Inland West Mission Center
At SPEC, youth experience the freedom to explore, grow, and choose how they engage in a supportive, Christ-centered environment. Our focus on inclusion and positive encouragement ensures that every camper feels seen, valued, and respected. The Northwest Delegation’s leadership team are all Registered Child and Youth Workers (RCYW) who are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of each participant. They help create a space where youth can try new activities, express themselves authentically, and build lasting friendships, all while knowing they are supported by caring adults dedicated to their growth and joy.
This year, Inland West Mission Center youth will be accompanied by a dedicated team of leaders who are passionate about making SPEC a safe, meaningful, and fun experience. Michelle Phillips, Tamryn Parker-Carver, and Kathleen Paco Cadman will travel with campers from Inland West as part of the Northwest Delegation. Each of these leaders brings a deep commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth, well-being, and joy of our youth. They’ll be there every step of the journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and support as campers experience the freedom to choose, explore, and thrive at SPEC.
Registration and Payment Information
Spectacular (SPEC) is the largest annual gathering of youth in Community of Christ, bringing together hundreds of high school students and adult leaders from across North America and beyond. Held at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, SPEC is a weeklong experience filled with sports, arts, worship, leadership development, and community building. It’s a safe, Christ-centered space where youth can explore their faith, build lasting friendships, discover their unique giftedness, and engage in meaningful conversations about life and discipleship. Whether you're passionate about music, sports, creative arts, or simply connecting with others, SPEC has something for everyone!
wHAT IS spectacular?
Meet Your NW Delegation Staff
JOIN US FOR spec 2025: hope in action!
Last summer, 20 teenagers from Inland West Mission Center joined the Northwest delegation for Spectacular (SPEC) 2024. we flew to Kansas City on July 11 and spent a few days in Independence, MO, for a Northwest Delegation Retreat. There, we bonded through fun activities and visited the Church’s Temple. We then traveled to Graceland University in Lamoni, IA, for an incredible week at SPEC, exploring the theme “Be.”
Our return was delayed due to canceled flights, but we were fortunate to enjoy the hospitality of the Highland congregation in Missouri, who let us stay in their building and provided food and transportation until we could get a flight home.
Registration Steps:
- Register with The Northwest Delegation (Once registered with Northwest, a link to register with SPEC will be emailed to you.)
- Register with Spectacular
- Pay Fees (see below)
- Complete the Inland West YES fund application
Cost:
- SPEC Registration Fee: $558 per youth (includes lodging, meals, shirts, transportation & more).
- Bring $75 for 3–4 fast food meals and any souvenirs.
- YES Fund covers airfare for Inland West campers.
We have worked hard to reduce costs where possible. We can offer a much lower cost thanks to the support of the YES Fund. Airfare is not included in the above amount but will be covered by the YES Fund held by the Mission Center. These funds are made available by the generous contributions of many individuals and congregations. Each camper will need to fill out a YES fund application (in addition to both SPEC online registration forms) to illustrate how they will contribute within their congregation or community.
Deadlines:
- May 1, 2025: First payment of $279, Northwest registration, and YES Fund application
- June 1, 2025: Second payment of $279 and SPEC registration (including insurance info)
Send payments to:
Northwest SPEC, c/o Cindie Ellwanger
30442 101st Pl. SE, Auburn, WA 98092
Please make all checks payable to “Community of Christ” with the participants name in the memo line.
Send YES Fund forms to:
Inland West Mission Center, c/o Sandy Decker
3940 Trickle Creek Blvd, Bellingham, WA 98226
or email: sdecker@cofchrist-iwest.org
For financial assistance, contact Sandy Decker at the above email. We truly want everyone that wishes to attend to be there!