Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Sammamish in Bellevue, Washington, Sambica (short for Sammamish Bible Camp Association) stands as a beacon of joy and growth for youth in the Pacific Northwest. Located just a short drive from the bustling cityscape of Seattle, this idyllic setting offers a tranquil escape where nature meets nurture.

Founded over a century ago, in 1919, Sambica has long been a cherished part of the community. Its rich history is rooted in providing a safe and spiritually enriching environment for children and teens. Over the years, the camp has evolved, continually enhancing its programs and facilities to meet the changing needs of young people while maintaining its foundational beliefs.

At the heart of Sambica’s mission is the commitment to “Be light on the lake,” fostering an environment where young people can experience transformational love and growth. The camp philosophy centers on building positive relationships and nurturing a deep sense of community among campers.

Sambica offers a variety of camp experiences tailored to different age groups, welcoming boys and girls typically from 7 to 18 years old. Each session is designed to accommodate the unique developmental needs of these age groups, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience that caters to both new and returning campers.

Join us at Sambica, where summer days are filled with adventure, friendship, and the discovery of new potentials in the stunning backdrop of Lake Sammamish.

Programs Offered by Sambica

Sambica offers an array of programs that cater to a variety of interests and age groups, ensuring every camper has the opportunity to explore their passions, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships. Each program is carefully crafted to provide a balance of fun, education, and personal growth.

1. Day Camps

Duration: One-week sessions
Age Group: 7-12 years
Activities: These camps are perfect for younger campers, featuring activities like swimming, arts and crafts, water sports, and group games. Day camps focus on introducing campers to the joys of outdoor activities while fostering a sense of community.

2. Overnight Camps

Duration: One to two-week sessions
Age Group: 9-18 years
Activities: Designed for older campers, these sessions include more intensive activities such as archery, canoeing, high ropes courses, and team-building exercises. Overnight camps provide a deeper camp experience with a focus on personal development and independence.

3. Leadership Development Programs

Duration: Multiple summer sessions
Age Group: 13-18 years
Focus: These programs are aimed at older campers interested in developing leadership skills. Activities include leadership workshops, mentorship opportunities, and practical leadership tasks within the camp setting.

4. Specialty Camps

Duration: One-week sessions
Specialties: Includes a variety of focus areas such as:
- Sports Camps: Emphasizing skill development in specific sports like soccer, basketball, and water sports.
- Arts Camps: Focused on creative arts, including painting, theater, and music.
- Science and Nature Camps: Designed to engage campers with the natural world through hands-on learning and scientific exploration.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Sambica is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, free time, and group interactions, ensuring that campers stay engaged and energized throughout their stay.

Morning

7:30 AM: Wake up and personal time
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning assembly and team activities
10:30 AM: Activity Session 1 (e.g., arts and crafts, science exploration)
12:00 PM: Lunch

Afternoon

1:00 PM: Quiet time/rest period
2:00 PM: Activity Session 2 (e.g., sports, swimming)
3:30 PM: Free time and snack
4:30 PM: Activity Session 3 (e.g., high ropes, canoeing)

Evening

6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening games and campfire sessions
8:30 PM: Cabin time and reflections
9:30 PM: Lights out

This structured schedule ensures that every camper enjoys a full day of activities, learning, and fun, balanced with adequate rest and downtime to recharge for the next day’s adventures.

Accommodations in Sambica

Sambica is well-equipped to ensure that campers have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, providing various accommodations and amenities tailored to meet the needs of a diverse group of campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Sambica is cabin-style lodging. These cabins are designed to blend into the natural surroundings while providing a safe and cozy environment. Each cabin houses between 8 to 12 campers, along with one or two camp counselors who stay with the campers to supervise and assist them throughout their stay. Cabins are typically segregated by age and gender to ensure comfort and appropriateness.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Sambica offers a full meal plan that includes three balanced meals per day, served in the camp’s communal dining hall. The dining environment is designed to promote camaraderie and community, with family-style meals that allow campers and staff to connect and share their daily experiences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Sambica’s kitchen staff is equipped to handle special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. Campers or their parents are encouraged to communicate any dietary restrictions well in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located in close proximity to the cabins. These facilities are communal, separated by gender, and are designed to ensure privacy and cleanliness. They are equipped with multiple stalls and shower units to accommodate several campers at once, ensuring that everyone has ample space and time for their morning and evening routines.
Hygiene and Maintenance: Sambica prioritizes cleanliness and hygiene, with daily cleaning schedules maintained by the camp staff. Additionally, campers are educated on maintaining cleanliness and respecting shared spaces.

This combination of well-thought-out accommodations and facilities at Sambica ensures that campers can stay comfortably and safely, allowing them to focus on enjoying their camp experience and the wealth of activities offered.

Activities in Sambica

Sambica offers a wide range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and ages, fostering both fun and skill development. The camp’s beautiful lakeside location and extensive facilities enable a variety of both land and water activities.

List of Activities Offered

Water Sports: As a lakeside camp, Sambica emphasizes water activities, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. Safety is paramount, with all water activities supervised by certified lifeguards.
Adventure Sports: Summer camps can challenge themselves with adventure sports such as archery, high ropes courses, and rock climbing.
Crafts and Creativity: For those who love arts and crafts, Sambica provides a plethora of creative outlets including painting, pottery, and woodworking.
Team Sports and Games: Sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee are popular, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Nature Exploration: Hiking, nature walks, and environmental education sessions allow campers to connect with the natural world.
Performing Arts: Drama workshops and music sessions offer campers the chance to express themselves artistically and participate in camp performances.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfires and Storytelling: Evening campfires are a time-honored tradition at Sambica, featuring storytelling, s’mores, and songs, creating memorable moments for all campers.
Theme Days: Special theme days, such as Pirate Day or Superhero Day, add a fun and imaginative twist to the camp schedule, encouraging campers to dress up and participate in themed activities.
End-of-Session Gala: Each session concludes with a gala or a showcase where campers can display the skills and crafts they have developed during their stay, celebrating their achievements with fellow campers and staff.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have the opportunity to participate in leadership training programs, which prepare them for roles such as camp counselors or group leaders in the future.
Personal Growth Workshops: Workshops focusing on personal development, such as communication skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, are integral to helping campers grow into well-rounded individuals.
Environmental Stewardship: Educational programs that focus on conservation and environmental awareness teach campers the importance of caring for their surroundings and the broader ecosystem.

At Sambica, the combination of fun activities, special traditions, and dedicated skill development opportunities ensures that every camper leaves with not just memories, but also new skills and a deeper understanding of themselves and their environment.

The staff of Sambica

At Sambica, the quality of the camp experience is greatly enhanced by a dedicated and skilled staff team, who ensure that each camper’s stay is safe, enjoyable, and enriching. The camp prides itself on maintaining a high staff-to-camper ratio and ensuring that all staff members are well-trained and qualified.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Sambica maintains a high staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member for every six campers. This ratio allows staff to effectively monitor and engage all campers, providing a supportive and attentive environment that fosters strong relationships and personal growth.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: The hiring process at Sambica is rigorous, starting with a detailed application, followed by multiple interviews and background checks. The camp seeks individuals who are not only skilled in various camp activities but are also passionate about working with children and embody the camp’s values.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have backgrounds in education, child development, or a related field. Many are college students or graduates with prior experience in camp settings or youth programs. The camp also looks for diversity in skills to cover the wide range of activities offered.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camping season begins, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, conflict resolution, and activity safety.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. This ensures that they are prepared to handle any medical emergencies that may arise.
Specialized Certifications: Depending on their roles, some staff members also hold additional certifications. For example, staff involved in water sports will have lifeguard certifications, and those leading adventure sports might have specific training in ropes course management or rock climbing safety.

Ongoing Education

Sambica believes in the continuous professional development of its staff. Throughout the camp season, staff members participate in ongoing training sessions and workshops to refine their skills and adapt to any new challenges that may emerge.

The staff at Sambica are more than just supervisors or activity leaders; they are mentors and role models who play a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and safe environment where campers can learn and grow. This commitment to quality staffing is central to Sambica’s mission and is reflected in the positive experiences of campers and their families.

Safety and Health in Sambica

Ensuring the safety and health of all campers and staff is a top priority at Sambica. The camp has comprehensive safety protocols and health facilities in place to manage everyday health needs and any emergencies that may arise.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Training: All staff at Sambica undergo regular safety training, including emergency response drills and situation-specific protocols to ensure they are prepared to act quickly and effectively.
Activity Safety: Each activity offered at Sambica is supervised by staff members who have specific training relevant to that activity. For example, water-based activities are always supervised by lifeguards certified in water safety.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance: The camp maintains all equipment and facilities to the highest safety standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are conducted to ensure that all gear and facilities are in safe working order.
Risk Assessment: Ongoing risk assessments are conducted for all activities to identify and mitigate potential hazards, ensuring a safe environment for campers and staff.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Sambica is equipped with a well-staffed health center that operates throughout the camp season. The center is managed by licensed healthcare professionals, typically including a registered nurse or a paramedic.
Capabilities: The health center is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with the necessary supplies and medications to manage a range of medical situations. For more serious medical issues, the camp has protocols in place to quickly transport individuals to the nearest hospital.
Availability: Health staff are available 24/7 to ensure that any medical needs that arise can be promptly and effectively addressed.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: Sambica has a detailed emergency response plan that includes procedures for handling various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical situations.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, Sambica has a clear communication protocol to inform all staff and campers of necessary actions. This protocol also includes timely communication with parents and guardians.
Training and Drills: Regular emergency drills are conducted with both campers and staff to ensure everyone knows how to act in different emergency scenarios, such as fire drills and weather-related emergencies.

These stringent safety measures and health policies underscore Sambica’s commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment where campers can enjoy their activities worry-free, knowing that their well-being is being vigilantly safeguarded.

Cost and Registration in Sambica

Sambica is dedicated to providing an accessible and enriching camp experience. Understanding the financial considerations of families, the camp offers detailed information on costs, registration, and financial support options.

Cost of Attendance

Fees: The cost of attending Sambica varies depending on the specific program and duration. Typically, fees range from $300 to $800 per session. These costs include all aspects of the camp experience, such as lodging, meals, activities, and supervision.
What’s Included: The fee covers accommodation in well-maintained cabins, three daily meals, all program materials, and access to a wide range of activities including sports, arts, and adventure programs.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for Sambica programs is handled through an online portal. Families can access the registration form online, where they can select their desired session and fill out necessary camper information.
Deadlines: Early registration is encouraged as many programs fill up quickly. Specific registration deadlines are posted well in advance of the camp season, usually by early spring.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Understanding that the cost of the camp can be significant, Sambica offers flexible payment plans to help families manage their expenses. These plans allow families to pay for camp over a series of months leading up to the session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a structured refund and cancellation policy. If a cancellation is made several weeks before the start of the session, a full or partial refund is typically available, minus a processing fee. The policy details, including specific deadlines for cancellations, are clearly outlined during the registration process.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Sambica is committed to making camp accessible to as many children as possible, regardless of financial circumstances. The camp offers scholarships based on need and availability of funds. These scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
Application for Aid: Families seeking financial aid are required to fill out a scholarship application that includes information about their financial situation. This process is confidential and aims to assist as many eligible families as possible.

By offering comprehensive registration information and support, Sambica ensures that families are well-informed and prepared for the camp experience, making it as accessible and enjoyable as possible for every camper.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Sambica

To ensure that both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the camp experience, Sambica provides comprehensive guidance on packing, rules, and helpful tips for first-time attendees.

Packing List

To help campers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, Sambica recommends packing the following items:

Clothing: Enough comfortable clothing for the session duration, including t-shirts, shorts, and pants. Include warm layers for cool evenings and rainy day gear.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes for hiking and sports, plus sandals or flip-flops for showering and water activities.
Swimwear: Appropriate swim attire and towels for water-based activities.
Toiletries: All personal hygiene items, including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, plus a pillow.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, bug repellent, water bottle, and any necessary medications.
Optional: Books, disposable cameras, and writing materials for leisure time.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: Sambica encourages a tech-free environment to help campers engage fully with their surroundings and each other. Mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are typically not allowed or are only allowed with strict limitations.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and structure of the camp program, visitation during sessions is generally restricted. Parents are encouraged to communicate with camp staff about any special circumstances.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, kindness, and cooperation. Details are provided to ensure all campers and parents understand the camp’s expectations.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Engage Positively: Embrace the new experiences and make an effort to participate fully in camp activities.
- Make Friends: Be open to meeting new people and building friendships; camp is a great place to develop social skills.
For Parents:
- Prepare Your Camper: Discuss what the camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities for fun.
- Stay Positive: If you’re enthusiastic and confident about the camp experience, your camper is more likely to feel excited rather than anxious.
- Communication: Set up a plan for communication, if allowed, such as writing letters or the times when calls are permitted.

By providing these guidelines and support, Sambica ensures that both parents and campers are well-prepared for the camp experience, setting the stage for a successful and memorable summer.

Sambica truly stands out as a remarkable place where fun, friendship, and personal growth flourish amidst the natural beauty of Lake Sammamish. With its wide range of activities, dedicated staff, and well-thought-out accommodations, Sambica offers an ideal environment for campers to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting relationships. The camp’s commitment to safety, combined with its inclusive atmosphere and supportive community, ensures that every camper’s experience is not only enjoyable but also enriching.

Whether it’s a first-time camper stepping into the world of summer camps or a seasoned attendee returning for more adventures, Sambica is equipped to make each summer unforgettable. Here, campers are not just participants but are part of a vibrant community that celebrates each individual’s unique journey. As families consider the best place for their children to spend their summers, Sambica represents a choice where fun meets purpose, and every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and shine.