Fall 2026 Newsletter

Our Outdoor Education programs ended on May 22, and we were able to have a banquet with our staff to celebrate the work and ministry they had done throughout the year. Many of the staff went on to become summer staff with Thousand Pines, helping to continue and expand the community.

As we approach the start of the school year, we are about 80% booked with groups, with additional schools still in the process of confirmation. We have the greatest opportunity for continued bookings with Christian schools, with space still available at Santa Barbara Christian Camp. With training beginning on September 17, our staff is also about 80% full, with our greatest need being to fill male staff positions who can work overnight, especially in a Program Instructor role.

In June, AOCE and Thousand Pines received a $119,000 grant for a game space, camp directional signage, and a more robust and accessible trail around the main part of Thousand Pines. This trail will include educational signs about the area, support OE students and all camp visitors, and allow for a greater range of experiential use. Ideally, this will allow us to serve more elementary students with physical disabilities, including those who require wheelchairs, while also supporting groups whose adults may have physical limitations.

We are excited to welcome our incoming staff. Please keep our staff and students in prayer, that their hearts would be prepared for the adventure and ministry they will experience, as well as our ongoing efforts to recruit more schools and staff.