Find Your Community at Camp Orkila
Established as the first permanent camping home of the YMCA of Greater Seattle in 1906, the Orcas Island property, now known as Camp Orkila, was originally owned by the same family as the sister camp, Camp Colman. While it might look a little different now, its dedication to strengthening community has continued to grow over its over 100-year history. Rooted in nurturing the potential of youth, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility, these same goals still drive the camp staff today.
Camp Orkila is located in the breathtaking San Juan Islands. Visitors traditionally arrive at camp via the Anacortes ferry which boasts one of the most scenic routes in Washington (and the U.S.), with incredible views of Puget Sound. The views don't stop when you enter camp though. With more than 280 acres of beautiful beachfront, ancient forest, and amazing open spaces, Orkila will capture your imagination.
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.
Save the date! Early registration opens at 6:00 am on November 19 for 2024 campers and YMCA of Greater Seattle members. General registration begins at 6:00 am on November 21.
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.
Registration for summer 2025 will open in February.
2025 Dates:
- Week 1: June 30–July 3 (M–Th)
- Week 2: July 7–11
- Week 3: July 14–18
- Week 4: July 21–25
- Week 5: July 28–August 1
- Week 6: August 4–August 8
- Week 7: August 11–15
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. Summer 2025 details coming soon.
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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 lowered 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 camper to the program selected. This level represents the full price of camp operations, including 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 the lowest price, funded by generous contributions donated by our supporters to the greatest extent 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. That percentage will be automatically applied to your account and reflected in your final balance. You may also choose the financial assistance option and pay a $50 deposit during registration, then apply for your award at a later date.
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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More from Camp Orkila
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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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