Contributed by Susan Olson
Nestled in the trees at the edge of Flat Lake is a faith-based summer camp dedicated to giving every kid a week-long adventure. Even getting to Camp Tukuskoya is an adventure. The traditional summer camp, complete with cabins, a lodge with soaring windows, and dedicated staff, is accessible only by boat. This idyllic camp on the lakeshore offers adventure, new friendships, and activities from morning to bedtime designed to give every camper an unforgettable week.
When my own sons wanted to experience summer camp, Camp Tukuskoya was the one we chose. It was close by but isolated enough to give them a feeling of independence, of being on their own. But I knew better. Every one of the camp staff is chosen because of their values and their commitment to providing a safe environment for the campers. The camp counselors, recruited for their maturity and commitment to helping campers develop, come from all over the country. Most are college students who fondly recall their own camp experiences and want to give the same back to a new generation of campers.
Leaving my boys at the dock, watching them motor away in the camp boat, was always a moment of wondering for all of us. What would the next week promise to be like? Would they make friends? Did they pack enough stuff?
I shouldn’t have worried. On their return, there were nonstop tales of swimming, canoeing, and campfire stories. There were reviews of the home-cooked meals and the group activities that challenged them physically, mentally, and socially. They began the week with a pack of clean clothes, a willing spirit, and a touch of apprehension. They returned with the same bag now stuffed with clothes that had seen the great outdoors, but more importantly, they’d gained confidence and new skills and found new friendships. Eventually, when they reached their teens, my sons attended Camp Tukuskoya’s Teen Extreme Camp. Among the activities they enjoyed were whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking at Hatcher’s Pass. They came home with bigger tales and better skills and the ever-present pack of dirty clothes. Maybe dirtier.
If you’re looking for a summer camp experience for your little adventurers or your big ones, Camp Tukuskoya offers a Christ-centered, values-based camp that promotes physical, social, and spiritual growth. Cabin life, the recreational fun, the songs and stories around the campfire in the evenings all add up to an unforgettable week.
Camps this summer for ages 8-12 are July 7-14, and July 21-28. Teen Extreme Camp, for ages 13-16, takes place June 30-July 7. For more information, go to the camp webpage at www.alaskaconference.org/departments/alaska-camps. You can also call (907) 346-1004 and ask for summer camp information.
My sons are too old for camp now, but my oldest has spent two summers giving back to the camp he grew to love, both as a volunteer and as camp staff. Camp Tukuskoya’s vision, to prepare young people for a life of service to others, had come full circle.
