Thursday, July 29, 2010
Click here for a PDF of the 2010 Dates & Rates!
Registered Campers, Click here for Camp Forms!
This IS the summer...
We understand the scheduling and economic pressures which are influencing family decisions. As many Camp Orkila campers, alumni and families can tell you, the value of YMCA Camp Orkila extends well beyond the camp session.
Through our three-tier payment options, payment plans and Financial Aid, we can ensure that you can provide a fun and valuable experience for your camper this year. Together, let's provide an outstanding experience for your camper.
There's something about spending night and day with the same bunch of kids that helps them learn independence and the ability to rely on others.
| Traditional Programs |
Specialty Programs |
Teen Expeditions |
Leadership Programs |
| Traditional I Grades 3-6 |
One-Week Horsemasters & Advanced Horsemasters |
Sailing | LDI: Leadership Development Institute |
| Traditional II Grades 7-10 |
Two-Week Advanced Horsemasters |
Kayaking | CIT: Counselors in Training |
| Skateboard | Biking | PCAL: Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership |
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| Marine Biology |
There's something about spending night and day with the same bunch of kids that helps campers learn independence and responsibility. At camp, groups of ten campers of similar age and gender share rustic cabins. Each day is full of age appropriate adventures, challenges and new experiences. Under the guidance of trained counselors, campers visit program areas such as arts and crafts, aquatics, horseback riding, archery and rifle ranges, climbing wall, ropes courses and BMX. Plus there is "open rec" time for campers to choose activities that interest them most. Each week includes one of the following: a sleep-out in the meadow under shooting stars, or a trip to Twin Lakes for a campout, hiking and roasting marshmellows, or an overnight stay or day trip on board our boat, Kwahnice to Satelellite or Sucia Island. Each camper's overall experience will vary by session schedule, weather, cabin group and age. One session is not enough time to experience everything Camp Orkila has to offer.
Click here to watch the Camp Orkila video on YouTube.
Click here to watch our 2009 Camp Orkila Slideshows on Vimeo.
Traditional I: Grades 3-6
Coed, entering grades 3 - 6 in the fall of 2010 One week programs The journey at YMCA Camp Orkila is exciting whether it's your first time at camp or you second in a long line of many to come. Activities are designed to meet your level of comfort and ability. Develop friendships as you build teamwork and problem solving skills through programs designed to build on your camp as well as your personal experiences. Prepare skits for a campfire, advance on the climbing wall and watch the sunset singing with friends. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Traditional I
Click here to watch our 2009 Session 1 Slideshow.
Click here to hear Campers share their experience on YouTube!
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Traditional II: Grades 7-10
Coed, entering grades 7 through 10 in the fall of 2010. One and two week programs Just as the trail up Mt. Constitution ascends, so does the opportunity to pursue more challenging adventures. Under the guidance of experienced, highly trained counselors, camp program areas progress to higher levels for our oldest campers. Traditional II campers will enjoy programming especially designed for teens. Orkila's values based programming is at its peak as energetic staff use field and low ropes initiatives to prepare a dynamic group of young people for an adventure on any number of high ropes elements. Enjoy your very own overnight trip with expanded training in "Leave No Trace" camping and trip skills! Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Traditional II
Click here to watch our 2009 Session 2 Slideshow.
Click here to hear Campers share their experience on YouTube!
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One-Week Horsemasters & Advanced Horsemasters
Coed, entering grades 6 through 10 in the fall of 2010. One-Week Advanced Horsemasters requires previous riding experience. One week program Saddle up! This program is devoted to safe and responsible methods of riding and caring for a horse. In the Horsemaster unit, you will meet and get to know one specific horse that you will ride and care for throughout the session. You will learn many hands-on skills associated with western horsemanship such as grooming and feeding methods, using and storing tack, mounting and riding your horse. Each session comes to a close with an Orkila style rodeo where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your new or improved skills. Early instruction takes place in our corrals and arenas. As your skills advance, you will go on trail rides on Orkila's beautiful property. "Can we swim in the Orkila pool?" You bet! You will also have the opportunity to participate in traditional camp related activities. The number of participants in each session is limited to strengthen the level of interactive instruction. Register early! Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Horsemasters.
Click here to check out our Horsemasters Video on YouTube!
Click here to check out our Island Trips Vidoe on You Tube!
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Two-Week Advanced Horsemasters
Coed, entering grades 6 through 10 in the fall of 2010. Two-week program Advanced Horsemasters is for those who have been through Horsemasters or have gained riding experience elsewhere. In our Advanced Horsemasters unit you will become even more attentive to your horse and perfect your riding skills. You will have more independent responsibility for stabling and saddling your horse and learn basic veterinary medicine and trail riding leadership skills, while at the same time practicing advanced riding techniques. "Can we swim in the Orkila pool?" You bet! All participants will have the opportunity to participate in Traditional camp activities. The number of participants in each session is limited to strengthen the level of interactive instruction. Register early. The two-week session includes an overnight to Satelite Island. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Advanced Horsemasters
Click here to watch our Horsemasters Video on YouTube!
Click here to watch our Island Trips Video on You Tube!
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Skateboard
Coed, entering grades 7 through 9 in the fall of 2010. One week program. Strap on your pads, grab your helmet and ride the premier skateboard park of the Northwest! Whether you are an experienced skater or just leaning, this program is for you. Experienced, well-trained Orkila staff will offer you guidance and coaching. A portion of the day will be spent participating in traditional in-camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts or archery. A helmet and other safety equipment are mandatory for this program. This is an interactive program and size is very limited. Register early! Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Skateboard Camp.
Click here to watch our the Skateboard Camp video on YouTube!
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Marine Biology
Coed, entering grades 6 through 9 in the fall of 2010. One week program Explore the many wonders of the marine world surrounding us - the Puget Sound! This program is based at Camp Orkila's Marine Salmon Center where, as an aspiring marine biologist, you will be immersed in marine ecology, oceanography, and conservation of the natural world. Traditional camp activities will be balanced with the marine biology program. You will have an in-depth, hands-on experience with the marine world. Register early! Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Marine Biology
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Sailing
San Juan Sailing: Coed, entering grades 8 through 12 in the fall of 2010.(minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) One week program For anyone who's never sailed before, this program offers a great introduction. You will learn how to set up and maneuver a small sailboat. Then we will climb aboard Camp Orkila's 27-foot Soling sailboat for a three-day trip at sea. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for San Juan Sailing
Click here for more information and an itinerary on San Juan Sailing
Mariners Sailing: Coed, entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2010. (minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) Two week program Let's go cruising! Campers with previous sailing experience will learn to plan a day sail and do basic sailboat maintenance. Then you'll work as a team to plan your itinerary and destinations among the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. Camp Orkila's 27-foot Soling class boats will be your home for your exploration. Campers must have a U.S. Passport for entry in Canada. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Mariners Sailing
Click here for more information and an itinerary on Mariners Sailing.
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Kayaking
San Juan Kayaking: Coed, entering grades 8 through 10 in the fall of 2010. (minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) Never held a paddle before? No problem. We'll start with basic kayak strokes, and before you know it, you will be paddling across open water. You will make new friends and renew old friendships as you paddle each day. Safety and fun go hand-in-hand as our specially trained staff teach you the Orkila way of camping, a safe and fun way to travel that doesn't impact the environment. Register online NOW!
Dates & Rates for San Juan Kayaking.
Click here for more information and an itinerary on San Juan Kayaking.
Paddle Camp Kayaking: Coed, entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2010 (minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) Two week program In this program, you will build on your basic kayak skills, learning bracing and kayak rescue. You'll also learn to read tide and current tables. Then take those skills to the water, paddling to many of the San Juan Islands. Each night, your group will set up a safe and comfortable camp under the careful guidance of our experienced staff. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Paddle Camp
Click here for more information and an itinerary on Paddle Camp Kayaking.
Islanders Kayaking: Coed, entering grades 10 through 12 in the fall of 2010. Three week program Get ready to put your skills to the test in this challenging and fun 22-day expedition. Our experienced staff will teach you advanced boat handling, advanced navigation, and expedition planning. Working as a team, your group will plan your own trip into the northern reaches of the Canadian Gulf Islands. This trip will challenge your perseverance, kayak skills, and leadership skills. Each camper will lead the group for one day. You'll have fun, make new friends, and travel safely with our skilled staff as you accomplish more than you ever thought you could. Campers must have a U.S. Passport for entry into Canada. Register online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Islanders Kayaking
Click here for more information and an itinerary on Islanders Kayaking.
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Biking
San Juan Biking: Coed, entering grades 8 and 10 in the fall of 2010 (minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) One week program Explore the San Juan Islands at the speed of a bicycle in this expedition on wheels. Our experienced staff will teach you how to plan a day ride, set a consistent pace, perform basic bike maintenance, and safely travel as a group. You will travel on your bike each day, then camp in a campground each night. Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for San Juan Biking
Click here for more information and an itinerary on San Juan Biking.
Gulf Island Biking: Coed, entering grades 9 through 12 in the fall of 2010. (minimum age 13 years old by June 1, 2010) Two week program You'll learn to pack your equipment on your bike before heading off to travel to the Canadian Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. You'll carry everything on your bike, so along the way, you'll plan your meals and purchase the group's food. Each camper will lead the group for one day as our experienced staff teach you safe and courteous touring habits. Campers must have a U.S. Passport for entry into Canada. Register online NOW!
Dates & Rates for Gulf Island Biking
Click here for more information and an itinerary on Gulf Island Biking.
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LDI: Leadership Development Institute
Two - Week program, Coed for teens entering 9 - 11th grade in fall 2010.
Three - Week program, Coed for teens entering 10 - 12th grade in fall 2010.
The two-week Leadership Development Institute program is designed to focus on developing your small group workshops. Planning camper activities, leading campfires, and chapels, and helping to plan your group's four day kayak trip will allow you to apply the skils you have learned. As an LDI, you will gain skills useful throughout your lifetime and at th esame time have an exciting summer! This is a popular program. Register early! Register Online NOW!
The three-week Leadership Development Institute program focuses on environmental education and community leadership. For the first two weeks, participants explore group development, service learning and environmental education – both at Camp Orkila and on a week-long kayak trip. During the final week, participants return to camp to apply this understanding of community and environmental leadership by teaching games and instructing classes in a traditional camp setting. Register early! Register Online NOW!
Dates & Rates for LDI
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CIT: Counselors in Training
Coed, entering grades 11 through 12 in fall of 2010. Four Week Program. Take the first step in becoming a cabin counselor! You will focus on team building, leadership skills, and age appropriate characteristics and experience what it is like to hold a job. This could be the life-shaping summer that you have been waiting for. The development of skills will be only slightly out-weighed by the sense of personal achievement you will gain. You will begin with training and then be assigned to work with a group of campers. Application and interview process required. This session does not guarantee a future counselor position. The application and registration process for summer 2009 is now closed; however, if you would like to be placed on an interest list please call our office at 206-382-5009. Application & Registration for Summer 2010 will be available in January 2010. Click for more information and to apply!
Click here to watch our CIT slideshow.
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PCAL: Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership
12 or 15 day sessions for girls entering 8th and 9th grades
Be yourself. Be a Leader. The Patsy Collins Adventure in Leadership program (PCAL) is an intensive, residential camp that empowers girls with the self-confidence to lead, the spirit to give back to their communities, and the awareness to live a healthy and balanced life by providing active leadership development workshops, service learning projects and group building opportunities. Incorporating traditional, fun camp activities with inspirational guest speakers and opportunities to challenge stereotypes about what it means to be a girl in today’s world, PCAL provides lifelong memories and friendships. PCAL is a Metrocenter YMCA program that is located at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. Register Online NOW!
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