What is "Wild & Rugged"?

Wild & Rugged is what you make it. It is a campout, in every sense of the word. You bring your tents, trailers, or RVs. You fellowship with old friends and make new ones. There are lots of planned activities and things to do, but they are all optional and you may participate as much or as little as you like!

There are opportunities to worship, fellowship, play, work, relax, and simply enjoy the natural beauty of Ingalls Creek!

"Wild & Rugged" is open to anyone who wishes to join us; it is principally an activity of West Side Church in Richland, Washington. Space is limited; if you are interested in joining us, please contact us!

"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

There are a number of game areas, where people can enjoy the zip line, horseshoe tossing, volleyball, frisbee, etc. But it's also a place that fosters creativity and imagination! Be prepared to bring your own fun!

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, both on the Ingalls Creek property and in the general vicinity.

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.

Informal worship times at the amphitheater are open to all, 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 (some question the use 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.

What to Bring:

• All that you would normally bring on a family camp out--tent, trailer, RV, etc. (There are no RV hookups, so you'll need to plan and prepare accordingly.)
  
  
• Your own personal food and drink; except for programmed meals, you're on your own for feeding yourself! (Potable water is freely available at numerous spigots throughout the property.)
  
  
• Games & recreational equipment, outdoor seating, etc.
  
  

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.