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.

“I just love selling candy; one of the highlights is spending so much time with my dad, who I don’t always see a lot of when he’s working. It’s fun meeting new people especially Camp Fire alums. It’s a really good experience and you learn lots of skills including how to manage money and physical stamina, those are long days!”

Once the candy sale was underway, Mia sold her first 1,000 boxes with time to spare. Midway through the sale, she set her sights even higher, aiming to sell 2,000 boxes and in doing so be able to send not only a single child to camp, but also sponsor a friend, making it a more memorable and comfortable experience for someone new to overnight camp.

“I will be volunteering at Carkeek day camp this summer and not going to Camp Sealth as a camper so I wanted to share the experience of overnight camp with someone who has never been before and give back.”

Join Mia & Make a Gift to Camp Fire Today!

The post Teen Leader Gives Back appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

This spring has been a busy one for Camp Fire Groups.

Our annual candy sale was a huge success doubling our sales from last year! Thanks to the incredible efforts of 93 youth who sold 19,606 boxes of candy with 1,575 of them being donated to the USO Northwest. We are grateful to everyone who supported the sale!

More than 75 Camp Fire members joined us at the Seattle Aquarium where they spent the day together taking in all the exhibits and earning a special “Under the Sea” emblem. Nearly 100 members journeyed out to Camp Sealth in March for You & Me Camp where they participated in a Drama Workshop, created sand castles on the beach and cooked pie iron pizzas outdoors.

This spring alone we have welcomed 10 brand new groups and now have groups all over King County from Bainbridge Island to Issaquah, and from Shoreline to Federal Way!

“I am so excited to see the passion and interest in the group programs returning. I can’t wait to continue forging forward with new groups, kids, and opportunities.”

Josie Kies, Director of Community Partnerships

Learn more about Camp Fire Groups

Make a Gift to Support Camp Fire Kids Today!

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

Our Board of Directors and Staff Team are in the midst of developing a new three-year strategic plan that will see us through 2025.

At the center of this plan is expanding our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts holistically throughout the organization. Specifically, centering the needs of our current staff and volunteers of color and continuing to increase the diversity of our staff team and board of directors.

I am excited to also share that we are partnering with Domokur Architects, a national architecture firm that specializes in camping. They are going to lead us through a master planning process that will help us protect and preserve Camp Sealth, which is now over 100 years old. Their team will be spending a week at camp to examine the site, meet with our staff team, board of directors and other key stakeholders to develop a plan to prioritize and guide the critical capital improvements needed at camp to ensure its sustainability for our next quarter century.

All of these steps will help us in our mission of creating an organization where all young people thrive and have equitable opportunities for self-discovery, community connections, and engagement with nature.

I want to encourage you to join our efforts! We are looking for volunteers on our Board of Directors, to expand Camp Fire Groups with new leaders and to help at our community Day Camps this summer.

Yours in gratitude,

Rick Taylor (he/him)
Executive Director

Get Involved!

Learn More about Volunteering with Camp Fire 

Support our Efforts  & Make a Gift Today

The post Envisioning & Planning for our Future appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We invite you to help us recognize our volunteers by sending us an Exceptional Volunteer Award submission.

There are two main ways that Camp Fire presents this award:

1.  Volunteers may earn the Exceptional Volunteer Award by documenting their service to our organization. Use the form below to track your work between June-May and submit to us by the deadline for consideration.
2. Nominate an Exceptional Volunteer! Use the form below to nominate an individual for their significant service to Camp Fire. Upon your submission, council staff will reach out to you for more information.

The deadline to submit for the Exceptional Volunteer Award is May 15th. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and the most recent service must have occurred within the last twelve months.

Exceptional Volunteer Award

Questions?

Please contact Rebecca Bobko, Director of Community Programs, at rebeccab@campfireseattle.org or (206) 826-8934.

The post Help Us Recognize our Exceptional Volunteers! 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.

Fall Service Weekend:

Come join us for a weekend of fun at the Fall Service Weekend, November 18th-19th, and help us get Camp Sealth buckled down for the winter! This is a great opportunity for Camp Fire members and community members alike to get outside and enjoy the outdoors while making a difference. Not only is this weekend open to the public, but it’s free to attend and a great way to bring your family and friends together!

Click the link below to view our weekend overview, including our schedule for each day, as well as lodging and meals for the weekend.

Learn More and Register Today!

Fall Service Weekend Projects:

Here’s a look at some of the projects we will be doing around camp! A few of these projects may change based on need and number of volunteers, or if other important projects pop up.

• A Legendary Leaf Collecting and Removal: Although the trees look gorgeous during this fall season, they sure do make a mess! It would be a HUGE help if volunteers helped us rake and remove the leaves.
• Ditch Diggin: The ditches along the trails and roads sure did put in a lot of hard work these last few months! We need a group of fun-loving people to help us get them back into pristine condition to be able to deal with the massive amount of rain coming our way this winter!
• Hay Bale Bonanza: Although our horses may be gone for the season, our work with them is not done yet. We have some remaining hay bales that would love to be spread throughout our horse pastures to nurture the ground and young plants trying to grow there!
• Wriggly Worm Work: Don’t worry, you won’t have to touch any worms, rather just prepare their home for them! Our worm bin is in need of a little bit of elbow grease to help make ready a clean home for future compost worms. We love vermiculture (worm composting) as an excellent model of environmental stewardship for our campers!
• Garden Grooming: Do you have a green thumb or love nurturing fruits and vegetables? Then we have the job for you! Our garden is currently in need of a little TLC to get ready for the upcoming winter season.
• Waterfront Wrap Up: Whether you enjoyed canoeing, swimming, and paddle boarding as a camper or this is your first time at camp and love the water, this is a great project to help give back to our programs! Our paddle boards and canoes need to be nestled away in the boathouse as well as a general wrap up and cleaning to keep our waterfront looking clean!
• Road Remedy:  A summer filled with lots of car travel and Environmental Education use has caused a pothole problem on the camp roads. We are in need of extra help to replace the gravel and roadway along camp’s most used sections of roads, which will make travel in and out of camp easier for all!

 We Hope You Can Join Us!

Learn more about Service Weekend and register today! Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Nick Schaefer at nicks@campfireseattle.org or (206) 463-3174

Register Today!

The post Help Camp Sealth Get Ready For Winter! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is an AmeriCorps program that engages 18-24 years olds in national and community based volunteer projects. Members spend 10 months serving, and during that time they are able to build upon leadership skills through direct, team-based work. The NCCC focuses on projects that revolve around environmental stewardship, infrastructure improvement, urban and rural development, energy conservation and natural disaster relief.

We have been very fortunate to have the support of AmeriCorps NCCC at Camp Sealth for the past 15 years. This year, the NCCC Silver 3 team has been with us since March! Over the past six weeks, this team of 11 has greatly helped our maintenance crew get camp ready for campers this summer.

The Projects:

• NCCC Silver 3 spent a lot of their time at camp doing hard, labor intensive work in order to repair some of Camp Sealth’s most popular trails. With this winter’s wild streak of weather, Camp Sealth has had a few landslides and the extensive amount of rain took it’s toll on pathways. They were able to clear the landslides, widen and level trails, as well as trim overgrown trees and bushes. Thanks to the team, the trails are now looking pristine!
• The Hilltop Cabins are looking refreshed with new screens and plywood floors, as well as a fresh coat of paint.
• Potholes on the entire Camp Sealth road have been patched.
• Trenches were dug in order to install drainage pipes that are helping groundwater flow quicker. The pipes were installed near buildings that were experiencing deep puddles and mud.
• The AmeriCorps group even help out the construction crew that was making improvements to Medamin, which now has a brand new deck!

Best of Luck, NCCC Silver 3!

The Silver 3 team has now completed three of their four service projects and they will be working in Nevada to complete their final project before graduating. This group started their 10 month journey together in October. Since then they have built homes with Habitat for Humanity, did environmental restoration work at an estuary in Santa Cruz and helped us get ready for campers at Camp Sealth!

The post NCCC Silver 3 Took Over Camp Sealth! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

The Nighties Need Your Help!

Linda and Lyne have a combined total of 85 years worth of experience in the health care industry! –  These generous ladies continue to come back to Camp Sealth every summer and volunteer their time as a part of our Health Care Team. With record enrollment this year, these two could really use some extra help from fellow health care professionals. Both Linda and Lyne would love for you to join them this summer, and they wanted to share some of their favorite things about volunteering at Camp Sealth with you!

Apply Today

Linda: Nighty 1

“I’ve worked in health care for 40 years as a nurse in many different areas such as geriatrics, oncology, post surgical care and dermatology. I’ve worked with many different types of people including migrant farm workers, the Young Adult Conservation Corps, and I’ve been working at Camp Sealth since 1994!

I think my favorite part about working in health care is getting to meet so many incredible people. Your patients, families, other colleagues, physicians, and all of the people who help create the big picture.

I enjoy the camaraderie with all the many different types of people I  work with, younger and older. We give 110% of each day to children, and that’s what summer camp is all about! The long days and all of the hard work pays off when you see children so happy. That’s what makes me come back year after year, to watch these kids grow from campers to staff members is wonderful.

I have many favorite memories of camp, and it’s very difficult to remember just one. I have always loved that I can be creative and do crazy things along with the serious side of the job I have here. Mowing the grass in the orchard with a headlamp at night, doing spontaneous skits at meal times, honoring Mooselips for his 37 years of being apart of Camp Sealth, as well as kids and staff members remembering me.

23 years ago, I didn’t know much about being a camp nurse. I knew from being a camper as a child that it was a great place to be in the summer, and I knew that I was offered a challenge and it felt right. It is an amazing place to do nursing, become creative and meet incredible people from all around the world.

It is truly a gift and your life will be enriched beyond measure!”

Lyne: Nighty 2

“45 years, that sounds so long! I’ve done office nursing, taught childbirth classes, labor/delivery, school nursing and of course camp nursing.

My favorite part about working in health care is helping people. Either helping them learn about themselves, learn how to take better care of themselves, making them feel better through direct nursing care or helping them stay healthy.

This will be my 8th summer at Camp Sealth. After going to camp for 2 summers during junior high school, I always wanted to come back to camp as a nurse. I knew I wanted to become a nurse since age 6! Once I became a school nurse, I had free summers and I was able to go to the “camp of my dreams.” I was a Camp Fire girl myself, from Bluebirds to Horizon. I have also enjoyed being a Day Camp nurse for many summers.

I have many favorite things about working at camp! I love working with the year round staff and creating bonds with counselors. Seeing them return summer after summer is very precious to me. I also enjoy watching campers experience the outdoors, having a kind word and smile for each kid I see, and singing camp songs.

Camp Sealth is a magical place for me, on an island surrounded by water, working with some of the greatest people on earth, all while making a difference in a child’s life.

The work is not difficult, long or hard, but it is very rewarding and necessary to keep our kids safe at camp!”

Interested in Volunteering?

Camp Sealth is seeking nurses, doctors, EMTs, and paramedics to provide basic health care for our campers and staff. Health Care Volunteers will live at beautiful Camp Sealth for one week as they work in a small teams to administer medication, provide basic first aid, maintain the health care center, as well as be on-call to respond to medical emergencies.

If you are a health care professional and can volunteer a week of your time this summer, your kids could go to camp for free!

Health Care Volunteers must have a current health care license or certification, as well as pass a background check. If you are not sure whether your license or certification qualifies, we would be more than happy to help you find out!  Bellow are the sessions in which we need your help, dates are limited, so apply early!

Session 2: July 10th – 15th
Session 4: July 29th – 29th
Session 5: July 31st – August 5th
Session 8: August 21st – August 24th

Interested in Becoming a Health Care Volunteer?

Complete an online application on our website, then one of our staff members will contact you!

Apply Today

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Carrie Kishline at  (206) 463 – 3174 ext. 35

The post Calling All Health Care Professionals! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Tall Timbers Day Camp is a breathtaking, forested enclave amid South King County’s suburban hubbub — a place that Diana Baker cherishes for Camp Fire memories old and new.

As the long-time camp site director, Diana dedicates countless volunteer hours to ensuring that campers have the same remarkable experiences at Tall Timbers that she did when she was young.

“I’ve been participating in Camp Fire since I was in utero — I have a patch from day camp when my mom was pregnant with me,” Diana laughs. “My grandmother was a leader for my mother back in the 1950’s and my son is now a fourth-generation Camp Fire member.”

Fortunately for Camp Fire, which relies on volunteers like Diana and her Tall Timbers team, she’s stayed involved with the camp because of the bonds she’s formed there across generations.

“Tall Timbers is where I met my best friend, Carol Barney. We grew up wanting to be its site director,” Diana says. “When we had the chance to do that as a team, it was a dream come true. We were really excited to continue the traditions we grew up with so kids can have the same great memories we had.”

Thank You, Diana!

Want to become a volunteer like Diana? Learn more about volunteering at Day Camp and register today!  Visit the blog to discover our Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer at Day Camp!

Your support builds our capacity to do more for more kids and continue to develop generations of caring leaders who nurture our environment and each other!

Donate Today

Read more articles from the Spring 2017 edition of the Torch:

Your Support Creates New Generations of Caring, Compassionate Youth
Giving Little Stars From Afar a Brighter Future
Four Generations of Camp Fire Fuel Loyalty and Generosity
Brothers and Sisters, Big Kids and Preschoolers Learn and Grow in Multi-age, Co-ed Camp Fire Group

The post Dedicated Volunteer Perpetuates Memories That Last a Lifetime appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.