Our mission is simply
That every camper will have an undeniable encounter with Christ.
Our mission
is simply
That every camper will have an undeniable encounter with Christ.
Overview
Located on 198 wooded acres on the picturesque Pend Oreille River, we are a full-service, all-season Christian Camp and Retreat Center, as well as a rental facility specializing in meeting the unique needs of church groups & non-profits. Bear Paw Camp has been serving northeast Washington and north Idaho area for over 40 years, providing a pristine location and opportunities to foster relationships based on Faith and Trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tailor a camping experience for your church that Is safe, comfortable, and effective. At Bear Paw you will enjoy:
- An outdoor setting
- Excellent facilities
- Outstanding food
- Professional camp support & planning
History
Bear Paw Camp was originally founded as a boy scout survival camp in 1965. It remained a survival camp until it was bought by Bob and Nancy Suoboda as a Christian camp and retreat Center in 1992 and has faithfully operated as one since then.
Ministry
We love Jesus and People by partnering with local and regional ministries to provide a unique camp experience set in God’s beautiful creation, away from the world’s distractions. We offer a variety of trust activities that could build people’s relationships.
Bear Paw is where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed so that every camper may have an undeniable encounter with Christ.
STAFF
Jason McQuinn
Owner & Camp Director
Jason has been the owner of Bear Paw Camp since September of 2018. His God given vision of Bear Paw Camp has shaped the atmosphere of the camp’s mission statement that “every camper has an undeniable encounter with Christ”. Jason has a passion for youth finding relationships with Jesus and has a heart for equipping God’s people by offering training and encouragement in a camp setting. If you want to hear a radical story of how Jason got the camp click below:
Dr. Beth McQuinn
Co-Founder & Director of Bear Paw Camp
Dr. Beth works for the Camas Center Clinic on the Kalispel Reservation as their naturopathic physician. She spends time at camp encouraging youth, being camp medic, or cleaning the bathrooms between her work and raising 3 bustling kiddos. Her passion is to see people set on fire for Jesus and stepping into their God given authority.
Kyano Maddock
Director of Religious Activities
Mickey Brooks
Operations Manager
Micky has been the heartbeat of Bear Paw Camp since the Fall of 2020. She works hard to make sure your camp experience is above and beyond your expectations. Micky is a Jill of all trades directing the kitchen, hospitality, and administration. Micky is always happy to stop her busy schedule to minister and pray with our campers and assist Jesus through healing and prophesy. When you are considering attending camp at Bear Paw, Micky will assist you to coordinate your stay here.
Noon Thorne
Program Coordinator & Event Director
Noon joined our team in April of 2021, when she had an encounter with Jesus at one of our camps that changed her life and she felt the Lord calling her to be a part of what God is doing through Bear Paw Camp. She has been in ministry for 4 years, working for an inner city at-risk youth center in Yakima ministering to and discipling teens as well as coordinating programs for gang prevention and low income teens. She is currently managing our intern summer program and directing Bear Paw’s house camps.
Nic Brownlee
Director of Fun
Nic is Bear Paw’s favorite seasonal treat. He has spent the last seven summers serving Bear Paw faithfully in the kitchen and on the ministry field. Nic was given the title “Director of Fun” when he took on coordinating games for camps. Nic has a passion for sharing the gospel with all who come through Bear Paw’s gates and a desire for everyone to know Jesus personally. Nic is always ready with a joke or a song to cheer you up, in the summer season he is here to serve the body with joy.
Timothy Swann
Facilities and Grounds Supervisor
Tim joined Bear Paw June 2020. Part of his role includes overseeing maintenance, developing infrastructure, venues, and landscape. He is also responsible for upkeep and vehicle maintenance, on water and off water.
Tim also takes every opportunity to minister and encourage staff and guests in Christ. The Joy of the Lord flows through him in all he does.