Find Your Inspiration at Camp Orkila
Summer overnight camp at Camp Orkila is the perfect place for youth to begin their journey toward independence and discover a love of nature. Our camps are for kids and teens entering grades 3-12, with programs ranging from 7 to 28 days. Designed to nurture potential and foster a sense of social responsibility, campers will return home excited and inspired to share and continue all they learned at camp.
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. More details coming soon.
Find Your Summer Camp
Our overnight programs provide campers of all ages a safe and fun experience in a beautiful outdoor setting. Grouped by grade and gender identity, campers are housed in fully-enclosed cabins with bathhouses nearby.
Traditional Camp
Traditional campers spend their days engaged in a wide variety of activities from arts & crafts to the zip line, capped off with gorgeous sunset views over the San Juan Islands at campfire with a group sing-along and time for reflection.
- Entering grades 3–10
- 7 days | 6 nights
Specialty Camps
Specialty Camps dive into skill building through specific activities including Art Exploration, High Altitude Leadership, Marine Biology, or Outdoor Adventures.
- Entering grades 6–9
- 7 days | 6 nights
Teen Expedition & Leadership Camps
Leadership is the core element of our teen camps designed to facilitate communication, team-building, outdoor skills, and counseling techniques. Options range from 7-28 day kayaking expeditions to multi-week leadership and counselor in training programs. Islanders, Counselor In Training, and Summer Intern programs require an application and interview process prior to registration. Applications are now closed for 2024.
- Entering grades 8–12
- One to four-week programs
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Find Your Groove
With consistent schedules, campers always know what's on the agenda for the week and have the opportunity to participate in up to five different activities per day with rest periods in between. Most meals are served community-style in the lodge.
Super-Sized Schedules
Schedules are designed to maximize fun and provide a variety of experiences with plenty of downtime to rest, relax, and recharge plus several opportunities to shower! A typical session is illustrated above (times and activities may vary by cabin and session).
Meals Made for Campers
Campers enjoy three well-balanced meals made on-site each day plus an afternoon snack and after-dinner dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are always available with water consumption encouraged. Pictured above is vegetarian lasagna with fresh green salad and garlic bread.
Counselors guide their cabin groups to and from all meals and activities throughout the day. For older campers, days may start and end a bit later.
Rise & Shine
► 7:00 am: Wake-up & dress
► 7:45 am: Breakfast in the lodge
► 8:15 am: Showers & clean-up
► 9:00 am: Up to two activities
Lunchtime Refuel
► 11:45 am: Lunch in the lodge
► 12:15 pm: Siesta rest and relax
► 2:00 pm: Third activity
Mid-Day Mellow
► 3:15 pm: Snack time
► 3:30 pm: Fourth activity
After-Dinner Togetherness
► 5:15 pm: Dinner in the lodge
► 6:00 pm: Evening activities
► 7:30 pm: Evening program, including campfires!
► 9:30 pm: Lights out
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Find Your Community at Camp
Camp Orkila strives to create a welcoming community for all. Campers are encouraged to take ownership of the rules and maintenance of their cabins while promoting inclusion and team-work among their cabinmates.
Cabin Groups
Campers are assigned cabins based on gender identity and grade level (within one year). Counselors stay in cabins and act as guides and role models. The gender identities of cabin staff may not be the same as that of their campers.
Cabin Constitutions
Cabin groups work together to collectively agree upon constitutions which reflect the guidelines and expectations for the week. This traditional team-building activity teaches active listening and is a perfect way to kick-off the week.
Cabin Memories
Campers are encouraged to memorialize their experiences by journaling in their Summer Memory Books. This provides kids an easy way to share with friends and family all the exciting memories made during their week at camp.
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Find Your Cabin
Camp Orkila has over 50 cabins and elevated tents within several communities located throughout the property with the dining lodge located at the center. Cabin groups are assigned to cabins based on program, gender identity, and age and/or grade level.
Cabins & Tents
Lodging includes cabins and platform tents, many with decks and gathering areas. The majority enjoy a rustic vibe but some, typically reserved for younger campers, have electricity. On overnight trips and expedition programs, campers sleep under tarps or camping shelters.
Sleeping Accommodations
Campers have their own bunk with padding provided. Sleeping bags and pillows are supplied by the camper along with anything else they would like to bring to make their space feel more like home. Cabins house an average of 10 campers and four counselors.
Restrooms & Showers
Younger campers are housed in cabins with toilets and shower facilities attached while older campers use one of several recently updated bathhouses with private shower facilities and toilets located nearby the cabins for easy access.
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Find Your Favorite or Try Something New
Days fly by for campers as they engage in a wide range of fun and games, traditional camp activities, and a host of recreational opportunities available at Camp Orkila. With youth choice embedded into daily schedules, they will also have the option to find their favorite pastime or try something new each day. Activities available vary each session of camp and campers may not participate in every activity shown below.
Archery
A favorite of many, campers will practice archery techniques while hoping to hit the bullseye (or at least the target!).
Arts & Crafts
Let your creativity flourish at the arts studio. Follow along with a themed craft or explore on your own with a custom project.
Beach Combing
Camp Orkila's waterfront provides the opportunity to comb the beach or catch a glimpse of orcas and other marine mammals.
Bicycle Motorcross (BMX)
Roll, ride, and jump over the waves of dirt hills and plateaus designed to thrill riders on our BMX (bike motocross) track.
Campers Choice
Campers have at least two open recreational periods to use as they choose including archery, arts & crafts, aquatics, games, and more.
Campfires
Celebrate the start and end of the week when our camp community comes together around the fire with jokes, skits, and a fun sing-a-long.
Climbing
Under the guidance of our expert staff, campers can climb to new heights, cheered on by their fellow cabinmates on our climbing tower.
Court Sports
Some friendly basketball or volleyball competition is a great way for campers to get active while practicing teamwork.
Dance Parties
Bust a move at our weekly dance party, hosted by our own staff disc jockeys. Campers can dress for the occasion or come as they are.
Dock Jump
Face your fears by taking a leap from high off the iconic Camp Orkila dock into the refreshing waters of the Puget Sound.
Dodge Ball
Always a fan favorite, campers team up to take a friendly shot at fellow campers with our colorful (and squishy) dodge balls.
Environmental Education
Located on the Puget Sound with an on-site marine center and touch tank, Orkila boasts a robust environmental education program.
Face Painting
Your face is our canvas! Campers can creatively express themselves with non-toxic paint (on themselves or others!).
Friend Making
In our ever increasing virtual world, making friends can be hard but at camp, it's easy to find friendships in in real life that can last a lifetime.
Gaga Ball
GAGA BALL! Camper favorite Gaga Ball is a staple of camp overflowing with healthy competition, laughter, and fast-paced fun.
Giant Swing
Campers can take it to the next level while soaring through the ancient evergreen trees from up above on our giant swing.
High-Ropes Course
Campers challenge themselves on our extensive series of high ropes, working individually and as teams to complete the course.
Hiking
From sea to trees, campers learn to orient with a compass while exploring a variety of terrain on our network of hiking trails.
Low-Ropes Course
Combine elements of balance, strength, and problem-solving on our low-ropes course designed to promote team-building.
Mud Bath
Messy but thrilling, campers will get dirty while taking a stroll through our all natural mud bath (but will feel awesome after!).
Paddle Sports
Campers of all skill levels enjoy paddling a kayak, paddleboard, funyak, or row boats on the waters of the Salish Sea.
Polar Plunge
Brave the cold by taking a refreshing dive into the waters of the Puget Sound. It's a camp tradition that some (but not all) campers love!
Skits & Songs
Our super-talented staff entertain campers with hilarious skits and traditional camp songs. Sessions culminate with camper performances.
Soccer
Gooooaaaallll! Take on your cabinmates in a friendly pick-up game or challenge your neighbor cabin to the Orkila World Cup.
Overnight Trip
Campers may have overnight outdoor experience from hiking and sleeping over in our enchanted forest or boating to Satellite Island.
Sunset Watching
A breathtaking sunset is the perfect way to end the day and allows campers the opportunity to relax and practice mindfulness.
Twin Ziplines
Zipping from tower to tower while flying through the sky on our 1,000 foot zipline is a camper favorite that is not soon forgotten.
Water Fun
Campers can cool off and have some water fun by taking the leap into our in-ground pool with certified lifeguards always on the watch.
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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.
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More 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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