Our beautiful mountain retreat, Camp de Benneville Pines was evacuated on September 9th due to the Line Fire. On October 8, 2024, Janet James, Executive Director of our camp received a call from the USFS Permit Officer stating that all camps on the south side of highway 38 are free to resume hosting retreat groups!

After the Line Fire raced though the mountain communities, she was happy to report that Barton Flats is intact. Our Camp is intact. Jenks Lake is intact, although the water level is much lower than a month ago because the firefighters used the lake water to help fight the fire. This was a close one, folks. The firefighters managed to stop the fire’s rampage 3 miles from Barton Flats. You will return to a camp that is thriving and beautiful.

Janet is very grateful to our congregation for having a special Sunday collection for the camp’s Line Fire Relief Fund. Donations are important to keep our camp running even in good times, and especially during emergencies like having to close due to a wildfire.

There are some wonderful camps you can attend this month, such as “Music in the Mountains”, and the annual Thanksgiving camp.

It’s not too late to make plans to come up. Click here to view the calendar of events and select a retreat and join us for a nurturing meal and meaningful time with others. Come fill your soul and rejoice in this sacred place, your home on the mountain top.