WHEREAS, A century of camping at Camp Gifford on Deer Lake in Stevens County offers a chance to reflect on the importance of mentorship and ministry in the lives of young people; and

WHEREAS, The Salvation Army Corps of Spokane acquired the property in 1920 or 1921, and began operating summer camps at the site in the mid-1920s under the name Camp Cougar; and

WHEREAS, The camp grew from a 20-acre campground of simple tents and open fires to a complex of A-frame cabins with indoor plumbing, as well as a dining hall, a mini golf course, an infirmary, waterfront facilities, docks, and boats; and

WHEREAS, In 1998 the camp grew to 140 acres when an adjacent undeveloped parcel was purchased, offering a wilderness camping experience for teens; and

WHEREAS, The Salvation Army originally operated the summer camp programs, offering programs for 120 children or more during 10 weeks of the summer; and

WHEREAS, The Salvation Army changed its business plan in the 1990s, renting the camp to churches, nonprofit groups, and retreat organizations, and made improvements allowing the camp to remain open in winter; and

WHEREAS, The Salvation Army rents the facility to 40 to 50 groups each year and operates the camp with commitment and resolve, making it an important amenity for the area and for organizations in that part of the state; and

WHEREAS, The camp's importance to the region was recognized in 1997 when reconstruction efforts were assisted by the state and federal AmeriCorps program through Educational Service District 101; and

WHEREAS, Camp Gifford continues to thrive after a century of operation and has become an institution of great importance to the life and culture of the Inland Northwest, due to support from community organizations, churches, and public entities that have come together to contribute to its success;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize the profound impact Camp Gifford has had in the lives of children and teenagers throughout the region, offering them lessons in leadership, teamwork, and foundational values, buttressed with faith, fueled by inspiration, and underscored by the natural beauty of the surrounding environment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted to Spokane Salvation Army Citadel Corps and to the Camp Gifford administrative offices, with the hope that Camp Gifford will continue to exert a positive influence in the lives of young people in the future.