by Ruth Ediger and Dawn De Koster

Can you believe that it was 10 years ago that the Bethany family started taking their annual summer camping trip to Gold Basin? The group campsite, located near Darrington on the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, has seen young and old, married and single Bethany-ites all enjoying God's creation in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Over the years we have enjoyed swimming in mountain lakes, trips to the river, hiking to glacier snow caves and other mountain scenery, and spotting wildlife (outside the ones we brought with us, of course).

Organized activities included at least one evening meal together and a Sunday morning worship service. The ample free time was spent enjoying one another's company, playing field games, sitting around evening bonfires eating s'mores, and reapplying one's bug spray. The close proximity of God Basin has been ideal for those who want to get away from Seattle as well as for those who only want to experience the wilderness during the day (thus forgoing the pleasure of the night-long snoring symphony and the frog chorus).

For those of you who have not yet participated in the fun and excitement of the Bethany Group Camping Trip and for those of you who want to return, be sure and reserve your spot in the group site early as space is limited. (Don't worry if the group site fills up, you can always reserve an individual site.) The sign up sheet will be in the lobby after each service on Sunday, May 11 and 18. This year's trip is scheduled for July 11-13 and the cost is $4 per person over the age of 2. We hope to see you there!