YMCA Camp Colman - Lagoon & Constructions Updates

Changes at Camp: Salmon and Our Lagoon

In January 2025, Washington State breached the spit between the Lagoon and Case Inlet, significantly altering camp in both appearance and programming as part of a multi-year project to restore the salmon population in the area. Camp has been working closely with the Department of Ecology (DEC), Washington State, and several generous donors to ensure camp only grew stronger through these changes.

When you drive into camp this year, you will see the impact of this work as you cross the brand-new bridge toward our iconic Madrona trees. You may notice the tidally influenced lagoon is now full of sparkling, clear blue water, or you may spot an increase in wildlife on the water. For those of us lucky enough to work here year-round, these changes have been especially exciting to witness. In areas that previously lacked biodiversity, we are now seeing sea lions and kingfishers—and a few lucky guests have even spotted dogfish sharks and orcas!

In an effort to support this newly diversified ecosystem, in January 2025 we also began raising our own chum salmon roe, which were released into the Lagoon in March, with plans to do so again this spring. Salmon return to the waters where they were raised to spawn, and by releasing fry into the Lagoon, we hope to support the natural cycle of reproduction in this space.

About a month after releasing the salmon, partners from the DEC visited camp to test the impact of the breach on water quality. They worked directly with students from Cedar Trails Elementary during their fifth-grade trip to Colman. Students helped test fish and macroinvertebrate populations, learned the importance of water testing, and explored the role humans play in environmental health. The DEC confirmed that our juvenile salmon were still in the Lagoon—and thriving!

This year, we will raise another 100 chum roe, giving students the opportunity to watch them grow and help release another generation of salmon into the Lagoon. We are proud to play a role in revitalizing this ecosystem and supporting hands-on environmental learning.

Cabin and Construction Update

You may know that Camp Colman is gaining a few new cabins! This project has been many years in the making, and while COVID caused a few delays, we are excited to share that we have officially broken ground. Site development is underway, including tree removal near Archery to make space for our newest cabins. We are looking ahead to the building phase of the project, with hopes of welcoming campers into these new spaces by summer 2027.

The impact of camp is far-reaching and long-lasting, and few things reflect that more clearly than the longtime Colman families who give their time and resources to help camp grow. We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners within the Colman community. Their dedication to our mission ensures that future generations of campers will continue to build confidence, connection, and a love for Camp Colman. 

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