Summer to Fall

Michelle C.
3 hours ago
5 min read

Summer Camping

We had a fantastic summer of camps with both high school and middle school students heading out from Chelan Valley. God moved what felt like mountains to get these kids to camp, including a fire in Oregon that almost cancelled their week. But in the end, watching kids encounter Jesus away from the distractions of everyday life is always one of our greatest joys!

Here are a few photos at Canyon below -

(Notice Shawn wearing his knee brace from his ACL surgery - unfortunately, no pool time for him, but the Lord provided an excellent co-leader to help!)

Here are some photos of Chelan Valley at Creekside -

In Deer Park we had a successful send off to Creekside despite a few last minute transportation challenges. Through it all, God was faithful, and lives were changed! Deer Park begins clubs in a couple weeks, and is starting High School this fall!

Closer to home, Shawn has been faithfully leading Campaigners on Wednesday nights since camp. These gatherings have been such a joy, as students dig deeper into God’s Word and learn what it means to live out their faith in everyday life. A highlight this summer has been a local supporter taking the group out tubing and fishing on the lake!

Each week Shawn provides dinner for the students, usually pizza, which costs about $40. If you would like to come alongside and help support these campaigners, it would be such a blessing to the group. Just let me know!

SO GRATEFUL FOR OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS SO THAT TEENAGERS MAY KNOW JESUS!

Summer Love Boat

On August 9th we chartered Lady of the Lake for a sunset cruise to raise money for YoungLives! Thank you to the 80+ guests who joined us and supported this ministry. What a wonderful night watching the sunset and jamming out to DJ Glenn on the top deck!

Carnes Family Fall Update

On August 18th, I celebrated a milestone birthday, turning 50. It has been a season of reflection and gratitude for the journey God has led me on. Just a couple weeks later we sent Grace off for her final year of college at GCU with my new grand kitty, Kiki.

(We are dog people, not cat people, but don't tell Grace - we miss her so much... Grace too, ha ha!)

Meanwhile, Hailey is making her own plans. She has decided to attend cosmetology school in Spokane Valley starting in January once her housing comes together. (know anyone with space in the Spokane area?) It is exciting and a little bittersweet as we might be true empty nesters come 2026.

Chelan Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Young Life!

This fall marks a milestone not just for me personally but for our whole community. We are celebrating 50 years of Young Life in the Chelan Valley. That is right, Young Life has been part of Chelan Valley for over half a century. To honor this legacy and look forward to the years ahead, we are hosting our annual banquet fundraiser on Sunday, October 19th at Tsillan Cellars in Chelan, WA. You are invited to join us for a night of stories, celebration, and vision for the future. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER

An Unexpected September Adventure

In early September, we took a very last-minute trip to Hawaii. The deal was too good to pass up, with non-stop flights at only $125 each way. So Shawn, Hailey, her friend Kaibella, and I packed our bags and headed out for a quick 6-day getaway. We narrowly missed Hurricane Kiko, which thankfully never made landfall.

While we were there, shocking news broke about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and other sad news happening around the country. Even from paradise, we felt the weight of what was happening and wrestled with wishing we were near the students and schools we serve. Yet in that tension, we trusted that God knew exactly where He wanted us to be. I have a lot of feelings and thoughts about what is happening in the world. I would love to get coffee or share a meal to discuss. The evil in this world feels too big to share in a blog post, but please feel free to reach out. My biggest thought is to always seek the truth and ignore media designed to make us think a certain way. Meanwhile, pray that Jesus finds people in the midst of so much!

Looking Ahead

We are excited for the ministry ahead in Chelan Valley. We have already started bringing Otterpops to the school and have plans to start Young Life club on campus during lunch on October 16th.

Recently, I was asked to temporarily provide oversight for two areas during a regional staff transition: Kalispell and Billings Young Life, both led by full-time Area Directors. Please pray that I would serve and care for these areas well until a dedicated regional leader is in place.

Below is a photo of our Committee, WyldLife, Young Life teams, and their families who gathered together to kick off this year on September 7th.

"...four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus." - Mark 2:3-4

May we be like the 4 who were willing to do ANYTHING to get our friends to the feet of Jesus!

Michelle's Fall Travel and Events Calendar

*Prayer appreciated for a busy fall ahead

September 19th – CleElum YL Banquet: (if you know, you know!) click here for details
October 7–9 – Regional YL Staff Retreat in Montana
October 11 – Ben Gerdes and Maggie Leist's wedding celebration! (whahoo!)
October 16 – First regular Young Life Club at the school during Thursday lunch
October 19 – Annual Young Life Banquet Fundraiser at Tsillan Cellars - JOIN US!
October 21–24 – The Good Way: a Learning and Leadership offering designed to recalibrate life in the midst of ministry.
November 2 – Snoqualmie Young Life Banquet - I could never miss it! click here for info

Finally, I would be so grateful for your prayers. Please lift up the kids in Chelan Valley, Deer Park, and the other areas I serve so that they would feel seen, loved, and drawn closer to Jesus. Pray also for the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to walk alongside these students. Their faithfulness is what makes this ministry possible, and your prayers are a vital part of the story God is writing here.