Family Camps & Retreats FAQs
Get the answers you need to our most frequently asked questions to ensure a great camp experience!
Get the answers you need to our most frequently asked questions to ensure a great camp experience!
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions including directions to camp, and more. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via email or by calling our main camping office at (206) 382 5009.
We believe that there is a need for meaningful and fun outdoor experiences. We are excited to provide families with a fun-filled camp experience at YMCA Camp Colman and Camp Orkila. We offer a variety of Family Camps and Retreat weekends in the spring and fall seasons.
The work of decentralizing whiteness in the outdoors is an ongoing process, but at the Y, our commitment to inviting and supporting more kids and families from all communities, especially Black and brown communities. We want all people to feel the lifelong connection to the earth and to themselves which these expeditions offer. We have a zero-tolerance policy for racist comments or jokes, which can result in the offending individual being removed from the property or a trip. YMCA Camp Orkila and Colman also provide financial assistance which reduces the barrier for entry for families new to camping.
Yes, we need all groups to fill out and return meal and health and safety forms. These are typically emailed out 2 weeks prior to the start of your program with us.
20016 Bay Road KPS | Longbranch, WA 98351
484 Camp Orkila Road | Eastsound, WA 98245
If you choose to drive to camp, plan to arrive at the Anacortes ferry landing at least an hour or two before sailing times listed on the WSDOT ferry schedule. Take any ferry bound for Orcas Island. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Camp Orkila will provide shuttle service from the ferry for the 3:40pm and 6:30pm ferries leaving Anacortes, and the 8:45am and 12:25pm ferries leaving Orcas for those who would prefer to park in Anacortes and walk on to the ferry. If you are flying, or arriving on a different ferry, you'll want to coordinate transport from these locations to camp by calling one of the taxi services on the island in advance of your arrival for best results:
All groups must be checked in by 6:00 pm on arrival day. Check-out time is 11:00 am.
Please arrive at camp no earlier than 4:30pm. Check-out time is 11:00 am.
Suggested Items:
Optional Items:
Only professional, assistive service animals are allowed at our camps. Please let us know if such an animal will accompany you.
Cell phone reception can be spotty at both Camp Colman and Camp Orkila but generally most carriers work.
Our camp staff can provide you with a phone to use for emergency calls, if necessary. Important incoming messages for participants may be left on the camp voicemail and will be relayed at meal times.
Camp Colman: (253) 884-3844
Camp Orkila: (360) 376-2678
We enjoyed the scheduled activities a lot. Those combined with just getting to enjoy camp really made for a magical weekend. I really enjoyed getting to spend time at camp with my family. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Boys, Girls, and All Gender Outdoor Leadership (BOLD & GOLD) expeditions inspire youth ages 11 to 18 to be their most courageous and confident selves as they explore some of the most beautiful and natural places in the Pacific Northwest.
Camp Colman and Camp Orkila offer kids and teens the chance to explore their individuality, become a part of their own community, and enjoy the classic camp experience of archery, rock climbing, and s’mores over the campfire.
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.