Recognizing Camp Gifford on Deer Lake.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Shelly Short

SR 8632 creates ceremonial Senate resolutions recognizing Camp Gifford's 100 years of youth mentorship and 2025 Apple Blossom Royal Court for academics, service, and leadership.

Adopted.

Overview

Senate Resolution 8632 is a ceremonial, non-budgetary resolution recognizing notable local organizations and individuals. The bill exists in two parallel resolutions, each adopted in different sessions, and both labeled SR 8632 with distinct sponsors. The resolutions are primarily symbolic expressions of appreciation and do not create new laws or funding obligations.

Purpose and Intent

Recognize Camp Gifford on Deer Lake (Stevens County) for a century of youth mentorship, faith-based ministry, and community impact.

Honor the 2025 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court (Queen and three princesses) for their achievements in academics, service, and leadership, and to acknowledge their representation of the Wenatchee Valley.

Key Provisions (What the Resolutions Say)

Camp Gifford Recognition (Senator Short)

Acknowledges Camp Gifford’s centennial and its role in mentoring and youth development.

Traces the camp’s history: Salvation Army Corps of Spokane acquired the site around 1920–1921; summer programs began in the mid-1920s as Camp Cougar; expansion in 1998 to 140 acres; incorporation of winter operations.

Notes organizational shifts in the 1990s to renting the camp to churches and nonprofits, sustaining activity year-round and hosting 40–50 groups annually.

Highlights prior support from state/federal AmeriCorps in 1997 and ongoing regional importance.

Formal resolution language expresses the Senate’s recognition of Camp Gifford’s impact on leadership, teamwork, faith, and the natural environment, and directs that copies be transmitted to Spokane Salvation Army Citadel Corps and Camp Gifford administration.

Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court Recognition (Senator Goehner)

Affirms the legislature’s policy of recognizing excellence and community contributions.

Highlights the Apple Blossom Festival’s history (started 1920) as Washington’s oldest major festival and its role in showcasing heritage and the fruit industry.

Recognizes the 2025 Royal Court: Queen Ella Johnson and Princesses Daeja Carlson and Yasmin Perez, detailing their activities, leadership roles, career aspirations, and community involvement.

Directs copies of the resolution to the three honorees and to Apple Blossom Festival organizers.

Who Is Affected

Camp Gifford and its governing/operating partners, along with the Salvation Army Spokane Citadel Corps and Camp Gifford administration.

The 2025 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court members (Ella Johnson, Daeja Carlson, Yasmin Perez) and festival organizers.

The broader communities of Stevens County (Camp Gifford) and Wenatchee Valley (Apple Blossom Festival) through ceremonial acknowledgment.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introductions and adoption dates reflect two separate sessions:

Camp Gifford resolution: Adopted March 30, 2023 (Secretary of the Senate certificate included).
Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court resolution: Adopted March 13, 2025 (Secretary of the Senate certificate included).

The current status indicates these resolutions remain adopted ceremonial recognitions; no legislative changes or appropriations accompany them.

Transmittal language directs immediate delivery of copies to the named parties.

Bottom Line

SR 8632 is a pair of ceremonial Senate resolutions recognizing long-standing community contributions: one to Camp Gifford’s century-long service to youth and faith-based mentorship, and another to honor the 2025 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court for their accomplishments and community leadership.

Bill