"Wild & Rugged" History

The First "Wild & Rugged" family campout was over the 4th of July weekend in 1985, when approximately 50 people (mostly from West Side Church in Richland, WA) gathered on this beautiful but undeveloped plot of land that ran alongside Ingalls Creek.

We had so much fun that it became an instant tradition, and there hasn't been a year since without a Wild & Rugged campout on or around the 4th of July!

Since then, it has become considerably less "rugged" with flushing toilets, hot showers, a gazebo, amphitheater, treehouse, and numerous other facilities to provide for your basic creature comforts. "Wild & Rugged" has also gotten quite a bit more popular over the years...it's not unusual to have up to 180 people camping out together!  (In other words, make your reservations early as it fills up earlier each year).

Activities at "Wild & Rugged"

All activities at "Wild & Rugged" are open to anyone AND are entirely optional.  The beauty of the Wild & Rugged campout is that the primary goal is to enjoy fellowship and God's creation.  And there are many ways to do that, whether you want to work, hike, fish, nap, read, play chess...the following is NOT an exhaustive list of the possibilities...

PLAY & RECREATIONAL

Each year seems to bring new gaming possibilities, from the "spider web" to more conventional things like basketball, volleyball, and horseshoe tossing.

Ingalls Creek offers access a wide variety of other activities on site and nearby, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, etc.  The nearby Bavarian village of Leavenworth is also worth a visit!

Don't forget a good book and a hammock, or some lawn chairs to sit around and share and laugh with your camping neighbors!  Picnic tables are great gathering places for lunches and table games, etc.  Check out area attractions for more info on what there is to do.

WORK ACTIVITIES

Camp improvement projects are new each year, and range from developing new campsites, building new game areas, creating and maintaining new trails, and improving existing facilities.

With the Lodge at Ingalls Creek under construction, there will likely be a fair amount of work there too!

SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT

Ingalls Creek is an ideal place to enjoy God's creation, and fellowship with Him.  It's not hard to find a quiet place to reflect, pray, or read the Bible.  

The meditative "prayer trail" is a great way of focusing your thoughts on the Lord.

Morning and evening chapel services are open to anyone, and Sunday morning worship at the amphitheater is always a great experience.

OTHER PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIES

Wild & Rugged deliberately has a minimum of "programmed" events, but there are a few traditions that have endured over the years, including the annual Talent Show (granted, it often stretches the meaning of the word "talent"), as well as a Pancake Breakfast and a Spaghetti dinner.

Extra bonus: Hear Karel, Jeremy, and Robin Coppock singing "Come to Ingalls Creek" (4.4mb WAV audio file) at the 2005 Talent Show.

Other Stuff

The good news:  You can have your favorite foods at any time!

The bad news:  Except for specially programmed meals, you're on your own for purchasing, packing and preparing your own meals!

The good news:  Coffee is made for you each morning!

The better news:  Often there are kind souls who go from campsite to campsite with the coffee to fill your cup!

Every year is full of delightful surprises. Come and join us this summer at Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center!

For more information on WILD & RUGGED or any of Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center's activities, please feel free to contact us.