It was April 14, 1960; at Albany Mennonite Church that Drift Creek Camp emerged. Building on a heritage of youth camping that began when the Portland Mission offered inner city children a rural experience, camping as an activity of the Mennonite Church was formally organized. From that meeting grew the Mennonite Camp Association of Oregon, Inc., DCC’s parent organization.
Drift Creek Camp will soon celebrate 50 years of “Telling the Story” to youth and adults. There are many memories about experiences at DCC. These are several taken from Spirit Roots, Larry and Mary Jane Eby’s book about Camp’s history.
We reached our registration deadline on Friday, October 29 Online registration is closed
Lodging & meals are at capacity
call 541.992.2556 w/questions
It’s summer time at Drift Creek, and it’s 40 degrees below,
The polar bears go swimming, because they love it so,
So early in the morning, they break through the ice and snow,
It’s summer time at Drift Creek, and it’s 40 degrees below.
“I brought my story of Elijah to the climactic commanding of fire from heaven. At the proper time I moved my staff to trigger the chemical reaction. There erupted a loud popping and crackling as wisps of smoke curled, sparks danced and fire exploded from the stack of kindling. Above the noise was the voice of the once inattentive camper who now standing shouted, “God did that, God did that”” (Larry Bardell, camp pastor)
“Today another camper and I are saying goodbye. We hug each other and weep. You have become a second home to me, as I looked forward every summer to returning to your cool shades and babbling streams. Maybe someday God’s plan for me will be to return…Goodbye Drift Creek Camp-I will miss you!” (Jennifer Lyn Gingerich, staff)
Drift Creek is planning a yearlong celebration to be kicked off at Annual Meeting, November 5-7, 2010. The meeting will be held on Saturday, November 6, with activities planned throughout the weekend. In addition, a celebratory benefit dinner at Albany Mennonite church is planned for Saturday, February 26, 2011. (Dinner announcements will be sent later in the year.)
You are a part of Drift Creek’s story and its service to the generations who have been Drift Creek’s visitors. You are invited as a special guest to attend the anniversary gatherings. We want you to hear and celebrate with us the stories of God’s presence at Drift Creek. You can reserve your space online at this link. Space is limited, so register early! We are looking forward to a great weekend of celebration and sharing together.
Charlene Schrag,
50th Anniversary Committee Chair
