Camp Colman campers and volunteers helped to break ground on two new cabins during our annual Salmon Bake this summer. The cabins are named to honor the Cruzen, Bostrom and Code families for their generous support of Camp Colman.

These new cabins are proof of our commitment to serve every kid and family who wants to go to camp, regardless of their ability to pay by building capacity.

We could not do this work without the generosity of our donors.

“In this age of technology, kids need a place to unplug and practice the life skills that they can’t learn through a screen: living with different people, making new friends, trying new things even though they may be scary (like the giant swing or polar bear plunge into the sound),” said Meredith Cambre, Senior Executive Director for Camping & Outdoor Leadership at the YMCA.

Both of Seattle’s Y camps (Colman and Orkila) are engaged in a comprehensive campaign that will create capacity for more kids to have these experiences and will support scholarships that ensure that finances will never be the barrier to participation. Meredith continued, “These cabins will make it possible for more youth to have access to these irreplaceable camp experiences, and we are so thankful to have the support of donors who make this possible.”

Construction of the Cruzen & Bosco cabins at YMCA Camp Colman will begin in early 2019 with the goal of completing the cabins in time for campers to enjoy them next summer.

This summer at camp, kids gained a new sense of adventure and appreciation of the outdoors. They learned to make new friends and set stretch goals. They motivated each other to try new things and build leadership skills that will serve them throughout life. Over and over again, we hear from parents and guardians that their kids went home with more confidence and a more, well-rounded outlook on life.