2022 Summer Plus

SUMMER

s u l p

2022

Ice Age Adventures Rainy Day Activities Camp Gifford turns 100

INCLUDES SUMMER CAMPS AND MORE!

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Read Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Reading 2022 JUNE–AUGUST

Track Your Reading for a Chance to Win Log your reading & complete activity challenges for entries into our summer reading prize drawing to win family camping sets.

Read!

Sign up at scld.beanstack.org Or scan the QR code to get started.

Performances in Parks & at Libraries The Zaniac Comes Alive

Get outdoors!

Experience this comedic onslaught of absurd ideas & odd skills. All ages

Win prizes!

Airway Heights Library, Edgecliff Park, Mix Park, Moran Prairie Library, Northwoods Park, Otis Orchards Library, Terrace View Park, Valley Mission Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Waterfront Park JUNE 21–24 Learn more at www.scld.org/zaniac

Eric Herman’s Cool Tunes Enjoy music bursting with comedy, creativity & audience participation.

All ages Bidwell Park, Edgecliff Park, Fairwood Farmers’ Market, Mix Park, Moran Prairie Library, Otis Orchards Library, Sunset Park, Terrace View Park, Valley Mission Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Waterfront Park

Have fun!

JUNE 27–JULY 1 Learn more at www.scld.org/herman

www.scld.org

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

A cappucino is photographed with a glass of water at Ladder Coffee Roasters in downtown Spokane. Libby Kamrowski/Visit Spokane

A Buzzy Afternoon – Consider coffee tours along with beer, wine visits

By Kate A. Miner

Marketing Correspondent

Sure, you may know about the dozens, or even hundreds, of tours of wineries and breweries in Washington. The state is the second-largest producer of premium wine in the country and second only to California with the most craft breweries.

It also has a few other accolades, including being “the coffee capital of the country,” it produces more cherries, apples, pears, and red raspberries than other states, and is third in the

country for distilleries.

Fruit aside, it’s safe to say we know how to pour.

But before we get into fun ideas for indulging in libations and caffeination, we must first remind you to always have a designated driver along for the ride or to take your trip on foot. Even too much caffeine can have potentially dangerous side effects, so drink water and incorporate food as much as possible.

Ready to get your buzz on? Here are a few flavorful ideas for

consideration. Mix and match for added amusement.

COFFEE Seattle is chock full of coffee, but some top roasters are worth visiting for a unique experience.

Such as Milstead & Co. in Fremont, Victrola Roasters in Capitol Hill, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery downtown, Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square, La Marzocco in Seattle Center (currently closed to public except

by appointment), and Fulcrum Café in Belltown.

You can also take the Seattle Coffee Culture Tour, a walking and tasting tour.

For adventures beyond Seattle, here is a list of some unique coffee stops across the state. The Espresso Chalet in Index (a locally operated coffee and Bigfoot gift shop: you can’t miss the Sasquatch out front), Whittaker’s Cafe and Espresso in Ashford (known for coffee and huckleberry ice cream), Wake N’ Bakery in Glacier (tagline, “Get Sconed”), the Olympia Coffee Roasting Company in Olympia, Seattle, and Tacoma (the first roaster to ensure that coffee is “Fair For All”), Caffe Mela, in Wenatchee (an on-site roaster), Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, in Poulsbo (cafe by the sea), the Black Drop, in Bellingham, Rockabilly Roasting Co., in Kennewick, and Urraco Coffee Company, in Shelton (featuring gourmet coffee that's both 100% fair trade and organic).

Closer to Spokane, don’t miss Atticus Coffee & Gifts (features a unique "To Kill A Mockingbird" theme), Kitty Cantina: Spokane’s Cat Café (you can view adorable cats playing in their separate room through plexiglass), Arctos Coffee Roasters (the scientific name for the Grizzly Bear is Ursus Arctos), Revel 77 (features some of the best local coffee roasters in both the Inland Northwest and the Pacific Northwest),

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Meeting House in South Perry (home to the F-Bomb Cold Brew), Indaba Coffee Roasters (boasting an open floor layout with over 4,000 square feet of space), and 1st Avenue Coffee (featuring Roast House Coffee Roasters, it offers a wide range of coffee blends and a classroom for roasting presentations).

Looking for coffee stops in nearby Idaho? Check out TheCoffeeMaven.com, Doma Coffee in Post Falls, or this great coffee lover’s guide to Idaho at sprudge. com.

BEER AND WINE Instead of the usual beer and wine tours, these suggestions can be incorporated into your repertoire for leisurely libations across the state.

Take a beer tour along Route 14 on the north side of the Columbia River.

Experience Beacon Rock, Cape Horn, and Table Mountain while enjoying top-quality flights at Mill City Brew Werks (located just down the street from the Georgia Pacific paper mill in downtown Camas), Amnesia Brewing, 54-40 Brewing Company in the Washougal industrial park, Doomsday Brewing Co., Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson, and Everybody's Brewing (boasting the best brewpub view of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood).

Try some of theseless popular, but nonetheless intriguing tours, such as the Seattle Fishermen's Terminal Brewery Tour, the all-inclusive Bainbridge

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

food and music.

DISTILLERIES

Dry Fly Distilling recently relocated to a larger production area and tasting room in downtown Spokane. Jesse Tinsley/The Spokesman-Review

Island Luxury Winery Tour, the Paddles and Pints: Brewery Tour while whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River, or the Willamette Valley’s Wine Trail (between the Cascade and Coast Ranges, the lush Willamette Valley provides the perfect setting for more than 400 wineries and tasting rooms).

Bale Breaker in Yakima is a brewery situated in the middle of a fully operational hops farm.

Guests can learn about the company’s unique farm-to-glass methodology from the comfort of a kid- and dog-friendly tasting room.

Experience Washington’s Yakima Valley like a local at the Cherry Wood Bed and Breakfast. During the day, take in the vineyards on horseback with stops at wineries

along the way and a picnic lunch at Cultura Winery, known for Old World wines. Check out the Bend Ale Trail in Oregon, a trail through the area guided by an app on your phone.

Or visit these lists and craft your own tour based on personal tastes and travel routes: • On the Washington Beer website washingtonbeer.com you can find a map that designates breweries by region, including addresses and websites.

• One of my favorite blogs for planning food and wine trips is the Emerald Palate, where you can find some of the more intriguing wineries, food tours, and customized trips available in Washington.

• The not-to-be-missed Snoqualmie

Wine Train features a scenic train ride through Snoqualmie Valley. Passengers ride in historic coaches, including multiple tasting stops with local

Washington is home to more than 100 distilleries making everything from single malt whiskey to gin. Seattle has numerous craft whiskey offerings, but other great distilleries are located across the state, like the Bainbridge Organic Distillers, Blue Flame Spirits in Prosser, the famous Dry Fly Distilling in Spokane, Golden Distillery in Bow, and Wishkah River Distillery in Aberdeen. To plot your distillery tours, check out DistilleryTrail.com where you can pick any state and find all the distilleries laid out for you. If you want a tour already planned, check out the Seattle Craft Whiskey Trail or the Distillery & Gristmill Tours in Mount Vernon.

If you’ve lived in Washington your whole life, and everything listed above is been there, done that, consider a few more buzzy suggestions: • Sake tasting in Seattle. Sake Nomi is top notch.

• Check out the Wander Spokane website for upcoming local tours • Attend Cider Smash in Kirkland • Hangout at the Annual Gorge Blues and Brews Festival in Stevenson • Take the Spokane Party Trolley • Or visit Alice - An Immersive Cocktail Experience in Seattle (a theatrical, alternate reality experience that will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass).

One of the drinks available from Dry Fly Distillery.

Libby Kamrowski // Visit Spokane

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

Historical markers show you the way

By Kate A. Miner

Marketing Correspondent

Looking for a unique travel route this summer?

What about a search for all the Historical Markers throughout your state?

These are the green-andbrown plaques and signs usually found on major roadways to commemorate and visually educate the public about the people, places, and events that are significant to local and national history.

The United States National Historic Landmark Program is designed to recognize and honor the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.

It started with a series of listings in 1960, and as of 2020, there are now more than 2,550 designated landmarks throughout the

country.

The NHL program is administered by the National Park Service and determines which properties meet NHL criteria. The Secretary of the Interior reviews the nominations and, based on a set of predetermined criteria, decides on NHL designation or a determination of eligibility for designation.

All NHLs are also included on the National Register of Historic Places, a list of some 80,000 historic properties that the National Park Service deems to be worthy of recognition, and other NRHP properties are deemed significant at the local or state level.

You can find a list of National Historic

Landmarks for both Washington and Idaho on Wikipedia, and you can also map them to plan your trip! Although Wikipedia shouldn’t be considered an absolute authoritative source, the site does

have a comprehensive list and photos of all the NHLs, including links that allow you to “Map all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap” or “Download coordinates as: KML.” These links will provide a state map showing where the markers are.

Additionally, you can find a list of historical highway markers on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website at wsdot.wa.gov/ engineering-standards/ design-topics/environment/ environmental-disciplines/ cultural-resources/ history-archaeologyculture/historic-highways/ historical-highwaymarkers.

The WSDOT provides photos of each marker and links to more information.

Idaho provides a great guidebook on Idaho’s Historical Society’s website history.idaho. gov/historical-highwaymarkers/, which connects Idaho’s history to scenic geography. It provides the

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location and descriptions for over 240 historical markers.

There are other lists you may want to add, such as Heritage Markers, Roadside Markers, and Man-Made Wonders.

These lists include other noteworthy places worth exploring. To make the journey interesting, consider taking photos as you go along, keeping track on a map, and journaling your information.

If you’re a teacher looking for a summer project for your students, this is a great way to combine a variety of educational opportunities.

It’s also a fun way to come up with stories while camping, and for extra credit, you might look for the ghost stories and legends associated with each marker!

Here is a list of websites you may want to further explore for more ideas and information: • Explore Washington (explore-wa.com) explorewa.com/roadside-markersof-washington/ • Historical Markers on Idaho Roads www.arcgis. com/apps/PublicGallery/ index.html • Visit Historical Places in Washington dahp.wa.gov/ historic-preservation/ experience-history/visithistoric-places • The Historical Marker Database www.hmdb.org/ Explore Here (app)

Washington Department of Transportation photos

• Marker 41, Spokane House, Highway 291, about 10 miles north of Spokane.

• Marker 42, Indian Painted Rocks, Highway 291, Riverside State Park

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

By Linda Ball

Marketing Correspondent

GOING BACK IN TIME Ice Age tours through Eastern Washington share our geologic history

At the end of the last ice age, 13,000 to 18,000 years ago, there was a lake as big as Lakes Ontario and Lake Erie combined around Missoula, Montana, which was held back by an ice dam.

The depth of the ice dam is estimated to have been 2,000 feet given watermarks on the mountainsides. Glacial Lake Missoula formed as the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, damning the Clark Fork River just as it entered Idaho.

The ice dam burst sending massive flood waters across Washington, down the Columbia River and into Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The water raged across the land with the force of 40 Amazon Rivers, tearing away soil, mountainsides, dragging boulders as large as automobiles that were once embedded in ice, along the way.

Over the course of centuries, Glacial Lake Missoula filled and emptied in repeated cycles creating the Columbia River Gorge and the landscape you see today. You can still see these boulders and other amazing evidence of the flood in many parks and tours. For the budding geologist, this a perfect summer adventure.

Both Eastern Washington and the

Columbia River Gorge offer opportunities to explore the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. The Dry Falls Visitor Center in Grande Coulee is one of the most impressive Ice Age floods features.

Very accessible, the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park in Vantage on the Columbia River, features trees that have been turned to stone due to lava flows and the ice age floods. These once-living trees are turned to stone through a long, slow petrification process. The silica enriched lava flows covered 63,000 square miles.

As the lava cooled these once flood-soaked logs, the silica from the lava slowly replaced organic cells in the trees. Over time these fallen trees created the Gingko Petrified Forest, the best place in Washington to see this phenomena. Fun fact: our petrified wood is the official Washington State Gem. To fully grasp the enormity of the flood and how it shaped Central Washington there are two drivable trails, one a 30-mile loop around the Wenatchee Valley that lies within another larger 164-mile loop around Central Washington using the Ice Age Floods Geological Trail map.

The Wenatchee Valley Ice Age Floods Loop self-drive tour highlights 18 different geological locations of interest. In 1987,

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

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explore • discover • grow orchard workers discovered evidence of “the first Americans,” a nomadic hunting culture of the Pleistocene Epoch which included spear points and knives, and one of the largest fluted stone tools ever found among other fascinating artifacts.

The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center highlights this discovery and the geology of the region. For a broader view, the 164-mile loop which surrounds the smaller Wenatchee Valley Loop, starts in Wenatchee. Along the way there are 40 different sights where you will see pillow basalts - where lava encountered water, creating vertical columns - haystack rocks, and numerous erratics.

You can also travel to Missoula, where an exhibit about the great flood is maintained at the Montana Natural History Center. There you can watch videos about the great floods, view artifacts and pick up maps of driving routes for the area and for the National Geologic Trail.

An interactive relief map of Glacial Lake Missoula is located on the auto circle tour route at Paradise Center, formerly a school in Paradise, Montana.

This self-drive tour is 225 miles and includes strandlines which are easily seen in the Missoula Valley and are quite fascinating. The strandlines are evident by multiple benches ground into the slopes, and are perfectly parallel lines.

Since the lake had no outlet, the level of the lake rose until the ice dam failed and water emptied. But it didn’t all

empty at once, so each successive ice dam existed for fewer years than the one before, which resulted in this curious landscape.

For a fun day trip from Spokane or North Idaho, Palouse Falls is not to be missed. It is truly in the middle of nowhere and you may wonder if you’re going the right way, but you are. Once there, witness the Washington State waterfall with a staggering 200-foot drop fed by the Palouse River.

The falls and its path were carved out 13,000 years ago, and is one the last remaining waterfalls of the Ice Age flood path. The water falls into a churning bowl, then continues downstream through a canyon of columnar basalt before it flows into the Snake River.

The park has limited first-come firstserve tent camping, picnic tables and an interpretive trail. There is no phone service at the park and staff and/or volunteers are not always there. But it’s worth the trip!

Two ways to see the results of the ice age flooding is by seeing petrified wood near Vantage, and visiting Palouse Falls.

(Petrified wood photo by Linda Ball.

Palouse Falls photo courtesy Visit Spokane)

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

The many mysteries of the Northwest huckleberry Some locations top-secret

By Tracy Damon

Marketing Correspondent

Besides the warm weather, longer days, and the ice cream truck, another perk of summer in the Inland Northwest is the huge variety of fresh grown fruits and vegetables available in the area. And of all the fruits and berries, many people will tell you their favorite is the one that is tiny in size but big in taste: the revered huckleberry.

But that’s about the only thing most people will tell you about huckleberries. They sure won’t share where they pick them.

“They will tell me, ‘It’s near the St. Joe River’ and I will say, ‘Well, that doesn’t narrow it down too much,” said Tim Kohlhauff, extension

coordinator for the horticulture program at the Spokane County WSU Extension.

Huckleberries have been a nutritional staple here for hundreds of years, for tribes and early homesteaders alike.

And yet, there is still a lot that is unknown about them.

Kohlhauff says he gets many questions about huckleberries from members of the public, but the most common by far is where to find them.

“I don’t have a great answer to that other than they are usually north of here at higher elevations in Eastern Washington and North Idaho and even in the North Cascades,” he said. “Those ones are a different type, and

it may be a personal bias but I think the ones around here taste better.”

National forests and state parks are popular picking areas, such as Mount Spokane State Park, North Cascades National Park, Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, and the Lolo National Forest in Montana. Berries are often found in areas that burned several years in the past, because they can get more sunlight in these spots.

They appear to thrive in higher elevations, between about 4,000 and 10,000 feet.

“I think we (Spokane) are around 2,000 feet, and they have a hard time growing here,”

said Kohlhauff. “So some of it may be elevation but more important than that, the soil is not the right soil for them here. They like to grow in or near forest areas where there is more organic matter in the soil.

I think our growing season is a little too hot for too long for them as well.”

As for the growing season for huckleberries, Kohlhauff said there is no definitive answer to that either.

“There is (a general picking season) and it moves around a little bit and really depends on the weather that year. So if you have a cold late spring, they’re ready a little bit later on. It also depends on elevation, so if someone’s secret spot is Mt.

Spokane, those are typically ready to pick earlier than if you’re going to, say, Priest Lake.”

In general, huckleberries can be found anywhere from midJuly to late August in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

And chances are good that if you find them in an area one year, you can find them in the same spot the next year.

“They’re perennials so they will live multiple years. As long as we leave a few they will come back,” said Kohlhauff.

The one drawback to huckleberries is the sheer amount of time required to pick them. Getting enough for milkshakes or huckleberry daiquiris is easy but picking to make a pie can be a real commitment. For those who love the taste but not the work, huckleberries are usually available for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but the going price is more than even the cost of gas lately. In past years, the berries would retail for upwards of $50 a gallon and during last year’s long, hot summer, there were reports of huckleberries selling for over $60 per gallon.

When you consider that they are harvested one tedious, small berry at a time though, the high prices are somewhat understandable. There are tools available that resemble small rakes to pull berries off the bushes, but Kohlhauff warns that these can damage or kill huckleberry bushes.

“I know everyone is busy and wants to get as many as fast as they can but for the health of the plant, hand picking is the best for not tearing off all the leaves and other parts of the plant.”

Some picking hacks are to bring a container that clips to

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

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your belt or can be hung around the neck to enable the use of both hands. And something with a slender neck or a hole in the lid to drop the berries through can prevent the heartbreak of spilling an hour’s worth of berries in a matter of seconds if you trip over a tree root.

The real heartbreak though is, why, with today’s technology that lets cars drive themselves and everyday people go to space, can’t we domesticate huckleberry plants to grow in farms or even our yards?

“That is the million dollar question,” said Kohlhauff. “There was a professor from the University

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of Idaho who did some pretty extensive work to try to crossbreed huckleberries and blueberries to get a similar berry on a bush. I think that part of the issue is that huckleberries really don’t like heat and blueberries are more heat tolerant.”

Yet another mystery of the elusive huckleberry, right up there with “Where’s your family’s traditional picking spot?”

Huckleberry photos Riva Rearn for Visit Spokane.

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER Plenty of places to take your pooch

By Seagrin van Ranson Marketing Correspondent

The Inland NW is a paradise for our furry friends, with nearly endless adventures for you and your pup or pups, including many that are easily accessible and loads of fun.

Here’s a handful of wag-worthy destinations:

ATLAS WATERFRONT DOG PARK, ATLAS MILL PARK, 2310 W. Suzanne Road, Coeur d’ Alene We got a tip on this dog park from big-time dog lovers. It lived up to the hype! Located within Atlas Mill Park, this fully ADA-accessible offleash park is steps from the Centennial Trail, just west of Lake Coeur d’ Alene. We had

the place to ourselves when we last visited, due to a little rain (there’s no such thing as too wet for a golden retriever), but it can get busy during summer.

With waterfront views of Coeur d’Alene and surrounding mountains, it’s a win for the humans, too.

LIBERTY LAKE REGIONAL PARK, 3707 S. Zephyr Rd.; Liberty Lake

($2 per person day use fee Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day) Liberty Lake Regional Park holds a special place in our hearts -- it’s our home trail.

The main trailhead is located south of the campground in the marshy area of the park.

You’ll traverse through recently restored wetlands (big props to beavers!) and into lush forest filled with a staggering

Atlas Mill Park in Coeur d’Alene.

variety of trees, before reaching one of the only old growth cedar groves in the area. To be considered “old growth” these trees had to be here since before 1850, when European settlers arrived. Most trees in Washington are second or third growth. Take a minute to absorb the energy before crossing the creek, where 11 switchbacks take you to a viewpoint of Liberty Lake and Mt. Spokane

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

to the north. Continue climbing the forest ridge to the waterfall (at its peak mid-spring) and proceed to the upper falls area, where the feel is undeniably magical, and the wildlife is indeed wild. Watch for deer, elk, moose, black bear and cougar!

Once you’ve reached the cabin, it’s a great spot to have a snack and whet your whistle before you make your descent down the Edith Hansen Riding Trail and back through the marsh to the trailhead.

RIVERSIDE STATE PARK BOWL & PITCHER LOOP, 4427 N. Aubrey L. White Pkwy; Spokane (Discover Pass required) An easy trail with big rewards, this is a classic Spokane spot.

Found less than 10 miles northwest of Spokane, Riverside State Park offers over 11,000 acres of protected Okanogan dry forest surrounding the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. The Bowl and Pitcher loop ha one of the most iconic views of the river, containing and massive basaltic rock formations, complete with a suspension bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you and your pup can decide whether to take the trail upstream, or continue downstream. Wildlife that calls this park home include raptors, moose, deer, black bear, coyote and cougar, so keep an eye out! Be sure to listen for songbirds—their songs echo throughout the canyons. This area is rich in Native American history and was often used for large gatherings, and contains a protected Indian petroglyphs area.

ILLER CREEK TO THE ROCKS OF SHARON, 9001 E. Holman Road;

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with one last steep climb (you can do it!) to the high point of the hike and another opportunity for spectacular panoramic views. This is a terrific spot to take a seat and marvel at Mother Nature with your best furry friend. When you’re ready to resume your adventure, continue on the trail and follow the signs to the Iller Creek trailhead. The east has a distinctly different feel and you’ll be treated to panoramic views to the north of the Spokane Valley and the Selkirk Mountains.

SALTESE UPLANDS CONSERVATION AREA 1305 S. Henry Rd.; Spokane This hike has the most unique feel, compliments of a shrubsteppe ecosystem. As one of the most diverse ecosystems, this conservation area is home to life you won’t find anywhere else in Washington. Be on the lookout for an impressive variety of feathered friends in flight—from tundra swans to raptors. The topography creates thermals used by raptors to hunt the canyons and flats below, making for outstanding bird watching.

The open terrain makes it easy to spot wildlife; whitetail deer, coyote and bobcat make their home in these canyons.

Your reward for the climb is panoramic views of Mica Peak, Liberty Lake and the Selkirk Mountains. There are plenty of gneiss outcroppings that make perfect resting spots for you and your furry friend to take it all in.

Iller Creek to the Rocks of Sharon

Spokane Valley Located east of Tower Mountain in the Dishman Hills Conservation Area, this loop trail checks every box.

Woodland creatures here include deer, elk, moose, black bear, hawk, osprey and eagle. At

the trailhead, stay right to hike counterclockwise and immerse yourself in the surrounding lush forest scenery as you gently climb your way toward truly rewarding views. When you catch your first glimpse of the giant granite outcroppings in

the distance, you’ll get an idea of the view that awaits. The trail drops back into the forest between the East and West ridges and will guide you to the Big Rocks and outstanding views to the south of Steptoe Butte and the Palouse. Continue

Photos by Seagrin van Ranson

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Interest growing in pickleball All photos courtesy of Cassy Benefield

Plenty of players can help you get started

By Cassy Benefield

Marketing Correspondent

I’m beginning to think that playing pickleball with others is the solution to world peace and that I need to get in on this action.

OK, that may be an exaggeration – except I do want to learn the game.

Pickleball is currently considered one of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with nearly five million participants, according to the USA Pickleball Association.

Listening to players wax eloquent about the game is enough to get anyone to want to pick

up a paddle and hit a wiffle-like ball back and forth across a net that is 34 inches high in the center – and perhaps create lifelong friendships in the process.

A blend of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wash., by three fathers whose kids were whining about nothing to do. One of the dads found some ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball laying around and told the kids to go hit the ball on a badminton court in someone’s backyard The game was soon fine-tuned to be an activity whole families

can play and enjoy together.

As of March of this year, pickleball became the official state sport of Washington.

“The dynamics of pickleball are different than any sport I’ve been involved in because of the friendships and the camaraderie that you get with everybody,” said Tracy Lewis, a former USAPA ambassador for Spokane.

“There isn’t anybody that has not played pickleball that has not had fun. You can’t believe how much fun it is.”

Lewis has been playing tennis for the last 45 years and added pickleball to her racquet-sport

skill set eight years ago. A fitness instructor most of her life, she began teaching pickleball to beginners four years ago, even though she is technically retired.

She encourages people interested in the sport to begin by watching videos on YouTube to get a feel of the rules and how the game is played. Learning about the game this way may help you determine if you have any medical conditions that would prevent you from playing.

However, because the court is much smaller than a tennis court and the paddles and the balls used are much lighter than other racquet sports, this game tends to be gentler on the body.

If, after learning a bit about the game, you are interested in playing, you can find instructors and classes for all levels in nearly every athletic club in the region that has on-site pickleball courts.

For example, the Hub Sports Center (19619 E. Cataldo Ave. in Liberty Lake) runs Pickleball 101 Clinics the second Wednesdays of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $12 per person, and you can sign up

at hubsportscenter.org/pickleball to reserve a spot.

If you just want to play, there are several other locations in the Spokane-Kootenai area that offer indoor and outdoor courts.

Some require memberships, such as the regional YMCAs, the Spokane Club and The Pickleball Playground (10505 N. Newport Hwy in Spokane).

Some are available indoors for drop-in-play for a small fee, such as $7 for a three-hour session at the Warehouse Athletic Facility at 800 N. Hamilton St. in Spokane. More information about registering for these pickleball slots can be found at warehouseathletics.com/pickleball.

Others are available for free at a handful of Spokane’s city parks with lock boxes to keep the nets safe from vandalism.

Players can call Spokane City Parks Department at (509) 6256200 to find out which parks have outdoor tennis courts that can be designated as pickleball games and which ones have pickleball nets on-site in a lock box, along with the password to open it.

These and other pickleball lo-

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

cations and information about their pricing, availability and contacts for more information can be found on the USAPA’s website, places2play.org.

Craig Woolf, the president of the Inland Northwest Pickleball Club (INPC) in Coeur d’Alene checks his Places2Play app everywhere he travels.

“It is just such a community thing,” said Woolf. “I play in nine states now.”

When his wife says, ‘let’s go travel here,’ he checks the app to find where pickleball courts are.

“I automatically have friends because as soon as I get there, I put my paddle up and start playing and talking with people and we’re having a good time and we get to play,” said Woolf.

When he’s home, he enjoys driving or riding his bike to Memorial Park (near downtown and North Idaho College) for open play, where people rotate with others on open courts or open spots on courts.

He says he plays the game six days a week for several hours at a time, quickly admitting that, in reality, he actually plays every day of the week, if he can.

“I’ve been a game player all my life,” said Woolf, from little league baseball to football, from basketball to racquetball. “So, then I just found this game that fit all the things I’ve done all my life including ping pong. All these little things in the sports I’ve always played and it helped me [play pickleball].”

He and others within the INPC share their love for the

game by teaching pickleball lessons through their club to all levels of players at Cherry Hill Park on the east side of Coeur d’Alene. They do this through the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. More information about these sessions and where to pay for them can be found at inwpc.com/coaching.

Even though pickleball cannot really solve world peace, it is a popular sport where people of all ages, of all skill levels and of all walks of life get to play, have fun and get exercise – together.

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

RAINY DAY ADVENTURES

Any day in the NW has the potential to turn gray

By Kate A. Miner

Marketing Correspondent

Let’s face it, Washington has a bad reputation when it comes to rain. Talk to anyone who’s never been here and that’s the first thing they ask, “doesn’t it rain a lot?”

Personally, that question always receives an eye roll, and this answer, “depends on where you are and what time of the year it is, just like anywhere else in the world.”

In fact, on average, there are 203 sunny days per year in Washington, and the U.S. average is 205 sunny days.

Yet, regardless of where you are, there may come a day when the rain outside makes it challenging to follow through with your sunny-day summer plans. In which case, refer to this list for alternative ideas.

Rent A Campervan

There are a variety of packages for decked-out camper vans, Jeeps, trucks, etc. These rentals are a great choice for couples, small families, or small groups of friends. The rental options range in size and price, and

typically include a sink, refrigerator, and stove to make road trips more enjoyable. Some are customizable, and many feature retro touches or unique décor.

Grab a blanket, light some candles, and enjoy a day of rest as nature puts on a show. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by a rainbow for your patience.

Visit a Rainforest

Visit a Museum

Wait, what? This may sound counterintuitive if you’re trying to avoid getting wet, but the rainforests of Western Washington are home to moss-draped, old-growth trees and abundant wildlife, which are lushest when it’s damp. Once on the trail the big trees and overgrowth keep wetness to a minimum. The Hoh Rain Forest (one of four rain forests on the Olympic Peninsula) is a World Heritage Site, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its unique ecosystem has remained unchanged for thousands of years. It is now the most carefully preserved rainforest in the northern hemisphere.

Watch A Storm

Some of the most romantic and relaxing times I’ve had in the Pacific Northwest were when we got “stuck inside.” There is nothing more dramatic than watching a storm roll in across the sea, mountains, or valley.

Washington is home to dozens of museums. Some small, some historical, some unique (such as The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle). At WashingtonMuseumAssociation.org you can find a full directory of all museums in the state, including the MAC in Spokane. You might want to check out Idaho too (home to the Potato Museum). You can find a listing of museums, galleries, and other great indoor attractions at VisitIdaho.org.

Shop Vintage and Vinyl

No matter where you go in the Northwest you’ll find antique, thrift, and vintage shops, but if you’re looking for vinyl (those funky old records) here are a few places worth checking out: Metropolis, Resurrection Records, and Total Trash Records in Spokane; Rat City Records, Wall of Sound, Sonic Boom and Selector

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

corner.

Visit A Library or Bookstore – They’re Free!

in Seattle; Hi-Voltage and Turntable Treasures in Tacoma; Somewhere In Time in Union Gap; Stash Records in Longview; AU Records in Richland; or The Business in Anacortes. Or scoot over to Coeur d’Alene for The Long Ear. If you want to map out your trip, check out RecordStores.love.

Visit the Zoo

Believe it or not, the worst time to go and see animals is when it’s hot and sunny. Also, zoos and animal parks are busiest when it’s nice out. When it’s raining the animals are more apt to show off. A few less popular options to explore are the Wallaby Ranch in Fall City, Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Cat Tales in Mead, the Reptile Zoo in Monroe, or the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise.

Hot Springs and Caves

Often found in natural surroundings, there’s nothing more relaxing than hot springs – especially when it’s raining.

You’ll find them sprinkled across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The best way to search for them is on Google Maps

or AllTrails.com. You may have to hike in, but it’s worth it. The same goes for caves. Washington has an incredible collection of caves, including lava tubes, ice caves, and limestone. Many of these are not accessible in the winter months.

The nation’s longest limestone cave, Gardner Cave, sits within Crawford State Park in the state’s northeastern

There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book when it’s raining, but if you need to get out, try exploring a library or local bookstore. For example, Seattle Central Library is listed as one of the most beautiful library buildings in the country, with 11 stories of glass and steel. The Talking Book and Braille Library in Seattle is an amazing resource, bringing the world to your fingertips.

The Roslyn Public Library features pioneer women of the West, and the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington is reminiscent of a European cathedral. Bookstores are also fun, with areas for leisurely reading, special children’s sections, and sometimes a café. Top choices are Giant Nerd Books or Auntie’s in Spokane, Elliot Bay in Seattle, Encore Books in Yakima, King’s Books in Tacoma, or Village Books in Bellingham.

Take A Factory Tour

Factory tours are a great way to learn more about how some of your favorite products are made. Whether you’re a local, or visiting from afar, here are some great factory tours to check out: Located about 25 miles north of Seat-

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tle, The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory Tour is the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America.

The Theo Chocolate Experience in Seattle, is delicious in every way.

The Glasshouse Studio is the oldest blown-glass studio in the Northwest.

Located on the Cascade Loop scenic drive is Liberty Orchard in Cashmere, makers of a Northwest favorite Aplets (apple-walnut) and Cotlets (apricot-walnut).

The Buck Knives factory in Post Falls, Idaho, is known for making everything from hunting knives to scissors.

Other poor weather suggestions:

• Take a spa day • Visit wineries or breweries • Visit ghost towns or take haunted tours • Visit a casino • Go bowling • Ride indoor go-karts • Visit a trampoline park • Try roller skating • Jump around in a bouncy house • Give indoor climbing a go • Do a paint n’ sip • Find a hands-on science center/ lab, children’s museum, or creative re-use store, like Tinkertopia in Tacoma

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, commonly referred to as “The MAC” Libby Kamrowski // Visit Spokane

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

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All packages and offers subject to availability. All rooms incur a 7% Tribal tax. Stay & Play packages available throughout the season.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort reserves the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time.

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

By Cassy Benefield

Marketing Correspondent

Summer is here and maybe you and your family are relieved to leave the last two years of COVID-19 restrictions behind and start making all sorts of public plans. Then, again, maybe you’re not quite there yet. And that’s OK. There’s room for all of us.

If a loved one is moderately or severely immunocompromised or has a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or if you and your crew are simply not ready to jump back into crowded spaces, there are plenty of outdoor activities that are fun, keep you moving, and allow to keep yourselves socially distanced.

“Activities like hiking, biking, disc golfing, joining a community garden, and paddle boarding all have a few things in common: they get a person moving, get them outside, allow them to maintain a safe distance from people outside of their household and still help them to have fun and spend time with others,” said Dr. Francisco “Frank” Velázquez, Spokane Regional Board of Health’s health officer. “These four factors are important because you can take precautions while still supporting your overall physical and mental health.”

Photo by Cassy Benefield The Post Falls Community Forest.

Socially-distant summer experiences Plenty of room for COVID-cautious as well as fans of personal space

SELF-GUIDED RECREATION Most cities and counties list parks and various recreational activities on their websites, which a quick Google search of “parks and recreation” and the city or county you desire to visit will pull up.

For example, Post Falls, Idaho, has about 20 parks, one of them being the Post Falls Community Forest.

This naturally-forested park

is perfect for non-motorized activity and includes hiking and mountain biking trails, beautiful wildlife and nature views and an easily-defined trail system.

Access to these trails and parking are located at Q’emiln Park (12201 W. Parkway) and at the Post Falls Community Forest access site off of West Riverview Drive.

If you are looking for a short loop trail that’s less than half a mile, you could choose the red-diamond loop, which starts at Q’emlin Park. Or if you are looking for a more ambitious trail, you could choose to walk the one-way, 3-mile purplecircle trail twice, which you can access either at Q’emiln Park or at the forest’s entrance.

More information about this particular park system can be found at postfallsidaho.org/ departments/parks-recreation/ parks/community-forest.

PRIVATE AND GUIDE GROUP TOURS Taking a private group tour through the City of Spokane’s Parks and Recreation Department can be another great option for the COVID-19 cautious. The advantage of these activities is that someone else organizes them and you are provided a professional guide for the tour plus access to the equipment needed.

For $20-$40 per person, on average, people can sign up from June through September to take a stand up paddleboard or a tandem kayak tour on Horseshoe Lake or the Spokane River. People can also sign up for guided hikes from April to October that range from three hours at Riverside State Park to nine hours on the Odessa Lakeview Ranch trail. These hikes include trekking poles and directions to the best views.

More information and to sign up for these and other tours can

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be found at my.spokanecity. org/recreation/outdoor/privatetours.

SELF-GUIDED HISTORICAL TOURS Spokane Historical, an Eastern Washington University Public History program, created a great option to the self-guided walking tour accessible on its website at spokanehistorical. org.

Home to 17 tours of varying themes, from the history of “Japanese Americans of Spokane” to “Taming the Mighty Columbia,” these tours include location markers along with stories for each site written mostly by EWU history students.

Some of them have long distances between the sites, so driving around in a car or visiting the sites from one tour over several days are options, too.

The idea is to pick the tour you are interested in and for each location within the tour, there is an accompanying story about the history of that location.

For example, on the tour about Japanese Americans, you are directed to begin at the Spokane Buddhist Temple located at 927 S. Perry St. While there, you can read the text or listen to additional audio, while looking at the building as it is today and comparing it with the original pictures of the temple through the decades.

These tours are also accessible on mobile platforms and can be downloaded to Android and iOS devices.

So, with a little research and a general idea of the location or the history you would like to explore, the Inland Northwest has all sorts of sociallydistanced activities for you.

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

2022

This information was current as of May 1, 2022. Events may be canceled or changed due to health restrictions or unknown circumstances from the owners, promoters or venue. Please verify information such as time, date, or ticket availability before attending.

NORTH IDAHO

June 4-5 Rock and Gem Show, Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Coeur d’Alene.

The North Idaho Mineral Club organizes this annual event that includes dealers, displays, demonstrations, activities for children and more. www.kcfairgrounds.com/events June 10-12 Quilt Show, Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Coeur d’Alene. North Idaho Quilters Guild presents this annual display of handcrafted items. www.kcfairgrounds.com/ events June 15-18, Gyro Days, Wallace. Celebrate the area’s heritage with a favorite community event: throwing a ball into the river in Mullan and betting how long it takes to reach Wallace. Plus there’s a carnival and more fun. www.wallaceid. fun/wallace-events/gyro-days/ June 17-18 Coeur d’Alene Classic Car Weekend. Enjoy a Friday night cruise along Sherman Avenue, followed by a show and shine Saturday. The annual event features Young Builders Alley where car enthusiasts age 25 or younger can enter a hand-built motorized vehicle, a Special Interest Lane, which includes specialized unique vehicles 1981 or newer; a poker walk; and pinup contest. cdadowntown. com/cda-events/car-dlane-classic-car-weekend/ July 1-10 “Mamma Mia,” Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre presents this favorite love story featuring the magical music of ABBA. www. cdasummertheatre.com/2022.html July 8-9 Wallace Blues Festival. Enjoy some of the area’s greatest blues performers. www.wallaceid.fun/wallace-events/music-festival/ July 9 Downtown Coeur d’Alene Brewfest, features more than 30 beers and ciders, plus games, food, music and more. cdadowntown.com/cda-events/brewfest/ July 22-31 “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater brings this special story written by Louisa May Alcott about the four March sisters. www.cdasummertheatre.com/2022.html July 22-24 North Idaho Vintage Market Days, Coeur d’Alene. Fans of upscale vintageinspired art, décor, antiques, handmade

treasures, furnishings and more can browse inside and outside the Kootenai County Fairgrounds buildings. www.kcfairgrounds.com/ events July 28-Aug. 7 Festival at Sandpoint.

One of the favorite venues for live music in the region always puts on a good series of shows of local and regional artists. Festivalatsandpoint.com Aug. 5-7, Art on the Green, Taste of Coeur d’Alenes and Street Fair, Coeur d’Alene. Three downtown events feature a variety of artwork, food, drink and music. cdadowntown.com/cda-events/downtown-streetfair/ Aug. 12-21, “Nunsense,” Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre will amuse PG-13 audiences with this farce set at a convent where nuns try to stage a fund-raiser to bury four deceased members. www.cdasummertheatre.com/2022. html Aug. 19-28 North Idaho State Fair, Coeur d’Alene. This year’s theme is “Salute to a Century,” and features, food, rides, animals, PRCA rodeo, activities and more. www.nisfair.fun.

Sept. 3-4 Coaster Classic Car Show, Silverwood Theme Park. One of the biggest car shows in the Inland Northwest brings many favorite vehicles to the park. The 19th annual event includes music, trophies and fun for all ages. www.silverwoodthemepark.com.

SPOKANE/E. WA

June 4-5 The Farm Chicks Show, Spokane. Enjoy visiting booths of handmade and vintage goods at this event at the Spokane County Fairgrounds that’s called “the best twoday treasure hunt.” www.thefarmchicks.com June 10-12 Goodguys Great NW Nationals Show, Spokane. One of the area’s favorite car shows returns to the fairgrounds for the 20th year. It features a show, a cruise, and more auto fun. www.good-guys.com/ June 17-26 “The Bridges of Madison County,” Spokane Valley Summer Theatre starts is season with this love story about the roads we travel through life. www. svsummertheatre.com/ June 21 Summer Parkways, Spend the evening walking, cycling, scooting, or skating on closed streets in the Manito-Comstock neighborhood. This celebration is designed to build community and encourage non-motorized

activity. summerparkways.com/ June 25-26 Hoopfest, Spokane. The world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament fills more than 40 blocks of downtown Spokane. It attracts more than 24,000 players plus thousands more spectators. Spokanehoopfest.net.

July 5-10, “HadesTown,” Spokane, STCU Best of Broadway presents this Tony and Grammy-award winning musical that weaves together several myths about the Underworld to create a wonderful, timeless love story. www. broadwayspokane.com/events/detail/hadestown July 8-24 “Newsies” Spokane Valley Summer Theatre shares this amazing and energetic musical about bands of teenage boys coming together to strike against unfair conditions. www.svsummertheatre.com/ July 9 Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival, Spokane Valley. Camp Sekani Park hosts a day of outdoor recreation where guests can try out equipment, learn about local opportunities to play and take part in fun activities like a SUP race. www.spokatopia.com/ July 14-15 Mozart on a Summer’s Eve. Enjoy wonderful live music as part of the Northwest Bachfest. Nwbachfest.com.

July 14-16 Crave, Spokane Valley. Food and drink event features special meals, panels, tasting dinners, and involvement from area tastemakers from restaurants, chefs, breweries, artisans and more. Cravenw.com Aug. 5-21 “Sister Act,” Spokane Valley Summer Theatre shares this amusing musical about a shady musician who hides out in a convent but ends up taking over management of their choir. www.svsummertheatre.com/ Aug. 9 “SVST Rising Stars,” Spokane Valley Summer Theatre Enjoy this opportunity to cheer on local teens and adults pursuing musical theater perform favorite show tunes. www.svsummertheatre.com/ Aug. 9-14 “Come From Away,” Spokane.

This original musical presented by STCU Best of Broadway shows the miracle of cross-border compassion following the tragic events of 9/11. firstinterstatecenter.org/event/come-from-away/ Aug. 19-20 National Lentil Festival, Pullman. Celebrate this favorite legume with everything from a cooking contest to a fun run. www.lentilfest.com/

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

Aug. 31-Sept. 5 Pig Out in the Park, Spokane. This food and free music festival in Riverfront Park is a favorite community event and includes more than 50 food booths and 90 free concerts.

Pigoutinthepark.com.

Sept. 9-18 Spokane County Interstate Fair. Discover food, fun, music, animals, carnival, and more. This year’s theme is “All Systems Go.” interstatefair.org Sept. 15-18 Deutchesfest, Odessa. One of the region’s largest gatherings of German food, beer, and music celebrates its 51st year.

Visitors can enjoy a parade, kids zone, vendors and more. www. deutschesfest.net/ Sept. 20-25 “Hairspray,” Spokane. Audiences love this story of how dancing can free minds and bring families together, presented

by STCU Best of Broadway. www. broadwayspokane.com/events/detail/ hairspray

WESTERN MONTANA

May 27-29 Bigfork Whitewater Festival on the Wild Mile, Kayakers around the world have been coming to this area for 46 years to race the Class V mile of the Swan River. crownofthecontinent.net/entries/ bigfork-whitewater-festival-on-thewild-mile-bigfork-montana/4a6a74d88bee-419d-a594-b73f567c226a June 18, Rafting for Refuse, Glacier Guides and Montana Raft organize this annual cleanup of the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River. glacierguides.com/ rafting-for-refuse/ June 22-25 Summer ArtFest at Whitefish, Spend a weekend enjoying art demonstrations, artwork creation, catered food and drink and other elegant touches summerartfest.com/ July 15-16 Kootenai Highland Gatherings and Celtic Games, Libby. Watch or participate in a variety of Highland games of skill and creativity and enjoy music, food and more. www.facebook.com/ kootenai.highlanders/ July 15-17 Arts in the Park, Kalispell. Visit 100 artist booths and enjoy food, music and other fun at the Flathead Valley’s largest juried art show which annually raises

money for the Hockaday Museum of Art. www.hockadaymuseum.org/ July 18-22 Splendid Summer Evenings and Sweet Summer Days, Kalispell. Enjoy appetizers while touring the Bibler Home and Gardens in the daytime or evening.

Sweet Summer Days are Aug. 1-3. www.biblergardens.org/ July 29-30 Kootenai River Stampede, Libby. This PRCA Rodeo has been a favorite part of the area’s summer season for more than 20 years. www.rodeoticket. com/kootenai-river-stampede/rodeoinformation Aug. 5-6 The Bob Marshall Music Festival, Seeley Lake.

Celebrate eclectic music with thousands of fans and vendors. www.thebobmusic.com/ Aug. 6 Great Bear Festival, Kalispell. Eat, drink, and help the Flathead Valley Rotary Club raise money for global charitable projects. kalispellrotary.org/event/copy-ofgreat-bear-festival-2021/ Aug. 12-14 Huckleberry Arts Festival Days, Whitefish. The 33rd annual event at Depot Park includes music, art, vendors, food and more. www.whitefishchamber. org/huckleberry-days Sept. 8-11 Clash of the Carvers, Kootenai Country Montana International Chainsaw Carving Competition, Libby.

Some of the world’s top chainsaw carvers show off their stuff by creating amazing sculptures. www. carvemontana.com/ Sept. 15-17 Whitefish Songwriter Festival. Skilled songwriters perform at more than 30 shows at downtown venues. Proceeds from the annual festival benefit local music education programs. www. whitefishsongwriterfestival.org/ Sept. 22-24, 29-30 and Oct. 1, Great Northwest Oktoberfest, Whitefish. Enjoy all sorts of German beer while celebrating with food, music, and dancing. www. whitefishoktoberfest.com/ www. whitefishchamber.org/

Get A Run On 2023 S-R Trips!

SAN ANTONIO HOLIDAY Nov. 2023

5 Days

CANADIAN July 2023 ROCKIES 5 Days

2023 ROME March 9 Days

NASHVILLE

SEATS ARE FILLING FAST

Sept. 2023

8 Days

Learn more at www.spokesman.com/trips/2023

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

er m m u S CAMPS

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

Camp Gifford

All photos courtesy Salvation Army Camp Gifford used to be more challenging to reach, requiring busses and buggies. It also had tents instead of cabins at first.

Celebrates 100 years

Salvation Army camp continues to serve

By Tracy Damon

Marketing Correspondent

At 100 years old, Camp Gifford, the Salvation Army summer camp on Deer Lake just north of Spokane, has seen a lot of campers come and go. At least 800 children per year have attended camp each summer since the Salvation Army purchased the property in 1922.

Major Ken Perrine of the Salvation Army estimates that at least 80,000, and probably closer to 100,000 young people have gone to camp there in a century. Many have returned as counselors or to fill other

positions at camp.

“We have quite a few staff that were campers over the years,” Perrine said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been having dinner and been approached by someone telling me that they went to Camp Gifford or worked there.”

Camp Gifford is one of the oldest summer camps around.

Deer Lake only had a few cabins around it when camp first opened and amenities were rustic, to say the least.

“The dining hall and kitchen has changed over the years from a very primitive kitchen with large pots used for cooking

over an open fire - a fire pit to a full, commercial modern kitchen. Cloth tents have changed to cabins over the years with bathrooms outside, then bathrooms inside the cabins,” said Perrine.

Even getting to camp took commitment in the early days.

“They used to take the train from Spokane to Deer Park then ride in a horse and buggy the rest of the way to camp,” Perrine said.

While the transportation aspect of camp has been updated to busses, many things have not changed.

“We still have the scouting

program just like we did in 1922. We still have the music program just like in 1922, and Discovery Camp,” said Perrine.

Campers also still swim in the lake, fish, learn crafts, sing and do skits around the campfire, are encouraged to learn about their spiritual side, and learn about nature and the wildlife that surround them at camp.

Camp staffer Elisha Ray, who also attended Gifford as a child, says she grew up with little exposure to the outdoors. That changed through attending and working at Camp Gifford.

“I was working at camp as an assistant logistics employee, essentially working in the kitchen at Wilderness (Camp).

There was a bear roaming around,” said Ray. “During the few days we didn’t catch it, we had to tie our trash up in a tree.

That was so foreign to me. Who would ever think of that? That really did teach me life skills, especially for when I camp with my family these days.”

Camp Gifford can also be eye opening for people who rely on technology. Phones, tablets, computers and other electronics are left at home when children report to camp, to improve the quality of the camp experience.

“Having them unplugged from their devices is a huge step in their growth,” Perrine said. “It teaches children to really look up and around, rather than down at their phones.”

“It’s all about making connections with other campers,” added Ray. “Camp Gifford is a wholesome camp and we really focus on making those connections and making sure that those social skills are developed.”

Ray is quick to add that parents can call the camp office at any time to speak with their children, and homesick children can call home. Perrine says

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even making calls is somewhat of a time machine as the camp phone has a cord, unlike today’s cell phones. Ray says a different appliance with a cord had her stymied the first time she attended Camp Gifford’s Wilderness Camp, the camp for teenagers, that still had somewhat primitive cabins at the time.

“When I brought my hair dryer, I was told I had to go plug it into a tree. Even still today we tell the teenagers the same joke.”

It’s these jokes and pranks that build relationships between fellow campers and staff, something staffer Linda Robertson says is her favorite aspect of camp life.

“Throughout the summer, whomever is on the staff, or the campers; so many of them stay in touch with each other,” Robertson said. “Camp is really a time for enriching one’s life.”

Perrine agrees, saying he still keeps in touch with people he met at camp 41 years ago. Ray says those connections changed her life.

“It didn’t stop with camp.

Salvation Army employees called me on my home phone and asked if I wanted to go to church at the Salvation Army or come hang out with the kids here,” Ray said. “They pursued connecting with the kids they had in their cabins. Because of that follow up, my whole family started coming to the church and the after school programs.

It really did take me out from the unfortunate community and neighborhood I was in; from a gang kind of membership community into a safe, secure family.”

As with any family, Camp Gifford grew over the years.

A dining hall went up and an addition was added to it. Tents were replaced by rustic cabins

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

and outdoor restrooms. Eventually cabins were upgraded and plumbing was moved inside. In 2012, an ADA accessible cabin was added. Boat houses and docks have been replaced and moved around multiple times over the years.

In the mid-1990s, Gifford opened up year-round for group retreats and conferences. Today, around 50 groups use the facility annually for these purposes, which funds scholarships for children to attend camp.

In 1998, approximately 120 acres of land adjoining Camp Gifford was purchased, providing space for Wilderness Camp. In 2000, a 45-foot climbing tower was added to the property. Other activity additions over the years include a mini golf course, ropes courses, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.

What’s next for Camp Gifford? Perrine says he’s not exactly sure but he does expect camp to be around for a long time.

“I see camp going for another thousand (years). It evolves as society evolves, activity-wise for sure. One hundred years ago we had double wide canoes that took forever to build. Today we have plastic kayaks that were mass produced. It’s hard to know what we’re going to have 100 years from now but we will adapt to give kids the experiences to help them become productive members of society.”

Come celebrate Camp Gifford’s centennial!

On Saturday, June 11, Camp Gifford will host a family-friendly celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3846 N. Deer Lake Rd., Loon Lake, Wash. There will be games, rides, music, food, and more. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. There is a nominal charge for food.

If you attended Camp Gifford as a child, the Salvation Army wants to hear from you! They are looking for the oldest former camper. If you think that might be you, please email Brian Pickering at brian.pickering@usw. salvationarmy.org with your name, the year(s) you were a camper and contact information.

REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR CAMP

Camp Gifford is excited to be back to traditional operations in 2022 following two years of modified camp schedules due to COVID-19. Cost is based on a sliding scale and scholarships are available. Go to campgifford. org for more information and to register.

Camp Gifford isn’t the only local camp celebrating 100 years this year. Camp Sweyolakan on Lake Coeur d’Alene also marks 100 years of amazing experiences for area youth. Along with its regular schedule of day and overnight camps this season, Camp Fire is planning birthday celebrations July 2 and 3 as well as a staff reunion both days. Because demand is expected to be high at both celebrations, people are encouraged to choose one day. Round-trip boat transportation provided from Coeur d’Alene. To sign up or learn more visit campfireinc.org/birthday/.

DAYCamps

Boy Scouts of America offer weekly programs for Scouts ages 11-18 at Camp Easton or Camp Grizzly (509) 550-9669 or campgrizzlydirector@gmail.com. Info on all camps and other activities at www.nwscouts.org/camping Camp Alotta Fun June 21-Aug 31, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Spokane Northeast Youth Center offers hands-on enrichment program for ages 5-12 encouraging recreation and fun with daily arts, music, sports, and weekly field trips. $350 (June 21-July 1); $695 for July; $695 for August or $185 per week (1 child); $20 (2 children); $25 (3 children or more). $15 activity fee per family per month. spokaneneyc.com, (509) 482-0708 Camp Fire summer programs offered at Camp Dart-Lo, 51-acre camp on the Little Spokane River. Programs for ages 3-18 include swimming, archery and environmental education. Day camps available at Camp Sweyolakan, a boat-access only camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene. campfireinc.org/summer-camp-schedule/ Early Learners Academy, June 21-Aug. 31, 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Spokane Northeast Youth Center day camps for ages 2.5-5 include hands-on enrichment program led by licensed teacher who encourages education mixed with arts, activities, sports, and weekly field trips. $225 per week for June 21-July 1; $845 for July, $845 for August; or $225 per week, spokaneneyc.com, (509) 482-0708 Earth Buddies, July 11-14, Unity Spiritual Center, Spokane. Unity Kid’s Week lets children grades K-5 experience being a buddy to our Earth. Includes nature crafts, cooperative games, fun learning activities relating to caring for the Earth, drumming, music and snacks. Unity Spiritual Center welcomes people from all spiritual traditions (or none), supporting children and adults to connect with and express their inner love and light. Early bird (by June 24)

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

$20/one child, $40/family. After June 24, $25/one child, $45/family. Scholarships available. unityspokane.org. amckenzIe@unityspokane.org.

$125. Ready, Set Go Aug. 15-19, grades K-2, $300. (509) 464-8818, www.sgs.org.

Inland Northwest Council Boy Scouts of America camps for Cub Scouts include “Wild West at Cub Country” at Camp Cowles for Cub Scouts ages 7-11. (509) 951-2727 or campgrizzlydirector@gmail.com. Info on camps and other activities at www.nwscouts.org/camping Salvation Army Sailing Camp, June 27-Aug. 5, Loon Lake. Two-week experience for ages 12-17 teaches fundamentals of sailing from certified U.S. Sailing instructors. Students learn courage, teamwork, and leadership June 27-July 8, July 11-22, July 25Aug. 5. $420, Scholarships available on Sliding Scale, transportation available from Spokane. daniel.tollerud@ usw.salvationarmy.org, campgifford.org.

Summer Power Day Camp, Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County, June 20-Aug. 26, grades 1-12. Includes programs that build academic success, good character and citizenship, and promote healthy lifestyles. Specialized teen programs for grades 8-12 includes Leaders in Training and Teen Camp.

Campers must be club members ($30/year). Available at Northtown and LSG (Mead) locations. $40-$80/week, Sunrise Program (7-9 a.m.) an additional $20/week (breakfast included). www.bgcspokane.org, or (509) 4890741 Green Gable Explorers’ Camp, Green Gable Children’s Learning Center, June 20-Aug. 26. Sessions for grades 1-4 include Camp Blastoff! June 20-30; Science of Fantastic Beasts July 1-15; Animation Station July 18-29; Master Builders Aug. 1-12; Gamers Among Us Aug. 15-26. $500 for 5 days/week 2-week session, $450 for four days in 2-week session, $410 for 3 days/week in 2-week session. www. greengablepreschool.com or (509) 455-6110 St. George School Summer Camps include Adventure Camp, June 13-17, grades 3-5, $200. Paint Your Pet/Favorite Animal, all ages, July 16, $50 per participant/$100 pair. Musical Stars on Stage July 18-22, grades 4-9, $250. Open Studio Art Camp, grades 4-6, July 25-29, $150 half day, $300 all day.

Rising Stars grades 1-3, July 25-29, $125, Paint Your Pet/ Favorite Animal, Aug. 4, all ages, $50 per participant/$100 pair. Around the World in 5 Days, Aug. 8-12, grades 2-5,

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Camp Fire Camp Sweyolakan, boataccess only camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene for grades 1-12 who want to unplug, explore nature, and connect through archery, boating, swimming, hiking, and handcrafts in an outdoor setting. campfireinc.org/summer-camp-schedule/ Girl Scouts Camp Four Echoes, Girl Scout Resident Camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene, grades 1-12, offers weekly opportunities to explore nature, plus specialty activities like crafts, songs, archery, kayaking, STEM activities and campfires. Prices vary by week and age. gsewni.org

OVERNIGHT Camps

Boy Scouts of America offer weekly programs at Camp Easton for Scouts ages 11-18 or Camp Grizzly for Scouts (509) 550-9669 or campgrizzlydirector@ gmail.com. Info on all camps and other activities at www. nwscouts.org/camping Camp Cross, traditional summer youth camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene offers overnight camp experiences June 20-Sept. 5.

Sessions include Youth Labor of Love May 27-29, grades 9-12 can prepare camp for year, free. Other sessions include Creation Care & Work Camp, June 20-23, $390.

Women’s Weekend, June 24-26, All ages invited, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or responsible adult. $240. Days at the Lake, July 1-5, Spend time at camp on your own or with the family.

Stay one, two or three days, all ages, $70 per day per camper age 16+, 25% off per camper ages 8-15, 50% off per camper below age 8. Mini-Camp, July 7-9, grades 2-3, short 3-day, 2-night session perfect for younger campers to get acquainted with summer camp. $200. Intermediate Camp, July 10-15, grades 4-6, longer, $390. Creative Arts Camp, July 17-22, grades 4-9 $390. Mid High Camp, July 24-29, grades 7-9. $390. Senior High Camp, July 31-Aug. 6, grades 10-2022 graduates, $450. Men’s Weekend Aug. 19-21, $240. Labor Day Family Camp, Sept. 2-5. $155/ camper ages 16-plus, 25% of camper ages 8-15, 50% off camper under age 8. campcross@spokanediocese.org, www.campcross.org, (509) 990-5621

Salvation Army Camp Gifford, June 27Aug. 5, Loon Lake. Provides outdoor experiences including games, arts and crafts, archery, swimming, boating, singing, and learning about God in a fun and uplifting environment. Sessions include Discovery Camp 1, June 27-July 1, Discovery Camp 2 July 4-8, SAY Camp July 1115. Music Camp July 18-22. Transportation available from Spokane. $420, Scholarships available on Sliding Scale, daniel.tollerud@usw.salvationarmy.org, campgifford.org, (509) 435-9023 Salvation Army Teen Wilderness Camp, Camp Gifford at Loon Lake, June 27-Aug. 5. Activities for ages 13-17 include hiking, sailing, high ropes elements, and outdoor survival.

Sessions include Adventure Camp 1 June 27-July 1, Adventure Camp 2 July 4-8, Adventure Camp 3 July 11-15, Adventure Camp 4 July 18-22, Adventure Camp 5 July 25-29, Adventure Camp 6 Aug. 1-5. Transportation available from Spokane. $420, Scholarships available on Sliding Scale, daniel.tollerud@usw.salvationarmy.org, campgifford.org, (509) 435-9023 YMCA Camp Reed, June 19-Aug 20, Fan Lake.

Waterfront activities, arts and crafts, hikes, campfires, games for grades 3-9. Traditional camp sessions June 19-24, July 10-16, July 17-23, July 24-30, July 31-Aug. 6, Aug. 7-13, Aug. 14-20. $550. Other options include CIT Group 1: June 19-July 1, CIT Group 2: July 10-23, CIT Group 3: July 24-Aug. 6, CIT Group 4: Aug. 7-20. These camps are open to those entering 10th grade, $675. Mini Camp 3A: July 17-19, Mini Camp 3B: July 21-23, Mini Camp 5A: July 31-Aug. 2, Mini Camp 5B: Aug. 4-6, Mini Camp 7A: Aug. 14-16, grades 1-2, $275. Horse trail rides available for extra fee. campreed@ymcainw.org, ymcainw. org/camp-reed (509) 777-9622

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

8-10 $50/camp. June 27-30 Gymnastics Camps ($50 per camp), ages 10-12 $50/camp. June 21-24 and June 27-30 Ballet Intensive: intermediate level $120; advanced level$180, jcedance@gmail.com, www. jceda.com, (509) 483-4145

Camps ART

Hesperus Arts Musical Theatre Camps, July 5-Aug. 25, River City Church, Spokane. Beginning to advanced musical theatre training for ages 6-19 include personal instruction in voice, acting, dancing, improv (older students) and performance authority. Hesperus Beginner Musical Theatre Camp, boys and girls, ages 6-10, July 5-8 $149, Hesperus Musical theatre camp, boys and girls ages 9-13, July 5-8 $249. Hesperus Intensive Musical theatre advanced camp, boys and girls ages 12-19, Aug. 22-25 $349. jennifer@nbccamps.com, www.hesperus-arts.com, (509) 232-6491 Julie’s Competitive Edge Dance Academy Summer Dance and Gymnastic Camps, June-August, includes 3-4 Year Old Dance Camps June-August, ballet and musical theatre Tuesdays and tap and musical theater Wednesdays, $70 month for both classes.

4–5-Year-Old Dance Camps, June-August Mondays ballet and musical theater, Thursdays tap and musical theater, $70/month. 5–6-Year-Old Dance Camps, June-August, Tuesdays jazz and musical theater, Wednesdays tap and ballet, $70/month both classes.

June 6-9 Hip Hop camps, ages 6-8, 9-11, 12-17, $50/camp. June 13-16 Jazz and Musical Theatre Camps ($50 per camp): ages 8-10 Cheer/Jazz ages 7-9 Jazz ages 8-11 Musical Theatre $50/camp. June 6-9 Gymnastics Camps ages 6-8, 9-11, 12-17 $50/ camp. June 13-16 Gymnastics Camps ages 9-12 $50/camp. June 20-23 Gymnastics Camps, ages

Sandra’s Studio of Dance Summer Programs, May 31-Aug. 25. Includes ballet, contemporary, and tap for preschoolers through teens, as well as barre fitness for adults. Types of classes include after-school ballet classes, themed children’s camps, and one-week and two-week intensives. Children’s camps for boys and girls include age-appropriate dancing, yoga, crafts, and storytelling. One- and two-week intensives help dancers deepen their practice and prepare for fall with fresh choreography in various dance styles.

After-school “continuation” ballet classes, ages 6+, May 31-June 9 $60+, Prince & Princess Children’s Camp, ages 3-5, June 27-30, 10-10:45, $60, World of Wizardry Children’s Camp, ages 6-8, June 2730, $60, Wintertime Wonderland Children’s Camp, ages 3-6, July 25-28, $60, Animal Adventures Children’s Camp, ages 3-6, Aug. 22-25 $60, June Intensive (ballet, tap, drama and improv), ages 7+, June 27-30, $40+, August Intensive (ballet, yoga and Pilates conditioning, world dance, jazz, hip hop), ages 8+, June 27-30, $120+, Returning and new students welcome. Discounts available for multiple classes. spokanestudioofdance@gmail.com, www. sandraolgardsstudioofdance.com, (509) 838-7464 St. George School Summer Camps include Adventure Camp, June 13-17, grades 3-5, $200. Paint Your Pet/Favorite Animal, all ages, July 16, $50 per participant/$100 pair. Musical Stars on Stage July 18-22, grades 4-9, $250. Open Studio Art Camp, grades 4-6, July 25-29, $150 half day, $300 all day. Rising Stars grades 1-3, July 25-29, $125, Paint Your Pet/Favorite Animal, Aug. 4, all ages, $50 per participant/$100 pair. Around the World in 5 Days, Aug. 8-12, grades 2-5, $125. Ready, Set Go Aug. 15-19, grades K-2, $300. (509) 464-8818, www. sgs.org.

The Dance Center of Spokane Summer Dance Camps 2022 run June 20-Aug. 18 for ages 5-adult. Sessions include We Like to Party! June 20-23, jazz/hip-hop, ages 5-7 and 8-11. $125. Under the Sea, June 27-30, ballet/tap. ages 3-5 and 6-10. $125. Pirates and Mermaids, July 18-21 ballet/tap, ages 3-5 and 6-10, $125. Under the Sea 2, Aug. 8-11, ballet/tap, ages 3-5 and 6-10, $125. Dazzling Disney, Aug. 15-18, ballet/jazz, ages 3-5 and 6-10, $125. Advanced dance camps, ages 8-12. Aug 8-11, ballet/lyrical/tap. Aug. 15-18, ballet/ jazz/musical theater. $125 per week. Advanced Dance Camps, experienced dancers only, ages 8-12. June 27-30 and July 25-28., ballet/jazz/contemporary, $125/week. Go DCOS Flyers! Cheer Camp, ages 5-10. July 11-14. cheer/step/hip-hop. Register by June 26 and guaranteed a cheer t-shirt. All cheer participants are invited to perform at the South Perry Street Fair on July 16, $140. Cheer Clinic! Grade school, middle school and high school, ages 9-18.

July 11-14. Cheer/tumbling/hip-hop/step. Register by June 26 and guaranteed a cheer t-shirt. Participants invited to perform at the South Perry Street Fair July 16. $155. Teen/Adult Camps. Ages 11+. Jump and Jive! June 20-23, jazz/hip-hop, ballet/jazz fusion~ July 25-28. jazz/contemp/ballet. All levels. Ballet/ Jazz Fusion experienced dancers June 27-30, jazz/ contemp/ballet, $125/week. HIP HOP ROCKS! All levels. Aug. 9, 11, 16, 18. $65. Mini Jazz Intensive, ages 6-10. Aug. 1-4, $150. JAZZ INTENSIVE, ages 9-18. Aug. 1-4. Placement class Aug. 1. 3 levels. $350/week or $95/day. Discount for signing up for three or more weeks of Dance Camp (Cheer Camps/ Intensives not included). Register in person on online and pay by May 31 for a 5% early registration discount. director@dancecenterofspokane.com, www.dancecenterofspokane.com, (509) 448-2464

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

com, www.elitegamingcompany.com, (509) 306-4313 LEOlingo Language Camps for Kids, July 27-29, various locations in South Perry District, ages 5-12, teaches one week of Spanish language immersion.

Counselors are native Spanish speakers who share culture and language through games, songs, crafts, theater, and more, $220, LEOlingoTeam@gmail.com, www.

LEOlingoUSA.com

SCIENCE Camps Code Galaxy Summer Camps, June 6-Aug. 5. Virtual camps designed for youth to develop programming skills Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, Python, and web development. $199-$349, support@ thecodegalaxy.com, www.thecodegalaxy.com/camps/ virtual-kids-coding-camp, (512) 337-6624

Creative Arts Camp, July 17-22, grades 4-9 can experience a session at Camp Cross built on formation through art mediums such as writing, drawing, and music for all skill levels, plus camp activities such as swimming and hiking. $390. campcross@spokanediocese.org, www. campcross.org, (509) 990-5621 Creative Minds Bright Minds Preschool STEAM Camps!, June 27-Aug. 18. Dance Center of Spokane. Themed programs for ages 3-5, $190 one week, $350 two weeks $530 three weeks, $710 four weeks, $890 five weeks. Discounts available for multiple sessions per child. dance@dancecenterofspokane. com (509) 448-2464 Elite Gaming Center Day Camp, June 20-Aug 31, Spokane Valley. Focus on cooperative and competitive offline gaming, outdoor activities including indoor soccer and basketball mini games, and tabletop games like foosball and ping pong. Camp counselors focus on fair gameplay plus good screen time habits. June 20Aug. 31. Sessions June 20-24, June 28-July 1, July 6-July 8, July 11-July 15, July 18-July 22, July 25-July 29, Aug. 1 – Aug. 5, Aug. 8 – Aug. 12, Aug. 15-Aug. 19, Aug. 22Aug. 26, Aug. 29 – Aug. 31, $125-$200, Early drop off and late pickup available for additional fee. elitegc1337@gmail.

Plum Tree School offers programs July 25-29 and Aug. 15-19 at the Manito Park area. July program is “Water in Nature” and includes exploring the pond with magnifiers, nets and more. $240. The August program is “Children of the Earth and Sky” Aug. 15-19, and includes games and stories from around the world plus a service project. $240. phaedraj@plumtreeschool.com, www.plumtreeschool.com, (509) 747-1040 Spokane County Library District programs include “The Zaniac Comes Alive” June 21 at Valley Mission Park, Otis Orchards, and Airway Heights, June 22 at Terrace View Par and Waterfront Park, June 23 at Edgecliff Park, Northwood Park, and Mix Park; June 24 at Moran Prairie and Veterans Memorial Park. “Eric Herman’s Cool Tunes” June 27 at Mix Park and Bidwell Park; June 28 at Valley Mission Park, Otis Orchards and Fairwood Farmers Market, June 29 at Terrace View Park and Waterfront Park, June 30 at Edgecliff Park and Moran Prairie, July 1 at Veterans Memorial Park and Sunset Park. “The Great Family Camping Challenge” (registration required), July 5 Fairfield, July 6 Deer Park, July 9 North Spokane, July 12 Cheney, July 14 Moran Prairie, July 20 Argonne, July 21 Airway Heights, July 27 Medical Lake, July 28 Otis Orchards, July 29 Spokane Valley.

Tie-Dye Party (for tweens, teens, and families, registration required, Aug. 3 Deer Park, Aug. 4 Argonne, Aug. 5 North Spokane, Aug. 9 Moran Prairie, Aug. 10 Medical Lake, Aug. 11 Airway Heights, Aug. 12 Cheney, Aug. 16 Fairfield, Aug. 17 Spokane Valley, Aug. 18 Otis Orchards. Virtual Summer Camp in Spanish. (grades 2-5 and families, registration required), online Aug. 1-4 10-11:30 a.m. “The Solar System,” grades K-5, registration required, The Lab at North Spokane, 2-4 p.m. July 16. “Paper Airplanes,” grades K-plus, ages 8 and under need adult. Registration required. 2-4 p.m. Aug. 20 The Lab at North Spokane. www.scld.org/ St. George School Summer Camps include Adventure Camp, June 13-17, grades 3-5, $200. Paint Your Pet/Favorite Animal, all ages, July

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16, $50 per participant/$100 pair. Musical Stars on Stage July 18-22, grades 4-9, $250. Open Studio Art Camp, grades 4-6, July 25-29, $150 half day, $300 all day. Rising Stars grades 1-3, July 25-29, $125, Paint Your Pet/Favorite Animal, Aug. 4, all ages, $50 per participant/$100 pair.

Around the World in 5 Days, Aug. 8-12, grades 2-5, $125.

Ready, Set Go Aug. 15-19, grades K-2, $300.

(509) 464-8818, www.sgs.org.

The Science Factory, Eastpoint Church, Spokane Valley. Aug. 8-12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Recommended ages 6-10, students welcome up to age 13.

Includes crazy science experiments, art projects, games, and more. (509) 850-9185 sciencefactorycamp@gmail. com or www.sciencefactoryspokane.com

ATHLETIC Camps

All Northwest Football Passing Academy, July 15-16, Real Life Ministries field, Post Falls. Incorporates video and classroom sessions with on-field drills and skill development for quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. $275, allnwfootball@gmail.com, allnorthwestfootball.com, (509) 859-3403 EW Surf SC Summer Soccer Camps, June 20-Aug. 18, Plantes Ferry Sports Complex. 9 a.m.noon. Camps tailored to age, skill level, and field players or goalkeepers. Open to all players regardless of club affiliation. Sessions include EW Surf SC Juniors Soccer Camp June 20-24, $95; EW Surf SC Field Player Camp June 20-22, $245; EW Surf SC Advanced Goalkeeper Camp, July 12-14, $125; EW Surf SC Elite Field and Keeper Camp, Aug. 16-18, $245. Limited slots available,

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

communications@ewsurfsc.com, www.ewsurfsc.com/ camps-clinics-spokane, (509) 814-9582 Gonzaga Women’s Basketball Camps include Shootout 1 June 10-12, Shootout 2 June 1719, Team Camp 1 June 20-23, Team Camp 2 July 5-8, individual camp dates TBD. Email younga@gonzaga.edu Hoop Heaven Basketball Camp, June 20-23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Genesis Prep Academy/Real Life courts, Post Falls. Grades 4-9 can learn about basketball fundamentals, improve shooting skills and play games.

All skills welcome. $75. (509) 410-4715 or lmorast@ genesisprep.org PGC Basketball-Playmaker College Camp, June 27-July 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., HUB Sports Center, grades 7-11. Players discover how to outsmart others and play bigger than their size to help make teams, stand out, and maximize potential. $695, ekopp@ pgcbasketball.com, pgcbasketball.com.

NBC basketball camps include overnight and day camps at Whitworth University June 20-Aug. 11, boys and girls ages 8-19, $300-$999; Basketball Skills Day Camp at The Warehouse, Aug. 1-4, boys and girls ages 8-14, $270; Complete Skills Junior Day Camps at HUB Sports Center June 20-22, July 11-13, Aug 8-10, boys and girls ages 8-12, $210; Complete Skills Day Camp at Real Life in Post Falls, June 27-29, July 18-21, Aug. 1-4, boys and girls ages 9-14, $220-$290; Boys All-Star and Elite Overnight Camp, North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, July 18-22, boys ages 12-18, $685. Nbccamps.com 800406-3926 NBC volleyball camps at Whitworth University include middle school overnight July 6-8, girls ages 11-4, $405; intro to volleyball junior day camp July 7-8, girls ages 9-12, $100; high school overnight Aug. 1-4, girls ages 13-18, $595. Nbccamps.com (800) 406-3926 Nigel Williams-Goss Skills Camp, Aug. 1-3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., HUB Sports Center. Participants receive detailed instruction from Nigel Williams-Goss and other top coaches. Camp has 1:10 ratio of coach to campers, $275, ryan@hubsportscenter.org, www.hubsportscenter. org/summer-camps, (509) 927-0602 Pat Powers Volleyball Camp, Aug. 13-14, 9 a.m.-Saturday and 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Sunday. HUB Sports

Center Spokane Valley. Skill camp taught by Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers is open to boys, girls, and adults. $150. pat@vbclinics.com, https://vbclinics.com/, (760) 473-8236 RecTennis Summer Tennis Camps, June 20-Aug. 26 at Comstock Park in Spokane. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Programs teach basic tennis skills, keep kids active, share life lessons. Equipment provided. Sessions are June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12, Aug.15-19, Aug. 22-26. $175/session. info@pnw.usta.com, rectennis.com/events/ summer-camp-spokane-comstock-park/, (503) 718-3330 RecTennis Summer Tennis Camps, June 20-Aug. 26 at Sky Prairie Park in Spokane. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Programs teach basic tennis skills, keep kids active, and share life lessons. Equipment provided. Sessions June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12, Aug. 15-19, Aug. 22-26. $119/session. rectennis.com/events/summer-campspokane-sky-prairie-park/, info@pnw.usta.com, (503) 718-3330.

St. George School sports camps include Basketball Camp June 13-17, K-5, $50, June 13-17 grades 6-12 boys, $50, June 13-17, grades 6-12 girls, $50. Volleyball Camp, June 20-24, grades 5-10, $100.

Championship Soccer Training Camp July 18-22, grades 6-12, $100. (509) 464-8818, www.sgs.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Hospice of North Idaho’s Camp Kaniksu, July 8-10, offers a grief camp for kids at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene. It provides a safe and supportive environment where campers are surrounded by others with similar experiences. Typical camp activities paired with grief support help campers address their feelings. Free but registration required. (208)772-7994 griefsupport@honi. org www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org/camp-kaniksu/

WOMEN’S Camps FAMILY Labor Day Family Camp, Camp Cross, Sept. 2-5. Session at Lake Coeur d’Alene open to campers of all ages and all Camp Cross experience levels. Campers can reconnect with God and nature, introduce youngsters (and oldsters) to Camp Cross, swim, sing at campfire, take a family hike, and relax. Family-friendly programming and formation for youth and adults plus child-free time for adults. $155/camper ages 16-plus, 25% off campers ages 8-15, 50% off campers under age 8. campcross@ spokanediocese.org, www.campcross.org, (509) 990-5621 Women’s Weekend, Camp Cross, June 24-26, Women can bring daughters, granddaughters, parents and grandparents to explore relationships between generations of women on a Sacred Journey. Includes large and small group conversation, times of play and rest, worship and prayer. Open to all ages, anyone under age 18 needs legal guardian or responsible adult. $240. campcross@spokanediocese.org, www.campcross.org, (509) 990-5621

This list includes all camps sent by May 4, 2022.

Updates or additional camps can be found https://www. spokesman.com/marketing/summer-camps/

SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, MAY 25, 2022

Summer Flings

By Nina Culver

Marketing Correspondent

Disc golf is a unique combination of golf and Frisbee throwing that has been surging in popularity.

Like golf, courses have up to 18 holes. Each hole is actually a metal basket a few feet off the ground, and players try to get their discs to land inside it. Many local parks offer disc golf in settings ranging from open grassy areas to forested areas where trees provide extra obstacles.

The Spokane Disc Golf Club is one of several local groups that gathers to play.

Member Stephen Williams has been playing since 2017 and finds disc golf a good way to be active outdoors.

“The pandemic made it absolutely blow up in popularity, at levels no one expected,” he said.

Williams said part of the draw is the accessibility.

Getting into it is as simple as buying a single disc and then going to a park to let it fly. While more advanced players can purchase a variety of discs – called drivers and putters – they aren’t required. Discs are rated on how well they float, how fast they go and whether they are designed to go straight or veer left or right.

“It’s just so easy to get into,” Williams said. “You can pay $10 for one disc and that’s enough to get you started. It’s pretty easy to pick up and be good when you first start out.”

Playing disc golf at local parks, several of which have at least a few disc golf holes, is free. Disc golf can be played at Greenacres Park, Cliff Park, Loma Vista Park, Ben Burr Park,

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Plenty of spaces around for disc golf

Friendship Park, Liberty Park, Hays Park and High Bridge Park. Larger, more advanced courses are the Downriver Disc Golf Course in Riverside State Park and the Jamboree Disc Golf Course at Camp Sekani.

In North Idaho, there are courses at Corbin Park in Post Falls and Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene.

Williams said quite a few people play at High Bridge Park.

“It’s a great place to start,” he said. “You won’t lose a disc there.”

Losing a disc is something that happens occasionally in more heavily wooded areas, he said. In those cases, the color of the disc can be important.

“You don’t want to throw green discs around here.

Maybe pick sky blue and you should be good,” he said.

Disc golf gear is available at The General Store and Dick’s Sporting Goods. A local company, Precision Dynamics, sells equipment online at www.shoppdsports. com Stimpi Ridge, a disc golf course located on private property, has a pro shop open by appointment. Call (509) 838-4331 for more information.

Equipment can also be purchased at Rapid Fire Disc Golf and Iron Turtle Disc Golf, both in Post Falls.

While disc golf rules are generally easy to follow, there are rules about which direction to play on each course. As in golf, each hole has a par to try to beat, which may be different for adults and youth. There are generally signs around courses that identify each hole, the par and the direction.

Williams said people looking for a tutorial on how to play are welcome to show up to the Spokane Disc Golf Club’s weekly league night every Thursday at 5 p.m. in High Bridge Park. People can sign up to play and get tips from more experienced players.

“It’s a fun way to experience the sport,” he said.

The club also regularly posts about upcoming events on its Facebook page. There are several tournaments coming up, including the 2022 Apex Open Aug. 20-21 that offers cash prizes in youth, amateur and pro divisions.

Williams encourages people to give disc golf a try. “It’s such a welcoming community,” he said.

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SUMMER PLUS is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Get ready for one hot summer.

EVEN MORE SHOWS BEING ANNOUNCED SOON!

John Fogerty with Hearty Har Jun 17 Barenaked Ladies with Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket Jun 18 Tenacious D with Puddles Pity Party Jun 20 Flo Rida and T.I. Jun 23 Brad Paisley with Chance McKinney Jun 26 The Avett Brothers with Calder Allen Jul 15 Stone Temple Pilots and Daughtry Jul 17 Goo Goo Dolls with Blue October Jul 22 Jon Pardi with Lainey Wilson and Hailey Whitters Jul 24 Brett Young Aug 6 The Australian Pink Floyd Show Aug 14 Larry the Cable Guy with Josh Blue Aug 18 Papa Roach with Falling In Reverse, Hollywood Undead, and Bad Wolves Aug 20 Tesla with Buckcherry and Great White Aug 21 Ron White Sep 10 Sam Hunt with Travis Denning Sep 17 Lynyrd Skynyrd Sep 26 LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGE

TICKETS AT NORTHERNQUEST.COM

877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA