SAMBICA: Summer Camp and Retreat Center — Hotel in Bellevue

Part 1: It has taken me a while to feel comfortable expressing what Sambica did to me. Here’s my story, The camp in my opinion is notably not centered around Christ. Some of the leadership of this camp is corrupt and is not fostering spiritual growth. While not everyone associated with the camp is negative (the counselors are commendable!), I cannot in good faith recommend anyone to work at this camp. I was employed at this camp for a few weeks. During my final week, I was falsely accused of engaging in witchcraft and of causing a counselor to have demonic dreams simply because I complimented another counselor's salt rock lamp. Two days later, I was dismissed for "confidential reasons" - interestingly, this occurred while the CEO and head of HR were away for the weekend. How ironic. In what way is it Christlike to write someone off without providing an explanation? Where is the compassion? Where is the opportunity for reconciliation? Where is the kindness? When Raegan and Andrew decided to terminate my employment, they accompanied me to my cabin and watched over me as I packed and wept. When I requested privacy to make a phone call, they said “of course!” then proceeded to stand in the doorway, peeking through my private conversation. As I packed my belongings, I listened to worship music. Upon leaving in my car, one individual had the audacity to say, "there’s no doubt you have a heart for God" to then add, "even though we’re letting you go we know God has great plans for you!" reflects a significant cognitive dissonance. I couldn’t open my Bible for weeks after this situation because I was reminded of what Sambica did to me. I still get nightmares from the situation. For an entire week, I pleaded for an explanation regarding my dismissal. I finally received a phone call just five minutes before the HR individual was scheduled to attend a physical therapy appointment – a disrespectful approach. Upon reviewing the grounds for my dismissal, the reasons lacked coherence. Firstly, I was accused of being defensive. Should I not defend myself against the witchcraft allegations? Secondly, when I decide to take my break and step away from the girls to call my sister crying to her, that was deemed as inappropriate behavior. How can I lead well if I’m expected to bottle up my hurt emotions right after being accused of witchcraft? Thirdly, I was accused of forcing a girl to dance, an entirely false accusation. There was never any constructive feedback provided to me on how I could improve. It became clear to me that I had done nothing wrong and that Reagan's decision to terminate my employment stemmed from animosity towards me. The assertion that they lacked confidence in my leadership is abhorrent. I had previously served as the head of an elementary school for three years and had consistently earned praise from parents and superiors. Additionally, I had completed a biblical residency internship the previous summer. I know I’m a great leader. I know I’m amazing with kids, and I know the gifts God has given me. I know who I am and whose I am. To dismiss someone without explanation, leading them to agonize over their perceived transgressions, and then to express, "I know it’s a long drive for you to get back home, so here’s 100 bucks" while scrutinizing them as if they were a criminal is horrid. During my nine-hour drive home, I nearly encountered three accidents due to the overwhelming emotional distress caused by their treatment. In my perspective, to say this is a Christ-driven camp would be a lie. In my opinion some of the leadership operates in a manner contradictory to the teachings of Jesus. To claim Jesus' name and then treat God’s own children in such a evil way- knowing others have experienced similar situations brings tears to my eyes. If my faith were not strong, I might have used this experience as a reason to doubt my belief in Jesus. And how dangerous for new believers to be led by people like those at a Christian...

Part 2: The use of Jesus' name by an organization entails a heightened level of accountability (2 Timothy and Proverbs). Actions speak louder than words. Jesus embodies integrity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love (Book of John and Matthew), while in my opinion certain employees at this camp resembles the Pharisees. Despite the ordeal, I find solace in the knowledge that I am loved by God and that He will fight for me (Psalm 13, Psalm 9, Psalm 30, Book of Job, the story of Joseph, Exodus 14:14 and more!!). Praise Jesus I am chosen and saved and nothing can separate my relationship with Him!!! As much as my enemies try and hurt me, tear me down nothing will keep me from praising just how good of a father I have! I am sharing my experience if you are contemplating enrolling your child at this camp or working here, this is just my personal opinion and experience. It is my hope and prayer that those associated with this camp will experience conviction and repentance. I pray for the redemption of Sambica. What is needed is more love and unity, not division and animosity. We need true disciples of Jesus, not individuals who profess the word of God yet lead astray those who seek Him. Don’t let my experience keep you from following Jesus, for Yeshua is all loving and perfect that not even a spect of evil lives in him. Use my experience to discern “Christian’s” you encounter. Not all are like what I...

They don't respond to the email or call when you need to contact them. I had a concern regarding the camp that I signed up. I sent an email and also left voice messages a couple of times over the phone and there has been no response since. If they don't respond, where can I talk to? This is my first time registering for SAMBICA camp and it is a very frustrating experience especially when I need to change camp schedule to another which fills up quickly.

//Update// They finally called back after a week and adjusted the camp schedule for me. Except the frustration during the enrollment, overall experience with the camp was good. Staffs are kind and organized during drop off and pick up. My kids enjoyed...