Great Summers Start Here
Y camp experiences offer innovative youth development programs to help kids and teens build the life skills they need to become their best selves. The Y is where traditional camp experiences meet modern curriculum focused on social-emotional learning, environmental sciences, building community, and self-confidence.
Give your kid or teen the opportunity to experience the adventure and magic of the outdoors at a Y camp.
The Benefits of Camp
Camp makes a difference in the lives of kids, and this year, they need these benefits more than ever. From promoting independence and critical thinking to developing social-emotional intelligence and healthy habits, camp offers experiences that will be carried into adulthood.
Independence & Exploration
A child's experience at camp, away from family, promotes independence which is integral in helping children develop a sense of identity. Kids learn to become more self-reliant as they explore their interests and discover their inner strengths.
Social-Emotional Skills
We offer an environment where kids are invited to share their whole selves. Kids build friendships, develop healthy conflict resolution skills, and learn to evaluate risk to make thoughtful decisions.
Healthy Living Mindset
We bring our expertise in healthy living and youth development together in one place. Encouraging kids to build healthy habits in mind, body, and spirit, are skills learned at camp that will last a lifetime.
Connection with Nature
Being in nature helps to soothe the senses, increases immunity, and encourages kids to ponder the great mystery of the natural world. Plus, camp is a great motivator to keep kids exploring the environment long after their camp experience.
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Choose Your Own Adventure
From local day camps to week-long overnight camps, to multi-week expeditions across the Cascades, we believe that no matter your background or summer schedule, there’s a place for your family at a Y camp!
Day Camp
Offering active days spent learning new skills and making lifelong friends, Y Day Camps offers fun camp activities to engage brains, exploration rotations to encourage kids to try new things, and plenty of physical activity and games to keep bodies moving.
Overnight Camp
Camp Colman and Camp Orkila have been staples of Washington for more than 100 years. They offer kids and teens the chance to explore their individuality, become a part of their own community, and enjoy outdoor experiences like archery, rock climbing, and s’mores over the campfire.
Outdoor Leadership Expeditions
Adventure is the main ingredient of Boys & Girls Outdoor Leadership Development expeditions. The natural beauty of these trips inspire youth ages 11 to 18 to be their most courageous and confident selves as they learn new skills, make lifelong friends, and run towards adventure.
Family Camps & Retreats
Camp Orkila and Camp Colman offer a home away from home when you want it most. Unplug and unwind with fun camp activities that will let you reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Whether it’s a Women’s Wellness Weekend, a Labor Day Family Camp, a cabin rental, or even a custom group reservation, we have the experience to meet your needs.
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Why the Y
At the Y, we're dedicated to helping every child be their best selves.
Affordable for All
Every kid deserves the benefits of camp! At the Y, we believe family financial situations should not be a barrier for kids to attend day camp, resident camp, or outdoor leadership expeditions. Thanks to our generous donors who make this possible.
Charismatic Counselors
Sometimes kids leave saying it was the best summer ever, but what they really mean is they had the best counselor ever! Our counselors are specially trained to bring their best every day and to bring the magic (and safety!) of camp to life.
130 Years
We're the camp experts! For over 130 years we have been providing world-class outdoor experiences in the Northwest. Every day we learn more about how to be the most fun, most life-changing, and most inclusive camps for years to come.
From Birth to Graduation
The real gift of the Y is the lifelong support kids receive. From birth to graduation, your child is a part of a caring community with programs that support early learning, youth sports, healthy living, camp, and academic support.
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The News from Camp
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Stay Engaged with the Y
Swim Lessons
As the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, we strive to help all ages learn how to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills needed to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living.
Family Room
Bring the Y's education and enrichment activities home! Try intentional moments to calm the soul, STEAM projects to keep minds moving and learning, and family games to share laughs and smiles.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
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