The Ingalls Creek Vision

Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center exists to provide an affordable retreat center and secluded "getaway" for groups, families, and organizations that uphold Christian values. We prayerfully strive to facilitate:

• Spiritual growth for individuals, families, and groups
• Christ-centered fellowship and fun
• Stimulating activities for all ages
• Opportunities for quiet meditation, study, and personal renewal
• Development and strengthening of ministries and ministry teams
• Opportunities to grow in relationship with one another and with the Lord

Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center has been established, and continues to be built, by the grace, provision, and faithfulness of the Lord, through the loving, hard work of many hands and generous gifts of time, materials, and finances of individuals and organizations.

Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center has served as a retreat center and Christian campground for many groups since the mid-1980s. The Center has been used for all-church campouts, junior and senior high mission work projects, retreats for youth groups, scout campouts, and the annual Wild & Rugged campout over the 4^th of July weekend.

History and Growth of Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center

The property which is now known as Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center was obtained in the early 1980s as part of the dream and vision of Alan and Anna Waltar to create a retreat center for those seeking to know the Lord in a more intimate and personal way.

The first official use of the facilities was the First Annual Wild & Rugged camp in July, 1985, and was attended mostly by members of West Side United Protestant Church in Richland, Washington, to which Alan and Anna belong. At the time, the only facility on the property was an outhouse, plus a few crudely marked campsites where some 40 people spread out tents and trailers throughout the planned 15-acre retreat center. A temporary shelter was constructed from wood and several blue plastic tarps, but being under this shelter during a windstorm was certainly exciting! This "temporary" shelter was used for several years until the gazebo was constructed.

The first major construction project was actually conceived and promoted by the children who enjoyed Ingalls Creek. The project? A treehouse! But not just any treehouse—a multi-level towering treehouse capable of holding quite a large crew, with an outstanding view of the creek and the rest of the grounds. It has quite an impressive swing, which is popular among adults and children alike.

Another popular item was a solar-powered enclosed outdoor shower (which has since been converted to electric heating with the expansion of the utilities). The service road was improved, and a beautiful sign was designed and constructed for the entrance.

Over the next few years a septic system was built and flush toilets were installed. Ownership of the entire 15-acre property was transferred to Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center, Inc. We took advantage of a naturally shaped amphitheater and with the help of youth from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Yakima built a stage, fire pit, and seating for 120 people.

Our largest structure is the gazebo, a steel-frame and steel-roof structure that took the place of the wood-frame and tarp-roof which had stood in its place. The gazebo was dedicated in the fall of 1996, and has been a popular meeting place ever since.

Construction has now begun on The Lodge at Ingalls Creek, a multi-purpose building which will allow Ingalls Creek Enrichment Center to be used in summer and winter, and expand the services that we can provide.