by Linda Cutshall

Shake out that tent (or borrow one) for our 12th annual Bethany Group Camping Trip, July 9-11. The place to be is Gold Basin in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the Stillaguamish River near Darrington. Whether a first time camper or ol’ pro you are invited to join the fun! This event is for all ages, whether single, married or with a van full of kids.

Activities include but are not limited to walks to the river, hiking in snow caves, reading or visiting in lounge chairs, swimming in mountain lakes, hiking to snow caves and enjoying a community dinner.

On Sunday morning imagine worship in mountain splendor and at night sitting around bonfires under stars eating s’mores and dough babies.

This camping trip is all about hanging out with really cool people (if you come, that is)! The close proximity of Gold Basin is great for those who want to spend the night or just want to make it a daytrip (thus forgoing the pleasure of the night-long snoring symphony and frog chorus).

Watch the church bulletin for reservations in the group site and information for reserving individual sites or check out camping information tables in the lobby towards the end of June. Website with best campground map for Gold Basin is:

www.hoodoo.com -> Mount Baker -
Snoqualmie National Forest - WA ->
Mt. Loop Scenic Byway -> Gold Basin
(The is a link to a PDF file with the map.)

This event is sponsored by Congregational Life, Jane Frissell, elder.