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For more information on Programs, Units, and more, visit the Camp Orkila Blog!

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 Traditional

 
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Traditional Seekers - Entering Grades 3-5
A great introduction to the overnight camp experience. Living in single-gender cabins, campers get a taste of all that camp has to offer, including the swimming pool, arts and crafts center, rope-climbing elements, the Marine Salmon Center and much more. Campers also enjoy an out-of-cabin overnight adventure under the stars.
see all Traditional Seekers - Entering Grades 3-5 programs
Traditional Explorers - Entering Grades 5-8
Explorers focus on team-building and developing confidence and competence around camp. Taking the next step as Camp Orkila campers, Explorers do a horseback trail ride, take on more advanced ropes activities and continue with some favorite games and activities. For their out-of-cabin experience, campers embark on an overnight trip to Twin Lakes or Sucia Island.
see all Traditional Explorers - Entering Grades 5-8 programs
Traditional Challengers - Entering Grades 8-10
Challengers join camp's oldest mixed-gender units (while still living in single-gender cabins). They enjoy age-appropriate challenges and develop independent skills. Challengers select their activities during open recreation periods and enjoy 24 hours on Satellite Island or at Twin Lakes for their out-of-cabin experience.
see all Traditional Challengers - Entering Grades 8-10 programs
 

 Specialty

 
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Horsemasters
Entering grades 6-9. Horsemasters focus on individualized riding plans, group lessons and horse care based on the skill level of each camper.
see all Horsemasters programs
Skateboard
Entering grades 7-9. Campers skateboard for half of each day at Orcas Island Skate Park, one of the top parks in the country, while enjoying traditional camp activities the remainder of the day. Experienced staff offer guidance and coaching according to each camper's skills.
see all Skateboard programs
Ultimate Frisbee
Entering grades 7-9. Ultimate is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Experienced staff offer guidance and coaching in team tactics, disc throwing and offensive and defensive play. Traditional camp activities round out the day.
see all Ultimate Frisbee programs
Digital Media
Entering grades 7-9. Digital photography and video are the mediums for this enriching new program. Using camp's natural surroundings, campers make multiple creations including web posts, short movies and photo essays.
see all Digital Media programs
Marine Biology
Entering grades 6-8. Exploring beach tide pools and Camp Orkila's state-of-the-art Marine Salmon Center, campers learn about marine ecology, oceanography and conservation.
see all Marine Biology programs
High Altitude Leadership
Entering grades 7-9. High Altitude Leadership campers expand their knowledge of the challenge course elements by learning basic knot tying, belaying and facilitation under supervision of the qualified staff. The climbing tower and zipline add extra adrenaline!
see all High Altitude Leadership programs
 

 Expedition

 
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Kayaking
Explore the San Juan Islands in our one, two and three week expeditions. Learn about your environment, your boats, your group and yourself. San Juan Kayaking is for those entering grades 8-12 (not all grades offered all sessions). Paddle Camp is for those entering grades 9-12. Islanders is for those entering grades 10-12. For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Kayaking programs
Sailing
Grab the tiller, harness the wind, explore the San Juans and build new friendships on our one and two week sailing expeditions. San Juan Sailing is for those entering grades 8-10. Mariners is for those entering grades 9-12. For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Sailing programs
Biking
Learn about tomorrow's transportation in a beautiful setting with a group of friends. Hike 'n Bike and San Juan Biking are for those entering grades 8-10. For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Biking programs
One-Week Expeditions
For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all One-Week Expeditions programs
Two-Week Expeditions
For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Two-Week Expeditions programs
Four-Week Expedition
For more information on Expeditions, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Four-Week Expedition programs
 

 Leadership

 
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High Altitude Leadership
Entering grades 7-9. High Altitude Leadership campers expand their knowledge of the challenge course elements by learning basic knot tying, belaying and facilitation under supervision of the qualified staff. The climbing tower and zipline add extra adrenaline!
see all High Altitude Leadership programs
Leadership Development Institute (LDI)
Entering grades 9-11. Teens gain the confidence and skills for becoming great role models at camp and in life! In this two-week program, "LDIs" facilitate camper activities, engage in team-building initiatives, coordinate a service project and explore the San Juan Islands on a 5-day kayaking, biking or sailing trip, depending on the session.
see all Leadership Development Institute (LDI) programs
LDI 2.0
Entering grades 10-12. Teens go to the next level in leadership development through this three-week program focused on environmental education, service learning and community leadership. Teens apply these skills in the camp setting and on a 7-day kayak trip.
see all LDI 2.0 programs
Counselor in Training (CIT) (Entering Grades 11-12)
FULL FOR 2012!!! Teens pursuing camp leadership roles join this 4-week program learning the challenges, joys and responsibilities of being a counselor. Application and interview required. For more information on the CIT program, visit www.orkilaleadership.org.
see all Counselor in Training (CIT) (Entering Grades 11-12) programs
Volunteer Internships
FULL FOR 2012!!! Our internship program is a unique, multi-faceted leadership experience that prepares teens for future positions of responsibility. The internship offers a great chance to develop your resume, gain work experience and build friendships.
see all Volunteer Internships programs
Girls LEAD: Lead, Empower, Adventure, Discover
Formerly known as PCAL - Entering Grades 7-9. Each girl finds her voice and explores who she is as a leader in this girl-centered camp experience. Through outdoor adventures and enriching workshops, girls make new friends and challenge themselves. From BMX biking to salsa dancing and hiking, girls move their bodies and stretch past what they thought possible. They develop leadership skills and plan service projects wit hthe support of fellow campers and staff. When girls finish this adventure, they know that the confidence, strength and friendships they've developed will help them meet any challenge that comes their way.
see all Girls LEAD: Lead, Empower, Adventure, Discover programs
 

 Gallery

 

Looking for more?  The Orkila Blog is another great source for information, photos, and videos about camp!​


Caring & Supportive Staff​
campfire from side.jpgCampfire at McDade Campfire​

orkila beach cabin.jpg

boys in cabin bunks.jpgExterior (Left) and Interior (Above) of an Open-Air Main Camp Cabin
Wally Fisher lodge exterior.jpgWally Fisher Lodge (Closed Cabins with Bathrooms) dederer common area.jpg
Dederer Cabin (Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Kitchen & Common Area)​
pool.jpgOutdoor Pool​ marine science center.jpg
Marine Center
arts n crafts.jpg
Arts & Crafts​
orkila giant swing.jpg
Giant Swing
 Group-building Challenges and Activities​
camp store.jpg
Inside the Orkila Country Store - Campers can buy camp gear, ice cream, and more!
group of kayakers together.jpgTeen Expeditions high ropes girl.jpg
High Ropes Course Individual and Group Challenge Elements
challenge tower.jpgZiplineinside challenge tower.jpgAn Interior Challenge Tower Climbing Route
 

Challenge Tower with Internal & External Climbing Routes & Zipline
riding in the arena.jpg
Horsemasters in the Arena for a Riding Lesson​
barn.jpg
 The Barn


Horsemasters Take to the Fields!
horses chillin in corral.jpg
The Corral
happy funyak girl.jpg
 Funyaking in Orkila Bay
bmx track.jpgBMX Bikes & Track
garden girls.jpg
Exploration in the Garden
washing hands orkila.jpg
Washing Up Before Meal Time
larry norman lodge outside.jpg
Meal Line-Up Outside Larry Norman Lodge
Larry Norman during summer camp mealtime.jpg Meals Time at Larry Norman Lodge
archery lesson.jpg
Archery & Riflery
wreckage.jpg
Group Games
dock jump.jpg
Dock Jump
marine lesson.jpg
Beach Walks
polar bear swim.jpg
Polar Bear Swim
leaving for outtrip on kiwanis.jpg
Campers Leave for Overnight Island Trip on Satellite Island Aboard Orkila's Kwahnice​
skaters.jpg
Skate Campers Use Nearby Orcas Island Skate Park
baby deer.jpg
Local Celebrities​
giant swing upside down girl.jpg
Campers Perform Skits & Songs at Campfire
orkila sunset with dock.jpg
The Orkila Dock
bmx track.jpgSunset at McDade Campfire

 

Looking for more?  The Orkila Blog is another great source for information, photos, and videos about camp!

YMCA Camping Services
Camp Orkila & Camp Colman

P 206 382 5009
F 206 382 4920

colmanorkilainfo@seattleymca.org
Overnight Summer Camp