Investing in Outdoor Education
Located on the shoreline of Puget Sound in what is now the City of Federal Way in Southwest King County, Camp Kilworth was initially developed for the Boy Scouts of America Troops of Tacoma, which included Browns Point and Dash Point. From 1934 until 2016, it was one of five camps operated by the Pacific Harbors Council of Tacoma, BSA National. Camp Kilworth includes two historically significant buildings, Timberwolf Lodge and Rotary Lodge.
In 2022, Forterra successfully purchased Camp Kilworth, laying the groundwork for the restoration of the property. In 2023, the YMCA of Greater Seattle signed a long-term lease to provide youth camps, environmental education, and community open space. Thanks to Forterra’s conservation and the communities’ vision, this historic open space will be here for future generations of youth to experience nature and engage in environmental education.
Credit to Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve
Our Vision
The Y is committed to connecting all youth, especially youth of color, to the outdoors and building a generation of diverse outdoor leaders. Through the outdoors, the Y provides programs framed around group outings where individuals participate in outdoor expeditions, resident camp activities, and environmental conservation. These programs include relationship building, where conversations are facilitated to promote learning, leadership, equity, and social justice.
The Y is actively engaged with the community in the design and development of Camp Kilworth, focusing on creating a space that meets the needs of local youth, families, and neighbors. In partnership with local community-based organizations, non-profits, and schools, the Y will implement activities and offer opportunities that reduce barriers and create authentic opportunities to build life skills and a sense of belonging.
The Y Commits To:
Protecting Over 25 Acres
Camp Kilworth sits on a feeder bluff, contributing to Puget Sound's critical salmon habitat. The Y will protect the natural environment in the decades ahead by leaving most of this beautiful forest intact and undeveloped, providing an outdoor classroom for generations of local children to foster environmental stewardship and instill a love of the natural world.
Providing Outdoor Education
YMCA outdoor programs encourage examination, curiosity, and critical thinking through play and exploration. Young people will have the opportunity to experience Camp Kilworth through day programs and overnight adventures, growing their outdoor skills as they develop a sense of belonging and care for the land.
Promoting YMCA Core Values
The Y strives to create inclusive environments to empower all campers to discover their unique inner strengths and put the Y values of Respect, Caring, Honesty, and Responsibility into practice in all aspects of life that they will carry with them.
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What will Outdoor Education at Camp Kilworth Look Like?
Day Camp
Day Camp offers the fun and freedom of being outdoors while learning new skills and making friends. Each week offers new adventures to enjoy and stay active through hiking and exploring the natural environment, plus plenty of traditional favorites like archery, arts & crafts, swimming, camp songs, field trips, and more.
Local School Programming
In collaboration with local schools, YMCA outdoor education programs provide an environmental curriculum for students with opportunities to learn about nature, ask questions in the field, build outdoor skills, and participate in challenging experiences that foster life skills.
Affordable for All
At the Y, we believe that every young person deserves the benefits and lifelong memories camp provides and that finances should never be a barrier for anyone to attend camp. Approximately 1 in 5 youth receive financial assistance to attend summer camp.
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Project Timeline
The redevelopment of the site will include two phases designed with the goal of getting community back on site as soon as possible. Demolition, removal of materials, and development of trails was completed in the fall of 2023. Construction for the first phase of the redevelopment will begin in the spring of 2024.
Phase I
Installation of utilities, caretaker house, welcome center, bathrooms, shop, and activity areas.
Phase II
Rehabilitation and reopening of the historical Rotary Lodge and Timberwolf Lodge.
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How to Support Camp Kilworth
More than ever, children and families in our region need access to the benefits of high-quality outdoor education and recreation. Here are ways you can support bringing the great outdoors to more communities.
Contact
Have additional questions or want to share your support? Contact us for more information.
Land Acknowledgement
The Y acknowledges the ancestral keepers of the land we gather on. We thank them for their immense contributions to our state and local history, culture, economy, and identity as Washingtonians.
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Camp & Outdoor Leadership
Camp Colman
Camp Colman has offered kids and teens the chance to explore their individuality, become a part of their own community, and enjoy the classic American camp experience of archery, rock climbing, and s’mores over the campfire.
Camp Orkila
Explore the magic of Camp Colman and Camp Orkila through water activities, challenge course experiences, campfires, and more while getting to spend quality time with your loved ones.
BOLD & GOLD
Our outdoor leadership trips will take teens to some of the most beautiful and natural places in the Pacific Northwest while inspiring them to be their most courageous and confident selves.
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