Frederickson Campus Blog
Dear Frederickson Community,
It’s hard to believe that we are at the end of another amazing school year at CCS. When I think back on this year here at Frederickson, so many great memories come to mind. We explored what it meant to be ROOTED, and I am so excited about all the growth our students have made both academically and spiritually.
A particular favorite moment of mine came in April when our focus for the month was THRIVING in WORSHIP. For our first chapel after returning from Spring Break, our students spent the entire service worshipping Jesus with a full half hour of worship songs. The amount of joy and enthusiasm that was on display from our entire student body warmed my heart and reminded me of what an absolute privilege it is to be serving at a Christian school where God is always put first. When we ended that chapel, students were eagerly wanting to worship.
In addition to the fantastic chapel services happening all year long on our campus, this year we introduced “Class Economy” to encourage 3R behavior (Respect, Responsibility, Relationship). As we worked on developing students’ character and praised students for making wise choices throughout the day, we saw them become better leaders and got to celebrate them in some BIG ways through the quarterly experiences they “purchased” with their class dollars. Students enjoyed competitive games of Capture the Flag and Kickball, tested their skills with karaoke and an obstacle course, played games with their friends, and even had the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie (and snacks!), just to name a few. While we always look to inspire our students to do their best and work hard inside the classroom, we also want to bring out the FUN and ensure our students are having a great experience during their time at CCS. As we wrap up these final weeks of school and reflect back on the year, I think we did just that!
Heading off into the summer, I am reminded of what the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Let us continue to grow in our relationship with Christ, loving one another and staying true to the Word of God. We are ROOTED!
Colossians 3:14 (NIV) says, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” PfC is not just another acronym. It has a powerful meaning, and essentially it is what makes people say Cascade Christian is the finest. PfC (Parents for Cascade) celebrates being part of a delightful community where parents come together to support one another in harmony, prayer, relationship, connection, and leadership.
We GET the opportunity to come together as a unified team. This year at our Frederickson Campus, we have accomplished bake sales, Grandparents Day, Auction gift baskets, Book Fair, Christmas and spring programs, and Teacher Appreciation Week. With all the merriment, we have done heavy things together too. We have grieved together through the loss of a father and even the loss of a child. Our community has come in collaboration through prayer, meal trains, dedication days of wearing rainbows, gift baskets, and so much more. This year has been tough, but we have persevered. Ultimately, none of those things would be possible without our Parents for Cascade. Our community stands out, joined in love and partnership.
Being parents of Cascade Christian students, my husband and I are grateful that we have the opportunity to celebrate, grieve, laugh, and partner together in community. Knowing our children are being raised up to be discerning leaders in an environment that thrives in community and leadership makes us appreciate our Frederickson Campus.
Thank you to all the parents who have served this year. We treasure you and value your time. We can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next year!
Kristal Weber, CCS Mom
With summer right around the corner, the CCS Recreation Department is gearing up for another fun and adventure-filled summer! This year’s Thrive summer programs, sports activities, and enrichments will transform your child’s summer from boring to exciting. All our summer programs are designed to meet the energetic needs of campers starting at preschool age through grade 6.
Look below at what’s being offered this summer and click on the links to receive more details and to REGISTER!
Campers in grades 1–6 will have an amazing experience at Thrive Adventure Day Camp while exploring, learning, being active, and making new friends! Each week, campers will have a blast as they explore new and exciting Water Works themes. Camp dates are June 21–August 18 and take place at the Frederickson and McAlder Campuses.
Adventure Day Camp - District - Cascade Christian Schools
Thrive KinderPrep Day Camp is back this year and tailored for campers ages 5–6 who are entering kindergarten in September 2023. Camp dates are June 21–August 18 and take place at the McAlder Campus.
KinderPrep Day Camp - District - Cascade Christian Schools
Camp Invention is a high-energy, interactive STEM camp for students entering grades K–6. It’s designed to inspire confidence and persistence while building essential STEM skills. Camp Invention will be happening on July 17–21 at the McAlder Campus.
Camp Invention - District - Cascade Christian Schools
CCS STEM Camps will be filled with adventures for campers as they dig for treasures, problem-solve hidden clues, and work together as a team. Camp dates are July 31–August 4 for grades 1–3, and July 24–28 for grades 4–6, with both camps taking place at the Frederickson Campus.
STEM Camps - District - Cascade Christian Schools
STEAM Girls Camp will be an eye-opening experience for young girls in grades 1–6 as we celebrate fearless women in STEM. Camp will be at the McAlder Campus on July 10–14 for grades 1–3 and June 26–30 for grades 4–6.
STEM Camps - District - Cascade Christian Schools
Thrive Sports Camps are Christ-centered programs designed to develop discerning leaders, boost self-confidence, and unlock players’ leadership potential. This year’s sports offerings include baseball, basketball, cheer, football, golf, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling. Dates and times vary.
Thrive Sports Camps - District - Cascade Christian Schools
Summer Elementary and Early Learning Enrichments are available for students preschool-age through grade 6. Students will have the opportunity to explore their interests on a deeper level while expanding their knowledge through various activities. Registration is FREE until May 14.
Summer Enrichment Classes - District - Cascade Christian Schools
KPrep Program - District - Cascade Christian Schools
Theatre Camp offers aspiring thespians ages 8–12 the opportunity to explore their creativity through performing.
Theatre Camp - District - Cascade Christian Schools
For so long, when I read Jesus’ words in John 14:15 (NIV), “If you love me, keep my commands,” I read it only as if He were saying, “If you don’t obey me, it is because you do not love me.”
While I still believe that this is one point He is making, I more recently have wondered if He is also saying, “If you love me, it will be easier for you to obey my commands.” Think about this for a minute—how much easier is it for us to obey someone when we love that person?
Listen to how the Israelites described their love for the law of the Lord in the book of Psalms:
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97)
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)
“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111)
How is it that the Israelites could describe obedience to the law with such affection and heartfelt dedication?
In the times when they were obedient to the law, the Israelites discovered a God who loved them; who took care of them; who gave them joy, security, and protection (among other things). As a result, they came to a place of loving the results of that obedience!
Throughout the month of May, we will be talking about what it means for us to thrive in obedience. We want our students to learn that obedience to the Lord Jesus is not just about following a set of rules (while it may feel like this in the beginning). We want to show our students that by following Jesus’ commands, they will discover how much Jesus loves them as they find eternal life, freedom from the power of sin, and a place in His kingdom-building work in the world today.
In addition to that, following Jesus’ commands can feel hard or impossible. Thankfully, Jesus showed His love for us in that He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit! Our goal is that as our students depend on His Spirit living inside them and as they follow Jesus’ commands, those commands will go from being a list of rules to becoming something that is the students’ ultimate joy, passion, and fulfillment that nothing in this world can give. Why? Because in them, they will discover how much Jesus loves them.
My hope and prayer for us this month is that we would experience a greater degree of God’s love for us as we obey Him more and more!
Family questions:
1. Which command or teaching of Jesus is most difficult for you? Why?
2. Which command or teaching of Jesus comes easy for you? Why?
3. Which command or teaching of Jesus did you initially think was boring or hard but over time, as you stuck with it, you found to be important? Why?
Without a doubt, teachers are the most amazing people, and they make an incredible impact for good on the lives of their students. It is appropriate that a full week—May 8–12 this year—be set aside at the national level to celebrate and recognize teachers.
Two of my teachers/coaches who come to mind in this moment are my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Frazier, and my high school English teacher and basketball coach, Coach Grant. I have clear memories of Mr. Frazier telling me that he saw great leadership potential in me, causing me to see myself as a leader at a young age. Coach Grant didn’t just tell me that I had leadership potential; he invested in me at a high personal level over an extended time and was extremely influential in my developing into a discerning leader. He became a lifelong mentor, and I still connect regularly with him 50 years after his initial impact on my life. That is what impacting lives for a lifetime looks like. I am certain that current students at CCS, as well as CCS alumni, have similar stories to share about our teachers and coaches.
Knowing you will go above and beyond during the week of May 8-12 to let our teachers know how deeply valued and appreciated they are, I want to also thank you for how well you appreciate and support them every day of the year. How fitting that the National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 4, just prior to Teacher Appreciation Week. While there will be many things we pray for on May 4, let’s be sure that one area of focus is our amazing staff. Let’s pray God’s blessing and provision for them as they strive to finish this school year well.
In His service,
Ken