Today's Opportunity
For more than a century the YMCA has created life changing outdoor experiences for young people and their families. We acknowledge that the environment is under threat. Climate change is most negatively impacting the communities with the lowest carbon footprint, and those furthest from opportunity. We understand that BIPoC youth, who experience marginalization due to race and other oppressed intersections, have faced multiple barriers in accessing culturally responsive outdoor education. Building on our historic strength, the new Mineral Lake Camp and Outdoor Environmental and Education Center will enable the Y to expand our impact to communities not currently served while developing future generations of youth and families more deeply connected to the great outdoors.
Today’s Growing Challenges
At the Y, we know that young people thrive in an outdoor environment and that the environment will benefit from expanded and equitable youth outdoor leadership. We must redouble our efforts and continue to do what we do best.
Youth who play outside are happier, better at paying attention, and less anxious. Spending time in nature builds confidence. In nature, there can be less structure than most types of indoor play, allowing youth to choose how they interact with nature around them. This gives them practice managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination.
Across the United States, the number of young people getting outside every day has dropped in half over the last generation, creating a nature deficit in youth and especially youth of color. At the Y, we are committed to serving BIPOC youth who face multiple barriers in accessing culturally responsive outdoor education.
According to Washington State’s 2021 Study on Outdoor Education, access to outdoor school is not currently distributed equitably by race and income. The proximity to communities from Seattle and southward will allow the Y to provide outdoor education to youth, families, and school districts not previously well served.
We Need You to Help Realize this Vision
Purchasing 500 acres on the shores of Mineral Lake, near Mt. Rainier, in fall of 2021, secured the central camp. Now we need to secure the remaining 1,600 acres expanding from the original 500, committing the full 2,100 acres to Y stewardship. (Download Full Case for Support)
- Ensure a natural, forested buffer surrounding the central camp property, and protect the land from logging and future development.
- Enable expansion of youth leadership development through Y wilderness exploration, develop deeper understanding and appreciation of indigenous cultures, and create environmental education programming for youth of all ages.
- Allow the Y to expand outdoor programming to youth, families, and school districts not currently well served by the existing resident camp properties.
| Phase 1 | Acquire Initial Land of 500 Acres | Completed 9/2021 | $5M | $14M |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 2 | Acquire 1,600 acres | Funds needed by 9/2022 | $7M | |
| Phase 3 | Master Plan Development | Fall 2022-2023 | $2M | |
| Launch Initial Program Use | Spring/Summer 2023 | $1M | $36M | |
| Phase 4 | Infrastructure Investment | 2023 to 2032 | $10M | |
| Phase 5 | Central Camp Facilities Developed | $25M | ||
| TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED | $50M | |||
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Invest in the Future of Our Youth and Our Natural Environment
Camp and outdoor education make a difference in the lives of youth and families. Please join us in realizing this significant opportunity that will serve youth, families, and the environment for generations to come.
Donate Today.
Questions?
Contact us to learn more about the Y at Mineral Lake or to set up a meeting with Tara Jones, SVP and Chief Philanthropy and Experience Officer. Learn more by downloading the full Case for Support.
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More Outdoor Programs at the Y
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.
Teen Outdoor Leadership
Youth ages 11 to 18 are inspired to be their most courageous and confident selves as they explore some of the most beautiful and natural places in the Pacific Northwest. Through BOLD & GOLD expeditions, young people spend weeks in the wilderness, learning life skills, strength, teamwork and more.
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