Big Adventure. Belonging that Lasts.
At YMCA Camp Orkila, kids experience more than a week at camp. They step into an unforgettable island adventure where friendships come naturally, confidence grows through challenge, and every camper becomes part of a community built on discovery, belonging, and care.
Since 1906, generations of campers have grown up at Orkila. Each summer builds on the last, from early experiences filled with discovery and play to bigger adventures, greater independence, responsibility, and leadership. Along the way, campfires, songs, all-camp events, and longtime traditions connect campers to a community that stretches across generations.
Set on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Orkila gives kids room to explore and challenge themselves in an extraordinary natural setting. From zip lines and giant swings to kayaking, BMX, ropes courses, campouts, and waterfront adventures, campers can try something new, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of, surrounded by shoreline, forest, wildlife, and the Salish Sea.
It’s a place for big adventure, growing confidence, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging that brings campers back year after year.
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Find Your Camp Experience
With options for campers ages 3-103, weekend and week-long camps, and activities for the whole family, finding your perfect camp experience is easy.
Summer Overnight Camp
Campers in grades 3-12 spend their summer exploring the great outdoors and trying new experiences. Our summer overnight camps offer something for everyone with activities from archery, arts & crafts, and boating to songs, skits, and values sessions where campers can share and reflect.
Weekend Camps and Retreats
Offered in spring and fall, Weekend Family Camps and Retreats provide the perfect respite for experiencing the wonders of the outdoors through traditional camp activities, quaint cabin lodging, and nutritious and delicious meals, all while enjoying quality outdoor time together with family and friends.
Orcas Island Day Camp
Day camps for kids in grades 1-6 are based on rotating weekly themes and are always a fan favorite of local residents. With many of the same awesome activities as overnight camp, it's perfect for kiddos not ready to stay the night.
2026 Dates & Themes:
- Week 1: July 6-10 - Dinosaur Discovery
- Week 2: July 13-17 - Bugs & Slugs
- Week 3: July 20-24 - Secrets of the Sea
- Week 4: July 27-31 - Fairytales & Fables*
- Week 5: Aug 3-7 - Heroes & Villains
- Week 6: Aug 10-14 - Animal Planet
- Week 7: Aug 17-21 - Interstellar Adventure*
- Week 8: Aug 24-27 (4-day) - Around the World
*optional overnight available
Environmental Education
Plan your school’s next field trip through our Outdoor Environmental Education program, where individuals are encouraged and empowered to discover their unique strengths in an inclusive, low-risk environment. The program supports Environmental and Challenge Education opportunities.
Swim
Join us for swim lessons or community swim this summer! Swim lessons are offered in two-week sessions. Kids may take swim lessons as a part of their day camp experience or as stand-alone lessons.
Registration for summer 2026 will open February 4 at 6am.
Session 2A: July 13-24
Session 4A: July 27-Aug 7
Session 6A: Aug 10-21
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Find Your Camp Fun
Orkila campers may have a tough time choosing from the vast array of exciting activities from outdoor exploration on the beach and environmental education at the marine center to fast-paced fun on our ziplines. With so many options to keep campers active and engaged, boredom is not on the menu.
Fun-Filled Adventures
Camp Orkila offers activities for all areas of interest from fan favorites such as archery, boating, sing-a-longs, and arts & crafts to the zipline, climbing wall, and challenge course all led by our amazing super fun camp staff.
Classic Meals & Cabin Lodging
Campers share meals (vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available) in the lodge and sleep soundly in cabins nestled along the waterfront, in the majestic evergreens, or adjacent to charming meadows.
Memories that Last a Lifetime
The Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility foster a place where campers can be their most authentic selves, step outside their comfort zone, and make new friends that will last a lifetime.
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Affordable for All
We are committed to making YMCA camps and outdoor leadership programs more accessible for everyone.
Pricing Options
We have created our pricing options and developed a voluntary sliding fee schedule. Simply select the price most appropriate for your family. Your selections are completely confidential and do not impact the quality of your camper’s experience.
- Price A reflects the full price of sending a participant to the program selected. This level represents the full price of camp operations, including industry leading training and staffing, support for long-term maintenance, repairs, and facility enhancements.
- Price B is partially sponsored by funds generously contributed by our supporters to help families unable to afford the full price of the program.
- Price C is our most accessible rate, supported by generous contributions from our donors to ensure a positive camp experience for as many participants as possible.
Your Support Matters
Thank you to families who volunteer to pay Price A! You are helping the Y ensure our camps and outdoor leadership programs continue to thrive. With your support, we have made critical improvements and repairs to our overnight camps and outdoor leadership programs that ensure all participants have the best experiences possible — like new bath and shower facilities, ADA accessibility, new educational facilities, and high-adventure programs. With your support, Y camps and outdoor leadership programs can continue to be accessible for all now and in the future, especially for those who need us most.
Independent of what price you have selected, if you would like to support our camps and outdoor leadership programs in an even more meaningful way, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation in any amount.
Financial Assistance
Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent anyone from participating in our programs, including financial barriers. If our lowest prices still create a financial barrier that prevents you from participating in our programs, we invite you to fill out a financial assistance application.
Once we have reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email confirming the percentage you have been awarded.* A $50 deposit is still required to confirm your reservation.
*We are only able to offer financial assistance for one registration per participant each summer.
More from Camp Orkila
Committed to Become an Anti-Racist Organization
The Y is committed to become an anti-racist and inclusive gathering space where people of all colors, religions, genders, and backgrounds are welcomed and have the opportunity to succeed, be healthy, and thrive. That means closely examining what we do – our systems, hiring practices, partners, contracting, and programs – to ensure we are learning, adapting, and doing all that we can to build a more equitable, healthy, and just community.
Connect to Camp Orkila
Follow us on social media to see more photos and get updates from camp!
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GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES WITH THE Y
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.
BOLD & GOLD
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.
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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