We are incredibly excited to be expanding our service area this summer and serving more youth in West Seattle! Westcrest Park is a crown jewel and boasts a gorgeous green space with picnic tables, a playground, & viewing platform overlooking the skyline.

West Seattle native and Camp Fire team member, Mulch, will be at the helm!

“Camp Fire really stands out from the other youth organizations when it comes to giving kids the chance to grow at their own pace and figure out what they’re passionate about.”

Connecting Kids to the Outdoors

“I’m so excited to be directing Westcrest Park Day Camp this year! I grew up in West Seattle going to that park and it’s a beautiful location with plenty of access to hiking trails. It’s a great spot to connect kids with nature, give teenagers meaningful leadership experiences, and lead some fun and educational camp projects that kids love.”

Also on tap for this summer at Westcrest Day Camp: Scavenger hunts, tie-dye, STEM projects, camp songs, and so much more!

We will also be welcoming some special guests to camp including Dana Aoyama (Camp Name: Meeko) and her snake friends!

In this optional activity, Meeko teaches about snakes and addresses the fears some people may have about them. Campers will have the opportunity to both interact with the snakes and learn about their senses and behaviors. Don’t worry – the snakes Meeko brings to camp are used to handling, are non-venomous, and don’t bite.

Campers will learn about how to handle the snakes safely as they gain information on how snakes smell with their tongues, sense vibration and heat, and thermoregulate. Meeko will also go over snake behaviors in the wild and genetics!

Extended Care is Available at this location which is running from July 21st – 25th.

The post Camp Fire Day Camp Has Expanded into West Seattle! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Natalie, whose journey to this position has been as varied as it is inspiring, brings a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and passion for learning and community-building. With deep roots in theatre, astronomy, and the great outdoors, she is set to bring fresh perspectives and vibrant energy to our team.

Natalie’s first love—and career—was theatre. After earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Central Washington University, she became an active participant in Seattle’s fringe theatre scene, with a special focus on shows exploring science history themes. This passion for blending the arts and sciences has been a hallmark of her career.

For nearly a decade, Natalie served as an Educator at Seattle’s Museum of Flight, specializing in outreach, astronomy, museum theatre, and the wonder of planetarium shows. Her enthusiasm for the stars and the stories they inspire led to earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Cultural Astronomy from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with plans to complete a Master’s in the future. Through Natalie’s personal brand, The Sky Connection, she organizes workshops and events that help people reconnect with the night sky, often in wilderness settings.

Growing up on Snoqualmie land, she has always felt a strong connection to the Cascade foothills. This connection deepened through her work with the Wilderness Awareness School, where she served as an apprentice, instructor, and coordinator of summer and adult programs. Natalie’s roles often centered on youth rites of passage, staff training, and organizing meaningful summer camp experiences.

When not inspiring others through programs and events, Natalie can be found hiking, backpacking, practicing bushcraft, painting plein air watercolors, or marveling at the colors of a sunset. Her camp name, Rabbit, reflects a love for lagomorphs and a deep appreciation for nature’s intricate beauty.

As Camp Sealth’s new Events and Community Outreach Director, Natalie is most excited about helping campers experience the transformative power of nature for the first time, as well as welcoming alumni and families back to create new memories. She’s eager to weave together meaningful experiences that celebrate connection—with nature, ourselves, and each other—on our beautiful stretch of island wilderness.

“I am especially looking forward to participating in Nocturnal Camp this summer” — an opportunity perfectly aligned with her passion for the night sky and connecting people to its wonders.

We can’t wait to see Natalie’s creativity and vision come to life in the events and programs she’ll bring to Camp Sealth.

Welcome to the Camp Sealth community, Natalie!

The post Introducing Natalie: Our New Events and Community Outreach Director appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We are incredibly excited to be expanding our service area this summer and serving more youth in West Seattle! Westcrest Park is a crown jewel and boasts a gorgeous green space with picnic tables, a playground, & viewing platform overlooking the skyline. West Seattle native and Camp Fire team member, Mulch, will be at the helm!

Before joining Camp Fire, Mulch worked for the YMCA as an After-School Program Counselor and Summer Camp Staff.



“In my opinion, Camp Fire really stands out from the other youth organizations when it comes to giving kids the chance to grow at their own pace and figure out what they’re passionate about.”


Mulch joined the Camp Fire team in 2022 when they were “The Science Guy,” teaching numerous STEM projects at Carkeek Park Day Camp.

“Getting kids passionate about science through things they already find interesting was incredibly rewarding!”

Mulch has since transitioned to a full-time member of the Camp Fire team focusing primarily on supporting our Group Program and Day Camps.

“Creating programming that incorporates our camp counselor’s interests and strengths, providing training and mentorship, and making sure camp runs well and gives our kids the best experience possible is a very fast-paced and rewarding job.”

Connecting Kids to the Outdoors

“I’m so excited to be directing the NEW Westcrest Park Day Camp this year! I grew up in West Seattle going to that park and it’s a beautiful location with plenty of access to hiking trails. I think it will be a great spot to connect kids with nature, give teenagers meaningful leadership experiences, and lead some fun and educational camp projects that kids love.”

Also on tap for this summer at Westcrest Day Camp: Scavenger hunts, tie-dye, STEM projects, camp songs, and so much more!

We will also be welcoming some special guests to camp including Dana Aoyama (Camp Name: Meeko) and her snake friends!

In this optional activity, Meeko teaches about snakes and addresses the fears some people may have about them. Campers will have the opportunity to both interact with the snakes and learn about their senses and behaviors. Don’t worry – the snakes Meeko brings to camp are used to handling, are non-venomous, and don’t bite.

Campers will learn about how to handle the snakes safely as they gain information on how snakes smell with their tongues, sense vibration and heat, and thermoregulate. Meeko will also go over snake behaviors in the wild and genetics!

Westcrest Park Day is running from July 29th – August 2nd. Financial assistance is still available!

The post Meet Mulch, Our Site Director at our NEW West Seattle Day Camp! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

One of Camp Fire’s greatest assets is the incredible people who plan and run our programs. We’re starting off a series on our blog that will highlight some of the talented staff and volunteers who pour themselves into our youth – giving of their time, their energy, and their expertise. Our first feature is all about the Director team at Camp Sealth (affectionately referred to in short as the ACD’s).  Made up of both year-round and long-term seasonal camp professionals, this team is responsible for the recruitment and hiring of over 100+ summer staff, planning of staff training, camp logistics, programming, schedules, and of course, all the small, fun details that help build a unique camp community! Let’s learn a little more about who they are and what makes them tick!

Danielle Gruenberg – “Ivy”

My name is Dani, camp name Ivy! My pronouns are she/her.  I’m from Santa Barbara, California, a beach city 2 hours north of Los Angeles. I’ve spent most of my camp days at Camp St. Albans, a Girl Scout camp near the Olympic Peninsula. I started there as a counselor and ended as an ACD. I’ve also worked at a few outdoor education camps mostly on the West coast. In September 2020, I started my journey at Sealth working with their Outdoor Connections program, which supported local Vashon families by providing childcare services. This will be my first summer at Sealth!

Outside of camp, I love to thrift and to craft. I’m trying to learn how to embroider currently. I am a vegetarian as well and like to explore with cooking, although I’m not always successful! At camp I love (of course) Arts & Crafts and campfires the most. This year I hope to learn more especially about the inclusion program and to learn from our unique team!

Lexie Parrott –  “Lava”

My name is Lexie (camp name Lava) and my pronouns are she/her. I grew up in Kokomo, Indiana but I’m definitely starting to feel more at home out on the west coast. This will be my second year as an ACD and I am beyond pumped to be back. Outside of my time at Sealth, I’ve been both a Day Camp and an Overnight Camp counselor at YMCA Camp Tecumseh, an intern at YMCA Camp Potawotami, and a Naturalist at Mission Springs Outdoor Education.

I definitely picked the right profession, because I absolutely love to be outdoors. Nothing brings me more joy than evening beach walks watching the sunset while searching for sea glass, seals, and sea stars. (I also appreciate alliteration.) I love visiting National Parks and am always looking for an excuse to plan a road trip. I know how to dissect a squid, and I would love to talk with you about banana slugs. I also enjoy making pottery, swimming laps, and playing the board game Ticket to Ride.

Ksenia ‘Kae’ Klepitskaya – “Cream”

My name is Kae (she/her), I’m originally Russian and grew up mainly in Colorado, but I’ve moved around so much that the question “where are you from” leaves me a bit stumped (I came to camp from this year from San Diego). I’m super excited to discover the Sound and for island life.

This is going to be my twelfth summer working at a camp. I spent many summers at a Girl Scout camp in Colorado, was a program director at Camp Quinebarge in New Hampshire, and also worked at day camps and camps abroad. I also spent a year and a half teaching English in Prague and on Koh Samui, Thailand. I love learning and education, and I keep coming back to camps because of the joy they bring, and because I absolutely adore the outdoors. I love camping and hiking, bodies of water, and mountains. I also get excited about maps, compasses, and tracking. I am enthusiastic about traveling and languages (I can communicate in four!).

Avari Tawater-Tiedemann – “Honeybee”

My name is Avari (she/hers) and my camp name is Honeybee. I have called quite a few spots home but I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I cannot wait to be able to see the Pacific Ocean every morning because I am moving from a different ocean away.  My background in the camping world spans teaching 5-year-old girl scouts the ecological importance of honey bees, showing young adults survival skills, and corporate adults the value of team bonding. I have been lucky enough to bandage a skinned knee, teach swimming and ballet at summer intensives, run a summer school for Chicago and New Orleans public schools, and teach a camper the importance of “Leave No Trace.”

If I am not at a campfire, you can probably find me near the water playing. I love hot tea during a rainstorm and telling astronomy stories at night. Honey bees and the hives they create are a passion of mine and I hope to be able to care for my own hive again in the future!

Meaghan Baumgartner – “Burro”

My name is Meaghan (she/hers), but I’ve been “Burro” at camps now for 15 summers! I grew up across the water in Des Moines, WA and got to spend weekends at Camp Sealth originally as a Camp Fire group program member. I fell in love with camps officially though when I got to go to local Camp Waskowitz for outdoor school in 6th grade, and then all over again my first summer working at Sealth as a Riding Specialist.

I am thrilled to be in truly a dream job this summer as Summer Camp Director – you get to do so many different types of tasks and pull on so many different skills, it never gets boring! Each summer is so unique but even 100 years later, camp still serves such a special purpose in the lives of our camper and staff. There’s fun, there’s games, but it’s also an incredible legacy and responsibility that I feel privileged to be a part of.

What does the ACD Team do before summer starts?

Our summer team stays busy in a lot of ways! This will be a summer returning to a new reality that takes COVID into consideration, but that also more closely resembles a summer at full capacity! Our team is busy not only recruiting and hiring staff, but it will be Camp Sealth’s accreditation year with the American Camp Association and there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes updates of policies, procedures, and documentation that go into that process.

The team spends time carefully and intentionally building staff training, talking to parents, and acquiring supplies for next summer – who doesn’t love hitting the ‘Order’ button for 100+ glow sticks!? Most importantly, this year they are spending time deep diving into more equitable and restorative justice focused practices within the camp schedule, along with incorporating more mental health supportive policies into our staff culture.

What else? Our team supports the operations of camp! You may see them teaching an archery slot or working with one another in the kitchen during our Outdoor Education and Retreat season, or at the Spring Service Day. Just like any other staff too, we try to balance all the to-do’s with intentional teambuilding time and space for the adventures and rest they need before heading into a busy summer!

Inspired by Our Leaders?

We know we’re so excited to see what this passionate and creative team has in store for Summer 2022! If you’re interested in joining us for a summer unlike any other at Camp Sealth, it’s not too late to apply! We’re now hiring for counselors, specialists, support roles, and our supervisory/seasonal leadership team. Want to learn more about the application process or have questions? Reach out to us at campstaff@campfireseattle.org

Apply Now for Summer 2022!

The post Featured Staff: Camp Sealth’s Summer Director Team appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Favorite Part of Summer Camp:

I’m really happy to be spending time outdoors and on the water this summer. I am a true California gal, and like to spend all the time I can in or by the ocean!

Favorite Camp Memories:

The time spent singing camp songs around the fire pit!

Thank You, Twix!

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Favorite Part of Summer Camp:

I am beyond excited to spend my entire summer at my second home! I love getting to know campers each week and help them open their eyes to new opportunities. My favorite thing is watching kids light up after finding an activity that they love. It’s extremely rewarding!

Favorite Camp Food:

Camp’s garlic bread!

Favorite Camp Song:

Moose Song

Favorite Camp Activity:

Field games!

Favorite Camp Game:

Soccer and kickball.

Favorite Camp Trail:

The Trail of Happy Feet

Thank You, Rizzoli!

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Favorite Part of Summer Camp:

My favorite part of camp has to be singing on the porch and making friends from all around the world!

Favorite Camp Memories:

I’ll always remember the All Camp event that involved Crisco, watermelon, and getting completely soaked. Also playing my ukulele by the beach!

Favorite Camp Food:

Strawberry Poke Cake

Favorite Camp Song:

Soap and Water

Favorite Camp Activity:

Overnights

Favorite Camp Game:

The Bee Game

Favorite Camp Trail:

Kiwanis

Thank You, Coastal!

Join us at the Camp Sealth Open House on July 1st, from 10:00am-3:00pm! Come take a tour, meet our amazing staff, try out some fun camp activities, and more! This event is FREE and no RSVP necessary!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay caught up on all of the Camp Sealth excitement!

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Favorite Part About Summer Camp:

My favorite part about camp is getting to witness campers discover new passions and go outside of their comfort zones. I know when I was a young camper, I was quiet and shy, but camp has allowed me to freely express myself. I love seeing campers go through the same progression!

Favorite Memories of Camp:

I can’t possibly pick only one, there are too many! I especially love the little moments that make a lasting impact. Like seeing whales in the Sound, teaching camp songs, watching the sun set, building sandcastles and making endless tie-dye creations.

Favorite Camp Food:

Chicken Burritos and Berry Cobbler

Favorite Camp Song:

Moose Song

Favorite Camp Activity:

Arts and Crafts, especially mod podge!

Favorite Camp Game:

Water in the Face

Other Camp Favorites:

I love tie-dying and teaching campers how to make friendship bracelets!

Thank You, Chanel!

Join us at the Camp Sealth Open House on July 1st, from 10:00am-3:00pm! Come take a tour, meet our amazing staff, try out some fun camp activities, and more! This event is FREE and no RSVP necessary!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay caught up on all of the Camp Sealth excitement!

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What Are You Looking Forward to Most:

I am looking forward to making new friends and learning new skills!

Favorite Memories of Summer Camp:

One of my favorite memories was when my course mates and I went to the Lake District to go bouldering. Our group was allowed to jump off the highest cliff into the pools of water below, it was such an adrenaline rush!

Random Facts:

I study International Tourism Management at Leeds Beckett University. Also, this is very random, but I really enjoy braiding hair. So I will most likely become quite the hairdresser at camp this summer!

Thank You, Rosie!

Join us at the Camp Sealth Open House on July 1st, from 10:00am – 3:00pm! Come take a tour, meet our amazing staff, try out some fun camp activities, and more! This event is FREE and no RSVP necessary!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay caught up on all of the Camp Sealth excitement!

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Favorite Part About Summer Camp?

At camp, everyday is an adventure! It’s a safe place to explore new activities and make new friends. All of my favorite childhood memories and some of my most precious friendships were formed at camp.

Favorite Camp Memory:

While attending Hume Lake, in California, a friend and I decided to swim across the lake! It was a long swim, and we had a friend follow in a boat. Both of us being competitive swimmers, we were energized by the challenge to swim a great distance in nature and not just  a pool. Reaching the opposite side of the lake was a huge accomplishment! Knowing my friend was with me the whole way made me feel like I could do it, even when it was hard.

Favorite Camp Food:

Brownies

Favorite Camp Activity:

Climbing

Favorite Camp Game:

Kajabi Can Cancampdie

Thank You, River!

Join us at the Camp Sealth Open House on July 1st, from 10:00am – 3:00pm! Come take a tour, meet our amazing staff, try out some fun camp activities, and more! This event is FREE and no RSVP necessary!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay caught up on all of the Camp Sealth excitement!

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