Summer’s Over … the Lake is Still Open
What’s Been Happening at the Lake
Summer Camp may be wrapped for the season—the boat stored away, the challenge course gear packed, and our summer staff back at school—but Sunset Lake has been far from quiet. Since August, we’ve welcomed 23 groups and more than 2,000 guests to the lake. Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening:
Seattle Children’s Hospital Stanley Stamm Camp
For more than 50 years, this incredible camp has given chronically ill children a week filled with joy, adventure, and hope. Campers experienced horseback riding, fishing, swimming, the challenge course, arts and crafts, a dance, and an end-of-week carnival complete with all the bouncy houses their hearts could desire. It remains one of the most meaningful weeks of our year.
Law Enforcement Youth Camp
Hosted by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, this camp serves underserved and at-risk youth. Along with classic camp fun—swimming, boating, crafts, challenge course, and campfires—campers enjoyed special activities such as a K-9 demonstration, evening games, and inspiring team-building programs.
JBLM Family Retreat
Chaplains from JBLM hosted a long-weekend retreat for families of the 2nd Battalion Army Rangers. Each activity carried a spiritual lesson, weaving faith into horseback riding, fishing, climbing wall, the giant swing, swimming, and archery tag. Our team felt honored to give back to families who sacrifice so much for our country.
Fall Family Day
This fall we invited all camp families back for a day of worship, connection, and fun. Tara VinCross joined us as our featured speaker. Even with stormy weather—and a power outage to close the day—families enjoyed canoe scavenger hunts, art stations, a prayer room, horse demonstrations, gym games, and a visit to our Native longhouse. Watch for details about next year’s event!
Hundreds of Acres of Woods Forest School
We’re proud to host the Hundreds of Acres of Woods Forest School at Lake Kepka. This K–2 outdoor school learns entirely in nature—rain or shine—with classes held in the forest or under our picnic shelter. Their hands-on, curiosity-driven approach is inspiring to see. Visit their Facebook page (same name) to follow their adventures!
And Even More…
We’ve been busy! A men’s group rented wood-fired saunas and set them up beside the lake. Several leadership training events took place. All the Adventist schools in western Washington attended Outdoor School for a full week. And our horsemanship team hosted a special horse weekend led by our Horsemanship Director and summer trainer, Esther Lorensen. And that’s just part of it!
A Few Things to Look Forward To
A New Arrival at the Barn
Honey, one of our newest mares, is expecting a foal in March! We are thrilled to welcome this little one to the Sunset Lake herd. If your family is joining us next summer, we can’t wait for you to meet the newest member of our barn. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing updates and (of course!) plenty of adorable photos.
Refresh Spiritual Retreat — April 3–5, 2026
Step into a weekend designed to renew your spirit and deepen your walk with God. Refresh offers the perfect opportunity to breathe, rest, and reconnect with your Creator. Join a warm community of fellow seekers for worship, reflection, and renewal. Come ready to return home refreshed, inspired, and encouraged.
The Ranch at Sunset Lake
Our horse barn operates year-round with trail rides, lessons, and special events. Visit The Ranch at Sunset Lake webpage HERE to learn more or schedule your next ride or lesson.
Summer Camp 2026 — Coming Soon!
Registration for Summer Camp 2026 opens December 1, 2025. We encourage families to register early—many of our most popular sessions fill quickly.
This year’s theme is “Destiny.” Through an imaginative love story and a “fractured fairy tale,” campers will discover that they are children of the King with an inheritance to claim. Nestor and his team are already dreaming big to make this summer unforgettable.
Explore session dates, class offerings, and pricing HERE, and join us for the best summer yet.
