Jr High Campus Blog
As we wind down the final days of the 2024-25 school year, I find myself reflecting on the many ways in which we have been able to apply our spiritual theme of “Be Still” throughout the year. And, interestingly, we have had the opportunity to experience the second phrase of the theme, “even when,” to a greater degree than we may have liked and/or chosen.
We had the opportunity to be still, even when it took way longer than anticipated to receive approval from the City of Puyallup to place portable classrooms on Pioneer Campus for Puyallup Elementary.
We had the opportunity to be still, even when various athletic seasons ended sooner than we wanted them to.
We had the opportunity to be still, even when we didn’t perform as well as we had hoped on final academic assessments.
We had the opportunity to be still, even when we experienced extreme losses or hardships.
We had the opportunity to be still, even when we were tempted to be angry, frustrated, or doubtful.
The bottom line is that life can bring us many “even when” moments. However, when they do come, we can lean into God’s goodness, God’s peace, God’s strength, God’s comfort, and a long list of other attributes God equips us with for the moments we are experiencing. My prayer for us all is that we would continue to “Be Still” in whatever form is warranted as we experience all that life brings us and that we would maintain the confidence that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
In His service and with deep gratitude,
Ken
It is unbelievable that we are nearing the end of the 2024–2025 school year!
I am so proud of our students and all they have accomplished. They’ve learned, grown, and succeeded in so many amazing ways and it is such a privilege to walk alongside them and disciple them toward personal, social, and spiritual maturity.
We’ve made many memories, laughed together, cried together, and become a strong community of learners this year. I’m so grateful for all that we have navigated, both the hard times and the good times, because each of these experiences is what shapes our lives.
Our spiritual theme, Be Still, has been an incredible focal point for the year, as we have learned so much about the importance of knowing God to still our hearts. My prayer is that students continue to know God more and experience His peace in their personal lives.
I hope you have an amazing summer together, enjoying the sweet moments that pass by so quickly. There are only a handful of summers before these students become adults so cherish each one!
If you are an eighth-grade student, I am so excited to watch you grow and succeed in high school and I will be cheering you on each step of the journey! If you are in seventh grade, I look forward to having you return in the fall as an eighth-grade leader and having another memorable year together.
Thank you, parents, for all of your support. You are truly such amazing parents, and we are blessed by you. Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
Enjoy your summer!
Cascade Christian Schools has really made a huge impact on both my life and my faith. Whether spontaneously praying with you during reading or coming over to help you personally, the staff at CCS are here to make sure you feel known and valued. I came to CCS in second grade during 2020, not really knowing what to expect. It was hard to start out the year online, but my teacher, Mrs. Vilhauer, taught us well and made personal connections with us. Making friends was easy, even for a once shy second grader like me. Over the years, I have made so many memories and friends. There was one time when we all got to eat Goldfish crackers in fourth grade, and another time when we surprised Mrs. Peterson with flowers on Principal’s Day in sixth grade. I will miss you in the adventures ahead, Puyallup Elementary!
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” —Psalm 126:3 (NIV)
For 30 years, Cascade Christian Schools has been combining summer and fun to create lasting memories for CCS and Puget Sound-area students. Our 2025 Thrive Summer Programs offer a variety of engaging experiences: Sports Camps, Enrichment Minicamps, Theatre Camps, STEM Camps, and Adventure Day Camp. Plus, anyone over the age of 5 can participate in this year’s 5K Fun Run on Saturday, August 16, 8:30 a.m., at Cascade Christian High School’s track and field. The registration fee is only $20 for early bird submissions by July 4!
There’s still time to join in the summer fun! Below is a snapshot of the summer activities in store for this year’s athletes and campers.
Thrive Adventure Day Camp makes memories that last a lifetime for campers in grades 1–6. Our weekly camp themes will guide campers on a journey of exploration and education about the incredible jungles worldwide. Camp dates are June 16–August 15, and camp takes place at the Frederickson and McAlder campuses. Learn more and register for Adventure Day Camp here!
CCS STEM Camp is an excellent opportunity for campers to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)! Cascade Christian Schools offers Christ-centered STEM camps that are both interactive and innovative. There is a STEM Camp for those entering grades 1–3 and another one for those entering grades 4–6. Camp dates are July 28–August 1 at the Frederickson Campus and August 4–8 at the McAlder Campus.
Thrive Sports Camps are Christ-centered programs focused on developing discerning leaders, boosting self-confidence, and unlocking players’ leadership potential. Our 2025 summer sports offerings include basketball, cheer, flag football, soccer, and volleyball. Dates and times will vary for each camp. You can learn more here!
Thrive Elementary Minicamps and KPrep Minicamps are available for campers in preschool through grade 6. These short and sweet minicamps allow campers to explore their interests more deeply and increase their knowledge through fun-filled summertime activities.
Thrive Theatre Camps will empower campers ages 8–14 to unlock their confidence and master exceptional presentation skills. Campers get to experience the thrill of performing arts on the big stage and see how they can shine!
Thrive Kindergarten Prep Day Camp is designed for campers ages 5 and 6 who will be starting kindergarten in September 2025. Your little camper can get ready for kindergarten while having loads of fun! Camp dates are June 16–August 15, 2025, at the McAlder Campus.
Camp Invention is for students entering grades K–6. This year’s program will inspire curiosity and help kids build essential STEM skills through collaboration with friends and creative problem-solving experiences. Camp Invention dates are July 14–18 at Cascade Christian High School and July 21–25 at the McAlder Campus. Join us for these interactive and unforgettable adventures!
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.
—Psalm 65:8 (NIV)