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 are coming soon.

We plan to provide youth with a 7-day, 6-night traditional overnight experience at Camp Orkila and Camp Colman. In addition, Camp Orkila will offer kayaking and challenge course-based teen expedition and leadership programs, specialty, and day camp programs. Camp Colman will offer a 4-day, 3-night mini camp at the end of the summer for our youngest campers. 

Camp Orkila’s specialty programs include High Altitude Leadership, Marine Biology, Arts Exploration, Boat & Swim, Sports Discovery, and Outdoor Adventures. Camp Orkila’s teen leadership programs include the Counselor in Training program, Orkila Summer Intern program, and a variety of kayaking and challenge course-based expedition and leadership programs.  

Camp Orkila also offers community programs including the Orcas Island Day Camp, Community Zip Days, Community BMX, and Swim Lessons

We create meaningful small and large group experiences at camp. Campers are placed in cabins of others within the same program and similar age or developmental stage, with a typical ratio of 10 campers and 2-3 staff. Counselors live in the cabin with campers and manage the daily living of the group. They act as a guide, role model, and mentor. We work hard to ensure there is a variety of camp experience, talents and geography represented in each cabin group. The gender identities of cabin staff and volunteers may not be the same as gender identities of campers in the cabin. Most programming takes place within cabin groups, but campers will also engage with at least 1-3 other cabin groups, allowing for a mix of activities that encompass small group dynamics, large group fun, and all camp events. 

From archery to art, challenge courses to campfires, campers will create lasting memories through a variety of activities. But the magic goes much deeper!  It’s not just about exploring the outdoors; it’s also about fostering self-discovery and personal growth. Through experiences such as expeditions, marine science, kayaking, and team building challenges, campers learn valuable life skills and develop their potential, all with the guidance of our dedicated well-trained staff.   Most overnight programs at Camp Orkila will have an overnight experience either off-site at our Twin Lakes or Satellite Island campsites, or on-site in the “Enchanted Forest”.  

For campers with specific interests, we offer specialized options like our teen expedition and leadership programs and our specialty programs allowing campers to dive deeper into the activities they are most passionate about. 

Camp serves nutritious, well-balanced meals. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available at every meal. Healthy snacks consisting of fruit and other items are served in the afternoon. Water consumption is encouraged throughout the day. Cabin groups will eat most meals together in our dining hall facilities. 

You can make a maximum of one cabinmate request. Cabinmate requests must be mutual, from the same program, and similar ages. Cabinmate requests can be made through your UltraCamp account.

Absolutely! If your transportation plans change, please request a change using our Transportation Webform. We'll make the change to your account and send you a confirmation. If we cannot make the change for any reason, we'll contact you immediately.

If your change request is within 48 hours of your participant arriving or departing, please email campinfo@seattleymca.org. 

Open spots will be released to participants on the waitlist in the order they signed up. Once a spot has been released, the first participant on the waitlist will receive an email with a link to register. The link will be active for five days before moving on to the next participant in the waitlist queue. Once summer sessions begin, the response time will be adjusted to 24-48 hours for waitlist response time. 

Please fill out this form to begin the application and interview process for the Islanders, Counselor in Training (CIT) or Orkila Summer Intern (OSI) programs at Camp Orkila. Priority deadline: January 15

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. 

Cancellations received by May 1 are eligible for a refund of fees less the non-refundable deposit. Any cancellations or refund requests received after May 1 (via email or in writing) are not eligible for a refund or credit. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed and potentially approved at the discretion of the YMCA. Approved refunds are processed via original payment method. No refunds are granted for participants who are late arrivals, no shows, or who are asked to leave their program for behavioral issues.

Camp Orkila’s and Camp Colman’s staff are the heart of our camp. Recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting staff are essential to positive youth development. All program staff who run camp activities have individual areas of expertise to share with campers. Cabin counselors are selected for their experience working with children, judgment, maturity, and caring attitude. 

We recruit staff from around the world, who serve as role models for campers by demonstrating strong leadership skills that reflect the mission, commitment to equity and justice, and the core values of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Through role modeling and by creating challenges that foster individual and group development, we provide campers with the opportunity to leave camp with a better understanding in the values of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, and passion for excellence.

Staff must complete the application and interview process as outlined by the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Staff must have current First Aid and CPR certifications and pass a national background check. An instructor on expedition courses has a wilderness first aid certification or higher. 

Interviews are conducted with at least three references. Cabin counselors generally complete eight days of training, and directors and trip leaders complete an eight-day director’s training in addition to all-staff training. Training topics include: cultural humility and restorative justice, child behavior support, age-appropriate programming, emergency procedures, bullying & child abuse prevention, and health and safety management. 

As part of the daily program, camp has volunteers or guests on-site to share their special talents and enhance the value of the campers’ experiences. Examples of this might include doctors and nurses, boat drivers, media team members. Volunteers must pass a background check and take child abuse prevention training.

At the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we are committed to becoming 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. For us, that means closely examining what we do – our systems, hiring practices, partners, contracting, and all of our processes, programs, and locations – to ensure we are learning, adapting, and doing all that we can to build a more equitable, healthy, and just community in the future. 

At Camp Orkila, gendered spaces (overnight accommodations and may include some restrooms) are differentiated as ‘male’ and ‘female.’ In the case of a gendered space, individuals may select the facility that best fits their gender identity or comfortability. Sex assigned at birth, physical genitalia or presentation will not dictate use of gendered space. Cabin assignments in gendered traditional and specialty camps will be made based on gender identity. In the case of non-binary gender identity, participants will be asked to select a cabin in which they will feel most comfortable for that session. For teen expedition & leadership programs and all gender traditional or specialty camps, participants will live in all gender accommodations. We will seek to make facility accommodations, whenever possible, to meet the given needs of individual participants. For example, individuals who have a need or desire for increased privacy will be provided access to an alternative restroom or area to shower or change in privacy whenever possible. The gender identities of cabin staff and volunteers may not be the same as gender identities of participants in the cabin (for example, a female identified staff member may work and live with campers in a male cabin). We have and continue to build all gender facilities at camp. 

To limit instances of bias at camp and to respond in a way which aligns with our organizational values, camp is focused on implementing restorative practices into the curriculum, daily routine, and culture. Our staff teams will be trained to add social and emotional learning aspects into all programs, create community, and facilitate conflict resolution. These practices will be introduced to and practiced by campers throughout their camp experience through intentional community building activities like teambuilding and values sessions. We are committed to building strong communities within our camps and assisting campers in dealing with conflict in a healthy and productive manner. We aim to address the root of behavioral issues and conflicts at camp by finding solutions which use restorative practices as the foundation for overcoming conflict and addressing bias. 

The Y believes in the unique potential of every young person. We strive to provide support to ensure all youth are successful in our programs. From the moment campers arrive at camp, staff work to build an inclusive space with clear expectations. Additionally, we partner with parents and guardians on strategies for working with camper's individual behaviors. Should behavioral support be needed, camp staff will make every effort to call the family starting with the primary contact, then the emergency contact. 

We know that certain behaviors can cause lasting harm. We do not tolerate bullying: aggressive behavior that is intentional, is repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power or strength, and bigotry: making derogatory comments, including making fun of the individual or individual family's national origin, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender; threatening bodily harm to the individual or individual’s family/friends. 

GENERAL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS  

• No put-downs…no one needs them. 
• Be honest with yourself and others. 
• Speak for yourself…not for anyone else. 
• Listen to others…they will then listen to you. 
• Show respect…every person is important. 
• Take responsibility for your actions, you are responsible for you. 

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR  

• Refusing to follow the behavior guidelines or program and safety rules. 
• Using profanity, vulgarity, or obscenity. 
• Stealing or damaging property (personal, Y, rental, and public property) Note: Damage done by a participant to these properties could result in financial responsibility and invoice assessed to the participant’s family. 
• Refusing to participate in activities or cooperate with staff resulting in disruption of the program for others. 
• Running away from the group or designated areas. 
• Endangering the health and safety of participants and/or staff. 
• Engaging in physical violence, bullying/ teasing, or sexual misconduct or abuse toward another child or staff. 
• The use of exclusionary language or slurs.  
• Public or inappropriate displays of affection. 
• Use or possession of drugs/alcohol. 

When a participant does not follow the behavior guidelines, staff will follow the progressive discipline procedures outlined in the Summer Handbooks. If needed, the Y reserves the right skip any of these steps and/or to suspend or remove the participant from the program. Parent(s) or guardian(s) may be notified to pick up their camper at their own expense. Travel arrangements will always be made in advance with the parent or guardian. Program fees will be forfeited. In the case of a serious incident, the campers involved will not be invited back to camp for future experiences.  

Additional information about our community expectations can be found in the summer handbooks for both camps. 

During each camp session, Camp Orkila has a medical team, generally consisting of nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and/ or Doctors living on-site that is available by phone or radio. They hold sick call daily and are available 24 hours a day for emergencies. They, an Orcas Island Emergency Medical Technician, or the Orcas Island Medical Clinic handle in-camp situations. Additionally, all staff are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid. 

A designated emergency vehicle is on site at all times. Camp Orkila is accredited by the American Camp Association and adheres to its high-quality standards. If medical treatment beyond first aid is required, staff will make every effort to contact the family. 

Our camp’s health center has a limited capacity to keep campers in extended isolation. In our experience, campers with medical illnesses feel more comfortable recuperating at home. In such situations, the camp staff may contact the primary contact, then the emergency contact and request that they come early and pick up their child from camp. Camp’s policy is that caregivers are responsible for transporting sick campers home. 

Find more information including about medication here: Medication and Health | YMCA of Greater Seattle (seattleymca.org) 

Please fill out this form to begin the application and interview process for the Islanders, Counselor in Training (CIT), or Orkila Summer Intern programs at Camp Orkila.  The process will include an application and virtual interview for all three programs. The Orkila Summer Intern program also requires references. Registration instructions will be provided upon acceptance into the program. 

If your camper will arrive late to camp or will be picked up early, please notify the Camping & Outdoor Leadership office as soon as possible.  

If there is an emergency that requires you to pick up your camper early, call (360) 317-6852 to reach the Director-on Duty. If you do not get an answer, please leave a detailed message with your name, area code and phone number. We will call you back as soon as possible. The Director-on-Duty will assist with coordinating a pick up plan. You will be responsible for getting to Camp Orkila. 

Our camp’s health center has a limited capacity to keep campers in extended isolation. In our experience, campers with medical illnesses feel more comfortable recuperating at home. In such situations, the camp staff may contact the primary contact, then the emergency contact and request that they come early and pick up their child from camp. Camp’s policy is that caregivers are responsible for transporting sick campers home. 

In certain instances when a participant does not follow the behavior guidelines, parents or guardians may be notified to pick up their participant at their own expense. Travel arrangements will always be made in advance with the parent or guardian. Program fees will be forfeited. 

For the safety of your participant, you will receive a pick up ticket when your participant checks in. When picking up your participant, you must present this ticket before we can release your participant. Without the ticket, you or your authorized pick-up person will be asked to present photo identification to the staff in charge to receive a replacement pick up ticket before your participant will be released (physical ticket must be present). Individuals authorized to pick-up your participant must be listed in your UltraCamp account. Your participant will not be released to anyone who does not have a pick up ticket or is not on the authorized pick-up list. 

For your convenience, during summer programs, Camp Orkila provides three transportation options to and from camp (you may mix and match to meet your personal transportation needs):  

1. CHARTER BUS FROM SHORELINE Transportation to/from Shoreline on tour buses that are equipped with air conditioning and bathrooms. This is the only Seattle-based transportation. ($65 charge each way)  

2. ANACORTES CHECK-IN You may check in your camper at the Anacortes ferry landing. Accompanied by staff, the group will walk-on to the ferry and be met by the Camp Orkila bus at the Orcas ferry landing. Campers must be able to manage their own luggage on and off the ferry. ($15 charge each way)  

3. CAMP CHECK-IN Parents may choose to drive their camper directly to Camp Orkila. Refer to the Washington State Ferry website for drive-on fees and schedules. 

Find more information on transportation here: Transportation | YMCA of Greater Seattle (seattleymca.org) 

Camp Orkila prioritizes a distraction-free environment, allowing campers to fully engage in activities and build meaningful interactions with peers. Without phones/electronics, campers can immerse themselves in nature and develop independence and social skills. This policy is designed to foster a sustainable community where campers build connections without digital interruptions. Caregivers will be given instructions on how to interact with their campers while at camp. 

Nearly all traditional camp programs and teen leadership programs and some specialty programs have an overnight experience either off-site at our Twin Lakes or Satellite Island campsites, or on-site in the “Enchanted Forest”. This trip is a time for campers to experience a different level of connection to the outdoors while sleeping outside, eating meals cooked on a camping stove, and spending time making s’mores around a campfire,  

Typically, the youngest campers will go to the “Enchanted Forest” on-site while older campers go to Twin Lakes or Satellite Island which require a hike or a boat ride. 

Campers will sleep under tarp shelters and every trip has staff trained in Wilderness First Aid or higher with a valid Washington State Food Workers Card.

A holdover night is a way to combine two consecutive camp programs! After saying goodbye to their previous cabin group, campers will enjoy a unique and meaningful camp experience with a group of campers of all ages and will meet their new cabin group the following day. During the Holdover night campers may sleep in a cabin or under the stars, with campers of all ages and genders. This session is available for campers going from session 2 to a ‘3’ or ‘3A’ session and for campers going from a ‘7A’ or ‘8’ session to session 9. Campers must be signed up for the holdover session and both bookended sessions to participate.