The scent of redwoods is beautiful and familiar to the Collins family. Cheryl has redwood trees at her home, and every time she smells them, she thinks of Redwood Christian Park.
It All Started at High School Camp
Redwood Christian Park has been welcoming families for more than 75 years. Over the years, it has been special to see generations return to the redwoods year after year.
The Collins family’s connection to RCP began in 1973, when Cheryl and Bob met at high school camp. Three years later, they got married. In the early 1990s, they began bringing their two sons, David and Steve, to Family Camp. Since then, they have returned every year.
Now, David and Steve bring their own families to Family Camp, continuing a tradition that has shaped their family for generations.
David has brought his daughter to Redwood Christian Park every year of her life. She is now 21. From competitive games to worshiping together, their time at Family Camp has become some of their favorite memories of the year.
RCP is woven into their family life. They talk about camp at family gatherings, look forward to the next summer and remember the moments they have shared here. It is something they all connect over. Their Christmas card even includes a photo of their family in the redwoods each year.
Growing in Faith
The Collins family has also experienced spiritual growth at RCP. Bob shares, “Redwood Christian Park gives life … this place nourishes your soul.” Cheryl describes RCP as a holy place where you can learn and grow in your faith.
Through worship, teaching and breakout sessions, the family leaves camp each year encouraged in their faith.
You can hear people talk about experiencing God at RCP, but David says, “It’s truly something you have to experience for yourself.”
Friends That Last
When you go to camp, you get to meet so many new people. Steve shares, “Even after the week ended, we would write letters back and forth for years to come. And it was always very special coming back together year after year and sharing some fun.”
Those friendships have lasted far beyond a single week at camp.
David first came to RCP as a high school freshman, not knowing anyone. Although that could have felt intimidating, he went to the high school mixer and quickly found friends.
“Not knowing a single other person, but having the other people my age welcome me, make me feel like I was one of the group and reach out … to form relationships … those are friendships that lasted for decades,” David shares.
The friendships made at RCP do not end when camp is over. They continue through the years and become part of the stories families carry with them.
