Jr High Campus Blog
Memories
May 20, 2026
Memories are like the best little pieces of life that we get to bring along with us. Some may make you cry, some may make you smile. Some may make you laugh, and some may even make you roll your eyes.
During first grade, I remember Polar Express Day when Mrs. Dilley and Mrs. Estep popped popcorn and made hot chocolate to go with our movie. They also dressed up for the spirit days to show us how much fun it could be. During fifth grade, I look back to how Mrs. Gill let us keep butterflies in the classroom. Then we released them in the field. In sixth grade, we all entered our first day of school knowing that it would be the last year here. We welcomed three new students this year, and now they will leave with us, too.
On my journey to sixth grade, I made lots of fun memories that I can cherish all through life and carry with me. The spiritual theme for our last year in elementary school has been Called for a Purpose. Deep down, I feel that many people this school year have been ready and patiently waiting for God to give them their calling.
I hope that, as we continue to go through life, everyone who has come to our campus will have good memories of chapel and the valuable life lessons we have learned from our speakers.
Spring into Summer Camps!
May 13, 2026
Your summer adventure starts here.
Cascade Christian Schools’ 2026 Thrive Summer Programs are now open for CCS families and campers across the Puget Sound area, from preschool through grade 6. This year, we even have a CCS Soccer Clinic open to junior high and high school students!
Our mission through Thrive is to provide a fun-filled, enriching, and excellent summer program in a loving Christian environment where campers can thrive and feel known and valued while discovering, exploring, and learning about themselves, others, and the world that God created for them to enjoy.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” —Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
Our adventure day camps, sports camps, theatre camps, and enrichment camps provide unforgettable summer adventures your camper will always remember. If you have an aspiring artist, chef, scientist, actor, or athlete, we have camps where they can build their skills, make new friends, and enjoy summer activities. This year, we’re excited to also offer a soccer clinic at Kelley Farm Fields in partnership with former Seattle Sounder Lamar Neagle and former Major League Soccer players.
Last year, nearly 800 campers and athletes participated in our Thrive Summer Programs. This year, we are blessed to offer three Adventure Day Camp locations: McAlder Campus, Frederickson Campus, and Pioneer Campus.
Here’s what parents are saying about Thrive Summer Programs:
- “Such an amazing program! It was our second year and we look forward to many more years.”
- “Thank you for another awesome summer!”
- “My daughter looks forward to summer camp every year. Thanks for all you do for these kiddos.”
Our Thrive Summer Programs site coordinators are blessed to be entrusted with caring for hundreds of campers every summer. Together, they bring 15 years of early childhood experience to our camps.
Thrive is also a great way for high school students to gain valuable experience by serving as volunteers for Camp Invention. Students who are at least 16 years old and interested in volunteering can email their name and contact information to Recreation@CascadeChristian.org.
There’s still time to register. Click the link for a full list of 2026 Thrive Summer Programs and let the adventures begin!
Educating for a Lifetime
May 07, 2026
People often say that the impact of a teacher is not measured in a single school year but measured in the lasting difference they make over a lifetime. I can certainly identify with and testify to the truth of that statement. I have shared before about some of my own teachers who impacted me for a lifetime. Mr. Frazier was my fourth-grade teacher, and Miss Walters was my fifth-grade teacher. Both of them inspired confidence and character in me through the way they spoke to me and by the opportunities they gave me to be a leader. If I were asked today who my favorite teachers were, they would both be at the top of the list for my elementary experience because they encouraged me to be my best. I was fortunate to have teachers and coaches who would fill that space in my junior high and high school education as well.
To say our teachers and coaches are amazing and to say they are educating for a lifetime is a huge understatement. Just this week, I heard from multiple parents about the tremendous influence particular teachers and coaches are having on the lives of their students, along with the incredible level of gratitude they feel for the opportunity their students have to be taught and mentored by such amazing people. I am confident that every one of our teachers and coaches, from early learning through high school, has shaped the lives of multiple students and will end up on students’ lists as “favorite teacher” or “favorite coach.”
Like you, I share a deep and genuine gratitude for our teachers and coaches and the influence they have in shaping the lives of our students. Please join me in praying for our teachers and coaches and in looking for opportunities to bless them in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Take time this week to let them know just how much they are valued and appreciated.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Ken Friesen
Called and Committed to Prayer
April 29, 2026
How have you seen the transformative power of prayer in your own life?
I experienced it firsthand a few years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer. Even when medical reports were disappointing and treatments were daunting, I felt a tangible sense of protection, mercy, and grace. I have no doubt that this peace was the direct result of the prayers breathed out by my church community.
Even greater than in the physical healing, I witnessed the true power of prayer during the long nights when my mind was shielded from despair. I felt it in the very real joy and hope for heaven that was preserved within me, even amid hardship.
Miracles happen through prayer.
Mountains are moved through prayer.
Lives are transformed through prayer.
Why? Because we pray to a glorious Father in heaven who inclines His ear to listen to His children. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who sits “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,” (Ephesians 1:21).
This May, the Cascade Christian family will finish walking through the entire book of Ephesians together. Looking back at this incredible letter, how fitting is it that the concluding charge is a call to prayer?
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)
On May 7, we join believers from across the country for National Day of Prayer, coming together as one in Spirit and of one mind to pray that HIS kingdom come, and HIS will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
CCS, let us pray. Let us pray for Christ-exalting miracles in our world. Let us pray for mountains to move in our country. Let us pray for genuine life-transformation in our churches. Let us pray for our prodigals to come home. Let us pray for Spirit-led repentance to spark revival in our communities.
Amen, Amen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Looking for resources on prayer?
Check out these videos available on our CCS RightNow Media page!
