Find Your Way to Adventure

Choose from a variety of transportation options plus find driving directions, what to expect on drop-off day, and who to call if you have additional questions.

Camp Colman     Camp Orkila     BOLD & GOLD     

Camp Colman

Two Transportation Options

For your convenience, Camp Colman provides two transportation options to and from camp. You may mix and match to meet your personal transportation needs. Select your choice for transportation at the time of registration.

Charter Bus

We offer round-trip transportation between SeaTac and Camp Colman on tour buses that are equipped with air conditioning and bathrooms. This is the only Seattle-based transportation. There is a $65 charge each way. 

If you have not previously signed up for bus transportation and would like to use our bus to and from Seattle, please contact the Camping & Outdoor Leadership office.

Personal Transportation

You may choose to drive your participant directly to Camp Colman.

We know that travel plans may change as you plan for your trip. If you need to change your transportation, you can fill out our Transportation Request form. Last minute changes may not be able to be accommodated.

Transportation Email

Two weeks prior to your session start date you will receive a welcome letter via email confirming the transportation choices you selected and will also include the following information:

• Check-in and pick-up locations and times
• Medication Form
• Brief Health Screening Form

So we can ensure a smooth check-in, please call the Camping & Outdoor Leadership Office immediately at (206) 382-5009 if the information in your transportation letter is not how you are planning to check-in or pick-up.

Luggage tags will be distributed at your check-in locations and are color coordinated with the participant's bus assignment departure location.

SeaTac Check-in & Pick-up Location 

Our SeaTac check-in and pick-up location for Camp Colman is at the Matt Griffin YMCA, which is located at 3595 South 188th Street in SeaTac. 

Check-in Time: Sundays at 1:30 pm at the Matt Griffin YMCA 

Pick-up Time: Saturdays at 11:30 am at the Matt Griffin YMCA

Session AA’s check-in will be on Wednesday; Session HH’s pick-up will be on Wednesday; timings for both check-in and pick-up are the same as listed above.

Driving Directions to the Matt Griffin YMCA

From I-5 North or South

• Take Exit 152 (188th Street).
• Go west on 188th Street for 0.6 miles.
• Turn left at the light on 36th Ave South into the Matt Griffin YMCA parking lot

From Hwy 99 or International Blvd. South

• Turn east on South 188th Street
• Continue for 0.4 miles
• Turn right at the light on 36th Ave South into the Matt Griffin YMCA parking lot

Bus Check-in Procedures

• Please come prepared with a completed brief health screening form
• Check-in at the check-in table where staff will ensure all paperwork is completed and distribute luggage tags once confirming your pick-up method and location.
• Turn in all medication(s) in original container(s). Do not pack in participant’s luggage.
• Participant will have a brief lice-check.

Upon completing the lice check, the participant will receive a green boarding pass which will allow them to get on the bus. At the bus, parents or guardians will receive a claim check for their participant. Parents or guardians may leave once their participant is on the bus and they have the claim check.

Please be prompt to check-in. Buses will leave no later than 2:15pm.

Transportation Day Bus Safety

• Check-in areas are blocked off and secure from vehicle traffic.
• First aid kits are available at check-in and on all buses that transport campers.
• Parents or guardians should accompany their participants to the check-in area and remain with them until they board the bus to camp.
• All medications are left with staff at the check-in location.
• Parents release participants to camp staff when they board the bus to camp or are at their cabin.

Bus Ride Safety

• Participants must remain seated.
• No eating is permitted on the bus.
• Participants should use inside voices while traveling on the bus.
• Head counts are required each time the group boards and disembarks the bus.
• If participants must disembark buses for emergency situations, they will remain on the safest side of the bus as determined by the supervisor.

Camp Colman Direct Check-in & Pick-up Location

Participants may be checked-in directly on site at Camp Colman, which is located at 20016 Bay Road SW in Longbranch. 

Check-in Time: Sundays, rolling between 3:00-4:30 pm at Camp Colman

Pick-up Time: Saturdays, rolling between at 10:00-11:00 am at Camp Colman

To help alleviate traffic and wait times on our one-way road at Camp Colman, you will have a 30-minute window for check-in and pick-up. Your transportation email sent two weeks prior to your camper’s session start date will have both your check-in and pick-up windows listed. Siblings or carpools who may have different times can choose the best time for your family/carpool to arrive/depart.

Session AA and Session HH’s pick-up will be on Wednesday; timings for both check-in and pick-up are the same as listed above.

Driving Directions to Camp Colman

• From I-5, take Hwy 16 west over the Narrows Bridge.
• Take the Purdy exit.
• Turn left at the light.
• Proceed through the towns of Key Center and Home. Make no turnoffs until 1.5 miles after the bridge in Home.
• Turn right on Whiteman Rd.
• Proceed 2.3 miles to Bay Road and take a right.
• Camp is at the end of Bay Road. Follow signs for Joemma Beach State Park until you reach the camp entrance.

Do not pass Bay Road and turn onto Whiteman Cove Road. That is a private residence entrance with no exit.

Be prepared to pay a toll heading eastbound on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Camp Check-in Procedures

• When you arrive at camp during your provided time window, please remain in the vehicle for the duration of the check-in process.
• You will be welcomed by camp staff, your camper(s) will turn in their brief health screening form, have a lice check, and then you’ll be directed to drop your camper(s) at either the ballfield or hard court where they will meet their cabin group.
• The next stop in your car will be to the Camp Nurse, where they will ask that you turn in any medication and instructions.
• Please turn in all medication(s) in original container(s) (do not pack in camper’s luggage). To expedite the check-in process for all, the Nurse will not be able to discuss your camper’s medications during check in, but they may call prior to the session. Please be prepared for that call in the week preceding your session. The health team will not be able to accept medications that are not in the original containers, or expired.
• When check-in is complete, you will receive a camper claim check with your child’s name, their cabin name, and your pick-up time window
• Please note that guardians will need to remain at the vehicle and depart promptly after saying goodbyes.

Claim Checks & Authorized Pick-Ups

For the safety of your participant, you will receive a claim check when your participant checks in. On pick-up day, you must present this claim check before we can release your participant. Without the claim check, you or your authorized pick-up person will be asked to present photo identification to the staff in charge to receive a replacement claim check before your participant will be released (physical card must be present). Individuals authorized to pick-up your participant must be listed on the transportation page of your Camp Care Info Packet or in your UltraCamp account. Your participant will not be released to anyone who does not have a claim check or is not on the authorized pick-up list.

Travel Day Questions

A staff member of the camp team will be available on Saturdays and Sundays (and Wednesdays) at (206) 255-3517 if you have questions about dropping off or picking up up at Camp Colman or at the Matt Griffin YMCA.

Camp Orkila

Three Transportation Options

For your convenience, Camp Orkila provides three transportation options to and from camp. You may mix and match to meet your personal transportation needs.

Charter Bus From Shoreline

We offer round-trip transportation between Shoreline and Camp Orkila on tour buses that are equipped with air conditioning and bathrooms. This is the only Seattle-based transportation. There is a $65 charge each way. 

Anacortes Check-in

You may check in your participant at the Anacortes ferry. Accompanied by staff, the group will walk-on to the ferry and be met by the Camp Orkila bus at the Orcas ferry landing. Participants must be able to manage their own luggage on and off the ferry. There is a $25 charge each way.

Camp Check-in

Parent or guardians may choose to drive their participant directly to Camp Orkila. Please refer to the Washington State Ferry website for drive-on fees and schedules.

Some families may choose to arrive to camp by boat, plane, or seaplane. If your travel plans extend beyond the three ways of getting to camp as mentioned above, please contact campinfo@seattleymca.org to make arrangements and ensure that you have any necessary additional paperwork completed.

Based on your choice, we assign your camper to a bus or expect you to drive your participant directly to Camp Orkila or the Anacortes ferry landing.

We know that travel plans can change as you plan for your trip. If you need to change your transportation, you can fill out our Transportation Request form. Last minute changes may not be able to be accommodated.

Transportation Email

Two weeks prior to your session start date you will receive a welcome letter via email confirming the transportation choices you selected and will also include the following information:

• Check-in and pick-up locations and times
• Medication Form
• Brief Health Screening Form

So we can ensure a smooth check-in, please call the Camping & Outdoor Leadership Office immediately at (206) 382-5009 if the information in your transportation letter is not how you are planning to check-in and/or pick-up.

Luggage tags will be distributed at your check-in locations and are color coordinated with the participant's bus assignment departure location.

A Note About Ferries

Personal vehicle reservations for travel to and from the San Juan Islands are available online at www.wsdot.com/ferries or by calling (888) 808-7977 between 4:00 am and 8:30 pm, seven days a week. If you are planning to drive your participant to camp we strongly encourage you to make reservations.

On the Anacortes - San Juan Islands routes, reservations are released on a timed roll-out as outlined below:

• Two months before the season start date at 10:00 am PST 
  • 25% of all standard vehicle reservation space is released.
  • All 75% of tall, non-standard vehicle space is released.
     
• Two weeks before each sailing date at 7:00 am PST
  • An additional 25% of all standard vehicle space is released.
     
• Two days before each sailing date at 7:00 am PST
  • Final 25% of standard vehicle space is released.

10% of the vehicle deck space is always held open for emergency and stand-by vehicles. Additional stand-by space may be available due to no shows.
 

Bring a Lunch

Participants taking the bus to camp or being dropped off at the Anacortes ferry landing will need to have a sack lunch to eat on the ferry. No glass or nut products. Participants will not be allowed to purchase food on the ferry. Lunches will be provided by camp for the return trip.
 

Shoreline Bus Check-in & Pick-up

Our Shoreline check-in and pick-up location is at Meridian Park Elementary School, which is located at 17077 Meridian Ave North in Shoreline.

Driving Directions to Meridian Park Elementary School

• From I-5, take exit 176 and proceed west on NE 175th Street.
• At Meridian Avenue North, turn left to head south.
• Proceed approximately 200 yards to the school parking lot entrance on the right.

Bus Check-In Time: 7:00 am
Do not arrive late to check-in. Buses will leave as soon as participants are on board. It’s very important buses make their scheduled ferry.

Bus Pick-Up Time: 4:45 pm
Due to the nature of ferry delays, this is the time campers should be picked-up; thank you for your patience if delays take place, and know that we will be watching the ferries so there’s no need to notify us of delays.

Transportation Day Safety - Buses

• Check-in areas are blocked off and secure from vehicle traffic.
• All medications are left with staff at the check-in table.
• First aid kits are available at check-in and on all buses that transport campers.
• Parents or guardians should accompany their participants to the check-in area and remain with them until they board the bus to camp.
• Parents or guardians release their participant to camp staff when they board the bus for camp.
• At check-in, each parent or guardian is given a claim check which they will present at pick-up to identify themselves as an authorized pick-up person. Without the claim-check, the pickup person must present a photo identification and be listed on the participant's authorized pick-up list to receive a replacement claim check.
• Each bus group will be supervised by a minimum of two adults not including the bus driver.
• Each bus will have a cell phone and emergency numbers.
• All accidents and incidents will be documented and phoned in to the transportation director as soon as possible during transit or immediately upon arrival at the destination.
   

Bus Safety

• Buses will travel in convoy to and from camp, remaining together at all times.
• Participants must remain seated.
• Windows remain closed as buses are air-conditioned.
• No eating on the bus.
• Participants should use inside voices while traveling on the bus.
• Head counts are required each time the group boards and disembarks the bus. If we must disembark buses in emergency situations, participants will remain on the safest side of the bus as determined by the supervisor.

Anacortes Ferry Check-in & Pick-up 

The Anacortes ferry terminal is approximately a 1.5 hour drive north of Seattle.

Driving Directions to Anacortes Ferry

• Take I-5 north or south to Highway 20.
• Head west and follow signs to the Anacortes ferry landing.
• Park your car and proceed to the ferry terminal building.
• Camp staff will meet you at the picnic table outside the terminal.
• Participants will walk on/off to the ferry carrying their luggage.
• For pick-up, you will meet your participant at the picnic tables outside the ferry terminal.

Anacortes Check-In Time: 9:00 am

Anacortes Pick-up Time: 3:10 pm*
*Due to the nature of ferry delays, this is the time campers should be picked-up; thank you for your patience if delays take place, and know that we will be watching the ferries so there’s no need to notify us of delays. 

Camp Orkila Check-in & Pick-up

Camp Orkila is located at 484 Camp Orkila Road in Eastsound.

Driving Directions to Camp Orkila

• Follow the directions to the Anacortes ferry landing and board the ferry to Orcas Island.
• Ferry schedules can be obtained from Washington State Ferries. Camp Orkila is approximately a 20 minute drive once you arrive on Orcas.
• Disembark the ferry and turn left onto Orcas Road and continue for 8 miles.
• Continue straight onto Lover’s Lane for 0.6 miles
• Turn left onto Mt. Baker Road
• Camp Orkila will be on the left in one mile. Staff will direct you to park.

Camp Check-In Time: 12:00pm* 

Camp Pick-Up Time: 12:00pm*
For ferry reservations to camp, you'll want to take the 10:40am ferry from Anacortes to Orcas.Due to the nature of ferry delays, this is the time participants should check-in or be picked-up. Thank you for your patience if delays take place and know that we will be watching the ferries so there’s no need to notify us of delays. 

Claim Checks & Authorized Pick-Ups

For the safety of your participant, you will receive a claim check when your participant checks in. On pick-up day, you must present this claim check before we can release your participant. Without the claim check, you or your authorized pick-up person will be asked to present photo identification to the staff in charge to receive a replacement claim check before your participant will be released (physical card must be present). Individuals authorized to pick-up your participant must be listed on the transportation page of your Camp Care Info Packet or in your UltraCamp account. Your participant will not be released to anyone who does not have a claim check or is not on the authorized pick-up list.

Pick-up Procedures - Checking to See if We Are on Time

After 3:30 pm on pick-up day, there are two ways you can check to see whether we will arrive at Anacortes and Shoreline on schedule:

• Check camporkila.org for updates (there will be an alert bar at the top of the screen that says "Transportation Update")
• Call our pick-up day phone number to speak with a staff member at (206) 255-3517.

The office at Camp Orkila is also available at (360) 376-2678 if you have questions about picking your participant. For the safety of your camper and the smooth operation of camp, please be on time for pick-ups. 

Travel Day Questions

A staff member of the camp team will be available at (206) 255-3517 if you have questions about dropping off or picking up your camper.

BOLD & GOLD

Before You Arrive

Please make sure to complete online or send in all admissions forms by June 1. If you have registered after June 1, admissions forms are due at the time of registration. If you have any questions about the process please call the Camping & Outdoor Leadership Office at (206) 382-5009.

Two weeks prior to your trip, you will receive a confirmation letter via email, which includes important day of information. All adventures begin and end at the Cascade Peoples Center (CPC) located at 309 Pontius Ave N, Seattle.

Driving Directions to the Cascade People’s Center

Coming From North

• From I-5 South, take Exit 167 for Mercer Street.
• Turn left onto Fairview Ave North.
• Turn left onto Thomas Street.
• Take second left onto Pontius Ave North.
• Your destination will be on the left.

Coming From South

• From I-5 North, take Exit 167 for Mercer Street (left exit).
• Turn Left onto Fairview Ave North.
• Turn Left onto Thomas Street.
• Take second left onto Pontius Ave North.
• Destination will be on the left.

Parking

Parking around the CPC is extremely limited. While street parking is available, we recommend parking in the REI parking garage located two blocks southeast of the CPC. We keep all vehicles to transport students in our small parking lot and need access to these spaces.
 

Check-in & Opening Circle Information

Check-in times are staggered the first morning of the the trip. The specific check-in time for each trip will be provided in the welcome email. Course officially begins with an opening circle. Families are asked to stay for the course start. Upon arrival participants will meet instructors, and have the opportunity to get any gear needed for their trip.

Remember to Bring

• All medications in their original packaging (no loose pills, powders, gummies)
• Sack lunch to eat on the bus. No glass or nut products.

Course End and Closing Circle

All participants will be expected to help with the de-issuing process of the group and personal gear after the trip returns. Learning to care for the gear used is a part of the experience.

Caregivers should plan to attend a brief closing celebration which begins at 4:30 pm. Students will be ready to depart by 5:00 pm on the final day of their expedition. Caregivers are encouraged to arrive on time and will have the opportunity to check-in with instructors about the course. If there are any deviations from these times, we will notify families as soon as we receive word from the groups.

Claim Checks & Authorized Pick-Ups

For the safety of your participant, you will receive a claim check when your participant checks in. On pick-up day, you must present this claim check before we can release your participant. Without the claim check, you or your authorized pick-up person will be asked to present photo identification to the staff in charge to receive a replacement claim check before your participant will be released (physical card must be present). Individuals authorized to pick-up your participant must be listed on the transportation page of your Camp Care Info Packet or in your UltraCamp account. Your participant will not be released to anyone who does not have a claim check or is not on the authorized pick-up list.