2015
All Church Campout | Concrete KOA
Let’s head out of the city to the Concrete KOA at the base of beautiful Mt Baker. Whether you’re a city-dweller with a love of the luxuries or a hard-core hiker, there’s something for you! The campground has mini golf, basketball, lawn chess, volleyball, swimming, sauna, horseshoe pits, a playground, and fishing. The North Cascades Region offers recreational opportunities that range from easy hikes to strenuous climbs. Registration and details can be found on the All Church Campout page.
As the date gets closer, we wanted to answer a few questions about the day and invite you to join us:
I’m not sure what to expect. What will the weekend be like?
Our hope for the weekend is to enjoy each other and all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. With that, there are a variety of things to do so you can tailor your time to best fit your needs. Love to hike? Join in a planned hike on Saturday or get a group together to do your own. Camping with kiddos? Relax at the campgrounds while the kids enjoy the playground, jump pad, or hayride. Activities are still coming together, but in the meantime we’d encourage you to post your ideas on this City thread. Each night, DCC will host a campfire and provide s’mores for all. Meals will be on your own or with your “neighborhood camp” (see more below). DCC will host an optional morning devotional time on Saturday and a worship gathering on Sunday morning.
Where is the Concrete KOA?
The Concrete KOA is approx. an hour and a half north of Seattle, located at the base of Mt. Baker. From Seattle, travel north on I-5, take the Burlington exit to WA-20, and follow for approx. 23 Miles. Detailed directions here.
I’m on the fence about registering. I’m not sure because…
…I’m not sure I really love camping.
That’s okay! If sleeping on the ground isn’t your thing, get a group together in a cabin. Or bring an air mattress and enjoy the luxuries of our campsite, including a hot tub and free wifi. Or come up for the day. We’re certain you’ll enjoy your time, regardless.
…I don’t know a lot of people
As more new faces come to worship and do life with us as a church, it can be easy to feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t know people. The truth is we’re all in the same boat! This is the perfect opportunity to dive in to meet some new friends! No matter where you end up, you’ll be camping alongside tons of friendly people and we’ll have activities to guide your time together.
… I’m not part of a community.
This is slated to be our largest campout yet, so we are leveraging our communities (organized by neighborhoods) to coordinate some of the details. But if you’re not plugged into a Cornerstone Community, you won’t be left out – we’ll connect you with the neighborhood near you! We’ll cluster the tents by neighborhood in the large field (you’ll still be right next to other neighborhoods) and we’ll encourage “neighborhood camps” to coordinate meals or talk about carpooling. We’ll have some DCC-wide activities offered and your neighborhood camp may also opt to do some activities together.
…I need a ride.
We’ve got just the City thread for you! Post your need and someone will connect with you. (We are encouraging carpooling, as parking is limited)
What are my camping options?
We have two tent camping areas reserved, as well as cabins.
Tent Camping
Our main camping area will be in a large, private field, where we will group tents by neighborhood. This area has 2 portable restrooms and is approximately a 6 minute walk to the camp’s restroom/shower facility. We have an additional Family Tent Camping area located a short distance from the private field – these sites are are a bit closer to the restroom facilities and may provide a quiet bedtime option.The cost of general tent camping is $8 per person per night and the cost of family tent camping is $12 per person per night (children 18 and under are free for both). More details about tent camping can be found on the campout page.
Cabins
The 2 room cabins sleep 6 people and are located close to the restrooms (no bathroom in cabin). If you are interested in staying in a cabin, you must reserve with the KOA by July 2nd (after July 2nd, cabins will be released to the general public and are likely to get booked)! The cost for a cabin is $71 per night. Call 360-826-3554 to reserve and pay for your cabin. Note: DCC will not be organizing groups for cabins – if you’d like to stay in a cabin, please reserve the cabin and coordinate other folks to join you! More details about cabins can be found on the campout page.
Sounds great! Where do I register?
Details and registration are here. We encourage you to register in advance via the form, then follow the link on the confirmation page to pay for your site.
I’ve registered. What’s next?
We’re so glad you’ll be joining us! We encourage you to invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The more the merrier – there will be plenty of s’mores to go around! Next, start coordinating with your neighborhood. If you’re part of a Cornerstone Community, connect with others who are going to talk about carpooling, gear swaps, or meal coordination. If you’re not plugged into a community, we’ll connect you with your neighborhood. Watch the City group for folks coordinating carpools, hikes, or other activities.
When should I arrive?
If you’re coming up Friday, you can arrive anytime between 1:00 – 9:00pm. If you’re arriving on Saturday, you’re welcome to come anytime during the day!
Where will I be camping?
If you’ve opted for general tent camping, we’ll be setting up camp in a large, private field a short walk (approx. 6-8 minutes) from the main restroom facilities. Because the field is a bit different than traditional tent sites, we’ll be encouraging folks to cluster with their neighborhood to make smaller “neighborhood camps.” You’ll be pointed towards your neighborhood camp when you arrive. If you’ve chosen the family camping, we have also reserved an additional tent camping area a short distance from the private field. You’ll also be directed to your campsite when you arrive and check in with DCC. If you’ve snagged a cabin, you’ll check in with the KOA office when you arrive.
What do I need to bring?
Basics include tent, water containers (no running water in the field), lantern or flashlight, sleeping bags, and food/snacks. Other packing items to keep in mind are bug spray, chairs, blankets, pillows, games, cooler, camera, sunscreen, etc. If you’re in need of gear, post on this City thread.
Note: A state-wide burn ban is now in effect! Fire pits and charcoal grills are prohibited. If you have a propane grill, please bring it!
Should I plan my own meals?
All meals will be on your own or with your neighborhood camp. We encourage you to coordinate with your camp to plan out meals in advance – it’s always fun to share a fireside meal! Also, don’t forget that DCC will be coordinating s’more time in the evenings. Note: A state-wide burn ban is now in effect! Fire pits and charcoal grills are prohibited. If you have a propane grill, please bring it!
What kinds of activities will there be?
The campground has mini golf, basketball, lawn chess, volleyball, swimming, sauna, horseshoe pits, a playground, and fishing. We are working to coordinate activities for the weekend, including games in the campground (basketball tournament, anyone?) and off-site adventures, such as a hike or bike ride. We will get you those details soon, but in the meantime would encourage you to post your ideas on this City thread.
I have more questions!
Have questions? Post them here!