S.A.L.T. Program
About S.A.L.T. Program
Take your faith to the next level and get a taste of camp from the inside out with the S.A.L.T. program! The three-tiered Servant And Leadership Training program is an intense, hands-on discipleship experience modeled after Jesus’ servant-leader example. Each level of this program is designed to help you further identify your God-given gifts and then put them to practice in a variety of areas. You’ll grow in confidence and skill as you learn to serve in different capacities at camp. Your time at Cascades will be jam-packed with relevant worship, service around camp, inspiring bible study, challenging discussions, and epic “S.A.L.T. only” activities with your friends.
The S.A.L.T. Program empowers campers to enhance and expand their skills over the course of three summers. This three-tiered model allows S.A.L.T.s at different points in their development to grow and thrive at a gradual and age-appropriate pace.
New for 2026
Over the past five years, the S.A.L.T. Program has grown in exciting ways, creating great interest for a limited number of spots. We know that this has created some headaches for parents and guardians when registering campers. At its core, the S.A.L.T. program is about growth, service, and building a strong faith community — and we want as many campers as possible to experience that. To make this possible, we’re introducing two updates for 2026:
- Application Process — All campers interested in the S.A.L.T. program are now required to complete an online application before being admitted. This helps us get to know each camper’s story, faith journey, and interest in the program while ensuring they’re placed in the right tier.
- Applications will be released on November 8 at 8am. Registration will open on November 12 at 8am. Registered campers will be automatically added to the waitlist and remain there until an application is received, reviewed, and approved. Our hope is that this process removes the pressure that came with registration in years past.
- Spark Tier — Our first-year tier, Spark, will now be a one-week experience, offered for 5 sessions. This change gives more campers the chance to return to camp and discover Cascades in a new and exciting way.
Year 1 | Spark
1 week | 10th-12th grade
Spark is a one-week introduction to service and leadership rhythms at Cascades. Spark S.A.L.T.s will experience many of the staples of the camper experience, including activities, games, bible studies, chapels, and free times led by dedicated S.A.L.T. Mentors. They will also embrace the servant and leadership portion of the program by serving with our Operations and Food Services departments alongside their Mentors and other summer staff.
Year 2 | Ignite
2 weeks | 11th-12th grade
Ignite is a two-week experience that builds upon the experiences and development of Spark. As Ignite S.A.L.T.s are more familiar with the responsibilities of the S.A.L.T. program, they will experience greater emphasis on the servant and leadership portions of the program by supporting Rainier Kids, Brightwood, and Timber Rock in a variety of ways. Ignite S.A.L.T.s will support our youth programs by partnering with our staff in leading daily activities such as big games, jubilation, archery, lunchtime, time fillers, and more. They will learn through hands-on experience what it means to lead and guide campers.
Year 3 | Ablaze
3 weeks | 12th grade
In a three-week session, Ablaze S.A.L.T.s will have more intensive servant and leadership training that more closely models the summer staff experience along with ample opportunities to have fun together. Ablaze S.A.L.T.s will work primarily with our Brightwood and Timber Rock overnight camps. They will work alongside counselors to lead 4th-9th grade campers in daily programming including games, extreme activities, jubilations, and bible studies. S.A.L.T.s in this program will be trained specifically in identifying their leadership skills, stepping into opportunities such as leading bible studies, facilitating cabin time, and mentoring campers.
A Typical Day as a Spark S.A.L.T.
| Morning | Devos Breakfast BLESS Projects Bible Study Adventure Activity/Department Deep Dive |
| Afternoon | Lunch Prayer Partners Reset Dining Room Free Time |
| Evening |
Dinner |
A Typical Day as an Ignite S.A.L.T.
| Morning | Devos Breakfast Support Program Staff |
| Afternoon | Lunch Free Time Bible Study Prayer Partners Support Program Staff |
| Evening |
Dinner |
A Typical Day as an Ablaze S.A.L.T.
| Morning | Devos Breakfast With Brightwood/Timber Rock Cabins |
| Afternoon | Lunch Lead Cabin Clean-up Free Time Bible Study Prayer Partners Bible Study with Brightwood/Timber Rock Cabins |
| Evening |
Dinner |
Dates and Pricing
TIERED PRICING MODEL
We say it often, but it deserves to be repeated: we want every child to have the opportunity to come to Cascades, regardless of their financial situation. This pricing model makes programs at Cascades accessible to families that may not otherwise be able to send their children to camp. We’re grateful to those who can afford the unsubsidized “true” cost for supporting this effort to broaden our reach as we seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Tier #1 | The unsubsidized “true” cost of camp for families who can afford it.
Tier #2 | A subsidized option for families who need extra financial assistance to be able to experience Cascades programs.
Tier #2 pricing does not need to be applied for. It will automatically apply during registration if selected. For families that need additional support, we offer a need-based sponsorship program with an online application process.
Spark S.A.L.T.
| Date | Grade | Session Name | Status (Updated 4/21) | Tier #1 Cost | Tier #2 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6-11 | 10-12 | Spark #1 | Boys: Waitlist Only / Girls: Limited Space | $450 | $395 |
| July 13-18 | 10-12 | Spark #2 | Space Available | $450 | $395 |
| July 20-25 | 10-12 | Spark #3 | Waitlist Only | $450 | $395 |
| July 27-August 1 | 10-12 | Spark #4 | Limited Space | $450 | $395 |
| August 3-8 | 10-12 | Spark #5 | Space Available | $450 | $395 |
ignite S.A.L.T.
| Date | Grade | Session Name | Status (Updated 4/21) | Tier #1 Cost | Tier #2 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 6-18 | 11-12 | Ignite #1 | Boys: Space Available / Girls: Waitlist Only | $495 | $415 |
| July 20-August 1 | 11-12 | Ignite #2 | Waitlist Only | $495 | $415 |
| August 3-8 | 11-12 | Ignite #3 (Short) | Boys: Space Available / Girls: Waitlist Only | $350 | $295 |
ablaze S.A.L.T.
| Date | Grade | Session Name | Status (Updated 4/21) | Tier #1 Cost | Tier #2 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30-July 18 | 12 | Ablaze #1 | Boys: Waitlist Only / Girls: Limited Space | $495 | $415 |
| July 20-August 8 | 12 | Ablaze #2 | Limited Space | $495 | $415 |