help pay for college,” Gonzales shared, “but God had a bigger plan. From the very first week, I realized this wasn’t just work; it was ministry."
Gonzales spent her summer leading worship, playing games and having conversations that often turned into opportunities to share God’s love. Many campers came from challenging home situations or had little exposure to faith.
“Hearing them laugh, sing about Jesus and ask if I could return next summer showed me the eternal impact of this camp,” Gonzales added. Beyond the fun, this summer became a lifeline for kids who needed hope.
Sound Life Day Camp is part of a growing network of self-funded day camps in Washington Conference, designed to provide five to seven weeks of Christ-centered fun for kids and intentional spiritual mentorship for youth staff.
This year, the newly-launched Puyallup site joined Tacoma Central and Port Angeles, expanding the reach of this vital ministry. Leaders hope to add even more sites in the coming year to meet the growing demand from local churches and families.
“This experience reminded me of my calling to live up to my name and bring God’s presence wherever I go,” Gonzales reflected. “Through the challenges and joys of camp, I saw how God works through simple acts of kindness, patience and love. It gave me a passion for ministry that I will carry into my future as a nurse and beyond.”
Sound Life Day Camp was part of a dynamic summer of children’s ministries across Washington Conference. Together, 48 Vacation Bible Schools — including 44 church-based programs, three day camps and two international sites — engaged more than 1,500 children with the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers. The conference VBS Library saved participating churches nearly $11,000 in curriculum, backdrops and costumes, ensuring more resources went directly toward connecting kids with Jesus.
“Children meet Jesus in real, practical ways at camp,” Gonzales said, “and young leaders like me are equipped to serve.”
Thanks to the prayer, support and investment of local churches, volunteers and families, God’s presence was evident — from children experiencing Jesus for the first time to counselors discovering a deeper calling.
Campers and counselors build strong bonds after several weeks of intentional mentoring.
Tacoma Central campers visit Pike Place Market during one of their outings.
Puyallup campers enjoy making miniature pies during food week.
Puyallup campers tour T-Mobile park during sports week.
