Robin Lowell has been involved with Camp Fire since she was three years old. Starting out as a preschool camper, she has been a Counselor-In-Training, a specialist and a counselor and starting this summer is the new co-site director at Hans Jensen Day Camp.

“I am so excited; I have had a Site Director pin since 1984 when my aunt gave it to me. My co-director Angela and I have big shoes to fill. Cindy and Christa did an amazing job at Hans Jensen, creating a program that kids want to return to year after year. My goal is to continue the same traditions with excitement and enthusiasm.”

Robin credits Camp Fire with making an incredible difference in her life and she can see the impact it has made on her kids as well. Daughter Morgan is an alum of Camp Sealth’s teen leadership program. “Prior to attending Camp Fire programs, she was shy, and struggled with confidence issues. She has now found community, become more independent and thoughtful. I find her to more engaged and aware of others around her. It allowed her to grow as a person and now she knows how to deal with conflict, solve problems and advocate for herself.”

Robin’s daughter Quinn is a high school junior and a volunteer counselor at Hans Jensen who recruits her friends to volunteer with her each summer. “It’s a place they can have a shared experience. Camp Fire has taught them resilience, how to deal with challenges and the importance of creating a positive environment.” Her fifth grader Elliott, started Hans Jensen in preschool (like Robin!) and has had his camp name picked out since he was in kindergarten for when he becomes a CIT.

“Camp Fire is about being yourself and has a place for everyone. If you want to volunteer for half a day and teach compass, there is a place for you. If you have a camper who is shy or has special needs, we have the training to support your child, if you identify as LGBTQ+, there is a place for you here. Camp Fire has a place for you, whoever you are – you are welcome here.”

Thank you Robin and Angela for taking over the reins at Hans Jensen!

Learn more about volunteering for Camp Fire

The post Volunteer Spotlight appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We’re so excited to be announcing our weekly themes for our 2022 summer sessions at Camp Sealth! Each week both our overnight and day camp staff will incorporate the theme into daily activities, all camp events, meals and more! Participation in the theme is always optional, however, we encourage our campers to bring any costumes or accessories they have related to their week’s theme – Camp also has many costumes to borrow!

Session 1: Character Week July 6 – 9

This week is for all our favorite characters! You’ll have a chance to dress up as your favorite book, movie, or cartoon character and get creative!

Session 2: Sail the Sealth Seas July 11 – 16

Ahoy Mateys! This is the perfect week to dress up as your favorite sea creature, play on the beach, or live like a pirate. This week is all about the ocean and everything in it: pirates, mermaids, and more! Come prepared to help your cabin solve Captain Wigglebottom’s Hidden Challenge.

Session 3: Outer Space Week July 18 – 23

To infinity and beyond, this week will be out of this world! Campers may dress up as an alien or astronaut, attend Jedi Training, learn about astronomy, and see if you would survive an alien invasion!

Session 4: Once Upon a Camp July 25 – 30

Whether you want to dress up as a princess, or you’re more likely to be found at Shrek’s swamp, this week will be all things fairytale.

Session 5: Jurassic Adventure Aug 3 – 6

It’s dinosaur week, what more can we say?! Visit our real-live dinosaur descendants (the camp chickens!), search for fossils, share your best T-rex call. We’re traveling back in time for the adventure of the summer.

Session 6: Camp Olympics Aug 8 – 13

Your cabin will compete all week in a friendly “camp”-etition to see which country will bring home the gold!

Session 7: Wild, Wild West Aug 15 – 20

Bring your cowboy hat and flannel because this week will be a rootin’ tootin’ good time. Dive into the world of horses, ranchers, and gold this week. We’ll have events and themed meals centered on the Wild Wild West, plus a special Hoedown up at Wrangler where campers can witness life with horses firsthand!

Session 8: Camp Stealth Aug 22  – 27

Calling all spies and mystery enthusiasts, this week is for you! Solve a mystery with your friends, attend spy training, and see if you have what it takes to be a secret agent, Camp Sealth is counting on you! We are all on a mission to make this the best week of your summer!

P.s. We’re seeking costume donations!

Do you have lightly used costumes, formal wear, or accessories that need a home where they will be a part of fashion shows, photoshoots, campfire skits, and camp events? Reach out to us at campstaff@campfireseattle.org and we can coordinate a time and place for you to drop off!  (please no shoes, weapons, or fragile items)

The post Introducing Our 2022 Camp Sealth Themes! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Every summer, hundreds of teens and adults come together to bring camp to the youth in our community. This summer, we’re still looking to fill a few key positions at all of our camps! Can you join us, or share with someone you know? Here’s what’s still available!

Volunteer at Camp Fire Day Camps in Seattle

Head Counselors, Day Camp Aides, and Adult Volunteers

Every summer, caring adults and teens join us at Day Camp to create a world of fun and belonging for our campers. Our camps are located across the Puget Sound region and each location features a unique natural landscape to set the scene for camp. Groups are formed by age and spend the day exploring and learning as they are led by counselors of Teen Leaders and Adult Volunteers. They’ll try out arts and crafts, sports, outdoor cooking, science, camp crafts, and more – there is something for everyone at Day Camp!

Adult Volunteers, bring your child to camp for free! Adult Volunteers can bring up to two of their own children or grandchildren to camp for free. Additional children may attend at a 50% discount. Children of adult volunteers skip our waitlist to make sure that you can attend together.

Teen Volunteers will earn service hours for school requirements by participating as a volunteer at Day Camp! Camp Fire will provide you with a record of your service and complete any necessary paperwork verifying your service.

Learn More About Volunteering!

Camp Sealth on Vashon Island

Working at Camp Sealth is a summer unlike any other, and we’re still looking for a few key people to join our team. Our open positions are listed below, and learn all about working for us at Camp Sealth!

Join the Camp Sealth team!

General Counselors

Lead campers enrolled in traditional overnight or day camp, ages 5 to 17. Plan each session with your campers to help them have the best week of camp! Learn More

Support Specialists

Support the overall operation of camp in a variety of areas, including dining hall, pack-out food, and camp store! Learn More

Program Specialists

Teach and lead a variety of specialized camp activities including archery, arts & crafts, low ropes challenge course, bouldering wall, nature and outdoor living skills. All certification is provided by camp, but previous experience with at least one of the activity areas is required. Learn More

Unit Leader

Supervise a team of general counselors and rovers, coaching staff in working with campers and facilitating logistics for your staff team. Learn More

Contact us with questions!

We’re happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction for getting involved with our summer adventures as staff and volunteers. Feel free to email Rebecca at rebeccab@campfireseattle.org!

The post Jobs & Volunteering for Summer 2022! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

While not too much has changed for Summer 2022, we do want to fill you in on a few updates:

• Carkeek Park has more weeks!
• Golden Gardens is here to stay!
• New arts & crafts, cooking, and visitors (learn more about volunteering!)

A few things aren’t returning this summer due to COVID-19:

• Gold Creek will not be a site this summer.
• Extended Care will no longer be offered at any locations.
• Overnights will no longer be offered at any locations.

Day Camp will continue to use COVID 19 best practices such as masking, hand washing, and non-mixing cohorts. 9th grade and above, including Adult Volunteers, will need to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in our programming.

Thank you for attending Camp Fire Day Camps, we cannot wait for Summer!

Registration Opens January 26th at Noon!

Find a Day Camp

Meet TAVIE, our new Day Camp Manager

Sammie “TAVIE” Hagen is the new Day Camp Manager for Camp Fire Central Puget Sound. She has been in the camping industry since 2009 and has worked with various organizations such as Camp Fire Columbia, Outdoor School, and Girl Scouts. Sammie has served in a variety of positions with her most recent being the Youth & Recreation Programs Director, overseeing day camp, youth sports leagues, and after-school care. Her passions include all things Day Camp, Pixar, animals, nature, and creating summers that have lifelong memories for all who attend. Sammie is very much looking forward to continuing her career with Camp Fire and looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Questions?

Contact Sammie at sammieh@campfireseattle.org.

The post What’s New for 2022 at Day Camp! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Tune in below to stay current with Day Camp, Group Program, and Teen Programs.

Day Camp Updates

Day Camp 2022 will welcome back Golden Gardens, and add 2 more weeks to Carkeek! Of course, there will be songs, tie dye, cooking, and exploring all of Seattle’s natural beauty and wonders! Keep your eyes open for registration, which is expected to open in late January.

Meet Sammie

Samantha “TAVIE” Hagen is the new Day Camp Manager for Camp Fire Central Puget Sound! She has been in the camping industry since 2009 and has worked with various organizations such as Camp Fire Columbia, Outdoor School, and Girl Scouts. Samantha has served in a variety of positions with her most recent being the Youth & Recreation Programs Director, overseeing day camp, youth sports leagues, and after-school care. Her passions include all things Day Camp, Pixar, animals, nature, and creating summers that have lifelong memories for all who attend! Samantha is very much looking forward to continuing her career with Camp Fire and looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Learn more about our Day Camps

Group Program Updates

Events

This year, Camp Fire is able to bring back some favorite events from past years as well as host some new ones. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, You & Me Camp is coming back in March of 2022! This time, attend for the whole weekend or opt to come for Saturday only. Also returning is our Group Campout! Join Camp Fire and friends on June 11th and 12th for a weekend of group camping at Deception Pass State Park.

We have also been hosting a couple of series of traveling events called “Give Group a Go” and “an Afternoon Outdoors”. Camp Fire staff member, Ali, travels around Puget Sound delivering programming in public parks. If you are curious about Camp Fire Group Program, consider attending our next Give Group a Go event! All of our events can be found on our website calendar.

Programming

Also new this year is our monthly emblem subscription program! Program participants are mailed one new-to-Camp Fire emblem each month along with an activity packet, and some activity supplies. Topics range from Leave No Trace, to astronomy, archaeology, baking, and more! Those enrolled in any part of Group Program may opt into this exploratory add-on!

Groups

In addition to our classic volunteer-led Camp Fire Groups, we also offer independent memberships and one virtual group for youth in K-3rd grade. This virtual group meets once per month on Zoom and is enrolled in the emblem of the month program. Independent memberships are open to youth of all ages and are a terrific option for those who want to participate in Group Program but have busy schedules, aren’t connected to a group, or wish to explore the program on their own!

Explore more of Group Program!

Teen Program Updates

Community Programs Manager, Alex, has been cooking up some quality programming for middle school and high school students! To get the full scoop on this year’s teen programs around Seattle and at Camp Sealth, check out our previous blog post titled “Teen Leadership in 2022!” for more info on winter, spring and summer offerings just for teens!

View our Teen Leadership blog post

The post This Year’s Scoop on Teen Programs, Day Camp, and Group appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

In addition to the positions below, we will soon begin recruiting for an Office Manager for our Seattle offices. Check back soon!

Outdoor Education & Retreats Director

Camp Sealth, Vashon Island, WA

Outdoor Education at Camp Sealth is a cornerstone of our camp programs. Youth who attend our program with their school or group explore the vast network of our trail systems, the unique marine life on the shores of the Puget Sound (and in our touch tanks!), and our wetland ecosystems while building leadership skills and trying out camp activities. Our classes range from looking at plankton under microscopes to exploring our old growth forest in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The Outdoor Education & Retreats Director will work to bring camp and these environments to life for our youth and will also coordinate and welcome retreat groups from our community out to camp.

Learn More

Day Camp Manager

Seattle, WA

Day Camp is a fun and vibrant part of our summer programs, serving youth and families around the King County region. The Day Camp Manager will work to bring excitement to our campers through new activities and special events, while supporting our caring and dedicated Site Directors, volunteers, and camp staff. Each of our locations of Day Camp are unique and feature special traditions and activities. While ensuring a high quality, engaging, and safe program, the Day Camp Manager will also oversee budgets, material purchasing, recruitment, and staff training.

Learn More

Manager of Individual Giving

Seattle, WA

Camp Fire Central Puget Sound serves our youth and families as a non-profit organization, relying on our generous donors to continue our meaningful work in the community. The Manager of Individual Giving will support our fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors, volunteers and alumni. Join our team and make a difference for Camp Fire kids!

Learn More

The post We’re Hiring! Join the Camp Fire Team appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Choose Your Adventure and Register Today!

Session 1: Zany Zoology

Prepare for the wonders of a zoological adventure! Dress up as your favorite animal, explore our marine touch tanks, and get ready for 4 days of jungle-themed fun!

Session 2: Roll Back the Clock:

This week is all about stepping back in time! Learn about mythology and fossils, create your own dinosaur, and imagine what it would be like to live in an ancient civilization!

Session 3: Magical Adventures

Dress up as your favorite magical being, make a magic wand with your cabinmates, and maybe even learn a few magic tricks! This week is all about the world of witches and wizards.

Session 4: Mystery Week

Calling all spies and mystery enthusiasts, this week is for you! Solve a mystery with your friends, attend spy training, and see if you have what it takes to be a secret agent, Camp Sealth is counting on you!

Session 5: Under the Sea

Ahoy Mateys! This is the perfect week to dress up as your favorite sea creature, play on the beach, or live like a pirate. You might even find some buried treasure!

Session 6: Wild Wild West

Saddle up, campers! Dive into the world of horses, ranchers, and gold this week. We’ll have events and themed meals centered on the Wild Wild West, plus a special Hoedown up at Wrangler where campers can witness life with horses firsthand!

Session 7: Alien Invasion

This week we’re going to blast off into space. Dress up as an alien or astronaut, attend Jedi Training, learn about astronomy, and see if you would survive an alien invasion!

Session 8: Fairy Tales

Dive into the world of your favorite fairy tales! This week is all about talking animals, fairy godmothers, ogres, centaurs and more.

Summer Sessions Are Filling Fast!

Many of our Classic Camp sessions are already wait-listed, and our Specialty and Adventure Camps are very popular as well!

Choose Your Adventure and Register Today!

The post Introducing Our 2019 Camp Sealth Themes! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

It’s important to set aside time to tell the kids and teens in our lives just how incredible they are! That’s why Camp Fire founded Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® in 1977 and has been celebrating it on the third Thursday of March, every year since.

This year, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® is proudly presented by Premiere Sponsor SHAZAM!, in theaters April 5th!

Match the Medium to the Kid

Know a YouTube connoisseur? Make a video. A little artist? Draw a picture. An emoji prodigy? Send a text. An enthusiastic conversationalist? Make that phone call. A lover of the written word? Write a letter. Even if it means getting out of your own comfort zone, choose a format that fits the age, habits, and communication style of kid you’re encouraging.

Go Beyond Incredible

Admirable. Amazing. Astonishing. Astounding. Awe-inspiring. Brilliant. Extraordinary. Formidable. Gifted. Impressive. Inventive. Marvelous. Notable. Outstanding. Remarkable. Splendid. Stunning. Super. Talented. Unreal. Wonderful. It doesn’t have to be “incredible.” Send a message that’s as unique as the kid you’re encouraging.
And highlight more of who they ARE, not just what they do.

Be Specific About Why They Are Incredible

Sure, it’s nice to be told you’re incredible. But it’s even better to know the details. Remember that we help kids develop a growth mindset when we praise their effort, strategies, and progress. Instead of just saying “You’re incredible,” we can say, “You work really hard to make everyone in your class feel included.” Or “Your diligence in practicing the piano inspires me to keep practicing my own skills, too.” The more specific you are, the more encouragement you’ll give.

Make it Personal

Why do they matter to you? What difference do they make in your life? What have you learned from them? Is there something you wish someone would have told you at their age that you can pass on? Put some of your own story in the message, and it will mean twice as much.

Keep It Up!

You don’t need to wait for next year to make a kid’s day. Put a reminder on your calendar to follow up on the message you sent in a week or a month. Support from caring adults is a key factor in helping kids thrive. Those few simple words of encouragement on a regular basis can literally change a young person’s life.

We Can’t Wait to Make an Impact on Campers Lives This Summer!

We’re so excited to watch our incredible kids and teens thrive this summer at our community Day Camps! With 8 locations, campers from all across the region will gather for a week of playing outdoors while taking a break from their digital screens! Placed into small groups, campers will get the chance to bond with one another, as well as their teen or adult volunteer leader – The perfect opportunity for team-building, developing friendships and growing together as they try new camp activities and learn new skills!

Learn More About Day Camp

Interested in Making a Difference This Summer?

Camp Fire relies on our amazing adult and teen volunteers to make the magic of Day Camp happen for kids each summer. Volunteering is easy and fun and the best part – making a difference in the life of a child!

All of our Day Camps have opportunities for both adults and teens entering grades 8-12.

Adult Volunteers receive $100 discount off your child’s registration fee!

Learn More About Volunteering at Day Camp!

This blog post originally appeared on Camp Fire National’s blog. You can read the original post here.

The post 5 Ways You Can Make a BIG Impact this Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We Bring Camp to Your Neighborhood!

Day Camp is the best way to spend your summer days! Campers will enjoy singing, cooking over the campfire, games, arts and crafts and so much more. All while learning how fun the outdoors can be, learning important life skills and interacting with others from different backgrounds. In Camp Fire, everyone is welcome!

Boys and girls in grades K-7 will enjoy their week of camp in small groups made up of youth in their grade. These groups will stay together for the whole week and will be assigned to one of our amazing adult staff members or one of our experienced older Teen Counselors! Each group will also be accompanied by at least one teen LEAD volunteer.

At all our Day Camps campers with special needs are welcome and we can usually accommodate those who have special diets and allergies.

Find a Camp Fire Day Camp Near You!

DAY CAMP 2018 Dates & Rates 

Carkeek Park

Carkeek Day Camp boasts 220 acres of forest, wetlands, meadow, and beach. Our day camp uses the upper meadow as a base for all operations throughout the week, giving the campers a chance to explore Carkeek’s various ecosystems. Extended Care available.

Woodland Park

Woodland Park Day Campers enjoy many theme activities in addition to traditional camp favorites. Extended Care available.

Blyth Park

Located in Bothell along the Sammamish River, Blyth Park enjoys 41 acres of forest, meadow, and river. Special activities at Blyth include Canoeing and Archery.

NEW LOCATION – Gold Creek

Located in a beautiful forest setting in the Woodinville area, Gold Creek campers explore the outdoors, cook outdoors, play games and much more!

Hans Jensen

Across from the Lake Sammamish State Park boat launch Hans Jensen also features archery in addition to traditional day camp activities.

Meridian Day Camp

At this Kent Day Camp, in addition to traditional day camp activities campers will also explore the wetlands, forest and head to nearby Lake Meridian for swimming.

Camp Niwana

The sister camp of Camp Sealth, Camp Niwana is located near Port Orchard, Washington. The 134-acre camp surrounds Lake Helena, a private six-acre lake ideal for swimming and canoeing. Inner camp includes the main lodge, a few cabins and lake access. Trails surround the lake and connect areas for outdoor cooking and campfires. Special activities include swimming, boating and archery.

Camp Sealth

Located on Vashon Island, Washington, Camp Sealth Day Camp offers six weeks of themed day camp programs. Each week, activities include traditional camp activities like arts & crafts, hikes, fishing, swimming, boating and more, plus activities that revolve around the week’s theme. Day Camp is open to boys and girls entering grades K through 6 in the fall.

NEW -Summer Middle School Service & Leadership Day Camp

Join Camp Fire for a week of leadership workshops and community service! Teens will depart each day with trained and caring adult staff leaders who will guide them through leadership development activities as well as community service projects. This day camp also includes a weekly overnight along with flexible pickup/drop off locations in West Seattle and at our convenient Day Camp locations! Participating teens can earn up to twenty community service hours!

Learn more and register today! 

Volunteering

Volunteering at Day Camp is a great way to make new friends, make a difference, get active, connect with the outdoors and earn community service hours!

We welcome teen & adult volunteers at day camp. Adult volunteers will receive a $100 discount on Day Camp registration for their children.

Teen volunteers can apply for our outstanding Counselor-in-Training and Teen Volunteer programs.  Learn more.

Financial Assistance

Camp Fire firmly believes that all kids regardless of their financial situation should be able to experience the magic of Day Camp!  Financial Assistance is available for families in need, but funds are limited so please apply early!

See You This Summer!

Did you know that we have Day Camp patches this year? You can purchase them for $3 while registering for camp! All proceeds from the patches will be put in our Campership fund, which helps more kids experience the magic of Day Camp!

Register Today! 

Stay caught up on all things Camp Fire by signing up for our e-newsletter!

Questions?

Feel free to contact Michael McGrath, Registrar, at 206.826.8937 or michaelm@campfireseattle.org.

The post Day Camp Registration is OPEN! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Help Day Camps Stock Up on Craft Supplies:

Summer is officially here, which means it’s almost time for Day Camp! A favorite activity among campers year after year is arts and crafts. This summer, campers will explore all kinds of creative art projects and techniques during their week at camp. With Day Camp numbers up, our sites around the region could really use some extra supplies. Our campers are ready to turn your recycled materials into works of art! Whether it be transforming old toilet paper tubes or bringing to life one of your extra socks by turning it into a sock puppet… They’re up for the challenge and would really appreciate your help!

Arts and Crafts Wishlist:

• Toilet Paper Tubes
• Shoe Laces
• Socks (no holes)
• Sheets/Fabric (clean)

• 

  Ribbon

• Cardboard Boxes (all sizes)
• Crayons
• Wooden Clothespins
• Paper Lunch Bags (for puppets)
• Paper Plates
• Candy or Soap Molds
• 3″ Flat Stones for Stone Painting

Have Supplies to Donate?

We really appreciate your support! Supplies can be dropped off at our council office in West Seattle during business hours. Feel free to contact our Day Camp Manager, Kerrie Sampelayo, at kerries@campfireseattle.org if you are unable to travel to our office.

Camp Fire Central Puget Sound
2414 SW Andover St, Ste D-105
Seattle, WA 98106

M-F 8:30am – 3:30pm

The post Turning Your Recycled Materials Into Art! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.