Last week, a remarkable youth faith event happened in Douglas County. Representatives from seven faith traditions—Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Brahma Kumaris communities—gathered to launch the region’s first Friendship Camp, a collaborative initiative born from the Interfaith Coalition of Douglas County and led by the Highlands Ranch Islamic Association and Holy Companion, an Episcopal Church in Sterling Ranch.
Children from kindergarten through eighth grade and 32 volunteers, dedicated one week designed to build what organizers call “meaningful relationships across generations and faith traditions.”
A Space Built on Shared Values
Sister Rida Zafar of the Highlands Ranch Islamic Association described the impact in terms that captured the spirit of the gathering. “Friendship Camp 2026 has been that beautiful safe space for the Muslim community where they have felt belonging, and been seen and cherished by their fellow faith community members,” she said. “From the daily opening ceremony, to shared lunches, team building games, and STEAM activities, everything was crafted precisely and wonderfully to help teach and encourage practice of shared values of gratitude, forgiveness, courage and respect for nature by children of all faiths.”
The camp’s design reflected this intention. Beyond the structured activities, participants were invited to explore one another’s traditions with curiosity. That kind of openness is what Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas, Interfaith President and camp co-chair, believes will shape the region’s future.
A Moment of Prayer Across Faiths
Perhaps the most memorable moment came when a 12-year-old camper invited everyone present to observe the Muslim call to prayer. As his voice carried the ancient affirmations in Arabic, a tangible shift rippled through the room. From kindergarteners to adults, participants entered their own prayer traditions and meditation practice with open hearts—deepening their own faith while building respectful relationships with neighbors of other traditions.
It was the kind of bridge-building that doesn’t often happen outside carefully curated spaces.
Making It Sustainable
The camp’s success relied on genuine community investment. Just a week before camp began, Holy Companion received the news that it had been awarded a $40,000 United Thank Offering Grant from The Episcopal Church. Combined with contributions from faith communities, individual donors, and other grants, the funding ensured that every child who wanted to attend could do so and invested resources to sustain the program in years ahead.
Looking forward, Grubaugh voiced hope given the positive week that unfolded. “The young leaders nurtured by Friendship Camp will, together, be ambassadors of a kinder Douglas County, where neighbors of any or no faith will be embraced as sacred neighbors,” she said.
In a world often fractured along lines of belief, Douglas County’s first Friendship Camp offered a different model: one where children and adults discovered that their differences make space for deeper connection, not division.
About the Organizations
The Interfaith Coalition of Douglas County develops programs for children, youth, and adults, creating opportunities for people of all ages to encounter their “Sacred Neighbors” with joyful curiosity and deep respect.
The Highlands Ranch Islamic Association, founded in 2023, serves the growing Muslim community of Highlands Ranch and the surrounding area.
Holy Companion is a new Episcopal faith community in Sterling Ranch and a Special Congregation of the Episcopal Church in Colorado. The community seeks to companion one another on the journey of faith through inclusive worship, meaningful relationships, and service to neighbors.
So positive! So often I see faith communities suspicious of each other and unable to work together to spread their religious message together. It's wonderful to read about cooperation and learning!
Barrett, thanks, as always, for bringing some much-needed accurate and uplifting news our way. We appreciate your news channel.
Great work, Lauren, and all around!