here’s a lot to be really, really worried about right now. (Like, don’t check your retirement savings right now if you can avoid it.) But as much as we all want to tune out and spare ourselves the mental anguish, paying attention is vital.
While we’re witnessing one powerful person change the world as we know it, it’s important for all our sakes to remember that small acts of change by individual citizens do add up. That’s the approach we took this week in putting together what we’ve dubbed the HOPE ISSUE, a look at how local nonprofits, legal experts, artists and other everyday people are banding together to fight injustice and hatred, and for the preservation of our basic American freedoms. Our team chatted with legal experts at local universities who are training students to navigate complex immigration law, leaders of organizations supporting refugees who’ve already made it here, and political science experts on why peaceful civil protests matter. Read more starting on page 22. And, remember to hold onto hope.
The smart choices you make today shape tomorrow’s energy. Installing better insulation and windows or upgrading appliances saves energy now and improves your home’s Avista offers rebates to make the decision easier.
Learn more at myavista.com/getrebates
— CHEY SCOTT, Editor
MAY 31 - JUNE 1
COMMENT
STAFF DIRECTORY
PHONE: 509-325-0634
Ted S. McGregor Jr. (tedm@inlander.com) PUBLISHER
Jer McGregor (x224) GENERAL MANAGER EDITORIAL
Chey Scott (x225) EDITOR
Samantha Wohlfeil (x234) NEWS EDITOR
Seth Sommerfeld (x250) MUSIC & SCREEN EDITOR
Madison Pearson (x218) LISTINGS EDITOR, DIGITAL LEAD
Eliza Billingham (x222), Colton Rasanen (x263), Victor Corral Martinez (x235), Dora Scott (x282) STAFF WRITERS
Chris Frisella COPY CHIEF
Young Kwak, Erick Doxey PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gavin Cooley, Chase Hutchinson, Will Maupin CONTRIBUTORS
PRODUCTION TEAM MANAGER, CREATIVE, DIGITAL & MARKETING
Tom Stover (x265) PRINT PRODUCTION & IT MANAGER
Derrick King (x238)
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER, EDITORIAL DESIGN LEAD
Leslie Douglas (x231) GRAPHIC DESIGNER OPERATIONS
Dee Ann Cook (x211) BUSINESS MANAGER
Amanda Bodie (x210)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SPECIALIST CIRCULATION
Frank DeCaro (x226)
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Travis Beck (x237)
CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR
WHAT GIVES YOU HOPE WHEN YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT THE WORLD?
MADISON NEYLAND
Well I would say I always lean on my faith. I really stand in my hope that the world and that my life is in God’s hands and I always try to see the good in people.
JARED SWEENEY-DEMAZAS
My friends and the bright minds of younger generations. I think it’s easy to focus on people who may be the root cause of negative things in the world, but if I surround myself with people who have a lot of hope and opinions, it makes me feel better about the trajectory of the world. And thinking about how the younger generations are going to be the people who change and create a future for our world.
KATIA FREED
I think I would say community and relationships with other people. Coming together with people and doing things that you feel passionate about and love brings encouragement and hope for a more positive world.
BETHANY CHISHOLM
I would say something that brings me hope is getting outside and leaning into my community. It’s very grounding and inspiring for me.
SAM TSCHIRGI
Just knowing that this too will pass and that it’s such a short time in your life that it might seem important and concerning now, but in five to 10 years it probably won’t matter. Just living in the moment too and just trying to enjoy the small things in life as well.
INTERVIEWS BY HANNAH HIGENS INDABA COFFEE (MONROE), 4/4/2025
The Urgency of Now
The challenges facing Spokane are more profound that we previously thought; it’s time to treat the situation like the emergency that it is
BY GAVIN COOLEY
Spokane is experiencing a growing street-level addiction crisis, and the latest data confirms what many of us already see every day: The scale of this emergency is more alarming than previously reported. And now, at least five years into it, the biggest barrier to resolution isn’t a lack of funding — as we’re often told — but a lack of political will to generate the collaboration, urgency and measurable outcomes this crisis demands.
Spokane’s central retail and office district, including key public spaces like Riverfront Park and Lewis and Clark High School.
Just last month, we learned the situation is far worse than previously understood. The Spokane Business Association (SBA) — representing hundreds of businesses and thousands of local jobs — recently partnered with a national expert to survey individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Our goal was simple: to better understand what’s driving this crisis and how we can respond more effectively.
In addition to conducting the survey, our consultants, myself and a local volunteer conducted a visual count of unsheltered individuals in the area from the University District to Browne’s Addition. On Sunday morning, March 23, beginning around 9 am, and despite steady rain, we counted 403 people visibly living on the streets, or in the throes of addiction.
That number is substantially higher than widely circulated estimates, and it doesn’t even include many of the hundreds more staying in nearby shelters who often return downtown during the day. In total, it appears that over 600 individuals — most struggling with addiction and chronic instability — are now visibly concentrated in the heart of
It’s important to clarify that these 403 individuals represent the most visible and often chronically homeless portion of our population — many with overlapping challenges related to substance use, mental health and long-term instability. However, the broader reality is much larger. Spokane’s most recently published 2024 Point-in-Time count recorded approximately 2,000 people experiencing homelessness. But national estimates suggest that the true number is likely two to three times that, meaning we could have as many as 6,000 individuals across the county experiencing homelessness. The needs of these two populations differ dramatically. While addiction and behavioral health interventions are vital for the street population, the larger homeless population is often made up of families, youth and individuals who simply cannot access affordable housing. As highlighted by Ben Stuckart in last week’s editorial, for many of them, increasing the availability and diversity of housing supply is the single most important solution we can pursue.
While homelessness affects thousands countywide, it is the concentrated presence of more than 400 of our most vulnerable individuals in and around Spokane’s city center that demands the most urgent and coordinated action. This much larger than expected population should serve as a dire wake-up call for our entire community and every elected leader. Yet instead of encouraging our deeper look, the current city administration attempted to block our survey work altogether. That’s not just a policy disagreement — it’s part of a broader pattern in which urgent realities and critical data are filtered through a political lens.
Spokane police on the scene near Second Avenue and Division Street, what we called “the intersection of fentanyl, homelessness and the law” in our Aug. 17, 2023, cover story. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO
When data collection becomes controversial, something is broken. As the old saying goes: “You can’t fix what you won’t face.”
Since Feb. 17, a group of us has walked through downtown Spokane every morning at 5 am. These so-called “crisis walks” are not about outreach. They are a call for urgency — a symbol of stepping out of routine, out of politics and into a collaborative and emergency mindset that we continue to hope our elected leaders will also embrace.
And what we’ve seen on these walks would convince anyone that emergency measures are overdue. Every morning, we witness the tragedy of people slumped in pain, in crisis, in need of help. On March 26, we saw an overdose unfolding in real time. These aren’t abstract policy discussions — they are human emergencies, visible on our sidewalks every single day. Anyone who sees them knows: The time for hesitation is long past.
As Spokane’s chief financial officer for 17 years, I helped lead multiple citywide emergency responses. The same principles applied every time: Intense coordination and collaboration solve big problems — and a lack of funding was never the true barrier.
The visible lack of accountability downtown has made Spokane a destination for open drug use and street-level dealing. We see that in the 403 count, and we see it each day — dealers operating in daylight, and hundreds of users gathered in groups, tragically surrounded by trash and human waste. These patterns mirror the early signs of Portland’s downtown decline. Spokane is at risk of repeating that same pattern unless we act quickly.
But enforcement doesn’t have to mean incarceration. In fact, it seldom does, nor should it. Incarceration is often the least effective approach in these situations, both for the community and for the individuals involved. Across the country, when individuals are offered a choice between legal consequences and voluntary placement in sobering beds or other therapeutic and rehabilitative services, they overwhelmingly choose care. And when given a real path forward, many go on to engage in treatment, recovery and eventually housing. That progression is what true compassion — and effective policy — should look like.
A carefully crafted and pre-planned cross-jurisdictional emergency declaration wouldn’t just unlock new tools — it would allow for the kind of concentrated coordination and strategic alignment that Spokane’s homelessness response has long lacked. In late 2023, a draft proposal for a regional governance structure on homelessness was brought forward and then rejected by the incoming administration. But a properly executed emergency response could provide the blueprint for a similar — and potentially more effective long-term framework: one that urgently aligns jurisdictions, agencies, funding and a range of other critical resources under a shared plan with clear and measurable outcomes.
And once that alignment happens, the resulting gains can be sustained. It’s far easier to maintain progress — such as getting hundreds of people off downtown sidewalks and into services — once those systems are in motion and working. Emergency work on an expedited time frame is how we reclaim ground; long-term regional governance is how we hold it.
Much good work is already happening across Spokane — by outreach teams, shelter providers, recovery programs, police and fire personnel, and many others who are showing up every day to meet and help people where they are. But it is not nearly enough to meet the scale or urgency of this crisis. All of these efforts need reinforcement through strong regional coordination built around shared strategy, aligned resources and a unified mission.
Regardless of the precise count of individuals or how you count them, it is clear that we have an addiction crisis that is leading to a large and increasing population of chronically homeless individuals living on our streets. Sadly, we are falling further behind every day. But with urgency and focus, we can build on the good work already being done and turn the tide. n
Gavin Cooley was the city of Spokane’s chief financial officer for 17 years, serving five different mayors, starting with John Powers. He is currently the director of strategic initiatives for the Spokane Business Association.
Bill Balance
Washington lawmakers are considering rent stabilization again. Would it solve renters’ problems?
BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM
Afew pops of color dominate an otherwise drab conference room. A bright red sweatshirt broadcasts that “Housing is a Human Right.” Pink hearts on a homemade sign finish the equation “Housing Stability = ,” while orange flowers on another sign dance around the words “Black Women 4 Housing Stability.”
But all the sentiment in the room on Sprague Avenue can be summed up by just five words stenciled in purple: “Rent is too damn high.”
On April 3, advocates from the Tenants Union of Washington, The Way to Justice, Manzanita House and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance hosted a tiny press conference at the Hive, a branch of the Spokane Public Library, to show their support for statewide rent stabilization.
Lawmakers in Olympia are currently considering the idea — again — via House Bill 1217 and its companion Senate Bill 5222.
About 40% of Washingtonians currently rent their homes, and they have “zero protections right now about how high their rent can go,” says state Sen. Emily Alvarado, D-West Seattle, one of the main sponsors of the bill.
Rent stabilization is not a new idea. A similar bill died in the Senate last year, and the year before that. But despite its repeated defeats in the past, the current rent stabilization bill looks like it has its best shot yet of passing.
This session’s bill is pretty stripped down compared to previous iterations after its sponsors made significant compromises to developers, Alvarado says. The proposed
law would cap rent increases at 7% annually (or 5% for manufactured home lot rents) and require 90 days’ notice before rent increases. The proposal does not include any caps on move-in fees, as previous efforts did, and exempts new construction that’s less than 12 years old from the cap on rent increases.
“What’s left is a basic bill that provides one simple iota of predictability for tenants — one small thing for tenants,” Alvarado says.
Adopting rent stabilization would give an immediate sense of relief to some renters. But its long-term effects are less predictable.
Academics generally agree that rent control leads to fewer housing units overall, more poorly maintained buildings, and increased rents for anyone in a noncontrolled rental.
The Spokane Home Builders Association estimates that Spokane is short about 32,000 housing units, and argues that the shortage is one of the biggest factors driving up costs for renters and homeowners alike.
Washington builders also face construction costs that are outpacing inflation, skyrocketing interest rates on loans that are now sometimes in the double digits, more state fees than the national average, and insurance costs that have doubled within a few years.
“Everything I’ve read or understood about [rent control] has said that over the long term, it tends to dampen new construction,” says Chris Venne, a semiretired senior housing developer for the affordable housing nonprofit
Community Frameworks. “It tends to disincentivize landlords to do maintenance. And especially in Spokane, we have a situation where, if builders see a reason not to build here, they’re just gonna go to Idaho. That’s already happening in single-family home construction.”
WHERE’S THE RELIEF?
“Twenty years ago, my life was really good,” Tina Hammond tells the housing advocates and reporters gathered at the Hive.
Hammond is a 64-year-old Spokanite. She owns her home and has a master’s degree from Gonzaga University. But her life changed a decade ago. She lost the home where she used to live in 2010 and developed debilitating arthritis. She spent years renting a basement or a mother-in-law suite from friends until she could buy a manufactured home with money her father bequeathed to her.
Hammond is now on a fixed income that’s less than $2,000 a month. It used to barely cover her medicine and the lot rent for the land where her mobile home sits. But when her lot rent went up by $66 a month last year — a 12% increase for her — she says it meant that she had to pause her meds for three months to save the extra cash. She turns her heat off at night to save money — over the winter, she says, the temperature inside her home often fell below 45 degrees overnight.
Hammond fears the day her rent will increase again, quite possibly by far more than $66 a month. While rent stabilization wouldn’t stop her rent from rising, it could replace her sense of dread with a sense of expectation — she could stop worrying and spend her energy planning ahead for a 5% increase.
Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter, a statewide organizer from the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, stresses the difference between rent stabilization and rent control. Rent stabilization restricts the amount that a landlord can increase the rent of a specific tenant annually. If that tenant moves out, the landlord can readjust the rent by more than the cap and find a new tenant.
Rent control, on the other hand, is far more restrictive and caps the total amount that a landlord can charge
Tenants Union of Washington State interim Executive Director Terri Anderson, second from right, speaks about the fear renters live in every day. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
for a specific apartment or unit. Advocates argue that rent stabilization doesn’t cut profits like rent control does, but provides much needed relief and stability for tenants.
Terri Anderson, the interim executive director for the Tenants Union of Washington State, says that it’s not uncommon for renters to face a $400 per month increase under the state’s currently required 60-day notice. She says that the most common call to the Tenants Union crisis hotline is regarding an “economic eviction” — that is, being forced out of a home because of a near-immediate monthly increase that the renter can’t afford.
From 2020 to 2023, Spokane’s housing vacancy rate was below 3% — at times even below 1% for small apartments — which made it nearly impossible for someone to move into a more affordable apartment if they needed to.
National statistics also show that increases in rent are intimately connected with increases in homelessness. Research from the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that a $100 increase in the median rent is associated with a 9% increase in homelessness.
“It’s not ‘people experiencing homelessness,’ it’s ‘people who can’t afford rent,’” Spokane City Council member Paul Dillon says.
According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, the average rent in Spokane has increased by $300 since 2019. But it’s possible that more affordable rentals saw more significant increases — just ask Dave Bilsland, a retired veteran whose rent doubled from $525 a month to $1,050 a month in six years.
If a 7% cap had been in place since 2019, his current rent would be about $788 per month.
“This bill is about people,” Alvarado says. “It’s about elders who are sacrificing medicine, who are sacrificing
heat in order to keep up with rising costs. It’s about people like parents who just want their kids to be able to stay in the same school and not have to deal with 10%, 20%, 30% rent increases.”
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Research is very clear about one thing: Rent caps are very good at stabilizing rent for some renters.
But as for stabilizing the rest of the housing market? Current research says probably not
The Journal of Housing Economics recently released an overview of all studies done on rent control across the world from 1967 to 2023. The review concluded that “although rent control appears to be very effective in achieving lower rents for families in controlled units … it also results in a number of undesired effects, including, among others, higher rents for uncontrolled units, lower mobility and reduced residential construction.”
That is, any rental unit without a rent cap — in Washington’s case, any rental built in the last dozen years — typically becomes more expensive. Plus, people stay put for longer in rent-controlled apartments (as opposed to moving toward home ownership, which is the most stable housing situation to have), and developers build less housing.
The research aligns with the concerns of housing builders, who often oppose this type of legislation.
Isaiah Paine, public affairs and strategic officer for the Spokane Home Builders Association, says that pricing instability generally comes from a mismatch between housing supply and demand. New home construction has taken hit after hit, which has helped create the high prices Spokane faces today.
“It’s death by a thousand cuts,” Paine says. “Everything
across the board has seen some increase.”
The five main cost concerns for builders are nicely alliterative: land, labor, lumber, lending and laws. Each category has become more volatile in recent years, Paine says, and faces even more uncertainty as new tariffs throw everything into a tizzy.
As costs grow more unpredictable, developers look for safer profit margins. If costs keep rising but revenue from previous projects stays relatively stagnant, developers might choose to build in a cheaper location (read: Rathdrum or Post Falls) or not build at all.
Community Frameworks’ Venne, who has spent nearly 30 years working to build affordable housing in Spokane, says the classic X-shaped supply and demand curves from microeconomics don’t capture everything that’s happening in the housing market, but it’s not a bad place to start.
“Just saying ‘It’s supply and demand’ is a little bit of oversimplification,” Venne says. “But it is certainly an important factor.”
While the proposed legislation centers on rent stabilization, both for-profit developers and nonprofit housing groups agree that the most stable living situation is home ownership, much to the frustration of millennials.
According to the literature, when rent caps disrupt revenue streams and market activity, they decrease the development of all types of new housing. That means a rental cap could decrease the availability of starter homes for people trying to move away from renting altogether, Paine says. Buying a home can seem nearly impossible for most people in their 30s, and in Spokane, it practically is.
“Only 15% of Spokane residents can afford to purchase a new home, and so essentially, the only people who can afford to purchase a home are the people who
already own a home,” Paine says. “That’s not a long-term reality that we want for our community.”
Spokane is missing lots of “middle housing” units, which are what developers typically call the small homes or townhomes that people typically buy to move away from renting and up the housing ladder.
But Venne wonders if the housing situation in Spokane might be turning a corner.
Spokane’s vacancy rate has risen to 5.5%, which is close to an equilibrium rate where there’s no positive or negative pressure on the market. Paine says that 3,000 housing units are planned to become available in the next year to 18 months. Dillon mentions the relaxed rules that Spokane has put in place locally to allow more freedom for multifamily housing units.
“Although people are scared of rent increases, and they certainly have happened, I think the market has changed to some degree,” Venne says. “This may be an issue that people are looking in their rearview mirror and reacting to the way the world was three years ago, not the way it is now.” n
SUKIYAKI
Tickets $36.50
Doors 9am | Show 10am
Tina Hammond, center, has had to choose between paying for rent or medication. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
Washington legislators are working to balance student and parental rights.
Fight for Parental Rights
A year after Washington legislators passed the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” Democrats are working to update the law and include students’ rights, too
BY COLTON RASANEN
When six citizen-backed initiatives made it to the Washington Legislature last year, only three of them, including Initiative 2081, otherwise known as the “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” received public hearings before lawmakers, who passed them a week later. The others didn’t see any action in the Legislature and were placed on statewide ballots for voters to decide.
As the Let’s Go Washington-backed parental rights initiative came to the Legislature, state Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, says her first focus was to ensure that it wouldn’t impact existing health care policy.
“There were lots of questions about [I-2081] because people, the far right in particular, were talking about it in terms of restricting gender-affirming care or abortion access, and I was like, ‘This has nothing to do with that,’” Stonier recalls. “We did ask some clarifying questions before passing the initiative, to just confirm that health care policy was not affected.”
When the House Democrats’ attorneys found
that the initiative would not impact health care, she and most of her Democratic colleagues got on board. Just a week after its first public hearing in both chambers, the initiative passed the House in an 82-15 vote and the Senate with unanimous support.
Last year, the Inlander reported that the decision to pass this parental rights law, rather than let it go to statewide ballots, would give legislators more control over it in the future. Now a year later, House Bill 1296, which has already passed the House along party lines, would change parts of I-2081. In the Senate, the bill has passed through the Early Learning & K-12 Education and Ways and Means committees, and is awaiting a floor vote.
“I don’t regret voting for [I-2081], because I don’t disagree that parents have a right to be the first and most involved teacher in their child’s lives,” Stonier says. “But the rhetoric around that initiative has been a bit more intrusive on students’ rights to be who they are in a school environment that’s welcoming to them.”
After the initiative’s passage into law, Stonier, who serves on the House Education and Health Care & Wellness committees, says she became increasingly aware that it allowed some school districts to be less accepting of LGBTQ+ students. The fact that a school employee is required to tell a student’s parents if they’re exploring their gender identity or using different pronouns can be dangerous to those students, she says.
“It turned out there’s been a number of policies and procedures in school districts that are clearly unwelcoming to students who happen to be LGBTQ, so I just started thinking about some type of response to the parents’ rights initiative, because there was clarification that clearly needed to happen,” says Stonier, who is also an educator with Evergreen Public Schools. “I’ve experienced and witnessed a number of the ways that kids come to us in school, a number of the ways that they are welcomed or not, so I think that experience has really helped me figure out exactly how I wanted to take an approach to this bill.”
Stonier says HB 1296 has four aims, including: confirming that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is charged with providing guidance and ensuring compliance at schools; enshrining a statement of student rights; reaffirming parents’ rights; and providing protections against retaliation for school employees like teachers and counselors.
The inclusion of students’ rights in the bill was important to Stonier, who has been a teacher for about 25 years.
“Schools are for kids, you know, my No. 1 customer is my student, and I have a really hard time talking about issues in the school setting without first talking about what a student needs,” she says. “Students have a right to an inclusive curriculum. They have a right to be welcomed in a school building. They have a right to fully participate in their education. They have a right to get support when they need it, and they have a right to be affirmed for whoever they are as they come to us.”
‘BETRAYAL’
While Stonier believes her bill would make schools a more welcoming place for all students, Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, says HB 1296 is a betrayal of Washington’s parents.
When I-2081 was passed last year, he says it added a new layer of transparency for parents who worried that schools were bypassing their authority when it came to educating their kids. This new legislation would update some of those rights.
For example, the initiative guaranteed parents the right to receive a copy of their child’s education records within 10 days, but HB 1296 would change that to a maximum of 45 days. The bill would also remove language about notifying parents when their child receives any medical care.
The initiative states that parents must receive prior notification when any nonemergency medical services and mental health services are offered to their child, when medical services and medications are provided to their child that could result in any financial impact, and when the medical treatment a student receives results in follow-up treatment outside school hours.
Stonier’s bill would remove those requirements and instead refers to existing state law (RCW 70.02) for health care access and disclosure — which also says confidential information relating to a minor’s mental and behavioral health services can be disclosed to their parents.
“They’re trying to undermine parental authority, and it’s appalling,” Volz says.
However, the bill also would strengthen the rights of parents who Stonier says weren’t included in the initiative’s language, including the parents of children who speak another language, have special needs or are undocumented.
“Those types of parents were not included in the far-right-sponsored initiative, so we added those,” Stonier says.
In opposition to the bill, Republicans introduced more than 100 amendments — most were not adopted, were later withdrawn or were submitted out of order. Volz says it was an attempt to push back against the “bad bill,” but he’s not sure he would have voted for the bill even if the GOP’s numerous amendments had been adopted.
“I can’t think I would do this even if they passed our amendments,” he says. n
coltonr@inlander.com
No Sanctuary
Spokane Valley affirms it’s not a sanctuary city. Plus, Spokane could “ban the address” on job applications; and WA joins the fight against a federal election mandate
BY INLANDER STAFF
Last week, the Spokane Valley City Council voted 5-2 to update a resolution from 2016 to again declare that Spokane Valley isn’t a sanctuary city The original 2016 resolution declared that Spokane Valley is not a sanctuary city, directed the Spokane Valley Police Department to assist agencies in enforcing U.S. immigration laws when operating within city limits, and directed city employees to require proof of legal residency when appropriate. Mayor Pam Haley told a packed City Council meeting that the update complies with new federal laws and Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, which was passed in 2019 and directs Washington law enforcement not to engage in immigration holds. “This particular resolution allows us to comply with both,” Haley said. “It doesn’t give a directive to our police to do anything.” Council members Ben Wick and Tim Hattenburg voted against the resolution. Hattenburg spoke about his positive experiences working with immigrant laborers in orchards and the racial profiling that his adopted Hispanic son faces. (VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ)
BANNING ANOTHER BOX
When Spokane City Council member Lili Navarrete introduced an ordinance to discourage discrimination against homeless people last year, community members’ claws came out. The proposal, dubbed the “Homeless Bill of Rights,” received significant backlash from the downtown business community for including things like an unhoused person’s right to move freely in public spaces and not be subject to unreasonable searches. The vehement pushback caused City Council to indefinitely defer the proposal and host a series of roundtables. Now, the council will consider a watered-down version. On Monday, April 14, the Spokane City Council will hold the first reading of “Ban the Address,” an ordinance that would prevent employers from asking about an applicant’s housing status before offering them a job. The proposal is sponsored by Navarrete, as well as Council members Paul Dillon and Michael Cathcart. The council will vote on the ordinance at its final reading, which is slated for April 21. (ELIZA BILLINGHAM)
ELECTION OVERREACH?
Last week, Washington filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s March 25 executive order on elections. The lawsuit argues that the federal government telling states how to run their elections is unconstitutional. The executive order tells states which identification documents are needed to register to vote, which voting equipment can be used and which mail-in votes can be counted. For example, Washington counts every ballot that has been postmarked by Election Day. The order, however, contends that mail-in ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted. “If implemented, the order will disenfranchise untold numbers of voters nationwide, impose substantial new costs on states, and require states to revise their voting systems and equipment, all without any benefit to election security,” the lawsuit states. Washington, which filed its lawsuit jointly with Oregon in the Western District of Washington, is one of 19 states that have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration to prevent the federal government from implementing or enforcing this executive order. (COLTON RASANEN)
CORRECTIONS
In the April 3 “This Week’s Playlist” feature in Culture, the albums we spotlighted as new releases for April 4 actually all come out on April 11. Apologies for creating early anticipation for new LPs from OK Go, Bon Iver, and The Mars Volta.
Also, in the story, “Water Warriors,” we misstated which ballot the aquifer protection measure could be on. If the city of Spokane decides to put the question to voters, it will be on the August primary ballot. n
Involuntary Debt
Washington lawmakers are poised to prevent medical debt from impacting credit scores
BY VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ
On Jan. 7, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a new rule prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports. However, on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order halting new rules by the agency.
In Olympia, state Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, is sponsoring Senate Bill 5480 to exempt medical debt from Washingtonians’ credit reports and to prohibit providers from reporting medical debt to consumer reporting agencies. The bill has passed the Senate (35-12, with two members excused), and the majority of the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business gave the bill a “do pass” recommendation. The bill is expected to be scheduled for a House floor vote soon, and if passed, will head to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk for his signature. Ferguson hasn’t indicated if he would sign
the bill into law, but as Washington’s Attorney General he championed cases targeting medical debt collectors, providing $157.8 million in refunds and debt forgiveness over unlawful medical charges to Washingtonians who likely qualified for free or reduced-cost hospital care.
In June 2024, Fair Health Prices Washington, a partnership of patient groups, nonprofit consumer advocacy organizations and labor unions, conducted a 1,000-person survey online in Washington. All participants were registered to vote in Washington and the results were statistically weighted to ensure the survey’s sample reflected state demographics.
Some of the findings highlighted drastic issues with medical debt.
When asked, 31% of survey respondents said their households had unpaid medical debt. More than half of all respondents (57%) said
Medical debt may no longer affect credit scores for Washingtonians.
they avoided seeking medical treatment or modified their use of prescriptions in the last year due to cost. Additionally, 67% of respondents said they would struggle or could not afford to pay an unexpected $500 medical bill.
Riccelli says the bill strikes a chord with his constituents and people statewide, because everyone knows someone impacted by medical debt problems. He says a chronic illness or an emergency room visit could quickly add up to $40,000. Unpaid debt can have systemic effects on credit reports, making it harder to rent an apartment, buy a home or get a job.
“Twenty-nine percent of Washingtonians have a lower credit score because of medical debt, and almost one in four are contacted by a debt collector because of their medical debt,” Riccelli says. “It’s important to note that a lot of these folks are doing everything right, and they’re paying their bills.”
Adam Zarrin is the director of state government affairs for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a nonprofit focused on curing blood cancers and a policy advocate for improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Zarrin says blood cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to treat, and treating any type of acute leukemia can cost half a million dollars in the first year after diagnosis. He says the out-of-pocket costs for treating cancer can balloon quickly.
“We know that for cancer patients, when they face outof-pocket costs like that, they have to make really difficult decisions on whether or not to start or delay their treatment,” Zarrin says. “In fact, four in 10 cancer patients will delay treatment or stop treatment altogether because of cost, and that’s even true for patients who have adequate insurance.”
Many cancer patients set up GoFundMe accounts, liquidate savings and/or take out a second mortgage, but within two years, about 42% of cancer patients will spend all of their life savings, Zarrin says.
“Often, many are putting their medical bills on credit cards, or leaving it as medical debt, as money owed to a provider or a hospital because you want to save your life,” Zarrin says. “Because you delay your treatment, or you cut pills in half, it starts taking this kind of emotional, mental toll on you because you feel trapped by your debt.”
The bill in Olympia goes further than what the federal rule would have done, by prohibiting the confiscation of wheelchairs, ventilators, insulin pumps, cardiac monitors, prosthetics and many other devices by medical debt collectors.
“That doesn’t happen very often — it’s rare — but can you imagine somebody coming to repossess your prosthetic arm,” Riccelli says. “That’s another thing this bill does — it bans those egregious practices that I think we can all agree are particularly horrific.”
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is seeing similar bills move through other state legislatures. California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and seven other states already have laws restricting medical debt reporting.
Zarrin says that medical debt is not a choice someone has made and often involves billing errors that insurance could have covered.
“I think there’s a movement and an understanding that medical debt is unlike all other types of debt and shouldn’t limit your ability to get lines of credit,” Zarrin says. “You don’t choose to get cancer, you don’t apply to have leukemia, that’s a very key difference versus a student, car or home loan.”
Riccelli doesn’t believe medical debt is a reliable predictor of someone’s ability to repay other loans. He similarly says medical debt is often prone to billing errors, and credit reports shouldn’t punish people who accumulate debt for reasons out of their control.
“We all could be one bad health emergency away from a fiscal burden that would be overwhelming,” Riccelli says. “And I struggle with the notion that just because you have cancer, you are not allowed to try to get housing or try to get a job.” n victorc@inlander.com
Highlights and must-attend events from EWU’s 2025 Get Lit! festival
BY INLANDER STAFF
With over 40 events to choose from and three headliners instead of the usual one, this year’s Get Lit! Festival is gonna be one for the books.
The packed schedule features events like the annual staple Pie & Whiskey, craft classes hosted by this year’s headliners Maggie Smith, Danez Smith and Li-Young Lee, and plenty of panels full of esteemed local and guest authors alike. Head over to the book fair, grab a new read and soak in the weekend full of literary excellence. We’ve compiled a list of standout events that are definitely worth catching, but you can find the entire Get Lit! schedule plus more information about participating authors, panelists, tickets and more at getlitfestival.org.
PIE & WHISKEY
A favorite for lovers of the written word, pie and (obviously) whiskey, this always-packed Get Lit! event makes its return to downtown’s historic Washington Cracker Co. Building. Tickets are $10 at the door, and there’s usually quite the line before the venue even opens, so plan ahead.
Created and still hosted by Spokane writing power couple Sam Ligon and Kate Lebo, Pie & Whiskey invites 11 local authors to write and share original short fiction, nonfiction and poetry inspired by the event’s titular subjects: pie and whiskey. As usual, there’s also homemade pie (in a variety of mouthwatering flavors) and Dry Fly Distilling whiskey for all attendees to enjoy. (DOMA Coffee, too.) This year’s featured writers include Spokane’s current Poet Laureate, Mery Smith, and our very own Mayor Lisa Brown, as well as plenty more esteemed wordsmiths. Attendees can also buy a limited-edition chapbook ($10) of this year’s works.
(CHEY SCOTT)
Thu, April 10 at 8 pm, $10, ages 21+, Washington Cracker Co. Building
RECORD YOUR OWN POETRY MOMENT WITH SPOKANE PUBLIC RADIO
Since 2018, Spokane Public Radio has produced a fiveminute “Poetry Moment” segment, which gives local poets and poetry lovers an outlet for their creativity. Participants usually read a mix of their own poetry and other published works. In turn, KPBX listeners get their daily dose of poetry for just a few minutes each weekday at 9 am.
As a part of this year’s Get Lit! celebrations, fans of “Poetry Moment” can make their way to the Central Library’s recording studio to read their own work or some of their favorite poems for future airing. Recordings cannot be longer than 3 minutes and folks who plan to read another person’s poem will need written permission from the author or publisher unless it was written before 1925. This free event is first-come-first-served, so ensure you arrive early for the best chance to be recorded.
(COLTON RASANEN)
Fri, April 11 from 11 am-noon, free, Central Library
THE ART & CRAFT OF WRITING MYSTERIES
Writing a crime or mystery novel can seem like, well, a mystery, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Two Spokanebased mystery writers, Chris Bieker and Elena Hartwell Taylor, host this talk at the Central Library to decode the craft of writing mysteriously.
Bieker is known for her series of Spokane-based mystery novels including Murder at Manito, Blood on Bloomsday and High Stakes at Hoopfest. Hartwell Taylor has published two mystery series including the Eddie Shoes and the Sheriff Bet Rivers series. Both authors hope to teach attendees how to write smartly about crime and how to sustain a mystery over the course of multiple books.
(CR)
Fri, April 11 at noon, free, Central Library
THE WEST AS A CHARACTER: USING RESEARCH TO BUILD AUTHENTIC NARRATIVES
As a highly respected Western journalist recently told me, place is as important a character in a story as its protagonists. That’s the theme of this workshop featuring two other incredibly skilled writers based in and whose work is rooted in the American West: CMarie Fuhrman and Betsy Gaines Quammen. Fuhrman, who’s won awards for her monthly Inlander columns, has a brand-new essay collection, released last month, Salmon Weather: Writing from the Land of No Return. Gaines Quamman’s most recent book, True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America, examines how misperceptions about the West can distort reality and deepen harmful ideological polarization.
GET LIT! 2025
Thu, April 10 through Sun, April 13, locations vary
TICKETS: $10-$35 per event; some events free (Saturday sessions at Montvale Event Center require $25 Book Fair Pass)
SCHEDULE + INFO: inside.ewu.edu/getlit
The pair come together in the Spokane Central Library’s Inland Northwest Special Collections Room to discuss their work and chat with fellow author Sharma Shields about how vital it is to really know a place so as to write authentically. Also during the event, library staff showcase the rich trove of historical documents and resources that can be accessed in the collection. Seating is limited due to space, so plan accordingly. (CS)
Fri, April 11 at 3 pm, free, Central Library
AN EVENING OF POETRY WITH JONATHAN JOHNSON AND LI-YOUNG LEE
Acclaimed poets Jonathan Johnson and Li-Young Lee come together for a conversation moderated by Jonathan Frey, an EWU MFA alum and professor of English at North Idaho College. They’ll also read from their collections, which engage with similar themes of fatherhood, family heritage and grief. Johnson’s works are widely published, and his next two books, Pine and The Little Lights of Town, are forthcoming this year.
Li-Young Lee
In Pine, Johnson’s poetry takes the reader through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Scottish Highlands, the Greek isles and the wilderness of the American Northwest in a quest to find meaning in places left behind.
In The Little Lights of Town, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula makes another appearance, with fictional stories about the small communities among the cold, wild landscape. Johnson is also a professor in EWU’s MFA program.
Lee’s family settled in the U.S. in 1964, when he was a young child. He later developed his love for poetry at the University of Pittsburgh. Lee’s poetry draws from personal experiences as the son of a political exile; he masterfully employs silence to explore spiritual and universal themes. His most recent work, The Invention of Darling, is a poetry collection that grapples with love, grief and divinity. (DORA SCOTT)
Fri, April 11 at 7 pm, $25, Central Library
TRANSGENERATIONAL TRANSGENDER POETICS: A CONVERSATION FOR ALL AGES
Trans people have always been part of the fabric of humanity. But more recently, as so aptly stated in this program’s description, “trans and nonbinary folx are languaging themselves into being.” Hear from a panel of multigenerational trans writers on how they leverage language to do just this. Featured writers include Subhaga Crystal Bacon, whose work brings needed awareness to the trans experience, including mistreatment and persecution of trans people. Poet Tennison Black also shares, alongside three rising, Spokane-based queer writers: Juno Williams, Gwendolyn Owens and Fig DePaolo. (CS)
Sat, April 12 at 3 pm, $25 Book Fair Pass, Montvale Event Center
Smoove Operator
Comedian JB Smoove brings his infectious riffing energy to the stand-up stage
BY SETH SOMMERFELD
JB Smoove is a fast-talking force of nature. The uproariously funny comedian is best known for his iconic role as Leon on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but his relentless energy and extremely quick wit shines wherever he happens to pop up. He destroys it as a late-night talk show guest, always brings it as big-screen comedic relief (like in the MCU Spider-Man films) and provides zest to a host of voiceover roles like Frank the Plant on Harley Quinn But stand-up comedy was the spot where he first let his comedic voice bellow out, and the stage is still a place where he thrives.
Before Smoove brings his talents to the Spokane Live stage at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino on Friday, April 11, we caught up with the wisecracker to chat about interacting with fans, the pace of late-night shows, and making his shows feel like hanging out with your funniest pal.
INLANDER: How do you feel like your approach to stand-up has changed over the years?
SMOOVE: Things have changed so much [from] when I started in the late ’80s. It’s just a lot faster, a lot more people are funny, a lot more social media are hilarious — the field is different. It pays to be recognizable. It pays to be on these amazing shows, that kind of feeds the hunger for people to see you. But the core of stand-up is still live.
What do comedians do? We attach ourselves to the times that we live in. So I don’t think the art of it has changed much. I just think the field is a little more crowded, and I think you really have to just have your core audience that love you and want to see you live. I’m one of those people who after every show — it could be 200 people in line to meet me — will literally go through [greeting] every person for a minute or two.
I chose to do this casino tour because I felt like casino audiences — you know, they’re already there to have a great time, right? They don’t got to go home! I think it’s different, man. A casino audience is so adult, and so “I want to get out the house,” you know? It’s not like the comedy clubs or a theater. I just love wearing a suit with a cigar in my hand and top hat! It’s a great night out, and you might as well hang out with someone you love and want to hang out with. I’m doing a show, but you’re really just hanging with me.
Your comedic energy translates across pretty much all mediums — TV, movies, talk shows, stand-up — but is there a comedic zone that you feel most comfortable playing in?
Here’s the thing that I think is a plus for me — I love to improvise, and I love to be in the moment with people. And I’ve been blessed to get repeated work because for some movies and TV shows, [the people in charge] want me to give my take on the character. They want me to make the character my own.
Stand-up, to me, is a gym. When you’re on stage, you get your rhythm, get your cadence, get your presence with people. I’m a horrible robot, man. I don’t like to sit there like and be verbatim, because that’s having a plan. It’s cool to have a direction to go in, but to actually nail down a plan, that means everything you do has got to work to a T. And every audience is different, so that that recipe might not work for the next show.
Your comedic energy can feel like a runaway freight train at times, but one thing that has always stuck out about your comedy to me is that you’re a unique listener. Like you have to be a good listener to be a good riffing improviser, but also sometimes when people interject you have a way of naturally being like, I hear you, but what I’m saying is funnier, so I’m gonna keep on that
[Laughs] That is really like my late night show pace. When I’m on Conan or Jimmy Fallon or Seth, man, I don’t know what it is about late-night shows… you’re right, there is a way of fluidly telling a great story — but still listening to your questions about the story at the same time — and staying on course to what the story is. I think there’s a real natural thing to that.
In all honesty? I need a late night show. I feel like there’s a pace to it and an energy. There’s a childlike wonderment that I have about people and things, but, oh man, when I’m on late night? I like to drive the vehicle. I’m not a good passenger, but I’m not a great passenger. I want to drive that damn car, you know? n
CULTURE | LITERATURE
“GREAT EXPECTATIONS,”
CONTINUED...
FORAY: GET LIT! FESTIVAL EDITION
Greg Bem and Sarah Rooney started Foray for the Arts just over a year ago, and it’s already become a Spokane literary scene staple. Foray travels to a variety of local venues, inviting poets, writers, musicians and more to share their creativity with the community.
Now, Foray has made its way to its biggest stage yet: Get Lit! On Saturday, catch festival authors like Lauren Westerfield, Juan Carlos Reyes, Diana Xin and Tiffany Midge as well as local writers Margaret Albaugh, Shraya Singh and Taylor Waring sharing their work with a crowd of hungry lit lovers. Grab a cocktail from Emma Rue’s and a delicious creation from People’s Waffle and settle in for an evening of empowerment and hear from some world-class wordsmiths. (MADISON PEARSON)
Sat, April 12 at 9 pm, free, Emma Rue’s
AN EVENING WITH DANEZ SMITH AND MAGGIE SMITH
It’s not every year that Get Lit! has three authors headlining their annual festival. So, this dual panel with Danez Smith and Maggie Smith is a real treat for the poetry lovers out there. Maggie Smith has written seven books of poetry and prose plus a memoir titled You Could Make This Place Beautiful, in which she explores the disintegration of her marriage and her renewed commitment to herself.
Danez Smith has penned four poetry collections and has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, GQ and more. Moderated by Eastern Washington University MFA alumni Aileen Keown Vaux, Danez and Maggie discuss creativity, craft and sign books from Auntie’s. This is a rare opportunity to listen to two celebrated voices discuss relevant topics and their personal creative processes. (MP)
Sat, April 12 at 7 pm, $25, Bing Crosby Theater WOMEN
ECOPOETS AS CONDUITS OF SOCIAL CHANGE AND EMPOWERMENT
Sometimes it’s difficult to see the real-life impact of writing, but poets and authors Nadia Alexis, Jessica Gigot, Dorsía Smith Silva and Dorinda Wegener illuminate how writing goals can go hand in hand with social and environmental activism in this free virtual event on Get Lit’s YouTube channel.
The four poets touch on how their work intersects with climate change and social transformation, also reading select poems. Their approaches to ecopoetry range from writing about Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico to farming communities in the Pacific Northwest, the displacement and marginalization of urban expansion and spiritual reconnection as a Black female survivor of gender violence. Get inspired by the power of when pen meets paper! (DS)
Sun, April 13 at 9 am, free, virtual event n
877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA
Danez Smith, left, and Maggie Smith. PHOTOS COURTESY GET LIT!
Luffy and his crew will do anything for a friend.
FROM SKEPTIC TO SUPERFAN
Now that I’m finally caught up with One Piece, here are four moments that solidified my adoration for the popular pirate anime
BY COLTON RASANEN
Inever thought I’d have to write this, but as a journalist I realize how important transparency is to our readers: I’m finally caught up with One Piece
For years I avoided the pirate anime, which debuted in 1999 when I was an infant, because of its terrifying length. I mean, at this point there are more than 1,100 episodes, and the story still isn’t complete. But on Sunday, April 6, the anime returned from a six-month hiatus and — for the first time ever — I watched a new episode as it aired. In honor of that personal milestone, I’ve compiled a few of the show’s most impactful moments that took me from skeptic to superfan.
EPISODE 37: “LUFFY, HELP ME”
To be completely honest, One Piece was hard for me to get into. Although the characters are interesting, and the world-building was intricate from the start, I wasn’t convinced I was ready for a 1,000-plus-episode commitment.
Then I made it to Cocoyasi Village, the pirateoccupied hometown of the crew’s soon-to-be navigator, Nami. As the Straw Hats learn more about Nami’s tragic past, she retaliates, saying that they couldn’t possibly understand her situation. However, in a moment of utter hopelessness, she finally asks Luffy for help, to which he obliges without hesitation. At the time, I just saw Luffy as another silly protagonist with lofty ambitions, but this kind moment revealed a deeper element of his character that I clung to. He may be a pirate, but he’ll also help anyone in need, as long as they ask.
EPISODE 278: “I WANT TO LIVE”
This is the episode I fell in love with One Piece, and was one of the first times the show truly made me bawl. In the story’s world, archaeology is illegal as its practitioners might uncover the secret history that’s kept a global government in power for centuries. About 50 episodes ago, ship archaeologist Nico Robin left with government intelligence agents who promised to leave the rest of the crew alone as long as she sacrificed herself.
The Straw Hat crew tries to rescue her a few times, but she tells them to just let her die. They’re not
deterred, however, and eventually infiltrate a government island where she was taken. After finding her, the crew learns she pushed them away out of fear. In response, Luffy orders his sniper to shoot down the government’s flag, affirming that he’ll fight anyone for his friends. It’s a huge scene itself, yet moments later he yells to Robin, asking her to tell them she wants to continue living. In response, she lets out this guttural cry: “I want to live.”
EPISODE 485:
“THE
ONE PIECE IS REAL”
The Summit War saga (episode 385 to 516) was a lot, to put it simply. First the Straw Hat crew are utterly defeated and dispersed across the world. Then Luffy finds himself in the middle of an all-out war with the military as he and the Whitebeard pirates attempt to rescue Luffy’s brother Ace from execution.
There are so many great scenes throughout the saga, but there’s a moment that’s stuck with me toward the end of the war when Whitebeard, then the oldest and strongest pirate in the world, is on the verge of death. Despite sustaining fatal wounds, Whitebeard stands tall and shouts to the entire battlefield that “The One Piece is real,” encouraging the younger generation of pirates to keep searching the world for this mysterious treasure. (It’s now been more than 600 episodes since this moment, and we still don’t know what the One Piece actually is, but hey, we know it exists.)
EPISODE 1,015: “I’M
THE MAN WHO WILL BECOME KING OF THE PIRATES”
From the very first episode, Luffy has consistently said his goal is to become king of the pirates. Most times, it’s an ambitious statement during a fight or relevant conversation, but sometimes it’s more than that. In this instance, Luffy looks up to two of the strongest living pirates, Big Mom and Kaido, telling them he’s going to surpass them to become pirate king. His defiance in the face of danger is energizing to watch, and it’s what solidified my love for Luffy and his friends. n
THE BUZZ BIN
CIVIC’S 78TH SEASON
The Spokane Civic Theatre has shared the lineup for its 78th season. The nonprofit community theater is staging a mix of classics and newer productions starting this fall and into 2026. On the main stage, the season begins with a yet-to-be-revealed musical followed by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the holidays. In early 2026, catch the Jane Austen novel adaptation Emma, followed by Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie and Disney classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Civic’s Studio Theatre begins the season with Frankenstein in October, followed by All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. February 2026 brings the comedy POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Civic playwright Bryan Harnetiaux’s Squalor shows from April 24-May 10. Learn more at spokanecivictheatre.com. (COLTON RASANEN)
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLPARK
When the Spokane Indians opened their 2025 season last weekend with a series against the Everett Aquasox, there was plenty of new on display. In addition to fresh faces on the roster in the form of intriguing Colorado Rockies’ prospects like outfielder Jared Thomas and pitcher Jordy Vargas, renovations to Avista Stadium caught baseball fans’ eyes. The Indians poured a couple million dollars into the park during the offseason to make MLB-mandated improvements. The most visibly obvious are the new green turf, new regulation foul poles, expanded net to keep fans safe from foul balls, and larger dugouts. The team also made improvements behind the scenes with a new on-site workout facility that includes a weight room and batting cages for players. The biggest spectacle is still to come as the team has placed an order for a new video screen for left field that should be installed later this season.
(SETH SOMMERFELD)
OH IT’S TRUE, IT’S DAMN TRUE
While the professional wrestling world is focused on next week’s WrestleMania in Las Vegas, there’s big news in the Spokane indie wrestling scene as well. It’s been announced that WWE Hall of Famer and Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist Kurt Angle will come to town next month for Relentless Wrestling’s Monumental II supercard at Northern Quest Resort & Casino on May 17. The decorated red, white and blue champion was one of the best pure wrestlers in the ring that the sport entertainment business has ever seen while also providing plenty of charismatic comedy during WWE’s popularity golden age known as the Attitude Era. While Angle won’t be wrestling a match, he’s sure to get involved in the action, so expect loving chants of “You suck!” to ring out at Northern Quest when his theme hits at Relentless.
(SETH SOMMERFELD)
You, Spokane
Your Support Made Every Shot Count!
Finding the Light in Uncertain Times
The reality is clear: An untold number of people have been living in fear since Jan. 20, when President Donald Trump was inaugurated and immediately began issuing sweeping executive orders targeting immigrants, trans people and refugees. The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency continues to gut a broad swath of federally funded programs and agencies, including the public health, education, environmental protection, and arts and humanities sectors. Then there’s Trump’s global trade wars via tariffs that have sent global markets crashing. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it’s unquestionable that America has hit an incredibly turbulent period.
In the past two-and-a-half months, keeping up with all the current administration’s changes has been, to say the least, mentally draining. Yet there are people standing up and speaking out. Organized, peaceful protests are being held around the country with increasing frequency, as frustrated citizens take to the streets to demand accountability, change and protections for the nation’s most vulnerable.
Even though the future is wildly uncertain, it’s important to keep in mind that our country has weathered plenty of serious upheaval in its nearly 250-year history, and Americans are staunchly resilient. With that in mind, we sent our reporters to talk with local nonprofits, legal and academic experts, and other community members to find out how our community is responding to it all — finding much-needed glimmers of optimism as we weather this tumultuous time together.
— CHEY SCOTT, INLANDER EDITOR
‘HOPE
in Our Country’
Even though resettlement funds are frozen and entry is paused, refugees already in Spokane need support, and offer hope
By Eliza Billingham
On Jan. 20, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump signed an executive order to stop refugees from entering the U.S. for 90 days.
“The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not
compromise the availability of resources for Americans,” the order argues.
In the interest of national security and public safety, the order says, it is American policy “to admit only those refugees who can fully and appropriately assimilate into the United States.”
Sofia Novochekhova, center, joined community members for a rally for Ukraine at Thrive International on March 19.
YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
But statistics show that refugees contribute far more to the U.S. economy than they take — about $123.8 billion more from 2005 to 2019, according to a fiscal impact report by the American government released in 2024.
“This is a country based on what newcomers brought,” says Jim CastroLang, policy and advocacy director for Spokane nonprofit Thrive International. They open businesses at a higher rate, work in valuable sectors like agriculture and tech, and generally assimilate very well, he says.
Regardless, the block went into effect two days after the order was signed. Then, federal funding to all 10 U.S. refugee resettlement agencies was paused. More than 10,000 people who had been thoroughly vetted and waited years to enter the U.S. legally had next-day flights canceled.
The Spokane chapter of World Relief, one of the 10 national resettlement agencies, had to fire its 15-person refugee resettlement team.
Thrive International was created right before Ukrainians started fleeing the Russian invasion in 2022. First and foremost, Thrive provides temporary housing for refugees. Most Ukrainian refugees are in Spokane thanks to a temporary protected status that doesn’t provide a pathway to citizenship. As soon as it’s revoked, the holder must leave the country.
Many Ukrainians are currently due to renew their registration. Those at Thrive applied months ago, CastroLang says, but as of this writing, they haven’t heard back yet. They’re left wondering what will happen if the deadline comes before they receive an answer.
Seeking support in Congress, Thrive invited U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner to its housing center on March 18 to hear Ukrainians’ stories. Baumgartner, a Republican who represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District, offered his sympathy and said he was glad these Ukrainians were in Eastern Washington, even though his visit came just weeks after he called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to resign.
“They’re two completely different things — Zelenskyy is a politician and refugees are refugees, so they’re not really connected,” he says.
Baumgartner says his call for Zelenskyy to resign was based on the leader’s refusal to sign over rights to Ukrainian mineral deposits, an agreement he’d made before his highly publicized meeting with Trump on Feb. 28. But Baumgartner says his opinion on Ukraine’s leader doesn’t discount his support for those fleeing violence.
Relief in Spokane. “We’ve settled over 12,000 people in the last 30 years, so there are large refugee communities in Spokane. Some of them have only been here for a couple of months, and that is not enough time for them to get really integrated into the community.”
World Relief coordinates job training, money management help, driver’s license prep, computer basics, English as a Second Language classes, and good neighbor teams, all to create a sense of belonging. The organization always needs volunteers in these areas, but especially now, as World Relief faces an uncertain future.
“The thing I think is really impressive and inspiring about our clients throughout all these uncertain times is that they have hope.”
“Zelenskyy needs to show himself to be a reliable partner that the U.S. can depend upon as we face down Russian aggression in Eastern Europe,” he says. “[But] it’s in the U.S. national interest that those folks who are legitimate refugees be treated as such. They’re making a good contribution to our community.”
On April 4, Baumgartner led a bipartisan letter to Trump asking the president to continue protections for Ukrainians fleeing war. Here in Spokane, several organizations in our area hope people will get to know the refugees in our communities, and join the ongoing services supporting neighbors who are already here.
WORLD RELIEF
World Relief has been a resettlement agency in Spokane for 32 years. Now, that work is shifting since it’s unable to receive any new arrivals.
“Our goal right now is to continue working with the literally thousands of people we’ve settled in Spokane,” says Christi Armstrong, the executive director of World
“We’re trying to get a lot of people lined up as volunteers just so that if something more diminishes in World Relief, we have people who are there to take up the slack,” Armstrong says.
Financial donations (visit worldrelief. org/spokane) are also crucial, since federal funding is frozen indefinitely. But more than anything, the best way to help is to get to know the people around you, Armstrong says.
“The people that we’ve settled in Spokane are all completely vetted and fully documented legal to be here,” she says. “Please, when you see someone that looks different than you or sounds different than you, please don’t assume that they’re here illegally or undocumented. Many of them actually are citizens.”
THRIVE INTERNATIONAL
Even though Thrive focuses on housing, it also offers education, empowerment and cultural integration programs for youth and adults.
Thrive has a list of volunteer opportunities online but is always looking for people to drive kids to and from soccer practice, offer child care during women’s sewing classes, or take part in free community events like the upcoming international art festival on April 15 at downtown’s Central Library, from 1 to 5 pm.
“We really want to focus on joy,” says Amelia Ingle, coordinator of media and communications for Thrive.
For anyone interested in lobbying their representatives, advocacy director CastroLang strongly recommends reaching out to elected officials with an extremely specific focus. If you’re looking for guidance, CastroLang says community members can contact him at jim@thriveinternational.org for advice.
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
International Rescue Committee, or IRC, is the other resettlement agency in Spokane. Last year, IRC and World Relief helped settle 1,000 refugees in Spokane, their highest annual number ever.
Programming extends far beyond initial contact, IRC Community Engagement Manager Kimmie Curry says. IRC connects refugees in the LGBTQ+ community or those with complex medical needs with the right health care, offers youth tutoring and mentorship, provides rental assistance, helps parents find child care, and helps people navigate green card or naturalization processes.
“We’ve just worked really hard to find creative solutions to respond to the changes and to make sure that services aren’t interrupted for the individuals that we’re working with so that’s not impacting them as negatively as could be expected,” Curry says. “But it really does take the entire community advocating, volunteering — whatever people feel inspired or have the capacity to do is really needed at this time.”
IRC is especially in need of professionals to be a part of its “career laddering” program that helps highly skilled refugees re-enter their field of expertise. IRC also has a New Roots community garden where refugees can plant culturally appropriate foods and socialize. They’re looking for people to help build a greenhouse for the garden this spring.
But really, there’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities, Curry says. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her if there’s a specific way you’re looking to get involved — she guarantees it will be needed and wanted. Her biggest ask? Don’t give up.
“The thing I think is really impressive and inspiring about our clients throughout all these uncertain times is that they have hope,” Curry says. “They have hope in our country. They have hope in our community. It’s that hope and that resilience that’s gotten them here. It’s just really inspiring to see them maintaining that hope throughout all of the challenges that are taking place right now.” n
HOW TO HELP
Thrive International: thriveint.org
World Relief Spokane: worldrelief.org/spokane International Rescue Committee Spokane: rescue.org/united-states/spokane-wa
Sarah Swoboda holds a Ukranian flag with the words “Slava Ukraini” as vehicles pass along East 5th Ave. during Thrive’s rally for Ukraine.
DEFENDING LIBERTY,
NPURSUING JUSTICE THE HOPE ISSUE
Local law schools train the next generation of immigration attorneys amid uncertain times
By Victor Corral Martinez
ews outlets around the U.S. have been reporting since late January that both documented and undocumented immigrants are being picked up from their places of employment by unidentified federal agents and swiftly deported. Meanwhile, Republican-majority states like Idaho are also passing new laws targeting vulnerable immigrant populations. Some of these rules block undocumented immigrants from accessing public services like food or medical assistance, or enable local law enforcement to help federal agents detain immigrants.
As a result, immigrants increasingly need legal help to remain in the country they’ve come to seeking better opportunities, making it critical to train more attorneys in complex immigration law. Here in the Inland Northwest, immigration law clinicis at Gonzaga University and the University of Idaho help international, documented and undocumented students as well as the area’s broader immigrant population navigate the legal system, while training the next generation of immigration attorneys.
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
Professor Kristina Campbell, director of Gonzaga’s Beatriz and Ed Schweitzer Border Justice Initiative, is training law students to advocate for immigrants by navigating complicated paperwork and taking on challenging legal cases to block deportation.
The initiative has two immigration clinics, one focused on broad immigration advocacy work and one focused on immigrant youth. Both help students studying immigration law get real-world experience.
“We have been having asylum clinics in partnership with Latinos En Spokane, where people who needed assistance, who were close to their one-year deadline for filing for asylum, and had been prescreened by Latinos En Spokane,” Campbell says. “Our law school students helped fill them out and file their asylum applications before they hit their one-year deadline.”
Campbell says other local organizations like Manzanita House also refer more complicated cases to the clinic, which she then evaluates as potential cases for students to work on under her supervision.
“We’re primarily an educational institute in law school, and so we have to pick cases that are not just good cases for everybody’s needs,” she says. “We look for cases that have good teaching value … the type of things that could help our students really hone their skills as advocates.”
Since the immigration clinics at Gonzaga are fully funded by endowments, the clinic provides its services free of charge.
Campbell says the best way concerned community members can
help immigrant populations is to support organizations like Latinos En Spokane and Manzanita House. Both frequently host programs that explain immigrant rights or help with other legal services.
Manzanita House spokesperson Kelly Johnson says people can engage with the nonprofit on social media or make monetary donations.
“Financial support helps us to continue to welcome and serve immigrants and refugees in the Inland Northwest,” Johnson says. “Particularly in this moment, as our $152,000 in funding to provide affordable legal services to unaccompanied children was terminated, devastatingly impacting our staff and the children that we serve.”
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
As director of University of Idaho’s Immigration Litigation and Appellate Clinic, Geoffrey Heeren is proud of the program’s work successfully representing clients in asylum cases, special immigrant juvenile status and appellate cases. The clinic advises over 100 college students on immigration issues and provides community presentations on immigrant rights. On average, over two dozen students contribute to interviewing clients, conducting legal research, drafting documents and arguing cases in appellate courts.
Heeren says the demand for this kind of legal assistance has increased, and heightened enforcement has made it challenging for him and his students to serve the immigrant community.
“Some of the kids that we represent, ICE is now changing its enforcement practices in ways that are very stressful for our clients, and we need to adapt to these changes for our current population of clients,” Heeren says. “There are a lot of people seeking our services, far more cases than we can ever take.”
To ensure law students continue to be prepared to enter the field of immigration law, Heeren says the clinic relies on monetary donations via the University of Idaho Foundation. But another significant need is translators.
“We are looking for volunteers to serve as interpreters or translators, particularly for tougher languages,” Heeren says. “We have a lot of folks who can handle Spanish, but sometimes we need interpreters for Haitian Creole, Dari or Pashto.”
He also hopes more people consider law school to meet the increased demand for legal professionals who can defend and fight for the rights of vulnerable populations.
“I think that there’s no better way to uphold the rule of law in our country than for lawyers and law students to stand up for it,” Heeren says. “Immigrant rights are our civil rights in our country, and it’s important to defend those.” n
University of Idaho’s Menard Law Building houses its immigration clinicis. VICTOR CORRAL MARTINEZ PHOTO
Season’s Sneezings: spring allergies arrive
As many as 50 million Americans are sneezing their way through spring.
Spokane-based Kaiser Permanente family medicine physician
Dr. David Ward grew up in rural Western Oregon. He remembers well his first allergic reaction. “We were bucking hay, and I thought I was getting sick,” he says.
That’s not uncommon. When allergies first emerge, most people might mistake symptoms for a cold or upper respiratory flu. There’s a lot of overlap. Fatigue and itchy, red eyes. Sneezing and maybe even a light cough from postnasal drip. Irritation and burning in your respiratory tract and sinuses.
But soon, a pattern appears. Your symptoms come on annually as if on a schedule. For Ward, “It was an allergic reaction to the hay, also known as hay fever,” he says.
“Allergies happen when our body’s defense or immune system overreacts to certain substances,” Ward says. “Our immune system treats the harmless substance like a germ or virus and kicks into high gear.” So, it’s not surprising that symptoms are similar to a cold or flu.
In the Spokane area, peak offenders include blooming trees, such as beautiful cherry blossoms, and alder, birch, cedar and pine trees. In summer, grass allergies emerge. Bermuda grass and ryegrass are common offenders. Fall is a seasonal blow for those with weed allergies, including ragweed, sagebrush and nettles.
Remedies for seasonal allergies
You can take action to avoid allergy triggers and reduce symptoms, including cleaning your home more often. Vacuuming, mopping and dusting can help reduce pollen drifting indoors. Shut your windows to reduce tiny
invaders, and use an air filter to help clean indoor air.
When you come inside, change your clothes — even if you can’t see it, pollen likely landed on your hair, skin and clothing. Showering right away can also help, but try to do so before lying in bed (and spreading the pollen around further).
When deciding whether to exercise outdoors, review daily pollen counts on news reports and weather sites. High daily pollen counts may tip you off that it’s a great day to spend indoors or keep your windows shut.
Treatments during peak allergy season can include:
• Antihistamine tablets: To turn down your body’s inflammatory response and reduce sneezing, itching and other broad allergy symptoms.
• Nasal saline rinses: To rinse out pollen that got into your nasal cavity.
• Steroid nasal sprays: To reduce nasal swelling and inflammation.
• Allergy eye drops: To treat red, itchy and watery eyes.
These are typically affordable and effective ways to manage symptoms, Ward notes.
If you’ve tried at-home remedies and are still suffering, visit your doctor or health care provider. Treatments may range from holistic acupuncture, over-the-counter recommendations, or they may even refer you to a specialist for long-term allergy shots or immunotherapy.
“There are different recipes,” Ward says. “For each patient there may be a different solution that works for their specific needs.”
THE BEST SUMMER EVER IS ( ALMOST ) HERE
RESIDENT
CAMP CROSS A faith-based sleepaway camp hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane on Lake Coeur d’Alene and offering team-building exercises, arts and crafts, swimming, wakeboarding/tubing, hiking, campfires, worship and more. Includes June 22-25 (Leaders in Training, ages 15+), June 27-29 (Women’s and Men’s Weekend), July 3-6 (Days at the Lake Camp), July 8-11 (mini camp, grades 1-3) July 20-25 (senior high camp, grades 10-graduates), July 27-Aug. 1 (Arts and Music Camp, grades 4-9) and more. June 22-Sept. 21. $100-$475. campcross.org
CAMP FOUR ECHOES (GRADES 2-5) This year’s programs at Camp Four Echoes include “Water You Waiting For?,” “Art on the Lake” and “Nature’s Laboratory.” Girls entering grades 2-5. Weeklong sessions offered June 15-Aug. 8; see website for session details. $425. gsewni.org
The feeling of the first truly warm day after a long Inland Northwest winter is unmatched. It’s almost as liberating as knowing school is almost out for the summer.
Kids get to enjoy three months of bright, sunny days and boundless fun, and what are they to fill their days with if not the absolute best activities our region has to offer?
This year’s Summer Camp Guide is full of camps meant to pack those summer days to the brim with fun and exciting activities. Ever wanted to learn how to play chess? There’s a camp for you! Is your kiddo obsessed with creating amazing builds out of Legos? Are they a future ballerina, Broadway star or the next Steph Curry?
No matter their skill level or age, summer camps are an opportunity to nurture your child’s existing passions and help them create memories that will last a lifetime.
Have a safe, and extremely fun, summer!
— MADISON PEARSON, SUMMER CAMP GUIDE EDITOR
CAMP FOUR ECHOES (GRADES 4-8) Themed camp sessions include “Ready Aim Fire,” “Zombie Invasion,” “Let’s Get Cooking” and more. Camp offers traditional activities including swimming, arts and crafts, hiking and games. Girls entering grades 4-8. Sessions offered weekly from June 15Aug. 8; see website for session details. $425. gsewni.org
CAMP FOUR ECHOES (GRADES 6-8) Themed sessions in 2025 include “Where’s Your Paddle?,” “Camper Sampler,” “Your Adventure Awaits” and more. Camps include traditional activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, arts and crafts and more. Girls entering grades 6-8. Sessions offered weekly from June 15-Aug. 8; see website for session details. $425. gsewni.org 800-827-9478
CAMP FOUR ECHOES (GRADES 6-10) Programs this year include “Take to the Trees,” “Jump on Board,” and “Shipwrecked.” See complete session details online. Girls entering grades 6-10. Offered June 15-Aug. 8 (includes select two-week sessions). $425. gsewni.org 800-827-9478
CAMP LUTHERHAVEN A faith-based resident camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene that’s been operating for more than 78 years, offering traditional camp activities including ropes courses, campouts, water sports, Bible study, archery and more. Three-day and six-day sessions for grades K-12 are offered from June 22-Aug. 15; see website for complete details. Junior camp staff opportunities for grades 10-12 and family camps also available. $195-$533; financial assistance available. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
CAMP REED While living in a single-gender, rustic camp cabins, campers join in all that camp has to offer, including waterfront arts and crafts, hikes, campfires, games and more. For boys and girls entering grades 3-9. Weeklong sessions from June 22-Aug. 9. $640-$656. ymcainw.org
CAMP REED MINI CAMP Campers enjoy a three-day/ two-night session at Camp Reed under the watchful eye of counselors and junior counselors. Campers swim, explore the 555 and participate in traditional camp activities. Coed, grades 1-2. Sessions offered from June 29-Aug.2. $310$326. ymcainw.org 509-777-9622
CAMP SPALDING Campers ride horses, swim, boat, zipline, play team sports and more at a faith-based camp. Sessions offered include Discovery Camp (grades 2-4) June 29-July 2 and Aug. 10-13; Junior Camp (grades 5-6) June 22-28 and July 20-26; Jr High Camp (grades 7-8) is July 13-19 and Aug. 3-9; Senior High Camp (grades 9-12) is July 6-12 and July 27-Aug. 2. $295-$590. campspalding.org 509-731-4244
CAMP SPALDING LEADERSHIP CAMP A faith-based leadership program for campers interested in becoming camp counselors or helping out at later summer sessions. Grades 10-12. June 16-21. Application required; see website for details and application process. $390. campspalding.org
IDAHO SERVANT ADVENTURES LEADERSHIP CAMP Spend a week in service at Camp Lutherhaven or Shoshone Mountain Retreat alongside other high school students at a weeklong, high-energy, action-packed service-leadership camp. Engage in meaningful service projects each morning and wrap up the day with your favorite camp activities in the evening. Coed, grades 9-12. Offered select weeks through June 21-Aug. 9. $375. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
LUTHERHAVEN TREK OFF-SITE ADVENTURE CAMP In this travel adventure program, campers head off-site to experience nature a faith-based environment. Head into your offsite excursion with a sack lunch in hand and spend several hours adventuring before returning to Camp Lutherhaven for traditional summer camp activities. Rock climbing and rafting trips are led by guides from North Idaho College’s Outdoor Pursuits Program. Grades 7-12. Sessions offered July 13-18, July 20-25. $625. lutherhaven.com
LUTHERHAVEN: TREEHOUSE VILLAGE The treehouse camp experience includes sleeping on mattresses in openair tree houses, helping with chores and learning basic outdoor-living skills, plus gathering with other villages for evening activities. Campers have the opportunity to help cook their breakfasts and some dinners over a fire. Campers also enjoy typical camp activities like hiking, swimming, games and more. During the day, they join main site camp for lunch. Grades 4-6. Sessions offered June 29-Aug. 15. $195-$533. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
CAMP LADY OF THE LAKE An arts camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene offering dance, music, storytelling and singing workshops alongside traditional camp activities. June 2228 at Camp N-Sid-Sen facilities. Open to families and participants of all ages. $750-$1,050. ladyofthelake.org
FLATHEAD LUTHERAN BIBLE CAMP Summer programming takes place along the beautiful west shore of Flathead Lake in Montana. Spend a week swimming, boating, playing games, hiking, doing archery, making art projects and playing games in a faith-based setting. Grades 1-12. Sessions offered weekly from June 22-Aug. 6. $300-$600. flbc.net
LUTHERHAVEN: SHOSHONE CREEK RANCH For youth who love horses and riding, or who have no horse experience but desire it. Develop horse skills in the arena and on trails at Shoshone Creek Ranch, Lutherhaven’s rustic mountain ranch in a gorgeous creek-side setting. Includes daily horse time, plus popular camp activities like splashing in the swimming hole, tubing the river, crafts, campfire cooking, worship and Bible study. Grades 5-10; all skill levels. Sessions for girls only offered weekly June 22-July 3; coed sessions July 6-11, July 27-Aug. 1 and Aug. 3-8. At Shoshone Mountain Retreat. $646. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
About the Cover
Each year, the Inlander teams up with the graphic and web design students of North Idaho College and their instructor Phillipe Valle to create a cover design for our Summer Camps Guide. Each student comes up with a unique design and the Inlander art team makes a selection. This year’s winning design was created by Sarah Hoare.
SHOSHONE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Spend a day floating the river, over night at the new McPherson Meadows, day hike the Coeur d’Alene River National Scenic Trail, plus horseback ride, rock climb, and zip-line. Grades 7-10. Sessions offered July 6-11 (9-12 grade), July 27-Aug. 1 and Aug. 3-8 (7-10 grade). $510-$625. lutherhaven.com 208-667-3459
CAMP GIFFORD Camp Gifford offers an outdoor camp experience with opportunities for games, arts and crafts, archery, swimming, boating, and singing in a faith-based setting. Ages 7-12. Weeklong sessions offered June 23-Aug. 1. $450; scholarships available. campgifford.com 509233-2511 Emailed director bc website is down
CAMP GIFFORD TEEN WILDERNESS CAMP The Salvation Army’s Camp Gifford on Loon Lake offers activities such as hiking, sailing, high ropes courses and outdoor survival skills. Campers explore nature, and grow and develop their Christian faith while developing friendships with other teens from around the Pacific Northwest. Ages 13-17. Weeklong sessions offered June 23-July 18. $60/week. campgifford.com 509-435-9023
CAMP SWEYOLAKAN A traditional rustic summer camp for boys and girls on Lake Coeur d’Alene, accessible only by boat. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, archery, outdoor activities, ropes courses, arts and crafts and more. Grades 1-12. Sessions run Sun-Thu from June 23-Aug. 22 with overnight and day options available. Transportation included. $600/session. campfireinc.org 509-747-6191
CAMP SWEYOLAKAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS High school juniors and seniors who wish to become future camp counselors learn leadership skills and more. Open to boys and girls entering grades 11-12. Senior CIT session: June 23-July 24. Junior CIT session: July 27-Aug. 22. Teens entering grade 8-12 can also attend camp for free by serving as a “Camper Buddy” to assist special needs campers, or being a dishwasher or bugler. Application process/prerequisites needed. $1000. campfireinc.org 509-747-6191
CAMP MIVODEN Campers participate in activities such as water skiing, games, arts and crafts and more in a faith-based setting. June 29-July 6 (ages 11-13), July 6-13 (ages 8-10) and July 13-20 (ages 14-17). $599/ session. mivoden.com 509-242-0506
CAMP REED CIT PROGRAM Over the course of two weeks, teens build leadership skills through active team building, group learning, community building and service. The CIT program incorporates one week at camp and one week out of camp on a 200+ mile bike trip. For boys and girls entering grade 10. Sessions offered from June 22-Aug. 15. $788-$803. ymcainw. org 509-777-9622
MIVODEN EQUESTRIAN CAMP A weeklong experience learning on the trail, as well as through lessons. Whether you’re just starting out or have multiple years of experience, this session offers a fun time learning and caring for horses. June 29-July 6 (ages 14-17), July 6-13 (ages 10-12), July 13-20 (ages 12-14), July 20-27 (advanced; ages 13-17), July 27-Aug. 3 (equestrian vaulting; ages 10-17). $699/session. mivoden.com 509242-0506
MIVODEN EXTREME CAMP A faith-based camp for teens who want to push themselves, offering tough climbs, whitewater rafting and survival techniques. Ages 12-17. Weeklong sessions offered June 29-July 20. $699/session. mivoden.com 509-242-0506
MIVODEN SURVIVAL CAMP A week of adventure and learning about the natural environment, including important skills for wilderness survival like how to start a fire without a lighter, find things to eat in the forest and develop many other skills. Also includes traditional camp activities. June 29-July 6 (ages 12-14), July 76-13 (ages 10-12), July 13-20 (ages 10-12). $699/session. mivoden.com 509-242-0506
MIVODEN TEEN WAKEBOARD CAMPS Catch some air and learn how to wakeboard or wakesurf at a faith-based camp using the camp’s special wakeboarding boat. June 39-July 6 (ages 14-17), July 6-13 (ages 14-17), and July 13-20 (ages 12-14). $699/session. mivoden. com 509-242-0506
TWINLOW ELEMENTARY CAMPS Young campers enjoy a week of traditional camp activities, including Bible study, team activities, games and more. Grades 3-6. Themed sessions offered from June 29-Aug. 13. $300$475/session. twinlow.org 208-352-2671
TWINLOW MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPS This year’s program for tweens includes three watersports sessions that include wake surfing, skiing, boarding and more, plus Middle School Fine Arts (Aug. 3-7) focusing on drama, poetry, painting and more. Grades 7-10. Sessions offered June 29-Aug. 14. $450500. twinlow.org 208-352-2671
TWINLOW PRIMARY CAMP A shorter stay for younger campers offering crafts, games, swimming and faith-based learning opportunities. Grades 1-3. Sessions offered June 29-July 2 and July 27-30. $300/session. twinlow.org 208-352-2671
CAMP SANDERS FAMILY CAMP A non-denominational Christian camp exploring outdoors the nature, with swimming, hiking, sports, crafts, music and more. This year’s theme is “Gathered Again.” July 3-6. $150; children 15 and under attend for free. campsanders.net
MIVODEN DISCIPLETREK CAMP A two-week faith-based journey through the Bible also offering a chance to develop friendships with other campers and participate in a service project as well as camp activities such as wakeboarding, rafting, and rock climbing. Ages 15-18. July 7-21. $745. mivoden.com 509-242-0506
TWINLOW HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS High schoolers enjoy a week of tubing, water polo, nature walks and other typical summer camp activities in a faith-based setting. General sessions runs June 22-26. This year’s special sessions include Quest Camp (July 6-10) and Water Sports (Aug. 3-7) Grades 9-13. Sessions offered June 22-Aug. 7. $475-$525. twinlow.org 208352-2671
CAMP SANDERS KIDS CAMP A nondenominational Christian camp exploring the outdoors and nature with swimming, hiking, sports, crafts, music and more. Grades 4-6. July 7-10. $95. campsanders. net 208-262-6756
BOY SCOUTS CAMP GRIZZLY Since 1938, Camp Grizzly along the Palouse River has been the home to summer adventure for countless Scouts and Scout Leaders. Campers can try their hand at programs such as ATVs, shooting sports, blacksmithing, welding, water activities and more.
Get a traditional summer camp experience at Camp Reed. COURTESY CAMP REED
Ages 11-17. Sessions offered July 20-Aug 2. $250-$500. nwscouts.org/campgrizzly 509-242-8231
ROSS POINT BAPTIST CAMP A Christian camp on the Spokane River offering traditional camp activities, worship, Bible studies, games, singing, prayer and more. Grades 2-12. Sessions offered July 20-23 (grades 2-4); July 20-25 (grades 6-9); July 27-Aug. 1 (grades 4-6 & 9-12); July 25-26 (ages 4-7 and their parents) and Aug. 3-9 (family camp). See website for full details. $102-$430. rosspoint. org 208-773-1655
SOLE TEEN TREK EXPERIENCE An outdoor leadership expedition that helps teens develop leadership and outdoor technical skills while on a backcountry expedition in the Idaho and Montana wilderness. Ages 13-17. July 15-21; on the Lower Salmon River. $1,450. soleexperiences.org
LUTHERHAVEN FAMILY RANCH CAMP A family camp up the river at Shoshone Mountain Retreat, for families of all shapes and sizes, couples, friends and anyone looking to get away from it all for a weekend of fun. Activities include horseback riding, campfire and worship, rock climbing, floating the Coeur d’Alene River, hiking and more. Aug. 8-10. $120-$175/person. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
CAMP N-SID-SEN A faith-based (United Church of Christ) resident camp on Lake Coeur d’Alene offering traditional camp activities such as crafts, songs, water activities and more. Sessions in 2024 include the following: You & Me Camp (July 20-23, grades 1- with an adult), Kids Camp (July 23-26, grades 2-4), Intermediate Camp (July 13-29, grades 5-6), Junior High Camp (July 13-29, grades 7-9) Senior High Camp (July 20-26, grades 10-13), Family Camp (July 28-Aug. 3) and Camp Together (Aug. 2-8). See website for details. In Harrison, Idaho. $240-$670. nsid-sen.org 208-689-3489
MIVODEN FAMILY CAMP This special session offers a variety of hands-on experiences that accommodate the whole family. During the day, classes are taught by qualified staff, while evenings are occupied with spiritual campfire programs. Weeklong sessions offered July 20-Aug.17. $399-$649. mivoden.com
TWIN EAGLES OVERNIGHT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP Overnight campers deepen their awareness by honing the senses through animal tracking, bird language and a variety of other activities. Community living offers opportunities to experience the interconnectedness of life through sleeping in tents, song, storytelling and more. July 20-25 (ages 10-13) and July 28-Aug. 3 (ages 13-18) in Priest River, Idaho. $1,085-$985; scholarships available. twineagles.org 208-265-3685
LUTHERHAVEN KINDERCAMP Young campers are invited to bring a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, older brother/sister (18+) or other significant adult to share all the fun of camp. Lutherhaven staff lead activities for both the camper and adult to participate in. Kids ages 4-6 with an adult. July 25-27. $188/ adult-child pair; $75 per additional child; $170 per adult. lutherhaven.com CAMP FOUR ECHOES LEADERSHIP SESSIONS Teen girls learn skills in leadership, the outdoors and working with children; all necessary to become future camp counselors. Girls entering grades 9-12. Adventures in Leadership (grades 9-12) is Aug. 3-8; CIT sessions (grades 10-12) are June 22-July 11 and July 10-12 and July 20-Aug. 1. $425-$700. gsewni.org 800-827-9478
SPALDING FAMILY CAMP The whole family can go to summer camp together and enjoy boating, barbecuing, swimming and other traditional camp activities in a faith-based setting. Aug. 13-17. “Mom/Dad & Me” session (K-2 with a parent) is June 13-14. $55-$295. campspalding.org 509-731-4244
BOY SCOUTS CAMP EASTON Spend a week on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene and participate in activities like swimming, water skiing, boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and more. Ages 11-17. Sessions offered June 29-Aug. 9. $280-$520. nwscouts.org/campeaston
DAY
ISAAC’S SUMMER SIBLING SPOTLIGHT A program for children whose siblings have autism or other special needs. The program aims to provide a healthy support system and coping skills through fun and engaging activities that help them navigate their lives. Ages 6-18. Sessions offered from April 19-June 21. Meets every third Saturday from 1-3 pm at the ISAAC Foundation, Spokane. Free. theisaacfoundation.org 509-325-1515
Swim Lessons Swim Lessons
KROC CENTER DISCOVERY CAMPS
theme with crafts, games, activities and a movie. Visit the rock wall, swim in the cove pool, play gym/field games and more in a faith-based environment. Ages 6-9. Sessions offered weekly from June 9-Aug. 29, meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-3:30 pm at the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. $200$235; scholarships available. kroccda.org 208-763-0594
NATURE ADVENTURERS DAY CAMP A day camp teaching outdoor awareness and stewardship through nature immersion, games, crafts, storytelling, songs and exploration. Ages 6-12. Sessions offered from June 9-Aug. 15 in Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and Bozeman. $415; scholarships available. twineagles.org 208-265-3685
SAINT GEORGE’S SCHOOL ADVENTURE CAMP Experience the outdoors every day with a new activity. Hike a three-mile loop, rock climb on real rocks, build forts, learn to use GPS and kayak/stand-up paddleboard in the runoff pond behind the parking lot. Grades 3-6. June 9-13 from 8-11:30 am in the Saint George’s Climbing Gym. $200. sgs. org 509-466-1636
CAMP CASLO Each week is based on a theme to provide campers with opportunities to play recreational games, make arts and crafts, go on field trips, hikes and walks, and participate in the Cheney Library’s summer reading program. Ages 5-12. Sessions offered June 16-Aug. 15 at the Wren Pierson Community Center, Cheney. $148-$247/week. cityofcheney.org
SURVIVOR CAMP A camp inspired by the reality show Survivor. Campers will face exciting challenges designed as replicas of real challenges from the show and compete in obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and puzzles together. Grades 5-8. July 7-11, daily from 9 am-noon at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
CAMP DART-LO This forested, 51-acre camp on the Little Spokane River offers archery, leadership, outdoor activities, swimming, storytelling and
kane Valley drop-off locations. Grades Pre-K-9. Nine weeklong sessions offered June 23-Aug 22; meets Mon-Fri from 8:30 am-4:15 pm (extended hours and bus transportation from select locations available). $310/ session. campfireinc.org 509-747-6191
CAMP KA-MEE-LIN The City of Post Falls hosts this summer day camp offering a variety of fun and safe outdoor enrichment programs including swimming, crafts, games, weekly field trips and more throughout 11 weeks of themed sessions like “Blast Off to Space” and “Pirates Cove Adventure.” Ages K-6. Sessions offered June 16-Aug. 29, camp meets from 9 am-3:30 pm at various locations, with extended care options available. Leader-in-Training opportunities also available. $190-$240/ week. postfallsidaho.org/camp 208-773-0539
campers create art, explore science and go on trips related to that theme. On Friday afternoons, campers celebrate the week with AllCamp, and perform skits, play games and show off what they’ve learned to the entire camp. Each week ends with a ceremony of achievement to honor badges, patches and other accomplishments from the week. Girls, grades K-8. Offered June 23-Aug. 22; meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-4 pm with optional extended hours from 7:30 am-5:30 pm, at 1401 N. Ash St., Spokane. $175-$200/week; scholarships available. gsewni.org 509747-8091
KROC CENTER ADVENTURE CAMPS Adventure camp is all about building friendships, having fun, and exploring your curiosities. Each week campers participate in various new activities like paddle boarding, hiking, swimming and more. Ages 10-14. Sessions offered weekly from June
Experience the Magic of Camp STIX & Camp TWIGS
AND VOLUNTEERS. (AGES 68) IS A DAY CAMP, AUGUST 13, DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE YOUNG CAMPERS TO THE CAMP EXPERIENCE WHILE CONNECTING WITH OTHERS WHO UNDERSTAND LIFE
Explore nature at Twin Eagles’ day camps. COURTESY TWIN EAGLES
9-Aug. 22, meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-3:30 pm at the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. Some sessions include overnight stays. $212-$270/week; scholarships available. kroccda.org 208-763-0594
KROC CENTER EXPEDITION CAMP This camp is designed for young teens to try various outdoor and indoor athletic activities in a faithbased environment. Activities include biking the Hiawatha Trail, swimming at Atlas Park, exploring Sierra Silver Mines and more. Coed, ages 12-14. Sessions offered weekly June 16-Aug. 15, meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-3:30 pm at the Kroc Center.. $242-$285. kroccda.org
KROC CENTER PEE WEE CAMPS Preschoolers gain social skills in a creative, fun, safe environment. Each week is centered around a theme including “Cowboys & Cowgirls,” “Swashbucklin’ Seadogs,” “Space is the Place” and more. Campers enjoy all the Kroc has to offer: rock climbing, swimming, arts and crafts, Bible lessons, field/gym games, scavenger hunts, science experiments and more. Ages 4-5. Sessions offered weekly from June 16-Aug. 22, meets MonFri from 9 am-12:30 pm at the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. $119-$140; scholarships available. kroccda.org
SCHWEITZER ADVENTURE CAMP Each week, campers participate in themed adventure camps. The 2025 themes include “Spies,” “Weird Science,” “Creepy Crawlers” and more. Includes transportation from the bottom of the mountain. Ages 6-10. Weekly sessions offered June 16-Aug. 15, meets Mon-Fri from 8 am-4 pm at Schweitzer, Sandpoint. $300. schweitzer.com 208255-3081
SKYHAWKS DAY CAMP A fun, safe and positive environment for kids to be introduced to a new sport each week, along with arts and crafts, swimming, field trips and other activities. Ages 5-12. Weekly sessions offered June 16-Aug. 22 at Pavilion Park in Liberty Lake. $169/week; $1,659 all 10 weeks. skyhawks.com
SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER DAY CAMP The City of Spokane Valley offers fun, creative and memorable activities. Each week, campers go on field trips and visit local parks. Themed camps include “Camp Olympics,” “Jurassic Quest,” “Under the Sea” and “Camp Survivor.” Ages 6-12. Sessions offered June 16-August 22 at various locations. $144-$180/week. spokanevalley.org/recreation 509-720-5408 WILDERNESS SURVIVAL DAY CAMP Campers experience nature and learn skills including wilderness survival, wildlife tracking, finding wild edible plants, obtaining clean water and more. Ages 8-13. June 23-27 (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), July 7-11 (Sandpoint, Idaho) and Aug. 11-15 (Spokane). All sessions meet 9 am-3 pm daily. $415; scholarships available. twineagles.org 208-2653685
MT. SPOKANE MOUNTAIN DAY CAMPS Located on top of our region’s iconic mountian, campers spend their days playing hard, exploring the mountain, making friends and getting dirty — always with an emphasis on protexting natural recources and the environment. Ages 5-15. Sessions offered June 23-25, July 14-16 and 2830 (Adventure camp) and July 7-10, 21-24 and Aug. 4-7 (Mountain Bike camp) . All sessions meet 9 am-4 pm daily. $209-$329. mtspokane. com 509-238-2220
CAT TALES SUMMER FAMILY CAMPS Learn about animal care, explore zookeeping and STEAM, discover a variety of animalrelated activities from Cat Tales Zookeepers. Ages 5-15. Sessions offered weekly from July 8-Aug. 21 at Cat Tales Wildlife Center, Mead. $200-$250. cattales.org
YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMP Summer programs are designed to help children grow in their sense of belonging as they meet new people and develop lifelong friendships in a fun and adventurous atmosphere. The YMCA offers a wide variety of exciting and enriching activities for kids to engage over the summer and school breaks. Grades 1-7, maxi mum age of 12 years. June 18-Aug. 27, meets Mon-Fri from 7 am-6:30 pm. See website for complete details. $300/week. Scholarships avail able. ymcainw.org 509-777-9622
CAMP DART-LO TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Learning (PALS) is a program for teens in grades 6-9 offering hands-
on training and experience with camper groups. Teens work with adults and younger campers to develop camp program skills, behavior management and teaching skills. During the PALs program, teens enjoy traditional camp activities while guiding younger campers in outdoor play, communications, service-learning and team-building. Jr. PALS (grades 6-8) is July 28-Aug. 15; Sr. PALS (grades 7-9) is July 7-18. Youth in grades 8-12 can also serve as a Camper Buddy, assisting special needs campers. Application process/prerequisites needed. $310-$410. campfireinc. org 509-747-6191
CAMP IMAGINE A no-cost, one-week summer mini camp for incoming Spokane Public Schools 1-5 graders. Camp consists of various activities outdoors as well as educational crafts and more. Sessions offered July 7-10, 14-17 and 21-24, Mon-Thu from 8 am-noon at Browne, Linwood, Scott, Willard and Wilson Elementary. Free. spokaneschools.org
SOLE LEADER OF THE DAY Camp participants head out on the trail or water for five days where they engage in adventure-based and servicelearning activities with their peers. There, they learn firsthand about the local community’s and environment’s needs, providing them an opportunity to develop outdoor skills and their own wildland ethic. Ages 10-12. June 24-28. Camp hosted in North Idaho; details TBA. $375. soleexperiences.org
SUMMER DAY CAMP AT MERKEL This camp lets kids explore a variety of activities, discover new interests, make friends and gain confidence while trying something new. Activities include traditional camp games, arts and crafts, sports, BMX bike riding, skate park activities and more. Ages 7-11. Weekly sessions offered June 23-Aug. 25, meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-4 pm at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. $249/session. spokanerec.org
TWINLOW DAY CAMPS Day campers get to do the same activities and programs as overnight campers, including nature walks, archery, swimming, kayaking, sports, games and more in a faith-based setting. Grades 1-5. Weekly sessions offered June 23-Aug. 29; meets Mon-Fri from 9
Info & Registration: Call ( 509) 233-2511 or visit campgifford.com DAY CONT.
ercises. Ages 10-13. June 23-26 from 9 am-noon. At Cheney Middle School. $150. cityofcheney.org
UNPLUGGED GAMES CAMP An unplugged summer camp focused on traditional board and card games with no screens needed. Grades 4-7. Aug. 4-8, daily from 12:30-3:30 pm. At Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
FLIGHT 509 ADVENTURE PARK GAUNTLET CAMP This highenergy camp builds confidence, teamwork and coordination through exciting obstacle courses and friendly competitions within Flight 509 Adventure Park. Ages 6-12. Aug. 4-8, daily from 9 am-3:30 am at Flight 509, Spokane. $375. flight509.com
shelter, fire, tool use and knife safety, traps, rope and knots, plant uses, animal tracking, primitive skills, navigation and more. Ages 6-14. Sessions offered from June 23-Aug. 29. At Riverside State Park. $338-$426. spokanerec.org
JUNGLE SAFARI SPIRIT CAMP Kids will explore expressing in themselves and the world through storytelling and drama, cooking, crafts, cooperative games, yoga and music in a faith-based environment. Grades K-5. Aug. 4-8, daily from 9 am-noon at Unity Spiritual Center, Spokane. $20-$100. indaspokane.org
BASEBALL / SOFTBALL
GENERATION ALIVE This camp is designed to offer students a fun and exciting opportunity to dive deep into the needs of their city. Throughout the week, students volunteer at various local nonprofits, where they spend time working for each organization and learning the work that goes into solving needs in their community. Sessions offered June 24-27 (Leadership Camp for returning campers), July 15-17 (Grades 5-8), July 29-31 (Grades 7-12) and Aug. 12-14 (Grades 6-12). $150$200. generationalive.org
TWIN EAGLES EMERGING WILD LEADERS CAMP This day camp is designed for pre-teens and young teens to connect with peers and be guided further along the journey of wilderness skills and nature based mentoring. Ages 11-14. July 7-11, daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Spokane House. $415; scholarships available. twineagles.org 208-265-3685
THE NEST COMMUNITY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP Explore 50 acres of private Spokane Nature Conservation Land. Children will spend time outdoors and enjoy moments of open play, art programming and other activities. Ages 6-9. July 7-Aug. 22, Mon-Fri from 8 am-4 pm at Nest Conservation Campus. $350/week. nest-school.org
INLAND CHESS ACADEMY CAMPS A chess camp for all skill levels with opportunities for seminars and participation in a four-round tournament. Sessions offered July 8-10 and Aug. 5-7 at St. John Vianney School. $20-$90. inlandchess.org
CAMP SWEYOLAKAN OUTBACKER DAY CAMPS A traditional rustic day camp for youth on Lake Coeur d’Alene, accessible only by boat. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, archery, outdoor activities, ropes courses, arts and crafts and much more. Grades 1-6. Sessions offered weekly from July 13-Aug. 14. Programming runs Sun-Thu from 8:30 am-4 pm each day. $310. campfireinc.org 509-747-6191
CHENEY PARKS & REC NATURE EXPLORER CAMP Campers explore Sutton Park, identify local plants and trees, learn bird calls, study wildlife tracks, play nature detective games and practice wildlife observation. All campers will take home their own nature journal and water bottle. Ages 9-12. Aug. 16 from 9 am-12 pm. At Sutton Park, Cheney. $30. cityofcheney.org
WILDERNESS CAMP A full day of building survival sills and testing yourself against real life survival scenarios. Skills taught/practiced include shelter, fire safety/building, tracking, foraging and more. Ages 8-12. Aug. 4-8, daily from 9 am-4 pm. Location TBD. $371. spokanevalley.org/recreation
COOKING CAMP Kids explore the world through different culinary creations and hands-on, practical skill-building ex-
SKYHAWKS BASEBALL Skyhawks baseball camps offer progressional instruction and teaching in fielding, catching, throwing, hitting and baserunning. Coed, ages 6-12. Held at local parks throughout the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Camps offered April 15-Aug. 8; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $74-$163/session. skyhawks.com
GONZAGA PREP BASEBALL CAMPS Sessions offered for summer 2025 include K-8th grade (June 17-19 and July 7-9) and Catchers Camp (June 18-19 and July 1-2, grades 6-12). At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
SUPERTOTS BASEBALL This camp uses a variety of games to engage kids while teaching the sport of baseball and developing fundamental skills. Ages 2-5.5. June 17-Aug. 8, meets once a week. Sessions held at parks and schools in the Spokane/ Coeur d’Alene area; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $80-$126/session. supertotsports.com
PREMIER MITTS INFIELD CAMPS Eight different camps all about the throws that an infielder must master to play at a high level. Focus on backhands, throwing, double plays and more. Ages 8-18. Sessions offered June 23-July 24 from 8-10 am and 10 am-12 pm at Whitworth University and Shadle Park High School. $210/camp. premiermitts.com 509-863-4605
ZAGS BASEBALL CAMPS Sessions offered for summer 2025 include Lil Zags (June 24-35 and July 8-9, ages 6-10), Pups (June 24-25 and July 8-9, ages 4-6), Advanced Skills Camp (July 1-2; coed, ages 10-14) and Big Dogs (July 15-16, coed, ages 10-14). See website for location details. $125. zagsbaseballcamps.com
NIKE SOFTBALL CAMP Instruction from head coach Bob Castle, coach Shannon Wessel and assistant coach Gracee Dwyer on developing fundamental and advanced skills, focusing on hitting, position-specific fielding, base-running, team play and game situations. Girls ages 8-16. July 14-17 from 9 am-4 pm at Whitworth University. $355. ussportscamps. com 800-645-3226
GONZAGA PREP GIRLS SOFTBALL CAMP A camp focused on teaching beginner and seasoned softball players pitching, hitting, infield, outfield and game strategies from experienced players and coaches. Grades 3-8. June 23-26, daily from 10:05 am-12:05 pm. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
SPOKANE INDIANS YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS This camp is crafted to provide an environment where players not only
Lil Zags (ages 6-10) - June 24 & 25
Advanced Skills- July 1 & 2
Lil Zags (ages 6-10) - July 8 & 9
Big Dogs (ages 10-14) - July 15 &16
Zags
SUMMER CAMPS
learn the fundamentals of baseball but also develop a deep love for the sport that will last a lifetime. During the camp, we will work on all aspects of the game including: hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, base running, and of course how to have fun playing baseball. Sessions offered June 23-26 and July 21-24. Coed, ages 8-12. At Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex. $125; discounts available. spokaneindiansyouthbaseball.org
SPOKANE INDIANS YOUTH SOFTBALL CAMPS This camp is crafted to provide an environment where players not only learn the fundamentals of softball but also develop a deep love for the sport that will last a lifetime. During the camp, we will work on all aspects of the game including: hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, base running, and of course how to have fun playing softball. Sessions offered June 23-26 and July 21-24. Girls ages 8-12. At Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex. $125; discounts available. spokaneindiansyouthbaseball.org
BASKETBALL
BREAKTHROUGH BASKETBALL: SHOOTING & OFFENSIVE SKILLS A two-day camp with coach David Baker, focusing on developing shooting techniques and other essential skills to become a great offensive basketball player. Coed, grades 5-10. April 26-27 from 9 am-3 pm at the HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. $225. breakthroughbasketball.com
SKYHAWKS BASKETBALL A skill-intensive program for beginning to intermediate athletes, teaching passing, dribbling, shooting and rebounding. Coed, ages 6-12. Camps are offered May through August at schools in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $79-$203/session. skyhawks.com
SAINT GEORGE’S SCHOOL BASKETBALL CAMPS This camp is dedicated to developing the fundamental skills of basketball including shooting, passing, ball handling, defense and proper footwork.¬†Along with developing these essential fundamentals, kids have the opportunity to use those individual and teamoriented skills in a positive environment. Grades K-12. Co-ed and single gender camps offered. June 9-12 at the Errol Schmidt Athletic Center at Saint George’s School. $100. sgs.org 509-466-1636
BASKETBALL (4-8th)
CHEER (K-5th)
FOOTBALL (5th-8th)
SOFTBALL (3rd-8th)
SOCCER (6th-8th)
SCIENCE
(6th-8th)
Getcha head in the game. COURTESY NBC CAMPS
BASKETBALL
NBC BASKETBALL CAMP (POST FALLS) bling, passing, defense and shooting techniques. Athletes can improve basketball and leadership skills in a fun, encouraging environment. Coed, ages 9-15. June 16-19 (ages 9-14); July 14-17 (ages 9-14) July 15-18 (ages 10-13) and Aug. 4-6 (ages 10-15) from 9 am-3 pm. At Real Life Ministries, Post Falls. $255-$330. nbccamps.com 800-406-3926
EWU MEN’S BASKETBALL HIGH SCHOOL ID CAMP A basketball camp structured for players at the high school level who are seeking a competitive atmosphere in a college-level setting. It consists of intense sessions that mimic an EWU practice and an opportunity to experience life as a collegiate basketball player at EWU. Boys entering grades 7-12. June 18 at Eastern Washington University, Cheney. $85. ewumensbasketball. totalcamps.com
ST. STEPHENS BASKETBALL CAMP A camp focused on sharpening skills and practicing sportsmanship right before Hoopfest. Taught by head coach Mark Rickard. Ages 5-12. June 23-26 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. Price TBD. ststephens-spokane.com
WAREHOUSE HOOPS CAMP A fun environment where kids make friends, create lasting memories and learn life skills both on and off the court. This camp is designed for individuals with previous playing experience. Each day, campers engage in a variety of drills, games and skill development. Lunch is included. Ages 9-14. Sessions offered July 21-25 and Aug. 4-8; times TBA. At the Warehouse, Spokane. $259/ week. warehouseathletics.com 509-484-2670
sportscenter.org/basketball
EWU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL YOUTH CAMP This camp focuses on having fun and teaching the fundamentals of basketball through drills and game play. Specific skills to be taught include shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding and defending. Girls entering grades 4-9. June 25-27. at Reese Court on Eastern Washington University’s campus. $125. ewumensbasketball.totalcamps.com
EWU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ELITE CAMP A camp designed for advanced players who want to play basketball at the next level. Throughout camp, emphasis will be placed on individual instruction and offensive and defensive concepts being coached by the EWU coaching staff. Each camper will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in basketball games during camp. Girls entering grades 9-12. June 7 and Aug. 22-23 at Reese Court on Eastern Washington University’s campus. $85. ewumensbasketball.totalcamps.com
EWU MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM CAMP Sessions feature quality instruction and clinics provided by EWU men’s basketball coaches, with two guaranteed games, camp competitions/contests, and access to top facilities including Reese Court and two practice gyms. June 22-23 at Eastern Washington University, Cheney. $400/team. ewumensbasketball. totalcamps.com
GONZAGA PREP BASKETBALL CAMPS This year’s basketball summer camps include sessions for girls and boys focusing on fundamental basketball skills such as ball handling, shooting, footwork and offensive and defensive concepts. Grades 4-8. June 23-26 at Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
NBC BASKETBALL CAMPS (WHITWORTH) A variety of overnight and day camp options are available throughout the summer, including Complete Skills, Pure Shooting, Basketball Prep, Team Camps and more. Boys and girls ages 8-18. Sessions from June 18-Aug. 7 at Whitworth University. See website for complete program details, dates, prices and more. $285-$675. nbccamps.com 800-406-3926
EWU MEN’S BASKETBALL YOUTH CAMP This camp focuses on having fun and teaching the fundamentals of basketball through drills and game play. Specific skills to be taught include shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding and defending. Boys entering grades K-6. June 18-19. at Reese Court on Eastern Washington University’s campus. $100. ewumensbasketball.totalcamps.com
NBC BASKETBALL CAMP (NIC) This summer’s All-Star and Elite Basketball camps provide the ultimate basketball experience. Camp Director Marc Axton and coaches help improve each camper’s basketball fundamentals, plus shooting skills, defense and ball handling. Boys ages 12-16. July 14-17 with overnight and day options at North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene. $630-$680. nbccamps.com 800-406-3926
BREAKTHROUGH BASKETBALL: SHOOTING & BALL HANDLING This intensive three-day camp with coach Martin Anderson teaches players the skills necessary to become a great offensive player and develop highlevel scoring moves. Coed, grades 7-12. July 22-24 from 9 am-3 pm at the HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. $295. breakthroughbasketball.com
JUNE
JUNE
JULY
JULY
JULY
BREAKTHROUGH BASKETBALL: BALL HANDLING & SCORING SKILLS Campers learn how to improve their scoring, ball handling, shooting, passing athleticism, decision-making and other essential skills to become a great basketball player from coach Christopher Dendinger. July 15-17 (grades 3-8) from 9 am-3 pm at the HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. $245. breakthroughbasketball.com
NIGEL WILLIAMS-GOSS YOUTH SKILLS CAMP A camp with the former Gonzaga University player covering form, shooting drills, post and perimeter defense, ball handling, offensive moves, conditioning and more. Camp offers a 1:10 coach to camper ratio. Coed, ages 7-15. July 28-30 from 9 am-3 pm at the HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. $300. hub-
EWU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM CAMP A camp for high school and AAU teams with five guaranteed games, team bonding exercises and multiple skills sessions clinics with EWU Women’s Basketball coaching staff. June 23-25 at Reese Court on Eastern Washington University’s campus. $180/camper, $200/coach. ewumensbasketball.totalcamps.com
CREATIVE ARTS
THINGS THAT GO Young conductors, pilots, drivers and captains make and test paper tube cars, cork boats and gyrocopters, to name a few. Ages 3-5. June 9-13 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
COLORFUL! MESSY! PROCESS ART! Learn how to come up with art theme ideas, mix colors, apply paint and incorporate found objects into your mixed-media art. Ages 6-11. Aug. 18-22 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
IT’S A BUG’S LIFE! Have some creative, buggy fun while becoming a garden detective. Then make insect-inspired art projects while learning about these fascinating creatures. Ages 3-5. June 9-13 from 12:30-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
LEGO EXPLORATION CAMP Learn how to create and build Lego structures that will move when and where you tell them to. Grades 1-4. June 23-27 from 9 am-noon at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org 509466-1636
ARTSCI SUMMER DAY CAMP Kids enjoy classic summer camp games alongside immersive explorations of Finch Arboretum’s diverse ecosystem. Campers engage in hands-on learning, blending artistic expression with scientific discovery. Coed, ages 6-11. Sessions offered include June 23-27 (Creepy Crawly Camp), July 7-11 (Art and Nature Discovery), July 14-18 (Bug Explorers), July 21-25 (Whimsical Forests & Magical Meadows), July 28- Aug. 1 (Flutter and Crawl), Aug. 4-8 (Branching Out with Nature Art) and Aug. 11-15 (Nature’s Colors Camp) from 9 am-4 pm at Finch Arboretum. $249/week. spokanerec.org
PET ART-O-PALOOZA CAMP Campers create art projects related to their favorite pets each day at this program designed for animal and art lovers. Coed, ages 6-11. June 23-27 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art
Center. $199. spokanerec.org
SURF & SEA SAFARI A week of sea-inspired arts and crafts, including animals in the ocean and pirates, mermaids and more. Ages 3-5. Aug. 18-22 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org UNICORNS, WIZARDS & DRAGONS, OH MY! Have a magical time creating costumes, crafts and other mythological creatures. Ages 3-5. July 7-11 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org WILD! WILD WORLD OF MIXED-UP MEDIA ART! Explore mixed-up media art while getting color crazy, layering and combining a variety of materials to create unique art using pens, glue, paint and more. Ages 6-11. June 18-20 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $119. spokanerec.org
CAMP LUTHERHAVEN
80 Years of Traditional Summer Camps
Family Camps for All Ages
Loving, Faith-filled Community
Trusted, Safe, Quality Programs
Scholarships Available
ART IN NATURE! NATURE IN ART! Come and paint, sculpt and draw what you see in nature surrounding the Corbin Art Center. Go on a nature hike and then go back to the art room to work on your project about what you observed. Coed, ages 6-11. July 14-18 from 9 am-3 pm at the Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
SUPER NATURE EXPLORERS! Discover the world around you and make projects inspired by nature and science, like a leaf project and a volcano. Ages 3-5. Aug. 14-18 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center and Manito Park (two sessions offered). $99. spokanerec.org
ART ADVENTURES! Campers explore drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture using diverse materials and techniques in a classroom that invites all skill levels. Grades 1-5. July 15-18 from 9 am-2 pm at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. $45-$50. northwestmuseum.org
MAC TO BASICS Kids master the basics of art by sketching, screen printing, basket weaving, collaging and more interweaved with art history lessons. Designed for all skill levels. Grades 6-8. Aug. 6-9, daily from 9 am-2 pm. At the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. $45$50. northwestmuseum.org 509-456-3931
SQUIGGLY BUGS AND SLIMY SLUGS Learn about insects and how they eat, move, work and what makes them special through stories, nature walks, art projects and slime-making activities. Ages 3-5. Aug. 18-22 from noon-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
BLAST OFF INTO SPACE! Learn about the planets, stars, moons and much more while creating fabulous galactic art. Ages 3-5. July 21-25 from 12:30-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
CHENEY PARKS & REC ART CAMP Enjoy a colorful week working with textile on canvas, watercolor, and acrylic all tied together with aspects from nature. Create a signature self-portrait through the week with lots of other projects that will be featured at an art show. July 21-25 from 9 am-noon (ages 7-10) and from 12:30-3:30 pm (ages 11-14) at the Wren Pierson Community Center in Cheney. $150. cityofcheney.org
FAIRIES, TROLLS & GNOMES IN THE GARDEN Hunt for elusive garden critters like trolls and fairies around the park and make glittery art inspired by what you find. Ages 3-5. July 21-25 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center and Manito Park. $99. spokanerec.org
HARRY’S LABORATORY Immerse yourself in potions, create magical art and cook up magic as you study dragons, magical creatures and wizardry. Ages 6-11. Sessions offered July 21-25 and July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $219. spokanerec.org
WANDS, WIZARDS & DRAGONS, OH MY! their own wands, creative costume pieces and other magical crafts. Ages 3-5. July 28-Aug. 1 from 12:30-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
CAC CRETACEOUS CAMP: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE Learn about paleontology and animals that walked the earth millions of years ago such as dinosaurs, reptiles, fish, birds and more. Then create costumes, crafts and make your own fossils while learning how nature creates them. Ages 6-11. Aug. 4-8 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
CASTLES, PRINCESSES, KNIGHTS & DRAGONS Campers make shining armor, shields, helmets, crowns, wands and more in this creativityfocused day camp. Ages 3-5. Aug. 4-8 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $89. spokanerec.org
CREATING WITH CLAY Campers learn three different hand building techniques and will have the opportunity to throw on the potter’s wheel as well as learn how to underglaze and decorate their work. Coed, grades 4-8. Aug. 5-9 from 9 am-noon at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
INNOVATIVE ARTIST’S STUDIO A fine art camp exploring drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture using diverse materials, techniques and other creative processes. This camp is inspired by innovative artists of the 20th century and using your own imagination to create a personal masterpiece. Ages 6-11. Aug. 4-8 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
STOMP CHOMP & ROAR, DINO STYLE! Explore the world of dinosaurs, reptiles and prehistoric birds through “dino-rific” craft projects and costumes. Ages 3-5. Aug. 48 from 12:30-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
BEST OF SUMMER CAMP Spend a week enjoying the most popular activities and projects offered during summer 2025’s creative arts camp sessions from Spokane Parks & Rec. Ages 6-11. Aug. 18-22 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
PRESCHOOL PICASSOS: BEST OF SUMMER CAMP This camp features Spokane Parks’ most popular art projects completed throughout this summer’s preschool camp programs, offering a chance to participate in what you missed, or re-experience your favorite camp projects. Ages 3-5. Aug. 11-15 from 12:30-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
SHAPES, LINES & LANDSCAPES Learn how to draw and shade shapes, add lines, textures and much more to your drawings with pen, pencil, oil pastels and paint. Ages 6-11. Aug. 11-15 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
MIVODEN ART CAMP A new camp offering an art-based program designed to ignite creativity and imagination through various artistic activities and crafts including soap making, tie-dye, drawing, sculpting and other mediums. Ages 11-14. July 13-20. $699. mivoden.com 509242-0506
GONZAGA PREP ART CAMP A three-day camp exploring the Australian outback through painting, drawing and sculpture projects. Grades 2-8. Two sessions offered June 23-26. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com COMIC BOOK CREATION CAMP Through hands-on activities, discussions and analysis of existing comic books, students will explore the key elements of storytelling, character development, panel layout, dialogue and visual aesthetics. Ages 7-12. June 23-27 from 1-3 pm in the Wren Pierson Community Center. $230. cityofcheney.org
KROC CENTER ARTS & DANCE CAMPS These mini camps are a great option for focused activities like dance, art and STEM. Ages 3-14. Sessions include K-Pop Basics Camp (June 16-20), Matisse Art Projects with Paints Camp (June 23-27), Mermaid Lagoon Ballet Camp (July 7-11), Ballet Fundamentals Camp (July 21-25), Pablo Picasso Projects Art Camp (Aug. 4-8) and Ballerina Cruise Camp (Aug. 11-15). At the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. $60-$70. kroccda.org
ABSTRACT IMAGINARIUM NONSENSE ART CAMP In this camp, students learn about several famous abstract artists and why they chose to make their art abstract and the meanings. A multitude of art supplies will be provided for them to make their own abstract art pieces. Ages 6-11. July 14-18, daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
ART OF MINECRAFT: BLOCK ART FUN! Kids create works of art in a variety of art mediums inspired by the computer game Minecraft. Ages 6-11. June 18-20, daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Corbin Art Center. $119. spokanerec.org
PET ART PARADE Kids will create various art projects related to their favorite pet friends. Bring a snack and a water bottle to camp. Ages 3-5. June 23-27 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
SHIMMER & SHINE ART ADVENTURE CAMP Kinds create super sparkly art projects with glitter paint, glue, sequins and much more. Ages 3-5. Aug. 11-15 from 9-11:30 am at Corbin Art Center. $99. spokanerec.org
FLIGHT 509 ADVENTURE PARK HEAD IN THE CLOUDS: NATURE ART CAMP Campers explore the fun side of nature through hands-on art projects inspired by the world around them. Using colors, textures and creative techniques, they’ll bring nature to life through imaginative designs while enjoying the high-energy excitement of Flight 509’s attractions. Ages 6-12. July 21-25, daily from 9 am-3:30 am at Flight 509, Spokane. $375. flight509.com
DANCE / CHEER / GYMNASTICS
SKYHAWKS CHEERLEADING Kids play a variety of games to develop balance, movement and motor skills as well as listening to instructions. Sessions also introduce basic cheerleading skills, songs and chants. Ages 5-12. Offered May 13-Aug. 8; camp meets at parks in Spokane and North Idaho. See website for full details. $69-$203/session. skyhawks.com
BALLET AT THE BEACH An after-school camp that includes high-quality, age-appropriate dance instruction, crafts and storytelling. Fun choreography will promote rhythm and musicality while introducing foundational ballet movements. No prior experience necessary. Ages 3-6. May 27-June 5, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:45 pm. At Sandra Olgard Studio of Dance. $100. sandraolgardsstudioofdance.com
BEGINNING BALLET CAMP: WILD THINGS A beginning session for young dancers who listen, learn and play in a ballet class that includes crafts, a mini performance. Ages 4-7. July 28-Aug. 1 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Spokane Ballet Studio. $235. spokaneballetstudio.com
CHILDREN’S DANCE CAMPS These themed camps for boys and girls include age-appropriate dancing, crafts and storytelling. Fun choreography promotes rhythm and musicality while introducing foundational ballet movements. Dancers may wear comfy clothes, ballet attire or costumes. Ages 2.5-8. Four-day sessions offered June 23-26, July 7-10
Travel as a Political Act, Live with Rick Steves
SPOKANE ACADEMY OF DANCE SUMMER INTENSIVES summer intensive program with options for beginners and advanced dancers. The intensives feature classes in classical ballet technique, body conditioning, pointe/pre-pointe work, jazz, modern and more. Sessions offered include High Intermediate/Advanced Intensive (July 14-25), Intermediate Intensive (July 21-Aug. 1), Beginning Intensive (July 7-18) and the Mini Intensive (July 28-Aug. 1) at The Academy of Dance in Spokane. $150-$200/week. spokaneacademyofdance.com
SPOKANE BALLET STUDIO: CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP This session covers ballet, jazz and modern, and includes crafts, ballet history, pilates and a mini performance. Ages 8-13. July 7-11 from 10 am-3 pm at Spokane Ballet Studio. $290. spokaneballetstudio.com 509-714-3650
ADVENTURE GYMNASTICS CAMP Each day focuses on different challenges and adventures. Prepare for scavenger hunts, obstacle courses and all kinds of gymnastics activities with a different theme each day. Previous themes have included “Amazing Race,” “Disney Day,” “Superheroes” and “Circus.” Ages 5-14. Sessions offered July 15-Aug. 8 with morning and afternoon sessions offered, at Spokane Gymnastics. $269$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com 509-315-5433
CHENEY PARKS & REC CHEER CAMP Learn fundamental cheerleading skills such as motions, cheers, dances, jumps and stunting through the use of games, drills and activities to prepare your athlete for a future in sideline cheerleading. Ages 6+. July 21-25 from 9-11 am at the Wren Pierson Community Center in Cheney. $180. cityofcheney.org
SPOKANE BALLET STUDIO INTENSIVE An intermediate/advanced session in ballet, pointe, modern and jazz with additional focus on ballet history, pilates, variations and performance. July 14-25 at Spokane Ballet Studio. $590. spokaneballetstudio.com 509-714-3650
BLEKER SCHOOL OF DANCE SUMMER DANCE CAMPS for dancers to continue their practice throughout the summer and be ex posed to a variety of dance styles. Sessions offered include Junior Camp (July 29, ages 4.5-6), Youth Camp (July 28-Aug. 1, ages 7-12) and Teen Camp (July 21-24, ages 13+) at Bleker School of Dance. $35-$180. ble kerschoolofdance.com
LITTLE DRAGON CHEER & DANCE CAMP and coordination while learning exciting tortines and enjoying fun group activities. All levels are welcome. Camp culminates in a showcase for friends and family. Grades K-6. June 16-20, daily from 9 am-4 pm at Saint George’s School. $300. sgs.org
GET BACK IN SHAPE WEEK A session for dancers who are looking to get back into the groove of dancing before the regular dance season begins. Ages 10+. July 21-24, Mon-Thu from 3-5:30 pm at Dance Center of Spokane. $150. dancecenterofspokane. com 509-448-2464
GONZAGA SUMMER DANCE INTEN
SIVE This year’s summer dance intensive focuses on ballet and contemporary tech nique, with supplemental classes in jazz, hip-hop, modern, dance composition, pi lates and musical theater. All classes are taught by Gonzaga faculty and guest art ists in the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. Ages 9-20. July 28-Aug. 1 (ages 1320; intermediate/advanced) and Aug. 4-8 (ages 9-13; beginner/intermediate). $250$400. gonzaga.edu/dance 509-313-6508
and cheers in a fun and fast-paced camp, plus tumbling skills on the Tumbl Trak, rod floor, spring floor and air floor, plus progressions on the air pillow pit. Campers are grouped by age and skill, and each group performs a routine during a Friday performance. Ages 5-14. July 28-Aug. 1 with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. At Spokane Gymnastics. $269$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com 509-315-5433
DANCE CENTER OF SPOKANE JAZZ INTENSIVE A camp focused on the technical aspects of classical jazz dance from stretching to turns and jumps. For experienced dancers ages 9 and up. July 28-31, times vary by level. At Dance Center of Spokane. $110/ day, $400/week. dancecenterofspokane. com 509-448-2464
TRAMPOLINE & TUMBLING CAMP Camp ers enjoy a week of high-flying action fea turing instruction on the Tumbl Trak, double mini trampoline, Eurotramp trampoline, rod floor, as well as spring floor and air floor mixed with fun games and activities. Campers learn important skills such as air awareness, progressive tumbling, strength and coordination, as well as flipping and twisting safely. Ages 6+. Aug. 11-15 from 9 am12:30 pm at the team facility, Spokane Gymnastics Pines. $269-$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com 509-315-5433
MINI JAZZ INTENSIVE A camp focused on the technical aspects of classical jazz dance from stretching to turns and jumps. Ages 6-10. July 28-31 from 11 am-12:30 pm at Dance Center of Spokane. $150. dancecenterofspokane.com 509-448-2426
NINJA ZONE GYMNASTICS CAMP A fusion of gymnastics, martial arts, obstacle course training and freestyle movement. Ninja sport includes combinations of flips, rolls, and kicks designed to help improve total body coordination, build strength and improve agility. Obstacle course skills are taught in an active and fast-paced class, along with an introduction to basic gymnastics skills and structured rotations on all apparatus. Beyond skill, this camp teaches self-confidence, discipline, impulse control, responsibility and instinctual safety. Campers get to show off the skills they have learned at a Friday performance. Ages 5-14. July 28-Aug. 1 with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions. At Spokane Gymnastics. $269-$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com 509-315-5433
PARKOUR GYMNASTICS CAMP An introduction to safety, basic techniques for jumping, vaulting, climbing and swinging, with special emphasis on falling drills, safely bailing skills and landing. Students learn parkour-specific terminology and train in the main gym, in addition to the parkour-specific room with wooden obstacles and bars. Campers
MICHAEL CRONIN COVER DESIGN SUBMISSION
get to show off their new skills in a Friday performance. Ages 5-14. July 28-Aug. 1 with morning, afternoon and full day sessions, at Spokane Gymnastics. $269-$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com
SANDRA OLGARD STUDIO SUMMER INTENSIVE Deepen your practice and prepare for your first class in the fall. Learn choreography in familiar and new genres, pointework and increase flexibility. Ages 10+. July 22-31, Tue-Thu from 8:30 am-1:30 pm at Sandra Olgard Studio of Dance. $450. sandraolgardsstudioofdance.com 509-838-7464
SNOW WHITE FAIRYTALE BALLET CAMP This enchanting ballet camp blends instruction with beloved children’s literature, classical music, creative storytelling and theatrical fun. Throughout the week, dancers will enjoy costume dress up, themed crafts and activities with a “big sister” teen volunteer. Pay in full by April 30 and receive a Snow White costume for free. Ages 3.5-7. July 14-18 from 1:30-3 pm at Ballet Arts Academy, Spokane. $190. balletartsacademy.com 509-838-5705
BALLET ARTS ACADEMY SUMMER INTENSIVE This summer intensive focuses on ballet, pointe, variations, contemporary and stretch and strengthening with guest teachers Summer intensives are a valuable time for dancers to build strength and refine technique as they have fun while being introduced to different styles each week. Dancers will also have the opportunity to participate in special master classes taught by Mimi Ewers. Students will be placed in appropriate level on the first day of intensive. July 28-Aug. 9; meets Mon-Fri from 12-5:30 pm. $465$800. balletartsacademy.com 509-838-5705
BALLET ARTS ACADEMY JUNIOR SUMMER INTENSIVE This summer intensive is a focused training experience for advanced intermediate dancers who are already en pointe. This week-long program includes ballet technique, pilates, choreography, stretch and strength training, ballet terminology and contemporary. Dancers will also participate in special master classes taught by Mimi Ewers along with a guest artist to be announced. Summer intensives are a valuable time for dancers to build strength and refine technique as they have fun while being introduced to different styles each week. Students will be placed in appropriate level on the first day of intensive. July 28-Aug. 8; meets Mon-Fri from 12-4:30 pm. $370-$700. balletartsacademy.com 509-838-5705
NEW TO POINTE SUMMER INTENSIVE This summer intensive is designed specifically for dancers in their first two years of pointe training and provides the extra support and repetition new pointe dancers need to build strength, alignment and confidence. Each class includes one hour of dedicated pointe work emphasizing proper form and foundational skills for safe and successful pointe dancing. July 7-10, Mon-Thu
from 3:30-6 pm. $200. balletartsacademy.com 509-838-5705
SUMMER OPEN BALLET CLASSES An opportunity for dancers to continue developing their technique throughout the summer with drop-in classes focused on artistry, strength, ballet technique and more in a structured yet relaxed setting. Dancers can attend as few or as many classes as they’d like. Ballet levels 3A-7. July 14-24, Mon-Thu from 3:30-5 pm. $20/class. balletartsacademy.com 509-838-5705
GYMNASTICS FUN CAMP Basic gymnastics are taught via structured lessons on all events plus games, challenges, crafts and themed activities. Ages 5-14. Sessions offered Aug. 11-15 with morning, afternoon and full day sessions, at Spokane Gymnastics. $269-$379; discounts available. spokanegymnastics.com 509-315-5433
DYNAMIC ATHLETIC CENTER SUMMER DAY
CAMPS This day camp features games, art, outdoor play and gymnastics in themed sessions. See website for details. Weekly sessions offered from June 23-Aug. 22. At Dynamic Athletic Center. $180-$325. dynamicathleticcenter.org
CHASING GRAVITY SUPERHERO CAMP A superhero-themed gymnastics camp designed for kids to unleash their inner superhero while building strength, agility and confidence in their gymnastics skills with games, crafts and challenges. Coed. June 24-26 (ages 3-4; from 9-11:30 am) June 23-27 (ages 6+; from 9 am-3:30 pm) at Chasing Gravity Activity Center, Airway Heights. $45-$85/day. chasinggravity.com
the excitement of gymnastics, creating a day full of movement, creativity and fun. Coed, ages 3-4. July 29-31 from 9-11:30 am at Chasing Gravity Activity Center, Airway Heights. $45/day. chasinggravity.com GONZAGA PREP CHEER CAMP This cheer camp focuses on learning cheer basics, motions, stunts and dance and culminates in a performance for friends and families. Grades K-5. June 17-19, daily from 11 am1:30 pm. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
CHASING GRAVITY MINI NINJA CAMP A three-day, ninja-themed gymnastics camp designed for kids who love to climb, jump and conquer challenges. The camp focuses on building strength, agility and confidence in an exciting way. Coed, ages 3-4. Aug. 12-14 from 9-11:30 am at Chasing Gravity Activity Center, Airway Heights. $45/day. chasinggravity.com
CHASING GRAVITY MINI JUNGLE GYMNASTICS CAMP A three-day, jungle-themed gymnastics camp combining the thrill of the jungle with
• Create, code & navigate racetracks at Mario Kart Coding & Crafts
• E xplore the science of bubbles during Bubblemania
• Uncover clues & solve the Case of the Missing Book
• Check out our online summer author series for kids, teens & families
• Sign up for Camp Read-a-Rama to enjoy stories, activities, crafts & games (also offered in Spanish)
• Challenge yourself to read 600 minutes & track your reading with Beanstack
CHENEY PARKS & REC DANCE CAMP Learn the basics of dance and ballet. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and snacks everyday. Ages 7-10. July 21-24, MonThu from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. At the Wren Pierson Community Center. $150. cityofcheney.org
SUMMER DANCE CAMPS These weeklong dance camps provide a fun and engaging learning experience for all skill levels as they explore jazz, ballet and creative movement while building confidence and artistry. Each camp ek ends with a showcase. Sessions include Beginner Dance Camp (June 23-26 and July 28-31, ages 5-7), Beginner Jazz and Ballet Camp (July 7-10 and Aug. 4-7, ages 8-11), Jazz and Ballet Camp (July 14-17 and Aug. 11-14, ages 12-15) and Performance Dance Camp (July 21-24 and Aug. 18-21, ages 15-18). Locations TBD. $89$109. spokanerec.org
MUSICAL THEATER TAP & JAZZ DANCE CAMP A camp dedicated to teaching tap and jazz dancers how to dance for musical theater productions. Coed, grades 5-12 or ages 10+. Beginner and experienced sessions offered July 7-Aug. 14 at Gail’s School of Dance, Spokane Valley. $200. indaspokane.org
GAIL’S SCHOOL OF DANCE SUMMER TAP AEROBICS Tap Aerobics combines exercise with tap shoes with no tap dance experience required. Each class has unique musical theme geared for the whole family. Coed, grades 9+. July 8-Aug. 14, meets Tuesdays 9:15-10:15 am or Thursdays 6:15-7:15 pm at Gail’s School of Dance, Spokane Valley. $20$100. indaspokane.org
WILD WONDERS CAMP Kids explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Each day, they learn about a new habitat and meet the animals that call it home through engaging crafts, games and daily outdoor play. Grades 1-4. July 7-11, daily from 12:30-3:30 pm at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
CAMP INVENTION Campers team up with friends and fellow peers for hands-on, open-ended STEM activities like creating their own mechanical claw machine, uncovering the science behind optical illusions and studying penguins and the ice and snow of Antarctica. For students entering grades K-6. June 23-27 (Moran Prairie Elementary, Spokane) and July 7-11 (Betz Elementary School, Cheney). Programs take place from 9 am-3:30 pm. $275-$280; scholarships available at some locations. invent.org/camp
DISCOVERY ROBOTS SUMMER CAMPS Campers explore programming and building robots with various materials and softwares. Sessions include Mission Mars Exploration (June 23-27) and Lego Challenge Camp (Aug. 7-11). Grades 1-7. Hosted at Westminster Congregational UCC Church, Spokane. $190/week. discoveryrobots.org 509-688-9244
THE SCIENCE OF BUBBLES CAMP A hands-on adventure into the science of bubbles. Discover the magic behind their shapes, colors and movement as kids create bubble-themed crafts and conduct experiments. Grades 1-4. June 23-27, daily from 12:30-3:30 pm at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
SPOLANG LANGUAGE CAMPS A real-time virtual summer session for brand new or beginner Spanish and German language learners. Kids participate in interactive, age appropriate games, song and projects that center around a specific theme. July 7-10 and 15-18 (German) and July 14-17 (Spanish). Online. Call for class times. Price TBD. spolang.org 509-981-1155
TECH TREK Tech Trek introduces girls to local successful female STEM professionals while teaching girls that their intellectual skills will grow over time, demonstrating that it’s possible to break traditional female career stereotypes. Qualifying campers should be entering grade 8 in the fall, and girls must be nominated by a teacher. Sessions offered July 13-19 at Pacific Lutheran University. $50 registration fee; campers must be nominated and selected. techtrek-wa.aauw.net
SATORI CAMP A camp that allows academically and intellectually talented students to experience their first taste of college. Students choose from a variety of mini-courses to participate in throughout the duration of camp. Campers can choose to stay in EWU dorms or commute. Grades 7-12. July 20-26 at Eastern Washington University, Cheney. $975-$1,075. Scholarships available. inside.ewu.edu/satoricamp 800-999-8363
FULL STEAM AHEAD! Explore where art, nature and STEM collide through activities like building Rube Goldberg machines, making video game pixel art, exploring the power of the sun and crafting with electronics. Grades 1-6. Sessions offered July 22-25 and July 29-Aug. 1 from 9 am-2 pm at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. $45$50. northwestmuseum.org 509-456-3931
STEAM CAMP Discover the exciting ways that art and STEM collide through hands-on crafts and activities like making slime, designing
Rube Goldberg machines and more. Grades 3-6. July 14-18, daily from 9 am-4 pm at Saint George’s School. $300. sgs.org
JUNIOR SATORI CAMP Embracing a theme rooted in creativity, puzzles and problem-solving. The camp invites students to embark on a journey imagining the future they want to experience. Ages 8-11. July 23-27 from 8:30 am-2:30 pm at the Libby Center in Spokane. $275; scholarships available. inside.ewu.edu/satoricamp 800-999-8363
BLOOM COACHING COLLEGE APPLICATION CAMP A camp for high school students to get a jump start on the college application process while experiencing traditional camp activities. Campers depart with a heightened sense of awareness, confidence, direction, and plan for their future education. Grades 9-12. Aug. 10-15 at Lutherhaven facilities. $1,600. youandibloom.com/camp-2024 406-533-5582
HOUSEHOLD SCIENCE CAMP Students explore a wide array of topics and fields related to science through hands-on experiments in a safe environment. They learn about food science, density, aerodynamics and more. Coed, ages 7-12. July 7-11 from 9 am-noon in the Wren Pierson Community Center. $230. cityofcheney.org
READY, SET, GO! WRITING CAMP Campers learn writing and reading strategies as well as science topics by exploring favorite children’s literature. Grades K-2. Aug. 11-15 from 9 amnoon at St. George’s School. $300. sgs. org 509-466-1636
GONZAGA PREP SCIENCE SAFARI CAMP Explore the ecology and wildlife of Australia through exciting hands-on activities like model building and interactive games that teach about organisms, nature and the fascinating world of the outback. Grades 3-7. Three sessions offered from June 23-26. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
GONZAGA PREP ROBOTICS CAMP Explore the world of robotics and learn to code and program robots through fun challenges led by Gonzaga Prep teachers. Grades 4-8. Four sessions offered June 17-26. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
GONZAGA PREP GRAMMAR ROCKS CAMP This camp helps kids become better writers and breaks down the challenges of grammar in fun ways by providing a crash course on the most common grammar mistakes that plague high school students. Grades 7-10. Aug. 11-14, daily from 8-8:55 am. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
including individual and collaborative challenges to tackle. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. Ages 10-14. July 9-11, daily from 2-4 pm. At North Spokane Library. Free. scld.org
CREATE GAMES WITH SPHERO BOLT Sphero BOLT is a versatile robot that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. In this three-day workshop, learn the basics of programming the BOLT and explore the kind of games that it can be instructed to play. Next, program one or more BOLT robots to play a game you’ve invented or adapted and then demonstrate your creation to friends and family who are invited to visit on the final day of camp. Registration is required. Ages 10-14. July 24-26, daily from 10 am-noon. At North Spokane Library. Free. scld.org
VIDEO BOOT CAMP Create a video from start to finish with fellow video enthusiasts during this 2-day video boot camp. Learn the basics of scripting, planning, shooting, and editing video. Get hands-on training with the library’s recording and lighting equipment and instruction in using postproduction editing software. Registration is required. Ages 12-17. Aug. 9-10, daily from 10 am-noon. At Spokane Valley Library. Free. scld.org LIBRARY SUMMER CAMP IN SPANISH Make crafts, listen to stories, play games and do science experiments in Spanish. This program is intended for children who understand spoken Spanish and are willing to try speaking some. Registration is required. Grades 2-5. Aug. 12-14, daily from 9 am-1 pm. At Spokane Valley Library. Free. scld.org
GONZAGA PREP MIDDLE SCHOOLS STUDY SKILLS CAMP A study skills seminar designed to help with goal setting, time management, learning styles, organization, note taking, test taking and more. Grades 6-8. Aug. 11-14, daily from 9-9:55 am. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
CAMP READ-A-RAMA Read and explore children’s books with libraries and then use the books’ themes for camp activities, crafts, music and games to set kids up for success in the coming school year. Grades 2-5. Sessions offered weekly from June 23-July 31, Mon-Thu from 9 am-1 pm. At North Spokane Library and Spokane Valley Library. Free. scld.org LIBRARY SUMMER CAMP IN SPANISH Make crafts, listen to stories, play games and do science experiments in Spanish. This program is intended for children who understand spoken Spanish and are willing to try speaking some. Registration is required. Grades 2-5. Aug. 12-14, daily from 9 am-1 pm. At Spokane Valley Library. Free. scld.org
CODING CAMP In this three-day camp, learn the basic principles of program design and apply those skills to create instructions for different gadgets, both virtual and physical. There will be plenty of activities,
KROC CENTER STEM CAMPS Four weeks of themed STEM camps including Intro to Chemistry (June 9-13), Weather (June 23-27), Intro to Biology (July 28-Aug. 1) and Astronomy (Aug. 11-15). Ages 7-15; varies by camp. At the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. $85-$100. kroccda.org
BIOMOTION ADVENTURE CAMP Kids explore the science of movement and the mechanics of the human body through crafts and hands-on activities. July 2831, 9 am-noon ( grades 2-5) and 12:303:30 pm (grades 6-8). At Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY HELPERS Kids will explore the careers of various community helpers with special appearances from firefighters, police officers, park rangers and more. Ages 6-11. July 7-11, daily from 9 am-3 pm at the Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
FLIGHT 509 AVIATION STEAM CAMP Soar into a high-energy adventure exploring the science of flight. Campers will build, test, and experiment with hands-on aviation activities plus, meet a retired pilot for real flying stories. Ages 6-12. June 23-27, daily from 9 am-3:30 am at Flight 509, Spokane. $375. flight509.com
FLIGHT 509 ROGER’S SENSORY EXPLORATION CAMP Designed for curious minds, this camp engages the senses through exciting handson experiments and creative projects. Campers will mix, mold and explore different textures, scents and sensations before diving into all the action-packed fun Flight 509 has to offer. Ages 6-12. July 7-11, daily from 9 am-3:30 am at Flight 509, Spokane. $375. flight509.com
FLIGHT 509 ADVENTURE PARK GAUNTLET CAMP This high-energy camp builds confidence, teamwork and coordination through exciting obstacle courses and friendly competitions within Flight 509 Adventure Park. Bumper cars, Ninja Training Course, Ropes Course and more. Ages 6-12. Aug. 4-8, daily from 9 am-3:30 am at Flight 509, Spokane. $375. flight509.com
BLUE SKY DAY CAMPS Blue Sky Camps invite children to explore na-
CHRISTIAN PETERSON COVER DESIGN SUBMISSION
ture, creativity and mindfulness through hands-on activities like building birdhouses, baking bread, singing and painting. Weekly sessions include I AM Connected (June 23-27 and July 21-25), I AM Capable (July 7-11 and July 28-Aug. 1) and I AM Creative (July 14-18 and Aug. 4-8). Ages 6-13. Meets daily from 9 am-2 pm at Harmony Woods Retreat Center. $333; discounts available. iamalliance.me
FOOTBALL
NFL YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE Teams of 5-10 members can register to participate in this summer league, with practice on Tuesdays and league games on Thursdays. Players receive an official NFL team jersey and flag belt. Coed, ages 5-16. May 27-July 24, more information online. Practice facilities vary, but all games are held at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, Spokane. $155. spokanerec.org
VANDAL FOOTBALL PROSPECT CAMP A football camp for prospective college-level players; more details TBA. Athletes need to bring their own helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, shorts and cleats. Grades 9-12. Offered June 20, 26 and July 28 at the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome, Moscow. Price TBD. govandals.com/sports
GONZAGA PREP FOOTBALL CAMP This camp is coached by Gonzaga Prep football staff and players. It focuses on offensive and defensive fundamentals as well as the basics of tackling. Grades 5-8. June 23-26 at Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep. com 509-483-8511
VANDAL FOOTBALL YOUTH CAMP A summer football camp for young players; more details TBA. Grades 2-8. June 17-18, daily from 9 am-noon at the University of Idaho, Moscow. $72. govandals.com
WSU FOOTBALL PROSPECT CAMP A one-day prospect camp for all-skill position and lineman. Open to athletes entering grades 9-12 or who graduated high school in 2023-24. Offered June 15 and 22 at WSU Pullman. $60. wsufootballcamps. totalcamps.com
VANDAL FOOTBALL TEAM CAMP A summer football camp for high school players, who can register individually or with their teammates and coaches. Grades 9-12. June 17-19 and 23-25 at University of Idaho, Moscow. Price TBD. govandals.com/sports
WAREHOUSE FLAG FOOTBALL & SWIM CAMP A camp focused on teaching the fundamentals of flag football in a safe, fun environment. Campers will be escorted to Witter Aquatic Center each day for a daily swim. Snack is included. Ages 9-14. Sessions offered June 23-27, July 14-18 and Aug. 4-8, Mon-Fri from noon-3:30 pm. At Mission Park. $169/week. warehouseathletics.com 509-484-2670
MUSIC
COUGAR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP A music camp for wind ensemble, jazz band, string orchestra, musical theatre and concert choir. Open to incoming 8th graders and high school-age students. Overnight and commuter options available. June 22-28 at WSU Pullman. $500-$850. music.wsu.edu
LIONEL HAMPTON MUSIC CAMP
Camp offers specialized instruction, one-on-one study and group class es, with performances in ensembles and jam sessions. Campers choose elective courses to take each afternoon. Grades 9-12. June 22-28, overnight and day options available. At University of Idaho, Moscow. $425$750. uidaho.edu/LHMC 208-885-6231
MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF SANDPOINT EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMER ACADEMY This summer academy focuses on learning the performing arts in a fun and enriching environment. Ages 4-7. Sessions offered June 16-27; see site for complete list of session details. $75-$95. sandpointconservatory.org
MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF SANDPOINT SUMMER ACADEMY This summer academy focuses on learning the performing arts in a fun and enriching environment. All campers have music theory each day. Students may choose from one to four majors including youth orchestra, advanced orchestra, choir, harp, musical theater and instrument art. Ages 8+. Sessions offered July 14-25 and Aug. 4-15; see site for complete list of session details. $195-$450. sandpointconservatory.org
OTHER SPORTS
SKYHAWKS MULTI-SPORT + MINI-HAWK CAMPS A multi-sport program to give kids an introduction to sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee and more. Ages 4-12, with sessions for younger athletes (Mini-Hawks Camps). Camps are hosted at parks and schools in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Sessions offered JuneAugust; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $98-$209/session. skyhawks.com
SAINT GEORGE’S SCHOOL OUTDOOR GAMES CAMP Kids will get outside and compete in fun games and test their skills in a variety of
exciting competitions from kickball to capture the flag. Grades 6-8. July 21-25, daily from 9 am-noon. At Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
SKYHAWKS GOLF Camps teach the fundamentals of golf including swinging, putting and body positioning, with all equipment provided. Camps are held at local parks and schools throughout the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Coed, ages 5-12. Sessions offered June-August; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $80-$203/session. skyhawks.com
INLAND EMPIRE DIVING LEARN TO DIVE CAMP Learn how to dive with coaches who are experienced in teaching beginners and state champions. Children will learn how to jump, spin and flip into the water in all directions. Ages 5-18; must be confident in deep end of pool. June 17-Aug. 21, meets Mon-Thu from 5-6 pm at the Liberty Aquatic Center. $75/ week. inlandempirediving.com 253-355-8975
staff ratio
• Age-appropriate activities
• Grades 1-7
KROC CENTER SPORTS CAMPS This half-day program teaches kids the fundamentals of basketball, rock climbing or soccer and develops skills through games, drills and play. Ages 7-12. Soccer offered July 14-18, rock climbing sessions offered from July 21-25 and basketball sessions offered from July 28-Aug. 1 at the Kroc Center, Coeur d’Alene. $60$70. kroccda.org
RELATIONAL RIDING ACADEMY HORSE CAMP A horsemanship program offering half-day riding camps for beginning and experienced riders. Ages 8-12. Helmet, long pants and boots required. Sessions offered June 16-20, July 18-11 and July 7-11; meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-noon or 1:30-4:30 pm. Open to kids of all levels. At Relational Riding Academy in Cheney. $350/session. relationalridingacademy.com
Girls on the Run gives young girls an opportunity to make new friends. COURTESY GIRLS ON THE RUN
leys, serves and game rules and etiquette. Camps are held at parks and schools in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Coed, ages 6-12. Sessions offered June-August; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $68-$203/session. skyhawks.com
CENTRAL PARK TENNIS CAMPS A tennis camp split into age groups focusing on movement, hand-eye coordination, strategy, tournament play, footwork and more through dynamic drills and actual gameplay. Sessions offered weekly from June 23-Aug. 7. At Parkfit Athletic Club. $25$100/session parkfitclub.com
USTA PNW RECTENNIS RecTennis provides weekly sessions all summer during which kids are active and learn basic skills in a non-competitive atmosphere. Campers learn life lessons and skills, and play high-energy activities and games. Ages 5-17. Sessions offered weekly June 23-Aug. 29 at different locations in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. See website for details. $150. rectennis.com
WAREHOUSE ALL-SPORT CAMP A fun, safe environment where kids make friends, create lasting memories and learn life skills both on and off the court. Campers enjoy a variety of sports and games designed to keep them engaged and having fun. Lunch is included daily; after-care options also available. Campers enjoy indoor and outdoor play. Ages 6-12. Sessions offered June 6-Aug. 15; meets Mon-Fri from 9 am-3:30 pm at the Warehouse, Spokane. $259/week. warehouseathletics.com
NIKE JUNIOR GOLF CAMP Campers of all abilities enjoy daily instruction and course play under the direction of WSU’s men’s and women’s golf team coaches and current/former players, along with fun off-thecourse activities. Coed, ages 8-18. June 21-25 at WSU, Pullman, with day and overnight options. $1,250. ussportscamps.com 800-645-3226
WSU SWIMMING STROKE CAMP A camp specifically focusing on strokes for swimmers. Each day is dedicated to a new stroke and will focus on drills and technical work. June 15-20 and 22-27, with resident and commuter options. At WSU Pullman. $550-$800. wsuswimming. totalcamps.com
HOOK A KID ON GOLF A comprehensive golf program that removes barriers to learn golf rules, etiquette and history. Participants receive their own set of clubs and a manual to keep. Coed, ages 9-14 from 9 amnoon. At The Plains Golf Course. $300. cityofcheney.org
SKYHAWKS LACROSSE Boys and girls learn the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing and shooting in a fun, environment. Ages 6-12. Sessions offered June-July, Held at parks and schools in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area.. $69-$203/session. skyhawks.com
TEEN ARCHERY CAMP This introduction to archery will cover basics of shooting, range safety, proper form, different styles of archery and coring through a variety of activities. Participants will earn achievement tags for completing different stages of class. All equipment included. Coed, ages 8+ Sessions offered June 16-19, July 7-10 and Aug. 4-7. At Dragon Flight Archery, Spokane. $150. cityofcheney.org
WILD WALLS INDOOR CLIMBING CAMP Kids learn and experience the sport of rock climbing through bouldering, top roping, knot tying, belaying, slacklining, rappelling, ascending, crate stacking, safety practices, games and more. Ages 7-14. Sessions offered weekly from June 23-Aug. 21; meets Mon-Thu from 9 am-2 pm at Wild Walls, Spokane. $325$375/session. wildwalls.com 509-455-9596
WSU SWIMMING START & TURN CAMP A camp focused on only starts and turns. The camp touches on open turns, flip turns,, forward racing starts, backstroke and relay starts. Overnight/residential options. June 20-22 and 27-29 at WSU Pullman. $300-$375. wsuswimming. totalcamps.com
WAREHOUSE JR. SPORT & INFLATABLE CAMP A variety of sports and activities to keep your future sports star engaged. Activities include basketball, soccer, floor hockey, kickball, capture the flag and more. Campers also get daily play on new inflatables. Snack is included daily. Ages 4-6. June 16-Aug. 15; Mon-Fri from 9 am-noon. At the Warehouse in Spokane. $109-$169/week. warehouseathletics.com 509-484-2670
DIAL JONES TENNIS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP A tennis camp focused on fundamentals, play based exercises, shot selection, and more. Ages 9-18, all levels welcome. Sessions offered July 14-21 and 21-24, Mon-Thu from 8 am-12:30 pm at Ferris High School. $315/week. dialjonestennisspokane.com 310-418-7197
GIRLS ON THE RUN CAMP An all-girl camp where kids spend the week building friendships, exploring their creativity and playing fun games. Grades 3-6. Several sessions offered at various locations throughout Spokane from June 23-July 26. $60-$200; scholarships available. pinwheel.us
IRONWOOD THROWERS CAMP The 36th annual camp for track and field throwing athletes (discus, hammer, javelin and shot put) offers instruction from notable coaches. July 6-10. Hosted at Ironwood Throwers in Rathdrum, and Post Falls High School. $450, scholarships available. ironwoodcamp.com
RECTENNIS CAMP Each child will be provided with the opportunity to develop tennis and life skills at their own rate in a fun, safe, supportive and
encouraging environment. The participants will learn basic tennis skills in a non-competitive atmosphere while playing high energy camp activities and games. Coed, ages 7-12. Sessions offered from June 23-Aug. 1, MonFri from 9 am-noon at Hagelin Park. $180/week. cityofcheney.org
SKYHAWKS TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY Using special equipment, exercises and drills, this session prepares athletes for a future in cross-country, track and field events and distance running. Ages 6-12. Sessions offered July-August; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $163-$203. skyhawks.com
DISC GOLF SUPER SUMMER CAMP Learn and discover new skills and talents, or up your game with personal skill development. Camp concludes with a final tournament and all students receive a disk in this camp hosted by the US Youth Disc Golf Association. Ages 10-16. Sessions offered June 23-27 and July 7-11 from 10 am-1 pm at the North Spokane YMCA. $149. spokanerec.org
HOCKEY MINISTRIES CAMP Campers receive instruction on the ice from top coaches and players in the sport, along with other activities including character-building exercises, in a faith-based setting. Coed ages 9-17. July 14-18 at Frontier Ice Arena, Coeur d’Alene. $395-$415. hockeyministries.org
BADMINTON SUMMER CAMP A camp designed to introduce new players to the sport, and to sharpen the skills of intermediate players. Camp focuses on the fundamentals of badminton in a fun, yet challenging way by incorporating mobility and match play drills to refine technique. Ages 7-17. Sessions offered weekly from July 28-Aug. 22 from p am-3 pm at Peperzak Middle School. $159. spokanerec.org
GONZAGA TENNIS CAMP Gonzaga provides full-day and half-day camp options of match strategy, competitive drills and conditioning. Ages 8-18. July 21-25 from 9 am-12 pm or 9 am-4:30 pm at Gonzaga University’s Stevens Center. $275-$550. gonzagatenniscamps.com
HULA HOOP CAMP A camp that mixes hula-hoop, dancing and music. The beginning of each day will focus on a group hooping practice and games. The second half focuses on exploring techniques such as tricks, tosses and more. Coed, grades 4-7. June 22-26 from 9 am-noon at Saint George’s School. $150. sgs.org
CHENEY PARKS & REC MARTIAL ARTS CAMP Kids learn self-defense, bully-proofing, personal space and traditional karate movements in this camp taught by Kris Wilder, U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame member. Ages 8-14. July 28-31 from 9 am-noon at Hagelin Park, Cheney. $150. cityofcheney.org
CLIMBING CAMP
Session 1: June 23-26
Session 5: July 28 - 31
Session 2: June 30 - July 3
Session 3: July 7 - 10
Session 4: July 14 - 17
Session 6: August 4 - 7
Session 7: August 11 - 14
Session 8: August 18 - 21
2025 summer
Wickedly
Mini
Junior
Junior
13-18. Five sessions offered from June 23-July 31. At Isaac’s Clubhouse, Spokane. $320; scholarships available. theisaacfoundation.org 509-325-1515
ABBA’S CHILD GRIEF CAMP MiVoden is hosting this camp designed to help grieving children process the loss of someone close to them while also getting them outside to have some fun at camp. Ages 9-16. June 29-July 4. Application required; more at abbaschild.org. Free for qualifying children. mivoden.com 509-242-0506
OTHER SPORTS CONT.
as well as natural, fluid body mechanics which can be applied to other sporting activities. Ages 4-6. Sessions offered from June 24-Aug. 14, Tue and Thu from 5:45-6:15 pm at East West Martial Arts & Body Works. $70. spokanerec.org
SOCCER
GONZAGA WOMEN’S SOCCER ACADEMY This year’s camps include June ID Camp (June 2-8; grades 8-12), Pups Summer Kickoff (June 18-20, ages 5-12), Pups Camp (July 7-10; ages 5-12) and Pups Elite Camp (July 14-15; coed, 10-14) All camps are led by Gonzaga Women’s Soccer head coach Katie Benz. $80-$325. gonzagasoccer.com
SKYHAWKS SOCCER A progressional coaching curriculum teaching technical skills and knowledge for all levels of playing experience. Camps are held at local parks and schools throughout the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Boys and girls ages 3-12. Offered June-August; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $74-$203/session. skyhawks.com
WSU WOMEN’S SOCCER DAY CAMP A camp with the WSU Women’s soccer team coaches, staff and players, geared toward younger athletes and covering fundamental skills and more. Sessions offered June 17-20 and July 8-11 with half (9 am-noon, ages 5-7) and full-day (9 am-4 pm, ages 8-14) sessions. At WSU Pullman. $175-$290. wsuwomenssoccercamps.totalcamps.com
CAMP GOODTIMES A camp medically-supported by pediatric and oncology physicians and nurses for children affected by cancer. Highlights include college sports team visits, the tie-dye extravaganza, bass fishing day, and a host of typical camp activities. Ages 7-17. Aug. 11-15. Includes day and resident options. Hosted at YMCA Camp Reed facilities, see website for details. Free for qualifying children. ymcainw. org 509-777-9622
CAMP STIX A one-week residential camp for youth with diabetes, who have an opportunity to come together and share a traditional summer camp experience at Camp Bear Paw. Ages 9-16. July 13-29. $1,050; scholarships available. stixdiabetes.org/camp-stix 509-484-1366
CAMP TWIGS A day camp designed for kids with diabetes, during which they’ll learn about living with diabetes, participate in traditional summer camp activities and meet other kids their age, as well as adults who have diabetes. Ages 6-8. Aug. 1-3 at Camp Dart-Lo facilities in North Spokane. $225; scholarships available. stixdiabetes.org/camp-twigs 509484-1366
LUTHERHAVEN FAMILY CHAMP CAMP WEEKEND A weekend designed for families who have children with developmental or physical needs and their entire family. Accessible activities including swimming, hikes, arts and crafts and more in a faith-based setting. Aug. 1-3. $165/adult, $115/youth 4-12. lutherhaven.com 208-667-3459
CAMP JOURNEY A camp designed for cancer patients and survivors from age 7 to 17. Campers immerse themselves in a fun-filled outdoor camp experience tailored expressly to their needs. Trained oncology staff is on-site 24/7. Overnight and day options offered from July 6-12 at Ross Point in Post Falls, Idaho. Price TBD. campjourneynw.org
GONZAGA MEN’S SOCCER ELITE/ID CAMP This camp welcomes elite youth and junior college players who can showcase their abilities in a small setting and in front of some of the best college staff members in the Northwest. Grades 8+. Sessions offered June 22-22 and July 26-27. See website for full details. $265, zagsocceracademy.com
DRAGON SOCCER TRAINING CAMP This camp focuses on fundamental skill development as well as competitive team play. Grades K-12. July 15-18 from 9 am-noon (grades K-6) and 12:30-3:30 pm (grades 7-12) at the Saint George’s soccer field. $100. sgs.org 509-466-1636
WSU WOMEN’S SOCCER SENIOR ELITE ID CAMP WSU Women’s Soccer coaches, staff and players lead this camp designed for competitive players. Girls grades 7-12. July 26-27 at WSU Pullman. $300. wsuwomenssoccercamps.totalcamps.com
NIKE SOCCER CAMP The goal of this camp is to stimulate a love for the game, showing youth athletes how to accelerate their own progress and success. Coed, ages 6-16. July 21-24 and July 28-31 with full (9 am-4 pm) and half-day (9 am-noon) options. At Dwight Merkel Sports Complex. $295$425/session. ussportscamps.com 800-645-3226
SPECIAL NEEDS
LUTHERHAVEN CHAMP CAMP A chance for campers with disabilities to experience all that summer camp has to offer. Campers are cared for by trained college-aged staff and paired with young servant-leaders from around the country, increasing the program’s camper-to-adult ratio. Activities include swimming, crafts, hikes, Bible studies, singing and more, with extra space and assistance required for a fun and safe experience. Ages 8-30. June 22-25 (ages 8-18 and 18-30 only) and Aug. 4-7 (ages 8-21). $115-$310; financial assistance available. lutherhaven.com 866-729-8372
CAMP SPARKLE A day camp for children and teens who have been impacted by cancer, either from a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. Campers learn about cancer, participate in therapeutic activities and go on field trips with peers and counselors who have similar life experiences. Coed. Ages 5-17. June 23-27, daily from 9:30 am-3 pm at Manito Park. Free. cancerpathways.org/camp-sparkle
TREK ADVENTURES CAMP TREK gives neuro-divergent youth the opportunity to partner with peer mentors and executive functioning coaches to learn the skills needed to confidently access their community and demonstrate independence while navigating activities of daily living. Ages
THEATER
REGIONAL THEATRE OF THE PALOUSE SUMMER CAMPS This year’s RTOP summer camp offerings include “Stepping into the Spotlight” (June 16-20), “Wonderful World of Disney” (June 23-27), “Hollywood Premiere” (July 7-11) and “Broadway Show Review” (July 14-18). June 16-July 18; meets MonThu from 9 am-noon and 1-4 pm, Fri is 9 am-3:30 for all campers. $135-$270. rtoptheatre.org 509-334-0750
SPOKANE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ENCANTO CAMP Spend a week doing exciting theater activities based around the theme Encanto designed to build confidence and enhance creativity with others. The week ends with a showcase on Friday for families. Ages 5-8. June 2327 from 9 am-12 pm or 12:30-3:30 pm at Spokane Children’s Theatre. $115. spokanechildrenstheatre.org
SPOKANE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: VILLAINS Campers explore the world of villains through acting, singing and dancing, allowing them to embrace the mischief and boldness of iconic villainous characters. Ages 8-12. July 7-11 from 9 am-3 pm at Spokane Children’s Theatre. $230. spokanechildrenstheatre.org
SUPER FRIENDS! Sunnyville residents desperately need help! Weathergirl has put a spell on the entire town so that it never stops raining. All your favorite superheroes - the “Superfriends” - are up to the challenge of taking down Weathergirl and restoring sunshine and smiles to Sunnyville once again. Grades 3-6. July 14-18, daily from 10 am-2 pm at Ponderosa Elementary. $275. svsummertheatre.com/camps 509-3687897
SPOKANE SCHOOL OF IMPROV KIDS CAMPS Weeklong camps dedicated to sparking imagination through improv. Kids will learn communication skills, boost their self-confidence and learn to think on their feet through engaging improv games and activities. Sessions offered include Improv Summer Camp (July 15-19), Fun with Improv (July 29-Aug. 2) and Sketch Camp (Aug. 12-16). Ages 7-12 All sessions held at the Blue Door Theater. $225-$300. spokaneschoolofimprov. org 509-747-7045
SCOOBY-DOO & THE PIRATES While traveling in the Mystery Machine, Scooby and friends stumble upon a spooky looking group of pirates. When Mr. Vickery reports missing fish from the harbor boats, Scooby and friends assume the
Pirates are to blame and set out to solve the mystery once and for all. Grades 2-5. July 21-25 at Ponderosa Elementary School. $275. svsummertheatre.com/camps 509-368-7897
CYT NORTH IDAHO THEATER CAMPS Weeklong, themed musical theater day camps in a faith-based environment are designed to create a hands-on theater experience focused on building performance skills, self confidence and teamwork. Camps include “Blast from the Past!”, “Off to Neverland”, “A Wickedly Popular Camp” and “Hadestown: Teen Edition.” Ages 5-18. Sessions offered weekly from July 7-Aug. 2 at Prairie Avenue Community Church in Hayden. $235/week. cytnorthidaho.org
HESPERUS ARTS MUSICAL THEATER INTENSIVE Training during this session includes voice, dance and acting. Campers also receive a workbook and skills evaluation. This camp is intensive and focuses on performance authority, polishing skills, improv, audition prep and enhancing talent. Coed, ages 12-18. Aug. 20-23 from 9 am-4 pm at River City Church, Spokane. $390. nbccamps.com 800-406-3626
HESPERUS JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE DAY CAMP This theater camp is designed to help aspiring actors and singers improve their voice quality, gain confidence in their dancing skills and work to become top-level performers in a faithbased environment. Ages 10-18. Aug. 20-23 at River City Church, Spokane. Price TBD. nbccamps.com
SAINT GEORGE’S SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER CAMP Explore the world of musical theater and learn the entirety of The Addams Family. This fast-paced, high-energy camp is appropriate for both beginners and experienced performers. Special guests share different aspects of musical theater, including singing, dancing and acting. Includes a Friday afternoon performance.. Grades 4-9. June 23-27 from 9 am-4 pm at Saint George’s School. $300. sgs.org
SPOKANE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: WICKEDLY GOOD Dance through camp in this upbeat week inspired by Wicked. Campers learn about how our differences make us stronger through music, dance and fun. Ages 8-12. July 14-18 from 9 am-3 pm at Spokane Children’s Theatre. $230. spokanechildrenstheatre. org 509-328-4886
CHENEY PARKS & REC THEATER CAMP Campers play theater games that teach the basic principles of theater: movement, improvisation, memorization, following direction, etc. Campers rehearse a short play to be presented on Friday for frinds and family. Ages 8-12. July 14-18 from 9 am-2 pm at Cheney City Hall. $150. cityofcheney.org
JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH Students learn and perform James & The Giant Peach, the story of James Henry Trotter, a sweet creative boy, is forced to live a miserable life with his two grumpy aunts. But with the help of a mysterious stranger, a giant peach, talking bugs and a little bit of magic. Grades 2-4. July 28-Aug. 1 at Ponderosa Elementary School. $275. svsummertheatre.com/camps 509-368-7897
HISTORY THROUGH MUSICALS This week teaches foundations of musical theater themed around musicals with a historical story like Hamilton, Newsies, Les Mis and more. Kids will learn about the musicals through games and more. Ages 8-12. July 21-25 from 9 am-3 pm at Spokane Children’s Theatre. $230. spokanechildrenstheatre.org
DC CONNELLY: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN This weeklong musical theater camp features water games, team competitions, fun activities, singing, dancing, acting and more in a faith-based environment. The week culminates in a performance of The Greatest Showman for friends and family. Ages 6-18. Aug. 4-8 from 10 am-2 pm. At. CDA Bible Church, Coeur d’Alene. $240. dconnellyenterprises.com
JR. RISING STARS: MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE This camp tackles the fundamentals of solos, duets and group numbers. Led by industry professionals, students develop confidence and stage presence through a group-choreographed musical number as well as musical theatre duets. Facilitated by Andrea Olsen with guest artist appearances. Grades 9-12. June 23-27 at University High School. $305. svsummertheatre.com/camps 509-368-7897
BROADWAY BOUND Campers will dive into Tony Award winning Broadway musicals as they learn basic theatre skills and how to work together as a team. Ages 8-12. July 28-Aug. 1 from 9 am-3 pm at Spokane Children’s Theatre. $230. spokanechildrenstheatre.org
Sing your heart out at one of CYT’s many theater camps. COURTESY CYT NORTH IDAHO
Dynamic Athletic Center is a fun and exciting place where talent and integrity meet. With girls and boys programs from recreational to competitive gymnastics starting at 16 months we have something to keep your kids active and busy year round.
Registration for our 7 week summer session is going on now. We offer classes, camps, open gym, and more.
SUMMER CAMPS START JUNE 23
SUMMER CLASSES START JULY 7
THEATER CONT.
nia through the wardrobe. Students learn their parts, practice and perform the play for their families at the end of the week. Grades 3-6. August 4-8 at University High School. $250. svsummertheatre.com
fidence and boost creativity on stage and off. Students of all skill levels team up for storytelling, improvisation and acting games. The final day of camp includes a performance for family and friends. Ages 6-11. July 7-11 from 9 am-3 pm at Corbin Art Center. $199. spokanerec.org
IDAHO REPERTORY THEATRE CAMP A drama camp designed to give kids the opportunity to express their creativity and produce a full-fledged musical. This year’s show is Peter Pan. All camp participants will have a role in the production and will perform on the last two days of camp for friends and family. Ages 7-14. July 14-Aug. 3, Mon-Fri from 8 am-noon and 1-5 pm at Hartung Theater, Moscow. $375-$400. ewuvolleybll.totalcamps.com
VOLLEYBALL
509-489-5867 | 5512 N. Havana | dynamicathleticcenter.org
MENTION THIS AD TO GET A FREE OPEN GYM!
BEST OF BROADWAY ACTING CAMP This camp will assign students scenes from some of the biggest Broadway shows performed in a showcase for family and friends on the final day of camp. Led by energized duo Haliey Weber (Quincy HS Drama Director) and Amanda Guarisco (Central Valley HS Drama Director). Grades 7-12. July 7-11 at University High School. $305. svsummertheatre.com/camps 509-368-7897
DC CONNELLY: MARY POPPINS This week-long musical theater camp features water games, team competitions, fun activities, singing, dancing, acting and more in a faith-based environment. The week culminates in a performance of Mary Poppins for friends and family. Ages 6-18. July 24-28 from 10 am-2 pm. At CDA Bible Church. Coeur d’Alene. $240. dcon-
The Ultimate Local Shopping Guide
Register online to reserve your spot! On Stands May 27
Advertise your business — reserve your space by May 6: advertising@inlander.com • 509.325.0634 ext 233
nellyenterprises.com
GONZAGA PREP DRAMA CAMP A weeklong drama camp packing with acting, improv, music theater and choreography culminating in a final performance for friends and family. Grades 5-8. Two sessions offered Aug. 4-8 and 11-15, Mon-Fri from 9 am-3:30 pm. At Gonzaga Prep. $225. gprep.com
GONZAGA PREP SOCCER CAMP Participants will work with Gonzaga Prep soccer coaching staff and players focusing on all parts of soccer fundamentals from passing, shooting, possession, patterns of play and defensive principles in a fun, competitive environment. Coed, grades 6-8. July 28-31, daily from 10 am-noon. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
GONZAGA PREP WRESTLING/TUMBLING CAMP Learn the fundamental skills of wrestling and tumbling from Gonzaga Prep’s expert coaches with personalized instruction. This camp focuses on building confidence on the mats with flips and rolls or perfecting takedowns and pins. Grades 2-8. Three sessions offered June 23-26. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
INLAND NW SHOWCASE VOLLEYBALL YOUTH CLINIC This clinic is led by coaches from Whitworth University under the direction of head coach Kati Bodecker. The camp focuses on the skills and technique necessary to play volleyball through drills, exercises and games that focus on passing, setting, hitting and serving. Coed, ages 8-14. May 10 from 9:30-11:30 am at the HUB Sports Center. $35. hubsportscenter.org
WAREHOUSE VOLLEYBALL CAMP A volleyball clinic led by experienced volleyball coaches designed to improve player skills through team building exercises, strategy sessions, fitness and conditioning drills and friendly matches. Coed, ages 9-14. Sessions offered July 14-18 and Aug. 11-15 from 9 amnoon at the HUB Sports Center. $169. hubsportscenter.org
NORTH IDAHO NBC VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Campers improve skills in passing, defense, serving and hitting, plus develop leadership and confidence. Girls ages 13-16 and coed ages 9-12. Sessions offered June 23-26 and July 7-10 from 9 am-3 pm each day. Camp takes place at the Courts at Real Life. $315-$340. nbccamps.com
SKYHAWKS VOLLEYBALL Skill-based volleyball camps teach fundamentals of passing, setting, hitting, serving and more for beginning to intermediate players. Camps are held at local parks and schools throughout the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area. Coed, ages 6-12. Sessions offered June through August; see site for complete list of dates and locations. $98-$203/ session. skyhawks.com
WSU VOLLEYBALL YOUTH CAMP This day camp provides a fun opportunity for young volleyball players to learn the fundamentals of the game. Each camper develops skills in passing, setting, hitting and serving. Coed, grades 1-4. June 24-25 from 8:30-9:30 am at Bohler Gym, WSU Pullman. $50. wsuwomensvolleyballcamps.totalcamps.com
WSU VOLLEYBALL INTERMEDIATE CAMP This day camp focuses on all aspects of the game with an emphasis on fundamental skill development from the beginner to the more experienced players. Afternoon sessions allow campers to put their fundamentals into action during competitive, game-like drills. Coed, grades 5-8. June 24-25 from 10 am-12:30 pm at WSU Bohler Gym, Pullman. $100. wsuwomensvolleyballcamps.totalcamps.com
NBC VOLLEYBALL CAMPS Campers improve skills in passing, defense, serving and hitting, plus develop leadership and confidence. Girls ages 9-18. Resident and overnight options available. Sessions as follows: June 30-Aug. 1 (middle school, ages 11-14), June 18-20 (intro day camp, ages 9-12), July 21-24 (high school, ages 13-18). Camp takes place at Whitworth University. $155-$670. nbccamps.com 800-406-3926 WSU VOLLEYBALL COLLEGE PREP CAMP This camp offers athletes an opportunity to raise their skill level in a highly competitive setting, and to experience what it’s like to play at Washington State University. A majority of training is focused on skill development specific to players’ designated positions, along with a small training block on general skills like ball control. Coed, grades 9-12. July 8-9 (overnight/commuter options) at WSU Bohler Gym, Pullman. $195-$295. wsuwomensvolleyballcamps.totalcamps.com
COEUR D’ALENE SUMMER THEATRE: CAMP BROADWAY A six-week musical theater camp hosted by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre with each week boasting a new theme including Lin Manuel Miranda (July 7-11), Stephen Schwartz (July 14-18), Alan Menken (July 21-25), Claude Michel Schonberg (July 28-Aug. 1), Andrew Lloyd Webber (Aug. 4-8) and Jerry Herman (Aug. 11-15). Ages 8-13. Sessions offered weekly from July 7-Aug. 15, Mon-Fri from 9 am-3 pm. At North Idaho College. $299/week. Discounts available. cstmtti.com
SUMMER STAGE DRAMA CAMP Have fun while learning through imaginative theater activities designed to build con-
WSU VOLLEYBALL INDIVIDUAL ALL-SKILLS CAMP Athletes can raise their skill level in a highly competitive setting and experience what it’s like to play at Washington State University. This camp mainly focuses on the development of good, allaround volleyball skills, focusing on ball control, serving and using hands regardless of position. This camp also includes a small training block specific to designated positions. Girls entering grades 7-12. July 13-15 (overnight/commuter options) at WSU Bohler Gym, Pullman. $255-$405. wsuwomensvolleyballcamps.totalcamps.com
WSU WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAMP This camp is designed to give high school athletes the opportunity to practice together in a collegiate atmosphere. WSU provides one coach who is a current or former player or camp staff member for each
HAILEY YOUNG COVER DESIGN SUBMISSION
team. The primary focus of the camp is competition and team concepts, along with specific breakout sessions for high school coaches, including setting and team defense. Camp is concluded with the High School Team Tournament (July 11-12). Girls entering grades 9-12. July 9-12 (overnight and commuter options), at Bohler Gym, WSU Pullman. $375-$450. wsuwomensvolleyballcamps.totalcamps.com
SAINT GEORGE’S SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL CAMPS A camp for aspiring middle and high school volleyball players to work on skill building, teamwork and fundamentals. Coed. July 14-18 from 9-11 am (grades 4-5) and July 21-25 from 9 am-noon (grades 9-12) at the Errol Schmidt Athletic Center. $100. sgs.org
PAT POWERS ADVANCED VOLLEYBALL SKILLS CAMP A two-day advanced volleyball skills camp taught by Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers with a focus on passing, hitting, setting, serving, defense and more, including beach volleyball tips, athletic scholarships and playing in club volleyball. Coed, ages 11-18. Aug. 2-3 from 9 am-2 pm at the HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. $160. vbclinics.com
GONZAGA PREP VOLLEYBALL CAMP This volleyball camp run by Gonzaga Prep head coach Nikki Leonard teaches students to have a strong fundamental understanding of volleyball in a fun, high energy environment. Grades 4-8. July 16-17, daily from 8-10:30 am. At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
EWU VOLLEYBALL SERVING SKILLS CLINIC A camp designed to help players learn to serve with confidence from experienced coaching staff. Grades 3-12. July 14 from 4:30-6 pm. At Reese Court. $45. ewuvolleyball. totalcamps.com
EWU VOLLEYBALL BACK ROW SKILLS CLINIC A camp designed to help players of all skill levels with defense, receiving and serving. Campers will be divided by skill level to play games and drills designed to challenge each group. Grades 3-12. July 14 from 9 am-4 pm. At Reese Court. $150. ewuvolleyball.totalcamps.com
EWU VOLLEYBALL ELITE CAMP A camp designed to develop and train the technical and mental aspects of all positions. The camp will include multiple training sessions with a mix of fundamental and situational training. The campers are split into groups based on age and then the groups are adjusted accordingly to skill level. Grades 7-12. July 16-18; commuter and overnight available. At Reese Court. $320-$400. ewuvolleyball.totalcamps.com
EWU VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAMP A tournament style camp with various educational pieces provided by the EWU volleyball coaching staff. Commuter and overnight options available. July 24-26. At Reese Court. $300$350. ewuvolleyball.totalcamps.com n
Adventures Day Camp Grades 1-5 | July 15-18
Kids explore drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting using diverse materials and techniques. All skill levels are welcome. MAC to Basics Day Camps Grades 6-8 | Aug 6-9
Kids of all skill levels are welcome for sketching, screen printing, basket weaving, collage art, and art history lessons with our dynamic counselors.
Make art, build electronics, and explore nature! Themes are the same each week, but the difficulty of each week’s STEAM challenges will be catered to student’s grade level. Build the ideal summer camp experience by signing up for one day or for all.
CAMERA READY
SUMMER CAMPS
JUNE 23-26
THE HOPE ISSUE
“
” I get to share my perspective, but also start conversations with a stranger. That’s how change happens.
PAINT THE TOWN
Local creatives are making art in response to our current world
By Madison Pearson
For centuries, creatives have used art as a form of expression and a vehicle for change.
In the late 19th century, poet Emily Dickinson wrote: “Hope is the thing with feathers - / That perches in the soul - / And sings the tune without words - / And never stops - at all.”
Throughout the 1980s, Keith Haring rose to global prominence for his simple yet outspoken drawings, which reflected on topics such as social change and LGBTQ+ rights.
Throughout history, unrest has been a catalyst for creation, and that’s happening right in our own backyard. Or, in local artist Karen Mobley’s case, the front yard.
Since last summer, Mobley has been asking the community to drop off old political campaign signs at her South Hill home, no matter the party affiliation. She then turns each yard sign into a unique, hand-painted work of art donning a singular peace sign.
“It was a response to my inability to really articulate what I was feeling about all of the big stuff,” Mobley says. “The situation in Gaza and all of that.”
Mobley says she often has big, complicated ideas,
but the peace signs seemed simple and effective. She’s also been doing everything else citizens can to demand change: calling senators, showing up at events and volunteering for campaigns, but nothing felt concrete.
“One of the frustrating things about being politically active right now is that it feels very abstract,” she says. “So this project felt simple, but also introduced me to people whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise and brought me more friends through this little gifting economy it created.”
Mobley knows the peace signs won’t fix the problems our country is facing, but she says that if we move into the future with confidence, we can make a difference — one small step, and one peace sign, at a time.
“The way you get to peace is through learning about other people and recognizing their humanity,” she says.
Sometimes, making art in times of uncertainty isn’t easy.
Remelisa Cullitan, a queer biracial artist in Spokane, says they have found it hard to muster the energy to create these past couple of years.
“I’ve been trying to think of new potential projects
to work on,” Cullitan says. “But they’re things I explored almost eight to 10 years ago, and here they come again back into relevance. It feels like the needle hasn’t moved at all. If anything, it feels like it’s backslid quite a bit, and that’s incredibly frustrating.”
During the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, Cullitan lent their hand to Terrain’s Black Lives Matter mural (244 W. Main Ave.).
They’ve also created art related to issues like abortion and menstruation. The piece “Yoni Relics” features six different porcelain tampons dipped in liquid gold leaf. Cullitan says it was born out of the realization that tampons come in varying shapes, some that make sense and some that don’t.
Cullitan is hopeful they’ll get back to making art soon. They say the world needs artists right now.
“We live in a very patriarchal society driven hard by capitalism,” Cullitan says. “I constantly feel like my own perspective, my own voice, is never in the mix. That’s the thing I love about making artwork and displaying and sharing it with others. I get to share my perspective, but also start conversations with a stranger. That’s how change happens.” n
LEFT: “Yoni Relics” by Remelisa Cullitan. ABOVE: A campaign sign turned into a message of peace by Karen Mobley. COURTESY PHOTOS
THE HOPE ISSUE
TAKING ACTION
Protest is in the fabric of this country, and its power is still wielded by people today
By Colton Rasanen
For centuries, humans have gathered together to protest the things they feel are unjust.
“As long as people have organized themselves into communities, protests have been a super integral piece of the puzzle for people to change their governments and to voice their displeasure,” says Matt Rains, a Whitworth University political science professor. “If you dissent against your government for any reason, protesting is one of the mainstay strategies to make your voice
and your disagreement heard.”
Civil resistance in the U.S. has been commonplace throughout the country’s history, starting with the founding father’s protests against British rule. After decades of fighting, the women’s suffrage movement secured women the right to vote in 1920, with ratification of the 19th Amendment. The Civil Rights Movement railed against racial segregation, and in 1964 Congress prohibited discrimination based on race, sex, religion and national origin.
In the past decade the Black Lives Matter movement — which became more visible and outspoken after the 2014 killing of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson — has fought against the institutional injustice Black people face at the hands of police. Those protests simmered for years and then were reinvigorated nationwide after George Floyd was murdered in May 2020 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
Spokane artist Daniel Lopez’s Black Lives Matter mural, painted in 2020 after George Floyd was murdered by police. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
Today, civil resistance continues as folks across the country have taken to the streets (and sometimes to Tesla dealerships) to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and overreach by billionaire Elon Musk.
“This is a moment in time in our country where we are in an intense struggle for our freedom, and in our democracy,” says Dan Lambert, an organizer with the grassroots political movement Indivisible Spokane. “With everybody coming together like they are, I know we are going to be able to achieve the goal, which is to stop Donald Trump and Elon Musk from tearing our country apart.”
Lambert has been protesting for almost half a century. He began his activism during the American Agriculture Movement in the late 1970s after seeing how rural farmers were impacted by legislation that favored large-scale production, rather than individual and family farms.
“The Farm Bills of 1973 and 1977 ultimately led to disaster when inflation rose significantly and interest rates shot up, forcing many farmers into bankruptcy because they couldn’t afford the payments,” he says. “This resulted in devastated towns and communities all across the country.”
Lambert says his long background in activist
down of roads and highways,” Rains explains. “These frustrating instances that the general public may see as sort of, ‘Oh, well this is a step too far,’ but it is the thing that is going to get your issue out into salience and is going to start applying that pressure to some extent.”
Rains argues that every effort, even the smallest of them, is important in a protest movement.
“If your neighbor is showing up on a corner of Division Street with a sign, just waving to people that are driving by, it’s not going to necessarily have the same pressure level weight as a massive protest of thousands of people in downtown Spokane, but it’s still a very small chess piece in that broader game of a civil resistance movement,” he says. “In my mind, a successful protest is really just somebody deciding that they want to see something changed, making a sign or not making a sign as the case may be, and just getting out there and protesting.”
Regardless of how anyone decides to protest, Camerina Zorrozua says people need to consider their safety.
“People may be facing criminal consequences just by exercising their right to have free political speech,” says Zorrozua, co-founder and legal director of Spokane-based nonprofit legal aid organization The Way to Justice. “It’s a reality
work has informed him how to effectively organize movements for change.
First, he says, protests are best when they take a multifaceted approach. For example, on Saturday, April 5, Indivisible hosted a “Hands Off” protest at Spokane’s B.A. Clark Park, which borders North Division Street. While thousands of attendees brought signs to communicate their messages to passers-by, Lambert says it was also important to have other organizations table the event so folks could find other outlets for future action.
Rains, the political science professor, agrees. He also says that historically, protests that are the most successful have been inconvenient but nonviolent.
“If we look back at the Civil Rights Movement, for example, it’s not just a matter of picketing on a street corner. It’s things like sit-ins, and in the modern day you might see the shutting
that you may be risking your freedoms, say if you’re here on a student visa, you know, it forces people to weigh potential consequences with their rights.”
With the risk of arrest, she says it’s important to prepare for that situation by writing down an attorney’s number or organizing a plan with a friend. She also recommends considering legal observers, a neutral volunteer who documents interactions between police and protesters, in protest planning.
“If we had enough notice, we could even coordinate to have more than one legal observer present,” she says. n
GET INVOLVED
Indivisible Spokane: indivisible.org
(also find a Facebook group)
The Way to Justice: thewaytojustice.com
Regional Groups Launch Eastern Washington Refugee Coalition
The U.S. Refugee Admission Program has been shut down since Jan. 20, meaning long-standing contracts with resettlement agencies across the nation, including World Relief here in the Inland Northwest, have been canceled for the foreseeable future.
In response, several regional organizations on March 15 — Feast World Kitchen, Global Neighborhood, International Rescue Committee (Spokane), Manzanita House, Refugee and Immigrant Connections, and Thrive International — have formed the Eastern Washington Refugee Coalition to ensure that refugees still get the support they need.
“The impact is dire for people who have arrived here in our region in recent months/years and need support navigating things like job skills development, housing stability, basic needs and community resources, English language development, and much more,” reads a March 19 newsletter from Feast World Kitchen.
To help raise funds for the coalition, Feast held the “World’s Most Expensive Bake Sale” on March 20. The first $25,000 raised is being matched by Smith-Barbieri Progressive Fund ($15,000) and First Presbyterian Church of Spokane ($10,000).
As of early April, Feast’s cofounder and co-executive director, Ross Carper, says nearly $15,000 has been raised, and he hopes to hit the matching amount’s target soon. Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/587xk44j.
Carper says 20% of funds raised will be used to raise awareness and support the coalition’s advocacy efforts. The remaining 80% will be divided equally among its member organizations.
“I think all of us, as a coalition, we all want to just come together and do what we can to make sure that people who have come to our community as refugees, having fled horrific war and violence and genocide in different situations, that they have the best shot possible at having a flourishing life here in the U.S. and in Spokane,” Carper says.
— DORA SCOTT
Protesters marched through downtown Spokane on Feb. 17 as part of the national “Resident’s Day” protest. ELIZA BILLINGHAM PHOTO
Local organizations are uniting to support refugees in the region. COURTESY PHOTO
THE HOPE ISSUE
EVOKE REAL CHANGE
Whether they rely on federal funding or not, volunteering with local organizations can help
By Hannah Higens
As nonprofits and community groups try to help fill massive gaps in services impacted by the Trump administration’s sweeping budget-cutting efforts, it can feel like an insurmountable task knowing where to even start to help make a difference as an individual. But whether you’re looking to volunteer, make a financial donation or attend a local event, there are a variety of ways to get involved in the Spokane area, including with these local organizations.
TRIBES:
THE NATIVE PROJECT
Initially started as an organization dedicated to serving Native American youth of Spokane, the NATIVE Project is a local health care organization that provides services to at-risk people of all ages in the Spokane community.
The NATIVE Project’s mission is to “provide quality services that promote wellness and balance of mind, body, and spirit for individuals, staff, families, and communities. Focusing on ‘Sacred Hospitality,’ we provide services for all people who are seeking medical, dental, behavioral health, or wellness and prevention services.”
Donate at nativeproject.org/about-us/donate to help fund services for those seeking medical, dental, behavioral health, or wellness and prevention services.
FOOD INSECURITY: MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels Spokane is a 100% privately funded local organization that provides nutritious meals to homebound seniors in the Spokane area. With the help of more than 500 volunteers, Meals on Wheels serves 600 meals daily, or almost 215,000 meals each year, according to the nonprofit’s website.
Meals on Wheels accepts donations by phone (509456-6597) or online at mowspokane.org. The team is always seeking volunteers, whether that be delivery drivers, cooks or food packers.
The nonprofit’s next fundraiser on Friday, May 9, is its 10th annual “MOWtown Downtown” event. The event at Barrister Winery includes an auction, live music by Nu Jack City, appetizers, drinks and deserts. Tickets are $100 per person and include two free drink tokens, with all proceeds going to the organization.
A separate organization, Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County, serves meals to seniors in outlying areas, preparing more than 900 meals a day. Learn more at mowgsc.org.
LGBTQ+: SAN
SAN (formerly Spokane Aids Network) provides support and services for those living with and affected by HIV, as well as the greater LGBTQ+ community. SAN provides peer support, group support, a food pantry, emergency services and safe space events. Founded in 1985, “the core of our efforts is to provide support to people living with HIV and to bring our community together,” as noted at sannw.org.
The best way to support SAN is through monetary donations at givebutter.com/sangives, however the nonprofit also accepts nonperishable items for its food pantry. SAN also needs volunteers to help run the front desk, food pantry and events. SAN’s next big volunteer event takes place during Pride month, in June. Learn how to help via its social media and website.
HEALTH CARE: CHAS
CHAS Health is a local, nonprofit federally qualified health center, which serves more than 120,000 patients in the Inland Northwest through more than two dozen locations offering health or dental care. CHAS provides health care to everyone, regardless of insurance status.
The best way to support the work of CHAS Health is through the CHAS Health Foundation, which aims to create health equity “by strategically investing in patients, partners, and communities.” There are several specific funds that those looking to support CHAS can direct their donation to, which are listed at chas.org/about-chas/chas-foundation.
LITERACY: SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Spokane Public Library system provides the community with free access to tons of resources: books, movies, music, events, printing, computers, meeting rooms, cultural and educational opportunities, outdoors equipment, and more.
To do so, the library is always seeking support via two charitable entities that support its initiatives and resources. The Friends of the Spokane Public Library (spokanelibrary.org/ friends) accepts donations of lightly used books to sell via its annual Friends of the Library Book Sale, coming up next April 24-26 at the Shadle Park Library.
When community members buy materials from Friends of the Library, which also runs a used book store at downtown’s Central Library, they’re helping maintain library programs and supplies. Monetary donations can also be given to the Spokane Public Library Foundation at www.spokanelibraryfoundation.org.
ENVIRONMENT: SPOKANE RIVERKEEPER
The Spokane Riverkeeper is a nonprofit that advocates for the Spokane River, aiming to protect, preserve and restore the watershed for future generations. Its goal is to “envision a river where wild native fish thrive, pollution is eliminated, and the community is actively engaged in its protection.”
To get involved, community members can volunteer at public or group river cleanups, help collect scientific data to monitor water quality or become a monthly donor to help sustain the Riverkeeper’s efforts.
Spokane Riverkeeper is hosting an Earth Day River Cleanup on Saturday, April 19, at 10 am. The public is invited to participate in this family-friendly event at High Bridge Park to help remove trash from the riverbank. Sign up at spokaneriverkeeper.org. n
SAN offers a wide range of services and hosts local events to support the broader LGBTQ+ community. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO
Volunteers are vital to Meals on Wheels’ services. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
CHAS operates a clinic inside Shadle Park High School. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
HUMAN CONNECTION
As political polarization deepens, one North Idaho group is working to encourage kindness
By Victor Corral Martinez
The North Idaho Kindness Project aims to strengthen community relationships through small acts of kindness in Kootenai County. The effort is led by Ali Orjala, who’s motivated to remind people of our shared humanity in a positive way.
Orjala says the organization’s marquee program is its kindness cards, created by local children and adults. Volunteers deliver thousands of handmade cards each year to hospice care residents, fire departments, educators, government workers and anyone else who may need a boost.
Kootenai County has had multiple high-profile hate-driven events that made headlines in recent years, including the 31 members of the white nationalist Patriot Front who were arrested near the 2022 Coeur d’Alene Pride event, and racist slurs that were directed at a visiting women’s basketball team last year. Still, Orjala says it’s time to celebrate small moments of kindness that get overlooked.
GET INVOLVED
North Idaho Kindness Project northidahokindnessproject.org
The North Idaho Kindness Project also provides local businesses and residents with signs and stickers to display on doors and windows that reaffirm people’s commitment to being part of a welcoming community that accepts everyone. New sticker and sign designs are currently being created for supporters to display.
“I will say that kindness cards have taken over, but our declaration and the stickers are our roots,” Orjala says. “It is such a simple program, but it provides a visual reminder to community members, tourists and anyone that kindness does live in this space.”
“I had this sweet little boy open the door for me when I went into a parentteacher conference this morning, and he was 6 years old,” Orjala says. “No one writes news about these things, but they happen all the time, and they are worthy of being acknowledged and remembered when talking about a community.”
Orjala says financial donations are great for the organization because it’s volunteer-driven and has limited expenses beyond purchasing cardmaking supplies. Volunteering to create kindness cards is also a great way to contribute.
“Our overhead is very low,” she says. “I always think it’s important to note because even a $100 donation funded 15% of kindness cards next year.” n
Iris Siegler of Iris’ House Preschool receives kindness cards from Ali Orjala, right. COURTESY PHOTO
Hop, Hop, Hooray!
Check out these Easter eats and egg hunts around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene
BY DORA SCOTT
From eggs-travagant brunch buffets to Easter-inspired menus, you won’t be eating bunny food for Easter on Sunday, April 20. Here are some local spots to hop over to on Easter weekend.
Inside the Grand Pennington and Hall of Doges ballrooms of the Historic Davenport Hotel, descend upon an Easter brunch buffet ($89.95/person; $49.95/children 6-12 years old; children 5 and under free) on April 20. Experience a culinary fete of meat carving stations, a chocolate fountain, house-made desserts and more. Visit davenporthotelcollection.com for more info and reservations.
For scenic views of the Spokane River this Easter, come to the Ruby River Hotel’s Easter brunch buffet ($45/person; $21/children 4-12 years old; children 3 and under free) on April 20, from 8:30 am-3 pm with three reservation time slots. The menu includes scrambled eggs, French toast, a prime rib carving station, a charcuterie board, mini tarts, carrot cake and much more. For more info and tickets, visit rubyriverhotelspokane.com.
On April 20, from 9 am-2:30 pm, Beverly’s at the Coeur d’Alene Resort hosts its Easter brunch buffet ($95/person; $40/kids 5-12 years old; 4 and under free). Jump between a fruit display, a salad bar, and an hors
d’oeuvres table decked with finger foods, made-to-order omelets, an eggs Benedict station, a Belgian waffle station, and a grand display of miniature desserts. For more info on other Easter festivities at the resort and reservations, visit cdaresort.com.
Embark on the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises’ Easter brunch buffet ($81.50/person; children 5 and under free) on April 20 with two time slots (11 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-3 pm). With spring salads, crème brulée French toast, hashbrown cheddar cheese bakes and much more, gather your peeps for a fun-filled feast. For more info and tickets, visit cdacruises.com.
Make Easter memories with the Kitchen Engine’s vintage Easter cake decorating class ($90) on Monday, April 14 from 5:45-8 pm. The class will guide you how to get a smooth buttercream finish and different elegant piping techniques. Take your cake home after to share with friends and family. For more info and reservations, visit thekitchenengine.com.
The Riverfront Park Pavilion transforms into a feast on Saturday, April 19, for Easter brunch ($37/person; $24/kids 6-12; under 5 free) including baked goods, fruit, breakfast potatoes, sausage links, ham, bacon, cheddar frittatas, a waffle bar and beverage station. There are three reservation times (8-9:30 am, 9:30-11 am, 11 am12:30 pm), visit my.spokanecity.org for more info.
Join Inland Pacific Kitchen for Easter brunch on April 20 from 9 am-1:45 pm. Indulge in breakfast items such as the smoked salmon Benedict ($18), overnight oats ($12) or the pork shank croque madame ($17). For a combination of sweet and savory, choose the chicken and waffles ($18). What’s Easter without some carrot dishes? Try the carrot cake cinnamon roll ($14) or the spring tartine ($22) with shaved carrot topping the open-faced sandwich. For more info and reservations, visit ipkspokane.com.
Head up north to 1898 Public House at the Kalispel Golf and Country Club for Easter brunch buffet ($65/ person; $25/kids 7-12; under 3 free) including salads, meat carving station, entrées like croissant ham Benedict and house-made biscuits, hors d’oeuvres like spring rolls and teriyaki meatballs, omelet station, potato bar, and sweets. For more info and reservations, visit kalispelgolf.com.
The Easter fun continues at Lunarium, the latenight tea spot on North Monroe, on April 27 from 1-3 pm. The light three-course Easter brunch ($60) includes items like haupia pudding, mini scones, veggie quiches, and a French Mediterranean salad. A vegan version is also available. Sip on a decaffeinated iced Vietnamese coffee or the Halfling’s Hutch, an earthy herbal tea. As you dine, enjoy an all-ages friendly drag show performed by the Moonlighters Drag Collective. For more info, visit lunariumspokane.com. n
FREE EASTER EGG HUNTS
RIVERFRONT PARK
EASTER EGG HUNTS
Saturday, April 19: ages 0-2 at 10 am (Pavilion), ages 3-5 at 10:25 am (Clock Tower Meadow) ages 6+ at 10:35 am (Lilac Bowl), sensory-supportive by reservation from 11 am-12:45 pm (Providence Playscape); my.spokanecity.org
GUARDIANS OF THE CHILDREN INLAND
NORTHWEST EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 19 at 1 pm, all ages, 5108 N. Market St., facebook.com/Guardiansofthechildreninw
ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 19 at 9 am, ages 18+, Vanhoff’s Garden Center, 1844 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, vanhoffs.com
POST FALLS EASTER
EGG EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday, April 19: toddlers at 1 pm, ages 3-4 at 1:15 pm, ages 5-7 at 1:30, ages 8-11 at 1:45, special and mobility needs at 2 pm, Q’emiln Park, 12201 W. Parkway Drive, postfalls.gov
The Historic Davenport’s im-peck-able Easter brunch. PHOTOS COURTESY DAVENPORT HOTELS
Amateur Hour
The Amateur sees a great Rami Malek doing all he can to fight through a mostly shoddy spy thriller
BY CHASE HUTCHINSON
For those who haven’t seen him at his best, let one thing be made clear right out of the gate: Rami Malek is a great actor. Though he hasn’t always been in the greatest of works since his breakout performance in the essential yet somehow still underrated series Mr. Robot, it’s the ones that make the most of his unique screen presence where you can see his promise. Forget 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, the rather woeful Freddie Mercury biopic in which Malek won an Oscar for his performance, and instead look at something like the bold 2016 film Buster’s Mal Heart to get a sense of what he can do. In both that and Mr. Robot, he was nothing short of mesmerizing in how he captured each character’s distinctly fragile state of mind as they faced down a world that seemed to be crumbling around them. It’s these works where you can’t take your eyes off him, as every piercing stare and tightly wound element of his physicality always brings an intensity that makes you sit up in your seat. Even as their stories may stumble, Malek never does.
This regrettably makes The Amateur — a largely wellacted though shaky adaptation of the novel of the same name by Robert Littell — such a disappointment. The
blame falls not at the feet of Malek, who nearly holds the entire film together, but the increasingly awkward way it unfolds. It has the makings of a tense thriller yet repeatedly shoots itself in the foot even as it insists that what it is tapping into is something more complex. Instead, it’s largely just contrived.
Rated R
Centering on CIA decoder Charlie Heller (Malek) as he tries to get revenge on the mysterious mercenaries who killed his wife (Rachel Brosnahan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) in London and find out the truth of the organization he’s working for, it’s like if Mr. Robot were crossed with the Jason Bourne series. You see, Charlie is kept in the dark about what’s going on though he will have to learn how to be a spy in record time to take down his wife’s killers one by one while uncovering the broader coverup at play.
Malek, who makes the role his own and is the biggest improvement over the similarly lackluster 1981 big screen adaptation of the book, is best in the moments of isolation as he has to piece this all together. He ensures that you feel a genuine sense of engagement as he takes on his
bosses at the CIA and will soon have to evade his trainer (played by the similarly always great Laurence Fishburne in an otherwise thankless part) as he trots around the globe. The trouble is that the film, after a more tense confined confrontation with the first mercenary he finds, insists on going bigger and bigger to the point that any more grounded engagement is lost. Despite making an effective early joke of how Charlie is very much not James Bond, The Amateur clearly wants to be as brash as that series in a way that clashes with much of its setup. That it remains uncertain about what type of film it wants to be — a deconstruction of the tropes of the spy genre or one that revels in them — only means it succeeds at neither. As we then follow his unlikely spy all over the world, with the occasional ghostly appearance by a wasted Brosnahan or what amounts to little more than a glorified cameo by Jon Bernthal, the mostly so-so action gives way to the movie bafflingly trying to reach for something more thoughtful about the nature of modern U.S. involvement in forever wars abroad. Without giving away the game, even as it’s painfully obvious what is happening from the jump — it turns out the CIA is up to some underhanded dealings that Charlie will bring to the surface. It’s something that the film seems to want to use to give the affair a bit more teeth, only to undercut this with a late monologue about how this corruption is only an outlier when the rest of their work is much more above board. If it wasn’t such a bizarre cop-out, it would be comical in how tacked-on this feels. Where Mr. Robot was an honest confrontation with the forces consuming the world and gave Malek more to work with, The Amateur is a mission failure on both counts. n
Rami Malek does the most with what little The Amateur gives him.
Don’t Hug Me,
I’m Scared
Sacramento sees Michael Cera and Michael Angarano anchoring a messy, moving dramedy
BY CHASE HUTCHINSON
Back in 2007, if you brought up that there would come a time when Michael Cera (who starred in Superbad and Juno that year) would shift into a full-blown millennial dad era of his career, it might have caused a spiraling crisis in audiences of a certain age about the passage of time. However, this can’t compare to the experience of actually seeing it on-screen in the plenty silly though effectively sentimental Sacramento. The second feature from writer/ director Michael Angarano (Sky High) who also stars alongside Cera, it’s a film about two troubled friends who have grown apart in their respective adulthoods only to reconnect and set out on an impromptu road trip.
Rated R
ingly funny little dramedy.
What the journey has in store for you is best left light in terms of plot details, but in a grand sense, it’s a film about dads and dying. Rickey (Angarano) has recently lost his father and had a breakdown. We see the aftermath of it in a delightfully humorous early scene in which he hijacks a group therapy session to supposedly help others before gently but firmly being told by the actual trained professional running it that he needs to leave and take the tools he has learned to start living his life. That’s when he decides to reconnect with Glenn (Cera), who is going through a big transition.
Sacramento
Directed by Michael Angarano
Starring Michael Cera, Michael Angarano, Kristen Stewart, Maya Erskine
Though this may sound like a story you’ve seen before in the countless number of road trip movies that come out every year, the deceptive simplicity of this initial premise is merely the first layer of what becomes a deeply felt and often devastat-
Namely, Glenn’s wife, Rosie, played by Kristen Stewart in a regrettably small yet still impactful part, is about to have a baby. This is something Glenn is struggling with in addition to fears he may soon lose his job as part of mass layoffs (painfully relatable). He is frequently hit with panic attacks, even being set off when the crib they bought has a minuscule creaking sound. It’s a small thing, but it’s the first moment of many where Cera’s gently mirthful yet melancholic performance betrays how Glenn is increasingly failing to face the fears he has about his future.
The jokes that the duo tease out, including one great gag we see glimpsed through the window of a restaurant, blend together with a loving yet not uncritical
ALSO OPENING
THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
This British comedy finds an eccentric lottery winner paying to lure his favorite singersongwriter duo — two former lovers who had a falling out — back together to reconnect and play a private show on his remote island. Rated PG-13
DROP
When a widowed mother decides to finally go on a date at an upscale restaurant, things take a psychological thriller turn when she starts receiving threatening messages on her phone insisting she must murder her date or the mysterious perpetrators will kill her children. Rated PG-13
THE KING OF KINGS
An all-star voice cast (Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, Oscar Isaac) presents this Angel Studios CGI animated feature where a young Charles Dickens tells his son the life story of Jesus Christ. Rated PG
WARFARE
Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War) and former U.S. Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza team up to co-write and co-direct this gritty depiction of Mendoza’s time serving in the Iraq War. Rated R
portrait of the two men. They are, to put it lightly, complete messes and woefully ill-equipped for big parts of their lives, though neither will talk to the other about it. Instead, they’ll both project their anxieties on the other and then try to hide from their own problems by offering support to the other.
Just when this risks falling into repetition, the film complicates and deepens this with a closing act that completely pulls the rug out from under you. The jokes still all land, with a magnificent Maya Erskine (PEN15) coming in to steal the whole film right at the end, but there is a more fraught tension we stumble through.
At multiple points, you think this could all fall apart, with one moment actually doing so as Glenn’s panic becomes believably frightening with Cera pulling off a tricky shift in tone. At the same time, the duo remains completely in sync with the other, diving off the edge in a stressful yet comedic fashion before drawing us back in from the brink. When things then settle down, and we get a more quietly bittersweet finale, we understand that these two boyish men still have a whole lot of growing up to do. However, no matter how frustrating they can be to ride along with as cinematic passengers, their deeply human rapport would have you jumping in the back seat anytime for another trip. And honestly, we could all use more movies like this. As one final conversation crystallizes, Sacramento offers a sliver of truth in a chaotic world. n
MOVIE TIMES
Cera and Angarano make this a trip worth taking.
’Maids of the Mist
After meeting in a production of Hamilton, genre-blurring duo Mermaid now tour as a band while touring with the acclaimed musical
BY SETH SOMMERFELD
The nomadic life of a performer in a touring Broadway production isn’t the easiest to manage. The combination of never feeling settled while often being away from the ones you love and while also trying to deliver a stellar performance of the same show again and again can be emotionally and vocally taxing on the actors. The spotlight may be invigorating and revitalizing, but for most performers, the last thing they want to do on days off is spend even more time on stage.
Given that, Brittany Campbell and Candace Quarrels are mythical outliers befitting their joint siren pseudonym. When the two aren’t sharing the musical theater spotlight as part of the blockbuster musical Hamilton, they form the alternative R&B duo Mermaid. Boasting killer vocal harmonies (which might make listeners think they’re sea witches who stole their angelic pipes from naive young lasses desperate for legs) and a knack for genre-blurring sonic exploration, Mermaid’s creativity bubbles to the surface on the group’s 2023 debut album Iridescence. One moment Mermaid dips its flippers into loving pop R&B grooves (“Thrivin’”) and the next the group
is off-kilter singing about societal ills (“Purr”). The duo feels just as comfortable rocking out in alternative (“Boundaries”) and punk (“Disassociate”) realms as it does with minimalist tender folk (“On a Cloud”) and sensual indie psych-R&B (“Wanna Be Your Lover”) sonic spaces.
“It’s all over the place in a pretty deliberate sort of way,” Campbell says. “In the industry, especially as Black artists, people try to pigeonhole you into a genre or packaging, and want to push against it because Black music is so many things. So we kind of wanted to go in with that knowledge and be brave and truthful about who we are and what we like without any sort of apprehension.”
The couple not only pour their time away from the stage into their own music, they also tour as Mermaid while on tour with Hamilton. To that end, Campbell and Quarrels will play a Mermaid gig at The Big Dipper on Monday, April 14, smack dab in the middle of their two-week run (April 8-20) performing in Hamilton at the First Interstate Center for the Arts.
Hamilton is more than just a job for Campbell and Quarrels, as the pair initially met after landing roles in the 2017 Chicago production of the hit American history hip-hop musical. Cast to play two of the Schuyler sisters, the two pretty quickly hit it off musically.
“I’m super woo woo about it all, but it was immediately souls recognizing each other,” Quarrels says. “Playing sisters was also so special, just hearing the blend of our voices and our chemistry together, both on stage and off it. We knew there was something special about our bond and our sound. And Britt has been making music for so long and is such an amazing solo artist, and one day she just asked me to sing background vocals for one of her shows in Chicago, and we had so much fun doing that. And yeah, I think the idea of us singing together really was brought to fruition via Brittany and her already having so much music in her brain and heart. It came together super organically.”
“Apart from obviously singing in Hamilton, Candace and I would just be going around the theater outside, hanging out, just like harmonizing with each other,” Campbell adds. “And our friends would be like, ‘Oh my God, you guys! You sound like you have blood harmony!’ I was always really intrigued by Candace’s voice, so I think that also [led to] wanting to write and see what kind of music could come out of our similar tastes and our natural chemistry.”
But while the musical bond was instant, the pair’s relationship was a bit slower burning. In fact, music served another hidden purpose in the first year of Campbell and Quarrels knowing each other — it was also coy flirting.
“It took a minute for our friendship to really even form, and the sort of unspoken romance behind it to develop,” Campbell says. “That’s when the music started to come. I think it was sort of how we were communicating with each other before we were able to admit feelings for each other. And it just sort of became an outlet in that way.” By the end of 2018, the two were an item, and the following year they moved together to Los Angeles and started pouring a bit more focus into Mermaid. The biggest obstacle out of the gate was trying to figure out what their band should sound like because both brought such disparate musical passions to the table.
The harmonic duo of Campbell and Quarrels are a landdwelling Mermaid. PHOTOS COURTESY MERMAID
Mermaid had one song, “Find Me,” a folky track that’s part Moses Sumney and a whole lot of heart-melting vocals. The duo submitted a video of it as part of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, and it was selected by Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard as one her favorite of the submissions. But even with the positive attention, Mermaid didn’t really feel like fully locking into that sound.
“As we decided to live our lives apart from the musical, just like learning about each other and learning about each other’s musical tastes, we kind of decided to explore and not hold ourselves back. Not try to fit into any one genre, and just go with what was inspirational at the time,” Campbell says. “In the beginning it was folk, and then in the middle there it turned into more like Anderson .Paak alternative R&B coded music. And then Candace got me a drum kit, and all of a sudden we were making more punk-leaning, indie-leaning music. So yeah, we just kind of went with what felt really good and what was exciting to us.”
Mermaid provides smaller stage satisfaction for Campbell and Quarrels.
The women of Mermaid will be the first to tell you that trying to be a band playing shows while also performing in a big Broadway production might not be the smartest move in terms of preventing mental and physical wear and tear, but having a creative outlet they can call their own makes up for the energy drain.
“It is definitely being in it,” Quarrels says. “It’s a lot, a lot of work. We do Mermaid shows on our day off. Hamilton is eight shows a week, and then adding a ninth one — normally the one night for performers without singing — it can be exhausting. But how special and how fed are we to get to spend a night of our week performing this music that means so much to us and is ours? We’re getting new ears on it, inspiring our coworkers and inspiring ourselves. I know I always feel so good after a Mermaid show, because this means something to me, means something to us. We believe in this music, and it is worthy of this effort. It’s a labor of love, but it’s worth it.”
The duo hopes to raise money to put together a second Mermaid album in the not-too-distant future, with new tunes drawing on everything from electronic hyper pop and Joni Mitchell to indie rock and instrumental jazz. It’s these vibrant sonic seas where Mermaid feels most at home. Sure, the nightly standing ovations Campbell and Quarrels receive as part of the Hamilton cast can feel amazing, but its time on Mermaid’s much more modest stages where the couple finds a deeper creative fulfillment.
“In Hamilton, we’re playing pretty deep characters. We’re telling a very specific story,” Campbell explains. “But when we play our shows, it’s just us on the stage, which feels super, super important and I think recharges us as artists. I know that I personally need to feel that sort of freedom, that sort of autonomy, that sort of inspiration that comes from sharing what is literally from our hearts, our souls.” n
Mermaid, Brittany Campbell, Yel, Prodsynesthete • Mon, April 14 at 7:30 pm • $15 • All ages • The Big Dipper • 171 S. Washington St. • thebigdipperspokane.com
Living Well in the Inland Northwest
LOCAL JAZZ ROCK PAMELA BENTON BAND
J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW
J = ALL AGES SHOW
Thursday, 4/10
J THE BIG DIPPER, DUG, Museum of Light, Ghostdivorce
CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds GARLAND DRINKERY, Speak Easy: Open Mic Night
J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Queensrÿche
J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin RED ROOM LOUNGE, Thurrsdays EDM Night
ZOLA, X24 25, Frances Browne
Friday, 4/11
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Randi Marie Shaw
J THE BIG DIPPER, The Unlikely Candidates, World’s First Cinema
BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, The Real McCoy THE CHAMELEON, Kuinka, The Bed Heads, Garrett Zanol
CHINOOK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Jason Lucas
IRON HORSE (CDA), Karma’s Circle JADE: A PNW BAR, Michael Jackson vs. Prince: Tribute DJ Dance Party with KosMos the Afronaut
J J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, The Writer’s Room: Sydney Dale, Bill Babin, Scott Ryan Ingersoll, JOBIE, Chrysalis
J KNITTING FACTORY, Restless Road, Kelsey Hart
THE MOOSE LOUNGE (CDA), The Shift
THE MOOSE LOUNGE (NORTH), South Paw NIGHT OWL, Four On The Floor Fridays
One way to cut through the homogeneity and stand out from the pack in a local scene is employing different instrumentation. While she’s certainly apt at rocking out with a guitar, local singer-songwriter Pamela Benton really shines when she busts out her main musical tool: the electric violin. Her classically trained shredding has been showcased on Spokane stages for years, leading the Pamela Benton Band (which also boasts a host of local jazz and orchestra instructors backing her) to carve out a genre-blending niche of rock, jazz, blues, pop and folk. You can catch Spokane’s electric violin ace in action when Benton and company head to Hamilton Studio.
— SETH SOMMERFELD
Pamela Benton Band • Sat, April 12 at 6 pm • $30 • All ages • Hamilton Studio • 1427 W. Dean Ave. • hamilton.live
SINGER-SONGWRITERS THE WRITER’S ROOM
J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, L. Young: Trouble Man -
A Tribute To Marvin Gaye PEND D ’OREILLE WINERY, Jay Alm RED ROOM LOUNGE, Cordell Drake Birthday Bash with Swisher Sleep
TRVST, Pesky Penguin ZOLA, Jason Perry Band
Saturday, 4/12
J THE BIG DIPPER, Horizons, Chapter 13, Hermano Kuya, Spellkast
J THE BIG DIPPER, Spooky, The Dilrods, Poise, MFD BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, The Real McCoy
J BOTTLE BAY BREWING CO., Tabitha Smith & Austin Carruthers THE CHAMELEON, Boot Juice, Blackwater Railroad
CHINOOK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Jason Lucas
THE DISTRICT BAR, Old 97’s, Grey DeLisle
J J HAMILTON STUDIO, Pamela Benton Band
IRON HORSE (CDA), Karma’s Circle
J J BONES MUSICLAND, Hermano Kuya, Fall Of The Conscience, Stares Of Vega, Index
J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, Devours, God Tongue, Iron Chain
J MIKEY’S GYROS, Desolation Horse, Okay Okay THE MOOSE LOUNGE (CDA), The Shift THE MOOSE LOUNGE (NORTH), South Paw NIGHT OWL, Priestess RED ROOM LOUNGE, BNGRZ
Diving into the local music scene can be a bit tough for many, but the Chameleon’s monthly Writer’s Room showcase offers a sonic sampler platter to make things a bit easier for the uninitiated. The all-ages shows bring together an array of local singer-songwriters for something akin to a curated open mic — where the prebooked acts share their music via short sets that don’t overstay their welcome. April’s docket includes indie popper Sydney Dale, Snacks at Midnight’s Bill Babin and scene mainstay Scott Ryan Ingersoll, plus touring singer-songwriters JOBIE and Chrysalis. — SETH SOMMERFELD
The Writer’s Room: Sydney Dale, Bill Babin, Scott Ryan Ingersoll, JOBIE, Chrysalis • Fri, April 11 at 7:30 pm • $10-$15 • All ages • Jaguar Room at The Chameleon • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • chameleonspokane.com
TRVST, KosMos the Afronaut ZOLA, Blake Braley, Sydney Dale Band
Sunday, 4/13
HOGFISH, Open Mic
J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Buckcherry
Monday, 4/14
J J THE BIG DIPPER, Mermaid, Brittany Campbell, Yel, Prodsynesthete RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Open Mic ZOLA, Nate Stratte, RHKS
Tuesday, 4/15
PEND D ’OREILLE WINERY, Jonathan Nicholson SWING LOUNGE, Swing Lounge Live Music Tuesdays
ZOLA, The Zola All Star Jam, David Jeter
Wednesday, 4/16
J THE BIG DIPPER, Millergold, Lioneer, BRADEN ALL CAPS, Aspergillus THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic
J MARYHILL WINERY SPOKANE, Kori Ailene
PACIFIC AVE PIZZA, Square Wave Wednesday
PEND D ’OREILLE WINERY, Bob Breadling RED ROOM LOUNGE, Red Room Jam
J TIMBERS ROADHOUSE, Cary Beare Presents TRVST, The TRVST Open Decks ZOLA, Akifumi Kato
Just Announced...
J THE BIG DIPPER, Eyes/Luna, May 1.
J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, Nate Synonymous: The Curiosity Constant Release Show, May 2.
J KNITTING FACTORY, Geneva, May 23.
J JAGUAR ROOM AT CHAMELEON, 40 Watt Sun, June 29.
THE DISTRIC BAR, Vandoliers, July 2.
J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Flatland Cavalry, July 17.
J THE FOX THEATER, Regina Spektor, July 29.
J SPOKANE PAVILION, Sam Barber, Aug. 8.
J KNITTING FACTORY, Tropidelic, Shwayze, Aug. 13.
J J KNITTING FACTORY, Black Happy, Aug 14 & 15.
J KNITTING FACTORY, The Wallflower, Aug. 20.
J SPOKANE ARENA, Brandon King, Nov. 23.
Coming Up...
ZOLA, Mason Van Stone, April 17, 5 pm.
J HAMILTON STUDIO, Jazz From the Silver Screen: Dmitri Matheny and David Larsen, April 17, 7 pm.
J THE BIG DIPPER, Age of Nephilim, Plague Bearer, Diabolic Oath, Hísemtuks Hími•n, April 17, 7:30 pm.
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Isaac Smith, April 18, 6-8 pm.
J THE BIG DIPPER, Hayes Noble, Counterfeit, Kubrick Deluxe Marble Race, Dairiybaby, April 18, 7:30 pm.
J THE FOX THEATER, Tower of Power, April 18, 7:30 pm.
If you’ve binge-watched all eight seasons of the British reality competition show The Great Pottery Throw Down, and, like me, have always wondered what the dynamic in the studio was like off-screen, you’re in luck. On Friday, Coeur d’Alene art gallery Emerge hosts its fifth annual Throwdown. Local potters will participate in a throwing competition, with fun challenges like creating the tallest vessel or making something while blindfolded, while attendees get to watch it all live. The event is also a fundraiser for Emerge. Each competing ceramicist has donated a handful of handmade cups that folks can buy for $15 each if they’re quick enough. Though attendance is free, a $45 VIP ticket gets you into the gallery an hour earlier than anyone else.
— COLTON RASANEN
Fifth Annual Throwdown: A Ceramic Competition and Cup Frenzy • Fri, April 11 at 5 pm • Free; $45 VIP tickets • Emerge • 119 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene • emergecda.com
FOOD SAVORY SLURPINGS
If you’re hankering for a bowl of ramen, then make your way to Spokane’s South Perry District for the 38th annual Ramen Fest at the Spokane Buddhist Temple. The traditional ramen has a pork and chicken broth, noodles, veggies, and chicken ($15). There is also a vegetarian broth option available with tofu. If you have room for more, get the inari sushi ($8), which tucks vinegared rice into deep-fried tofu pockets. There are bouncy mochi desserts ($8) to satisfy your sweet tooth, too. Enjoy it all at outdoor tables in the side yard, if weather permits. There’s also an open house, and all proceeds of the meal go to the volunteer-run temple.
— DORA SCOTT
38th Annual Ramen Fest • Sun, April 13 from 11 am-2 pm • $8-$15 • Spokane Buddhist Temple • 927 S. Perry St. • spokanebuddhisttemple.org
BENEFIT FEEDING CREATIVITY
The annual Starving Artist Sale returns to the University of Idaho for its second year with 65 student, alumni and community artists selling the fruits of their artistic labors. At the Bruce M. Pitman Center on the university’s Moscow campus, you’ll find paintings, ceramics, sculptures, printmaking, fiber arts, jewelry, caricatures, henna and more. You’ll not only be able to leave with one-of-akind works that can add more charm to your house or body, you’ll be supporting the local community and giving students more experience selling their art. As a juried art market, three artists will win the opportunity to sell their work at Moscow Contemporary’s gift store.
—
DORA SCOTT
Annual Starving Artist Sale • Sat, April 12 from 10 am-5 pm • Free • Bruce Pitman Center • 875 Perimeter Dr., Moscow • uidaho.edu
Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to
SPORTS A-MINI CORNER
The second weekend in April is steeped in tradition for golf fans worldwide as The Masters, golf’s most iconic tournament, takes place in Augusta, Georgia. Many will never make it to Augusta National Golf Club to watch the first major of the year, but instead of driving down Magnolia Lane, Spokane golf enthusiasts can participate in a mini Masters Tournament at Flatstick Pub this weekend and even munch on a Masters-themed menu (which surely includes pimento cheese). Sink enough putts and make sure to not pull a Jordan Spieth on the back nine, and you could be slipping on a Flatstick Pub Green Jacket this Sunday. Oh, and the winner receives half off drinks at Flatstick for life — something not even Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods can say they’ve won.
— MADISON PEARSON
Flatstick Masters Tournament • Sun, April 13 at 10 am • $50 • Flatstick Pub • 68 W. Main Ave. • flatstickpub.com/spokane
COMMUNITY ART BUILDS COMMUNITY
Established in 2021, Thrive International is a local nonprofit that provides support and safety to refugees. Thrive is collaborating with the Spokane Public Library and Chrysalis Gallery to host this new International Art and Cultural Festival. Hosted at the Central Library, the event showcases multicultural art and international artists on International Art Day, which gives artists from all over the world an opportunity to share work reflecting their cultural heritage and unique stories. Not only is this event a celebration of diversity, creativity and humanity within our community, but it also provides a space for attendees to learn about the cultural importance behind each piece of art.
— HANNAH HIGENS
I SAW YOU
SWEDISH MEATBALLS AND PANCAKES It was right before the march. You saw me and my kiddo next to the giant Radio Flyer. We were eating pancakes out of a baggie. You had an IKEA hat, which was very soft on the inside. We talked about Swedish meatballs and what made them Swedish. I don't meet many people in the wild and continue thinking about them, but I keep seeing IKEA bags and Swedish meatball recipes everywhere, so if it's a sign that it was more than a happenstance meeting, here's hoping you'll read this. If nothing else, I thought you were sweet and friendly, and exuded an aura that was comfortable and enjoyable to be in, if only for a few minutes. Email in case of reply (made just for this, I'm silly, not stupid): ezlb1701@gmail.com
SNIPPET Re: Domestic Violence. The good IS good. Please know: The bad NEVER changes. That's the cycle of control "they" use. Love bomb, and reel you in with the good, and then unleash the raging nightmare so you comply. Getting out and starting over with your children is a much smaller mountain to climb than the lifelong journey of healing from the abuse and the trauma that will follow you if you stay. Get. Out. Don't. Look. Back. They do NOT change. Contact your National DV hotline: 800-799-7233 or the local YWCA for help. It is there.. (Read the book: "It's Not You." Great insight.) Even if you believe they'll change when they stop drinking, using, etc. the violence is often worse. It knows no economic boundaries. There are victims of high earning professionals. Pilots. Attorneys. Business owners. It does not discriminate. It is about control. Controlling
you. Please go. Yes the good is good. That's the "trick." They do not "mature" out of it. It is a pernicious evil that doesn't discriminate.
CLOSING DOWN HEAD START OFFICES
Federal Government closing down Head Start Offices without notice! What a bunch of sick bastards!
CRV CUTIE To the white CRV cutie who parks nearby my house.. i’m in love with you and your crazy pug. You’re mysterious and handsome in all the right ways, and I want you to read this and know it’s about you because I notice your incredible music choice and your sexy eyebrow piercing. I want you to know I will be yours as long as you let me and you’re the only boy I’ve ever wanted carnally.
RE: THAT RIGGED GAME YOU PLAY How refreshing to see you with your mask off, lady, saying all the quiet parts out loud. Honest, almost. Except none of the honesty, none of the rational self interest, none of the historical context. You listened to one too many chapters of Zinn and Harari; that’s not what happened: history is not allegorical. Check your premises: A is A, there are no contradictions. First there were Lords, then Kings, then Empires then Colonies then Revolutions [ours being oldest and bestest]. Marx was correct in that Anarchy is full Communism driven by the Vehicle of the Dictatorship. Look what happens Post Revolutionary collapse: black market full laissez-faire anarchro capitalism for the win. But first we need to collapse. We’ll make it through this historical mistake you’re making (blame your arrogance of ignorance: the hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everyone has decided not to see) but we might be trading in various chambers of available ammunition before it’s all done: Downtown Spokanistan is a spilled shipment of tall boys and fentanyl away from realizing they’re all strung out and hungry. We’re living on the Edge! Quit playing games.
CAR GIRL Nat, I've given you my number twice...I believed you were being honest when you said you lost the first paper I gave you. But when I give you my number a second time and wait weeks for a message, my low self-esteem begins to pick up. I shop at your work bc of the price efficiency yesterday you handed me my change and our hands touched, you asked about my car ... you sure you lost my number because damn girl.
JUDGMENTAL? Responding to something that was posted a while back was it
judgmental yeah it was. Did it serve a purpose? It sure did. The point is nobody likes being in second place to anyone else especially when the person involved makes it a point to talk about healing and how it's a priority so glad for you congratulations. Though those congratulations fall flat when you tell that individual that you're not looking for anything as far as a relationship monogamous or otherwise or even a friends w/ benefits situation. That in a way you keep them around you because you like to have options available. That's not fair to the individual that makes you a priority. It's not acceptable that because the person
some kind honest person turned it in. Thank you so much for doing that! I will always be appreciative, and I learned a lesson to always double check.
ACT OF KINDNESS To the Kind Hearted Young Lady working at Panda Express on Sprague near Lowe's Wednesday 4/2, I was having a rough day made worse when I discovered I didn't have available funds to pay for my family's dinner. I was so embarrassed and panicking, but you didn't judge me with a sarcastic look, only said "It's OK, I've been there myself." Instead of taking the food back, you paid for my meal
1776 to its internal battle with itself in 1860 during the Civil War and finally to the atomic bomb in 1945. So, what’s next is anybody’s guess in 2029. (We the People?)
JEERS
COPS NW BS So in the past months, the public heard that COPS NW was running out of funding. I live in a community that has a Senior Security Patrol, there were many issues with this team (they were one of the first Pilot programs) we were told that
SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou
says you're hypocritical or you're not being honest with yourself or with the people that you're talking to is frankly not okay. Good luck with healing or whatever but don't lie to the people that are supposed to be helping you. Thank you for the lessons.
CHEERS
HIGH PRAISES TO MY BUDTENDER Cheers to Budtender, who helps spark up my day. Thank you for dank expertise. Keep rolling with the good vibes my friend!
SERVICE PROS A huge thank you to Sterling and Mike at Honda AutoNation for helping me recently with my car-to-phone synching vortex issue that I had fallen into. I drove right into the service bay and was met with kindness and professionalism. I felt smarter when I left because you both helped me to understand the issue. As I drove away I was so encouraged by the good humans that are all around. Sometimes we can overlook the small moments right in our path where humanity shines. Cheers to you both!
THANK YOU! I was at Walmart on E. Sprague in the self checkout and asked for cash back. I carelessly left the $20 bill in the machine but didn’t realize it until a hour later! I thought, oh well, my careless mistake, but thought I’d check anyway. So to my surprise
from your own scarce funds. You mentioned you told your mom you did a good deed, which made me cry again. In today's world where too many of us look at others in challenging situations with contempt, you showed there really is an abundance of kindness in the places we least expect it.
CHEERS TRUMP PROTESTERS I would like to attend but I will be busy Adulting that day!
YOUR PEOPLE BRING ME BACK Cheers to the Yoke's Fresh Market in Cheney for always having cashiers at your registers and resisting the trend to have automated selfcheckout lines. The interaction with your friendly cashiers is what keeps bringing me back. Stay the course and keep making the personal connections integral to the shopping experience.
LUNCH RESCUE To the gentleman in the blue SUV wildly pointing and gesturing to me from your car. You had me confused as I pulled behind you on the road, and you started flashing your hazards in front of me. I'm sorry for the odd eye contact and confused look. Thank you for revealing to me I left my lunch on the roof of my car. Your efforts ensured I enjoyed my leftovers on a long shift. Thank you!
EMPIRES CHANGE Approximately every 84 years, empires change, and the United States is certainly one. From its creation in
they were no longer sponsored by COPS, but they still are, so now the issues remain, we’ve asked to have meetings about the rude, disrespecting treatments that have happened with these individuals, but with no response. Sadly, we will be enduring these again.
RE: ILLEGAL PLATES You sent in a Jeers because you were upset the Police weren't pulling people over for plates like mine. So I'll await that day and I'll think about this fun momentary little argument. I highly recommend you let this topic go, drive on with your legal plates and let us non-law abiding citizens without updated tabs live in peace. THX. n
NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers & Jeers is for adults 18 or older. The Inlander reserves the right to edit or reject any posting at any
BENEFIT
ROCK THE RUNWAY The Arc of Spokane’s clients put on a runway show featuring silent auctions, dinner and more. April 12, 4:30-8 pm. $120. Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. arc-spokane.org (509-279-7000)
38TH ANNUAL RAMENFEST A ramen and Japanese food sale benefitting the Spokane Buddhist Temple. Menu includes pork, chicken and tofu ramen as well as inari sushi and mochi. April 13, 11 am-2 pm. $8-$15. Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. spokanebuddhisttemple.org (509-534-7954)
TASTE OF HOPE An evening of fun and fundraising featuring games, silent and live auctions, dinner, a dessert dash and wine and beer tastings from local wineries and breweries benefitting the ISAAC foundation. April 18, 6-9 pm. $125. Shriners Event Center, 7217 W. Westbow Blvd. theisaacfoundation.org
WAREHOUSE PROM A night of dancing, drinking and celebrating Global Neighborhood’s refugee-serving programs. Live music by Starcourt. Proceeds benefit Global Neighborhood. April 18, 6:30-9 pm. $40. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. chameleonspokane.com
SPARKLE & SPEND An auction featuring vintage furs, artwork, rare books, event tickets and a cork pull event benefitting Spokane Preservation Advocates. Dinner is providde by Inland Pacific Kitchen. April 19, 5:30 pm. Washington Cracker Co. Building, 304 W. Pacific. spokanepreservation.org
COMEDY
DUNCAN TRUSSELL Duncan Trussell is a stand up comedian, podcaster and actor who got his start on the Joe Rogan podcast. April 10-12, 7 pm, April 11-12, 9:45 pm. $25-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
ANDY GROSS: COMEDY, MAGIC, ILLU -
SION Andy Gross is a stand up comic, magician and ventriloquist known for his online videos and voice throwing. April 11, 7:30-9 pm. $25-$44. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-263-9191)
JB SMOOVE Best known for his role as Leon Black on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Smoove captivates audiences with his sharp wit and larger-than-life personality. April 11, 8 pm. $32-$42. Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, 14300 W. SR Highway 2. spokanetribecasino.com
WHITNEY CUMMINGS Whitney Cummings delivers her signature sharp wit and fearless perspective navigating our wild world as a single mom. April 11, 7 pm. $61-$120. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com
OPEN MIC MONDAY Hosted by local comedian Anthony Singleton, this open mic welcomes artists and entertainers of all genres. Open to all ages. Every second and fourth Monday of the month from 7-9 pm. Free. Lyyv Entertainment, 8712 E. Sprague Ave. lyyv.tv (509-557-3999)
NEW TALENT TUESDAYS Watch comedians of all skill levels work out jokes together. Tuesdays at 7 pm (doors at 6 pm). Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
IMPROV An all-ages improv session hosted by John Connelly. Every Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Free. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave. pendoreilleplayers.com (509-447-9900)
OPEN MIC STAND-UP Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. See website for advance signup. Free. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
RACHEL AFLLEJE Rachel Aflleje was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington and most recently competed in the 42nd annual Seattle International Comedy Competition. April 17-19, 7 pm, April 19, 9:45 pm. $12-$18. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub. com (509-318-9998)
COMMUNITY
BITCH ‘N’ STITCH Grab your crochet, knitting, embroidery, weaving, cross stitch, felting, looming, macrame, friendship bracelets and craft casually in the company of others. Every second and last Thursday at 6:30 pm. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. facebook.com/Lunarium.Spokane
COFFEE & CONVERSATION A weekly event focused on helping people feel seen, heard and connected within our community through open dialogue on topics that unite us, rather than divide us. April 10 & 17, 10:30 am-noon. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
DISNEY LORCANA THURSDAYS Play Disney Lorcana with others and receive a pack and 15% off other packs. Every Thursday from 6-9 pm. $7.99. The Comic
Book Shop (NorthTown), 4750 N. Division St. thecomicbookshop.net
THE EVOLUTION OF THE JAPANESE SWORD This exhibition showcases Japanese swords as more than a mere weapon of war. The iconic Samurai sword of Japan and its accompanying fittings were elevated to works of high art that were, and still are, treasured and collected for their beauty and craftsmanship. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through May 4. $9-$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)
FIRE: REBIRTH AND RESILIENCE An exhibition exploring the catastrophic 1889 fire that destroyed more of Spokane’s downtown core. The exhibit features information on historic and contemporary fires, illustrating how destruction is a catalyst for rebirth and resilience. Tue-Sun from 11 am-5 pm through Sep. 28. $9$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
FREE IMMIGRATION CLINIC A free clinic or anyone in need of an immigration legal consult. Second Thursday of each month from 5-7 pm. Free. Latinos en Spokane, 1502 N. Monroe St. latinosenspokane.org
MAGIC FOR MUGGLES: CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES Explore crafts and activities related to Harry Potter including charms, care of magical creatures, quidditch practice and more. Grades K-5. April 10, 11 amnoon. Free. Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St. scld.org (893-8320)
MAKE FABRIC DOLLS FOR KIDS IN NEED
Help make handmade dolls for children in need with the Kiwanis Clubs of Spokane. Second Thursday of each month from at
5:30 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org
MINECRAFT CLUB Drop in and explore architecture, engineering and art through Minecraft. Participants are given a building prompt related to one or more of these fields. Grades 3-8. Every Thursday from 4-6 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
SAMURAI, SUNRISE, SUNSET Step into the world of a samurai and experience armor, weaponry and personal items from the powerful military class that ruled Japan for nearly 700 years. TueSun from 10 am-5 pm through June 1. $9$15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
THINKING MONEY FOR KIDS Create your own farm, learn about pet adoption or become a party planner while learning, saving, spending, sharing and budgeting. Grades K-5. April 10, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald Rd. scld.org (509-893-8400)
60S GLOW PARTY MURDER MYSTERY
Nutmeg Vant, a legendary movie star who survived a harrowing shipwreck and spent years stranded on a deserted tropical island with six strangers, is making her triumphant return. April 12, 6-10 pm. $49. Crime Scene Entertainment, 2775 N. Howard. crimesceneentertainment.com
FROM STRESS TO CALM: A FEAR FREE SUMMIT FOR PET OWNERS A panel discussion with Dr. Marty Becker, two leaders from a Spokane Fear Free Practice, and a behavior professor talking about the impact of stress on pets. April 12, 2:30-5 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. latahcreekah.com
EVENTS | CALENDAR
HOLISTIC FESTIVAL A natural living festival featuring 50 booths providing natural products, remedies, body care and pain relief. April 12, 10 am-5 pm. $6. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Pl. holisticfestivals.com
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY CELEBRA-
TION St. Andrew’s Society of the Inland Northwest presents and all-day celebration of National Tartan Day featuring poetry, Scottish food, Highland dancers and more. April 12, 11 am-4 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
SHARING THE DHARMA DAY Join the monks and nuns of Sravasti Abbey for a chance to explore Buddhist teachings and share in community fellowship. Topics are drawn from the book, Working With Anger, by Abbey founder and abbess Ven. Thubten Chodron. Registration required. April 13, 10 am-3:30 pm. By donation. Sravasti Abbey, 692 Country Lane. sravastiabbey.org (509-447-5549)
MAGIC THE GATHERING MONDAY NIGHT COMMANDER AND MODERN Play Magic the Gathering Commander and Modern with others and receive 15% off packs and single. Every Monday from 6-9 pm. $6.99. The Comic Book Shop (NorthTown), 4750 N. Division St. thecomicbookshop.net (509-487-4175)
DROP IN & ZINE Drop in and learn how to make your very own eight-page minizine using a single piece of paper and Spark’s art supplies. Every Tuesday from 5-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ART AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL This event will showcase international artists, celebrating the rich diversity of our community and offering a chance to learn about different cultures. Presented by Thrive International and Spokane Public Library. April 15, 1-5 pm. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main Ave. spokanelibrary.org
SPRING IN SPOKANE MAKERS MARKET A market featuring local artisans, creatives and makers selling goods. April 19, 11 am-5 pm. Free admission. Page 42 Bookstore, 2174 N. Hamilton St. page42spokane.com (509-202-2551)
BEGINNING BUDDHISM Join nuns from Sravasti Abbey Buddhist monastery in a weekly class to explore the Buddhist worldview, based on ethics of nonharming and calming the heart-mind. Wed from 6-7:30 pm through July 7. By donation. Spokane Buddhist Temple, 927 S. Perry St. sravastiabbey.org
DROP-IN AND DRAW, PAINT, KNIT, STITCH... Bring your current creative project to the Hive and create in company with others. Every third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5300)
MANY SPIRITS COMMUNITY A space for two-spirit and indigiqueer people to spend time together. Tea, hot chocolate and some art supplies are provided. Feel free to bring creative projects. Every Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spectrumcenterspokane.org (509-444-5390)
TEEN HANG OUT & CREATE Drop by the library to hang out, study and/or try out a new creative activity. Grades 7-12. Wed from 4-5 pm through May 14. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 22 N. Herald. scld.org
AMERICAN GIRL OF THE MONTH CLUB Each month’s meeting features one of American Girl’s historical dolls and includes fun activities that are inspired
by her era and heritage. Every third Thursday at 1 pm and 4 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)
SHIBARI AND FLOW: TRICKSTERS A night showcasing the practice of shibari with performances, music and more. April 17, 7-11 pm. $35. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset. chameleonspokane.com
FILM
LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING EXTENDED EDITION A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middleearth from the Dark Lord Sauron. April 10, 6 pm and April 11, 7 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.org
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK A theater director struggles with his work and the women in his life as he creates a life-size replica of New York City inside a warehouse as part of his new play. April 10, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)
TOY STORY 30TH ANNIVERSARY A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s bedroom. April 10, 2 pm, April 11, 2 & 4:30 pm, April 12, 11:30 am & 4:30 pm and April 13, 2 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org
SENSORY RELAXED MOVIE SCREEN -
INGS Screenings of various movies showing at the Garland with slightly brighter lights, lowered volume and designated areas to move around, dance, walk or sit during the movie. Second Tuesdays (PG 13 movies) at 6:30 pm, second Saturdays (all ages movies) at 11:30 am. Second Tues. of every month. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.org
THE ENDLESS NAKBA: A PALESTINE FILM SERIES A series of film screenings that reveal different aspects of Palestinian life and death under Israeli occupation, both in Gaza and the West Bank. Moderated audience discussions to follow each film. April’s film is The Night Won’t End: Biden’s War on Gaza. April 13, 4-7 pm. Free. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. inwclp.com
THE SWORD OF DOOM A skilled but morally corrupt swordsman becomes consumed by violence and paranoia. His descent into madness contrasts sharply with the honor and restraint of other samurai. April 18, 6:30 pm. $8. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
FOOD & DRINK
BREAD BAKING TECHNIQUES WORK-
SHOP Join Jeff in learning the basics of Triticale grain bread while making your own loaf. April 10, 5:45-8 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com (509-328-3335)
BROWNE FAMILY WINE DINNER A fivecourse culinary journey each paired with a Browne Family Vineyard wine. April 11, 7-10 pm. $80. Fête - A Nectar Co, 120 N. Stevens St. nectarcateringandevents.com
EASTER COOKIE DECORATING Decorate a dozen Easter themed sugar cookies with Jamie. April 18, 4-6 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com (509-328-3335)
MUSIC & CONCERTS
CHURCHILL’S LIVE PIANO Gabe Lapano plays classics on the piano. 6-9 pm. Free. Churchill’s Steakhouse, 165 S. Post St. facebook.com/ChurchillsSteakhouse WHITWORTH COMMUNITY CHORALE & CONCERT BAND SPRING CONCERT: The ensembles perform a joyful and uplifting mix of traditional and contemporary works. Whitworth’s community ensembles feature Whitworth students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members. April 14, 7:30-9 pm. $11-$13. The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org (509-624-1200)
LIFE IS BUT A DREAM The Balourdet String Quartet and Zuill Bailey perfoms various Beethoven and Schubert works inlcuding Beethoven’s String Quartet in F Major and Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata in A minor. April 18, 7 pm. $10-$45. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. nwbachfest.com (509-326-4942)
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART LIVES The Balourdet String Quartet perfom various works by Haydn and Smetana including Quartet in D Major and Galaxy Back To Your. April 19, 4 pm. $10-$45. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. nwbachfest.com (509-326-4942)
SATURDAY WITH THE SYMPHONY The Coeur d’Alene Symphony performs, puts on aninteractive activity and a book is read by the children’s librarian. Every third Saturday at 11 am. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
KING OF THE CAGE Local MMA fighters battle it out in the ring. April 10, 7 pm. $60-$75. Coeur d’Alene Casino, 37914 S. Nukwalqw. cdacasino.com
LILAC CITY KENDO CLUB Classes for beginner and long-time kendo practicers. Every Monday and Thursday from 6:308:30 pm. West Valley City School, 8920 E. Valleyway Ave. lilaccitykendo.org
OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL Play pickleball at the HUB. Every week Mon-Thu from 10 am-noon or 1-3 pm. $5.50-$7. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. hubsportscenter.org (509-927-0602)
MENTAL HEALTH 5K A 5k dedicated to mental health awareness featuring keynote speaker Leslie Robison and other speakers. April 12, 10 am-1 pm. Free. Friendship Square, Fourth Ave. and Main St. dacnw.org (208-883-0523)
SASQUATCH SPEED TRIALS: FESTIVAL WEEKEND A two weekend championship designed to showcase multiple different motorsports disciplines. Competitors will participate in their choice of autocross, time trial, rallycross and drift events in order to qualify for a timed shootout Sunday afternoon. April 12, 8 am-8 pm and April 13, 8 am-5 pm. $10. Spokane County Raceway, 750 N. Hayford Rd. sasquatchspeedtrials.com
SPOKANE KENDO CLUB The Spokane Kendo club meets Every Saturday from 11:45 am-12:45 pm and every Monday and Wednesday from 6-7 pm. Free. PARKFIT Athletic Club, 8121 N. Division St. SpokaneKendo.com (509-714-3081)
SPOKANE ORCHID SOCIETY 37TH ANNUAL ORCHID SHOW AND SALE An annual orchid sale featuring vendors,
activities, food and flowers. Also features workshops and houseplants. April 12, 11 am-5 pm and April 13, 10 am-3 pm. $5. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. spokaneorchids.org
UNLEASH THE COUGS 5K A 5k focused on promoting health, wellness and Cougar pride while supporting the Kappa Psi Beta Pi chapter at WSU. April 12, 7 am-noon. $12. WSU Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. wsu.edu
FLATSTICK MASTERS TOURNAMENT
Play three rounds of stroke play mini golf to compete for a green jacket. The winning golfer receives half off beer at Flatstick Pub for life. Tickets include a Masters-themed food menu, prizes and more. April 13, 10 am. $50. Flatstick Pub, 618 W. Main Ave. flatstickpub.com/spokane (509-368-9477)
JR. BLOOMSDAY An inclusive race catering to 3-7 graders offering an entertaining one-mile race course near Spokane Falls Community College. April 13, 10 am-noon. $20. Spokane Falls Community College, 3410 W. Whistalks Way. bloomsdayrun.org (509-533-3500)
THE SPLIT HALF MARATHON PRESENTED BY ICCU This race starts and finishes in Riverfront Park and continues along the Centennial Trail, a scenic and flat course along the Spokane River. April 13, 7 am-noon. $50-$120. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. nsplit.com
MAPPING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’S GLACIAL LEGACY Using both historical and modern maps, this presentation will be a visual journey through the Pacific Northwest’s glacial past and present. Registration is required. Presented by Daniel Coe. April 15, 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Cheney Library, 610 First St. scld.org TAI CHI & QI GONG Improve strength, balance, coordination, focus, breathwork and relaxation, all while exploring different movements from Tai Chi and Qi Gong styles. Tuesdays at 10 am. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)
INATURALIST: CITY NATURE CHALLENGE Make observations around your neighborhood and submit them to the iNaturalist app during this annual challenge. April 19, 2-3 pm. Free. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Rd. scld. org (509-893-8350)
LEADMAN TRIATHLON Leadman is a team or individual adventure triathlon consisting of a skiing, biking and running leg. Over the past 20 years, this event has raised over $200,000 for various local charities. April 19. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com
THEATER & DANCE
HAMILTON A musical following the rise of founding father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. TueSat at 7:30 pm, Sat and Sun also at 1 pm through April 20. $45-$125. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. broadwayspokane.com
ROMEO & JULIET Verona’s Montague and Capulet families have been feuding for ages and whenever they meet, violence breaks out. But when Romeo glimpses Juliet across a crowded dance floor, something different happens. Can star-crossed love survive in a world of rivalry and rage? Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun
at 2 pm through April 13. $15-$40. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com
THURSDAY NIGHT DANCES A seniorfriendly dance extravaganza with live music by TNT. Refreshments and adult beverages available. Every second Thursday from 7-9:30 pm. $5. Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. southsidescc.org (509-535-0803)
STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE A variety of work presented by the Student Choreography Class of Spring 2025, Boundless Dance Classes and more. April 11, 7 pm and April 12, 7 pm. $8-$15. Gonzaga University Magnuson Theatre, 502 E. Boone Ave. gonzaga.edu/ dance (509-313-6662)
2025 SPOKANE BELLYFEST An annual regional dance event featuring belly dance workshops, various vendors and a free evening performance. April 12, 9:30 am-7:30 pm. $40-$110. Corbin Senior Center, 827 W. Cleveland Ave. facebook. com/bellydancespokane (509-327-1584)
THE NIFTY FIFTIES The Mountain Harmony Show Choir and Northwoods Performing Arts present their annual youth show, a musical comedy tribute to the 1950’s. April 3-7, daily at 6:30 pm and April 12-13 at 3 pm. $12-$35. Circle Moon Theater, 3642 N. State Route 211. northwoodsperformingarts.com
STEP INTO THE CREATIVE PROCESS: PLAYWRIGHT AND ACTOR WORKSHOP A hands-on workshop where playwrights develop 10-minute scripts and actors bring them to the stage! Collaborate, create and perform in a supportive space. April 14, 6-9 pm. $70. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org
FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL TANGO: A fundamentals-focused class for improving tango movement and connection. Experience required. Drop-ins welcome. No partner needed. Every Tuesday from 5:40-6:40 pm. Tues., 5:40-6:40 pm. $17$20. Sinto Activity Center, 1124 W. Sinto Ave. fb.com/events/447904090938300/ (509-290-8138)
INTRO TO SOCIAL TANGO: An Argentine tango dance class for new and nearly new tango dancers aimed at learning prerequisite skills. Drop-in welcome. Preregister by emailing Matt Doval at matt@ tangomind.com. Tuesdays from 5:406:40 pm. Tues., 5:40-6:40 pm. $62-$72. Sinto Activity Center, 1124 W. Sinto Ave. fb.com/events/960859888572712 (509290-8138)
SHIBARI AND FLOW: TRICKSTERS: Local performers showcase the art of shibari through burlesque and aerial performances. April 17, 7 pm. $35. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. chameleonspokane.com
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN: This show follows the exploits of Margaret “Molly” Tobin Brown, a miner’s wife who becomes an overnight millionaire, but high society is no match for Molly as she turns the upper crust of Denver upside down, stands with the miners of Leadville, traverses Europe, and famously survives the Titanic. April 17-26, Thu-Sat at 7 pm. Sat, April 26 also at 2 pm. Thurs.-7 pm and April 26, 2 pm through April 26. $5-$10. Lake City High School, 6101 N. Ramsey Rd. troupedewolfe.org
VISUAL ARTS
PIECED TOGETHER: 2025 SENIOR ART & DESIGN EXHIBIT An eclectic and engaging selection of works from Whitworth University’s art and graphic design
majors. April 8-May 17, Mon-Fri from 10 am-4:30 pm. Mon.-10 am-4:30 pm through May 17. Free. Bryan Oliver Gallery, Whitworth, 300 W. Hawthorne Ave. whitworth.edu (509-777-3258)
ANDREA JOYCE HEIMER: NO NAME THAT I KNOW OF: Through collage-like layers of detail, Washington-based artist Andrea Joyce Heimer reconstructs tangled memories of her upbringing in rural Montana. The artist combines autobiography, fantasy, and dark humor to explore themes of loneliness and belonging. Feb. 14-May 25, Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm. Tues.-10 am-5 pm through May 25. $9-15. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org (509-456-3931)
ART U.S.A.: ONE HUNDRED AMERICAN WORKS ON PAPER: A collection of 100 pieces of art from the Jundt’s permanent collection depicting an expanse of American life from the years 1925-1950. Jan. 25-May 10, Mon-Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Mon.-10 am-4 pm through May 10. Free. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/jundt (509-313-6843)
ERIC SANCHEZ: CHAIRS, LEAVES AND TREES: A new collection of paintings, drawings and collages from local artist Eric Sanchez. April 4- 26, daily from 11 am-6 pm. Through April 26, 11 am-6 pm. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. instagram.com/entropygalleryspokane
DEB SHELDON: STORYTELLERS: A collection of paintings by local artist Deb Sheldon featuring wisdom, quotes, visions and dreams that she has been wrestling with. April 4-25, Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm. Mon.-10 am-5 pm through April 25. Free. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool. net (509-325-1500)
DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS CLASS:
Artist Marlene Laurich leads students in line, shape, form and space drawing techniques. Fridays from 3-4:30 pm. ongoing, 3-4:30 pm. Free. Create Arts Center, 900 Fourth St. createarts.org
ERIN ELYSE BURNS: ITERATIONS: Erin Elyse Burns is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice navigates territory within the disciplines of photography, video, performance art and artifact. Feb 27-April 10, Mon-Fri from 9 am-6 pm. Mon.-9 am-6 pm through April 10. Free. Eastern Washington University, 526 Fifth St. ewu.edu (509-259-2241)
INANNA MCCARTY: View artworks by the SFCC Artist-in-Residenct, Inanna McCarty. As an Indigenous person to the United States and Canada, McCarty is from the wa?ač and Tsawout First Nations village and a descendant of both Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish families. Mon-Fri from 8:30 am-3:30 pm through April 30. Free. SFCC Fine Arts Gallery, 3410 W. Whistalks Way, Bldg. 6. sfcc.spokane.edu (509-533-3746)
HANDS ON: WORKSHOP FOR LITTLE MAKERS Use hands-on exploration to experience art basics like color and texture at this monthly workshop. Every second Thursday of the month from 1011 am. $10. Art Salvage Spokane, 610 E. North Foothills. artsalvagespokane.com
KAY WEST: BUTTONS & BAUBLES Kay West showcases acrylic paintings, collage, baubles and fiber all involving buttons. Daily from 11 am-7 pm through April 27. Free. Pottery Place Plus, 203 N. Washington St. potteryplaceplus.com
LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER ARTIST STU -
DIO TOUR SPRING PREVIEW A showcase of 32 artists working in an array of disciplines coming together in anticipa-
tion of the Little Spokane River Artist Studio Tour in September. Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm through April 25. Free. KolvaSullivan Gallery, 115 S. Adams St. facebook.com/pages/Kolva-Sullivan-Gallery
MASTER OF FINE ARTS THESIS EX-
HIBITION A collection of work from current WSU Master of Fine Arts candidates Cameron Kester, Anna Le, Abigail Nnaji and Sara St. Clair. Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through June 28. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu
MENTOR Ceramics instructors and their students from regional colleges and universities show their artwork together. Wed-Fri from 11 am-4 pm through April 25. Free. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net (509 863 9904)
SPOKANE WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
JURIED SHOW A national show of traditional and contemporary original artworks sponsored annually by the Spokane Watercolor Society. Tue-Sun from 10 am-5 pm through May 4. Free. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
STRUT YOUR STUFF A 20th anniversary art show featuring work from 15 local artists focused on themes of natural heritage, the industrial legacy of sawmills and community spirit. Tue-Sun, times vary through May 23. Free. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklincenter.org (208-457-8950)
LISA MADDOX & MIKE DECASARE:
TIMELESS This show features Lisa Maddox, a mask-making expert and well known photographer Mike DeCesare.
Wed-Sat from 11 am-5 pm through April 26. Free. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague Ave. manicmoonandmore.com
2025 CERAMIC THROWDOWN & CUP
FRENZY A ceramic cup sale featuring 300 cups made by local potters and a Throwdown Challenge featuring fun pottery competitions like “widest plate” and “tallest cylinder.” April 11, 5-9 pm. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second. emergecda.com
DUSTIN REGUL: RIFTS & MARGINS In this exhibition, artist Dustin Regul explores the liminal spaces between established reality and undiscovered potential. Fri-Sat from noon-8 pm through April 26. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com
KJ POTTERY MUG SALE Local handmade ceramics company KJ Pottery teamed up with Bellwether Brewing and Derailer Coffee to offer a large selection of handmade mugs paired with local beer, coffee, and the chance to add some new handmade wares to your home. April 12, 1-3 pm. $20-$35. The United Building, 5016 N. Market St. kjpottery.com
STARVING ARTIST SALE Sixty-five students, alumni, and local artists showcase and sell their work at this juried art market. Located in the Pitman Center. April 12, 10 am-5 pm. Free. University of Idaho, 709 S Deakin St. uidaho.edu
HEARTISTRY: ARTISTIC WELLBEING
A relaxed and inspiring environmnt for self-discovery. Participate in basic artistic concepts and activities or respond to a mindfulness prompt. Every Tuesday from 3-5 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
POTTERY: FUNDAMENTALS II This class offers students an opportunity to refresh skills learned in Fundamentals I and explore new techniques for throwing, trimming, decorating and glazing. April 15, 11 am-1 pm. $210. Gizmo-CDA, 283 N. Hubbard Ave. Suite 102. gizmo-cda.org
DROP IN & DRAW Join a creative community for this weekly free-form drawing program. Explore different artistic mediums, develop skills and ideas and cultivate imaginative thinking through art. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies and projects provided. Wednesdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
OPEN ART NIGHT Bring your own materials and grab a chair for creative time with a side of friendly chatting with fellow creatives. Every first and third Wednesday of the month from 6-9 pm. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. facebook.com/Lunarium.Spokane
WORDS
DROP IN & WRITE Aspiring writers are invited to be a part of a supportive writers’ community. Bring works in progress to share, get inspired with creative prompts and spend some focused time writing. Hosted by local writers Jenny Davis and Hannah Engel. Thursdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
GET LIT! FESTIVAL Eastern Washington University’s annual literary festival featuring four days of readings, writing workshops, craft classes, open mics, discussions and more. April 10-13; times and locations vary. See website for full schedule of events and ticketing options. $0-$35. inside.ewu.edu/getlit
DEBRA MAGPIE EARLING Novelist Debra Magpie Earling reads from her books, answers audience questions and signs books. In partnership with Get Lit! April 10, 12-1 pm. Free. North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu
RARE COURAGE: JAPANESE AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN WWII Lauren R. Harris gives a presentation on the Japanese Americans who joined the war effort after Pearl Harbor. She shares veterans’ irst-hand experiences through photos and discussion. April 10, 6:30 pm. $5. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
LI-YOUNG LEE Poet Li-Young Lee discusses his poetry and writing career in partnership with Get Lit! April 11, 11 amnoon. FREE. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. nic.edu (208-769-3337)
RECORD YOUR OWN POETRY MOMENT
Record a poem by your favorite poet or of your own creation to be played on KPBX. April 11, 11 am-noon. Free. Central Library, 906 W. Main. spokanelibrary.org
ACTIVE HOPE FOR A LIVABLE FUTURE: DIVESTING FROM FOSSIL FUELS Anna Johnson discusses how fossil fuels were a powerful force for the common good for many years and how it’s time to reevaluate modern society’s commitment to them. April 15, 6-7 pm. Free. Gonzaga University Hemmingson Center, 702 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/ClimateEvents (509-313-6942)
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY BOOK CLUB
Join bookseller Mimi for a discussion about a book. Check website for each month’s pick. Every month on the third Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Wishing Tree Books, 1410 E. 11th Ave. wishingtreebookstore.com (509-315-9875)
POETRY AFTER DARK EWU MFA students lead discussions about craft elements, style and form in poetry. Every Tuesday from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. sparkcentral.org (509-279-0299) n
You are invited to a dinner and award ceremony honoring Leon E. Panetta on April 24
Heather Foley and the Thomas S. Foley Institute invite you to a dinner and award ceremony honoring Leon Panetta.
The former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta will be recognized for his lifetime of service to the country with the Thomas S. Foley Award for Distinguished Public Service
The dinner and ceremony will be held T Thursday, A April 24 at the John J. Hemmingson Center on the Gonzaga University campus in Spokane.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit us at https://foley.wsu.edu/award .
Premier Sponsors: D Dr. and Mrs. Ed Schweitzer
Media sponsor: The Spokesman-Review
Benefactor sponsor: Avista
Benefactor sponsor: C Carmela Conroy
TERPENES
A Smell for Spring
Terpenes bring flavor and aroma to cannabis, and one in particular is suited for spring
BY WILL MAUPIN
Energy or relaxation? Indica or Sativa? Potent or mild? These are common questions facing cannabis consumers when shopping for a product. Taste and aroma are often overlooked, but just as important to consider.
Cannabis is known for its pungent aroma and vibrant, often strong flavor profile, but like wine or coffee, each variety is slightly different. That’s due in large part to chemicals known as terpenes. Every strain has a different mix of terpenes, leading to the diversity in scent and taste found across cannabis.
One terpene in particular brings flavor and aroma that perfectly compliments the natural fragrance of spring: linalool.
Other terpenes impart piney smells, great for winter, or citrusy ones, which match with summer, but it’s linalool’s floral and herbal profile that is ideally suited to pair with the bouquet of blossoms that come with spring.
Cannabis produces myriad terpenes, with linalool being among the most common. It is, however, unlike the
NOTE TO READERS
Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a five-year sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.
piney pinene or the citrusy limonene, not too often the most concentrated terpene in a given strain.
However, some notable strains do feature linalool in a leading role, like Candy OG, Red Haze and Durban — not to be confused with Durban Poison. Durban is by far the most commonly available linalool-forward strain available in the Spokane area.
Linalool-heavy strains tend to fall more on the indica side of the cannabis spectrum and are often known for their relaxation-promoting and anxiety-relieving effects.
While linalool rarely takes center stage with cannabis, it is dominant in many other plants, lavender being perhaps the most notable among them.
Unsurprisingly, considering linalool’s presence in cannabis being known for relaxation, lavender has long been used in teas and oils for its calming nature.
From a fragrance perspective, high-linalool strains often also impart at least a faint lavender fragrance.
Other plants known to produce high levels of linalool include coriander, cinnamon, sweet basil and over 200 other plants both edible and not. Which means you don’t need to be a cannabis consumer to consume your fair share of linalool.
Research from 2014 published in the Journal of Food Science found that the average person consumes over 2 grams of linalool on an annual basis. If you are a cannabis consumer, you know what 2 grams looks like.
In flower form, it may not be much, but considering that’s 2 grams of pure chemical, it’s quite a bit.
If you want a little more linalool in your diet, buy a couple grams of a linalool-forward strain this spring. n
The fragrant terpene linalool can be found in lavender and many indica cannabis strains.
1% cash back is back! Re nance your non-STCU auto, boat, or recreational vehicle and get up to $500 back per loan.* To learn more or apply, go to stcu.org/cashback, visit any STCU branch location, or call (509) 326-1954.
