“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.

Outdoor Connections was designed specifically to meet the needs of Vashon Island youth and families as they navigate the challenges of remote learning. Now each morning, our dining room Rounds Hall is filled with the hustle and bustle of kids starting their school day: friendly morning opening activities, laptops being pulled from backpacks, and arranging desks decorated with the week’s craft projects.

Each afternoon, campers safely join their small groups to play games of Camouflage, explore their creative sides through various arts & crafts and hike camp’s beautiful mile-long beach building dams and sandcastles along the way.  

How Connections Became Collaboration

“Camp Sealth is changing the future for this community by providing services and options to students that are both unique and in alignment with the Vashon Island School District’s mission.” – Dr. Slade McSheehy, VISD Superintendent

Interested in Joining Our Team? Outdoor Connections is Hiring!

Camp Sealth’s collaboration with the Vashon Island School District has been an integral piece to be able to ensure continuity and support for our campers.  We’ve had the school Tech department onsite several times to train staff on the in’s and out’s of online learning platforms and for laptop troubleshooting. The Food Service department nourishes our full-day campers with daily delicious and healthy eats. The Special Education department consistently works with our on-site staff to develop tools, strategies, and support plans that cater to our campers. Teachers reach out as they have suggestions or follow-up. In times like these, it definitely takes a village all with a common goal – a shared desire to help our island’s youth!

Another exciting collaboration has been with Comunidad Latina de Vashon.  They have leant incredible support helping us translate materials, connecting Island families with the program, and ensuring equitable access. We are also extremely grateful to Dr. Jim Bristow & Dr. Olney from Vashon Be Prepared! They quickly and efficiently helped coordinate precautionary Covid testing on-site for our staff training week and have continued to serve as a resource.

How Connections Keep Campers Growing

Outdoor Connections follows its own ebb and flow. Much like the tide, our campers arrive and depart in a dependable routine wherein a worldwide pandemic that consistent structure can be hard to find. Whether it be the full-day or half-day programs we aim to navigate a balance of routine with the novelty and excitement of camp. Some days are full of the new, novel, and exciting: exploding paint or elephant toothpaste. Other days are chance to build on skills: visits to the archery range and re-visiting fire-building, working towards a one-match fire. The biggest gains we’ve seen across the groups has been the opportunity to continue building on their social and emotional skills as they return to this time with peers.

“It’s been incredible to see the goals we set at the beginning of the program come to life! During our time together, OC campers have been adapting to this new environment with such a growth mindset. We’ve been able to see their confidence increase as each week they try new things and build friendships with their peers.” – Dani G., Team Lead

We serve such a variety of youth of different ages, needs, and interests. From Pre-K campers all the way to our Teen programs on Fridays, we strive to meet our campers where they’re at and foster chances for the youth to have their own voice in programming; presenting challenges as choices.  In turn, we’ve seen the resiliency and joy of our campers despite these unprecedented circumstances as they continue to experience the natural world and connect with their peers.

Help Us Continue to  Provide Youth with Growing Opportunities

Your generous support enables us to continue serving kids and families in our community safely today– helping them cope in this new world and heal together.

Give Today!

The post It Takes a Village…Or an Island! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Autumn is in full swing, which means our School Year Group Programming has started back up! We are so excited to refresh our group programming, by offering some new and exciting curriculum, activities, emblems, and more! Check out this little sneak peek of new things our groups have in store for this year!

New Curriculum

Camp Fire’s national office has release new Starflight and Adventure curriculum for our Kindergarten through fifth graders! To go along with this exciting change, our Group Program team in our west Seattle office has been writing their own curriculum on a local level. Kids will learn about our local ecology, climate change, business and entrepreneurship, and how fun community service can be.

New Activities

In addition to new curriculum, we are introducing the Camp Fire Activity Book, which is an updated replacement for the Camp Fire Activity Bead Book. The book will include fun activities for our groups to choose from including learning about renewable energy with solar car kits, reducing waste by participating in our council’s recycling drive, and so much more!

New Emblems

With new curriculum, comes new emblems! Our council is releasing new bright and colorful emblems based on community service, business, recycling, photography and more.

New National Art Experience Theme

The National Art Experience theme for 2019-2020 is photography! Youth are encouraged to learn about photography, take photographs, and submit their photos to our council-wide photo contest. While exploring photography as an art medium, groups can use our council’s new Local Resource Guide to aid their journey.

Learn More About Starting or Joining a Group!

Camp Fire Group Program is a great way for youth to build leadership their skills, get outdoors, improve their social and emotional skills, value diverse backgrounds, and more. Our School Year Programs focus on providing youth with meaningful learning experiences, and are available for youth of all ages and their families throughout the year.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to Ali Fuller, our Program Coordinator, at alif@campfireseattle.org or 9206)826-8980 for more information!

The post Fall for Group Program! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

On top of all of that fun, we’re so excited to be bringing you fun entertainment on Friday and Saturday night!

Learn More and Register! 

Paddle Out After Dark:

Here at The CampOut, the fun doesn’t stop after the sun goes down! Come experience the magic and peacefulness just off the shores of Camp Preview (opens in a new window)Sealth after dark on a paddleboard. This is the perfect way to catch the last rays of the day and see one of camp’s hidden secrets. Friday is your chance to check out some little bioluminescent beasties that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen!

Nocturnal Archery:

Archery is a Camp Sealth classic, and here at The CampOut, we liked to put a little spin on it! The archery range will feature glow in the dark archery targets with flashing balloons for you to take aim at. Whether you are a seasoned pro or this is your first time, nocturnal archery will be a blast!

Warm Cookies and Milk:

Take a break from all of the action by stepping inside Rounds Hall on Friday night for some warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies, as well as some milk straight out of the carton!

Gather Your Trivia Team:

Gather in Rounds Hall, assemble your trivia team and put on your thinking caps for a fun game of trivia! We will also provide a snack bar to satisfy your hunger and help fuel your team to victory!

We Hope to See You There!

Learn more about The CampOut and register soon to lock in your Special Activity of choice!

Learn More and Register

The post The CampOut: Friday Night Fun appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

On top of all of that fun – We’re so excited to be bringing you a new twist on our Saturday night programming with new elements that will help raise money for our Campership Fund, all wrapped up in a night of fun to celebrate the weekend.

Learn More and Register!

We ‘Formally’ Invite You to 80’s Prom in Rounds Hall

We’re turning back time on Saturday night and bringing you an 80’s inspired prom in Rounds Hall! We’ll bring the over the top decor, photobooth, music, food, and drinks. You bring your best 80’s look whether that be a pair of legwarmers, parachute pants or if you really want to get into the spirit, your best prom dress or suit!

Dinner and Prizes!

Refuel after an exciting day of camp activities with a delicious meal! During dinner, we’ll be raffling off some exciting items and play a rousing game of Heads or Tails.

Both raffle tickets and bead strands for Heads or Tails will be on sale all day Saturday at the check-in/information table. Heads or tails in an exciting an easy game to participate in. You buy as many strands of beads as you would like, and they represent your ‘life’ in the game. We’ll play a massive game of heads or tails, if you lose a round, you lose one strand of beads. The last person standing will be the winner and will receive a fun prize!

We are so excited to incorporate these fun elements into this year’s programming as a way to support our Campership Fund which helps more deserving kids get the chance to experience camp, no matter their families financial situation.

Get a Taste of Vashon’s Finest!

New this year, we are excited to bring you some of Vashon’s finest beverages for your to enjoy! We’re happy to provide each guest with two drink tokens each to kick off the night. Should you want another drink, we will have additional drink tokens for you to purchase! Your purchase of extra drink tokens will help raise money for our Campership Fund!

Radical Celebration!

We’ll sing and dance the night away with fun music, dancing, and singing. Get up on stage and show us your stuff by singing that song you just can’t get out of your head, or honor our theme and belt your favorite 80’s hit! If singing is not your style, feel free to hit the dance floor or just enjoy the show! We’ll have plenty of snacks and refreshments to keep you going. Don’t forget to remember the moment by stepping into our photo booth, which will be inspired by those awkward 80’s prom photos we have all grown to love and admire.

Catch a Breather

Head outside for a breath of fresh air or to wind down, don’t worry, the fun isn’t just inside! Feel free to grab your drink and head outside for lawn games and a warm campfire with an all you can eat s’mores booth.

Come Camp With Us!

Learn more about The CampOut and register soon to lock in your Special Activity of choice!

Learn More and Register

The post Turn Back Time at The CampOut! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

We’re so excited to be offering you four Special Activities to choose from at our 3rd annual CampOut at Camp Sealth, which is a fun weekend at camp just for our 21 and older crowd! While most activities like archery, arts and crafts, hiking and waterfront sports are on a drop-in basis, we do have a few activities that require you to sign up during registration. These are our Special Activities that have limited spots available, and this year we’re offering you double the fun with four choices instead of two!

Learn More and Register!

*New* Paddle to the Big Rock

Take a fun, relaxing and scenic 1.5-mile paddle (3 miles round-trip) out to the “Big Rock” that marks our southern property line on the beach. You can choose to cruise the water on one of our kayaks, paddle boards or canoes. Waterfront is one of the most popular activities at Camp Sealth, and once you hit the water and take in the views of the Sound, you’ll understand why! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for seals, eagles, herons and other wildlife on your journey!

*New* Batik

Try out this new crafting experience we’ll have at The CampOut this year! Batik is a process that uses soft wax and fabric dye to create beautiful patterns and colors on fabric. When you get to the playshop you will be provided with a large scarf to dye, and you are welcome to bring your own item!

Vashon Beverage Tour

Get a taste for Vashon as we tour the island on our beverage tour! Sit back and relax as we’ll provide all of the transportation as we explore the beautiful venues that provide some of the island’s best-handcrafted beer, wine, cider, and spirits. Make sure to bring your ID, as well as some cash for tastings and souvenirs! You are welcome to purchase bottles to bring home, we just ask that you please not open them at camp.

Horseback Trail Rides

Our expert staff will carefully match you with the perfect horse, then lead you through upper camp for a leisurely, hour-long trail ride. The trails in upper camp are calm, peaceful and full of fall colors. Horseback riding is a great way to experience the beauty of camp from a new perspective. As you wrap up your trail ride and arrive back at the barn, you’ll have the opportunity to reward your horse with a snack and get your photo taken!

We Hope You’ll Join Us at The CampOut!

We know we’re counting down the days till The CampOut, are you? We invite our 21 and older crowd to join us September 14th-16th for a weekend full of entertainment, classic camp activities, special activities, great food and more! This is a great chance to connect with fellow alumni, meet new friends and simply be a kid again!

Registration is Open!

Make sure to register as soon as possible in order to lock in your spot for one of our awesome Special Activities! We’re also offering Early Bird pricing to those who register before July 31st!

Register Now!

The post Special Activities at The CampOut! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

One of the unique aspects of Special Family Camp  is that every activity we offer is adaptable for participants of all ages and abilities! Kids and adults with and without disabilities have an authentic camp experience without worrying about their limitations. A team of caring and supportive staff and volunteers facilitate your favorite camp activities while focusing on safety, challenge, and fun.

Learn More and Register

(New in 2021!) Rowing:

The Seize The Oar Foundation champions inclusive rowing in the Pacific NW through adaptive team training, outreach, and thought leadership. At Special Family Camp, they’ll host a camp-wide rowing challenge on Concept2 rowing machines, open to people of all abilities.

Biking:

Adaptive cycles are provided by the Outdoors For All Foundation, a leader in adaptive recreation. There is a bike for everyone – seriously! Try out a 3- or 4-wheeled cycle, a hand-powered cycle, or a side-by-side tandem cycle. There are also regular bicycles in kid and adult sizes.

Pony Rides:

The Camp Sealth horses are gentle and friendly, and pony rides are led by our trained, experienced staff members. First, get comfortable by petting the horses and offering them treats. Then get in the saddle for a ride around the arena! Side-walkers are provided for those who need extra stability.

Boating, Fishing & Swimming:

Our waterfront is located right on Puget Sound, an ideal location for water activities of all kinds. We offer rowing and canoeing, including a double-rafted canoe that provides extra stability on the water. Fishing off the end of our docks is also a popular activity, and we also offer swimming and wading in a designated swimming area. Experienced lifeguards and extra staff are on hand to help out in the boats if you need them.

Archery:

Learn to shoot a bow and arrow from a certified instructor, on our adaptable archery range. The range is accessible to all participants, and appropriately sized equipment is available for everyone.

But Wait… There’s More!

Other activities offered include marine touch tanks, hikes for varying mobility levels, arts and crafts and sensory activities, and a variety of adaptable field games and sports. And, for parents who need a break, drop off the kids for a two-hour Kids’ Club/respite care facilitated by a team of staff and volunteers.

We Hope to See You There!

Special Family Camp will take place May 29 – 31, 2021 at Camp Sealth, and is open to all ages!

The post Adaptive Activities for ALL at Special Family Camp! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Spend a Weekend Away With Dad!

Dad & Kid Camp is a weekend to celebrate dads and honorary dads alike, as well as enjoy the best Camp Sealth has to offer! This year’s theme is “Stellar Dads and Super Galactic Kids!”, with an exciting focus on extra-terrestrial camping skills like building fires and shelters, outdoor cooking, and putting up tents.

Dad & Kid Camp will take place March 17 – March 18th!

Learn More and Register!

All Are Welcome!

Camp Sealth is a place for everyone! We are excited to welcome dads, honorary dads and any other family dynamic. Spend the weekend together in a celebratory atmosphere while making new memories. All you have to do is come as you are, and be prepared to have a blast!

Get Outside and Experience Camp!

Heading to Camp Sealth for the weekend is the perfect way to disconnect with technology and get in touch with nature! Get outside and enjoy some of our favorite classic camp activities such as archer, nature hikes, paddling on the waterfront, outdoor living skills, field games and more.

Learn a New Skill!

One of our favorite activities at Camp Sealth is outdoor cooking with a dutch oven. We will dive into the mechanics of dutch oven cooking as well as make our own tasty, hearty recipes by utilizing this timeless cooking method.

Make Friends and Strengthen Bonds!

Lodge with friends, make new connections and take advantage of the time you have to spend with one another. Dad and Kid Camp is the perfect getaway from the real world, and provides much needed time for bonding with the ones you love!

Give Mom a Break!

Camp Fire mom, Mitzi, shares with us, “With the kids being gone at Dad & Kid Camp having a blast with Dad,  I have been able to tackle a project around the house without interruption every year they have been going. I was even able to volunteer for a friend’s Special Olympics event that always falls on the same weekend!”

We Hope to See You There!

Questions? Contact: Carson Cross at (206) 826-8919 or carsonc@campfireseattle.org.

Learn more about Dad & Kid Camp.

Register Today!

The post Top 5 Reasons to Attend Dad & Kid Camp! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

Spring Escape Workshop Highlights

If you needed more reasons to register for the Spring Escape (besides the great food, relaxing atmosphere, and incredible scenery) – we’ve got a great selection of more than 25 different workshops to choose from. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone! Here are just a few of the options that we’re offering this year.

For the Foodie:

In case the scrumptious camp meals aren’t enough, try one of these cooking workshops:

• Danish Cooking: Learn to make Frikadeller, Aebleskiver, and Aeblekaga
• Cream Puffs: Cream puffs are a perfect dessert – light and fluffy and can be filled with ice cream or made into éclairs. Yummm!

For the Adventurer:

• Archery: Learn to shoot like Katniss!
• Secret Hikes of Camp Sealth: Find some of the hidden corners of our incredible 400-acre property with an experienced camp guide.
• Vashon Island Tour: Take a guided tour of some of the most interesting spots on Vashon island, including a stop at a winery (or two).

For the Crafter:

• Chainmaille Pendant & Earrings: Make some incredible jewelry using chainmail-inspired designs.
• Painted Rocks: Learn a simple dotting technique to make beautiful inspirational rocks for your home, your garden, or to leave around town!
• Leather Carving: Learn to use a swivel knife and other leather tools to make a lovely embossed design.

For the Gardener:

• Hypertufa planters: Hypertufa is a material that mimics ancient stone troughs and makes an adorable planter!
• Sedum Containers: Plant sedums in containers using moss, coffee filters, and soil.

For the Recycler:

• Demin Craft: Upcycle old jeans, driftwood, and lace doilies to make some incredible new pieces!
• Repurpose Now, Recycle Later: Turn old greeting cards into gift boxes and security envelopes into photo frames.

We Hope to See You There!

It’s never too early to get ready for spring! The Spring Escape takes place March 2nd-4th at Camp Sealth and is an opportunity for alumni, parents, friends of Camp Fire, or anyone age 18+ to spend the weekend at camp, explore the outdoors, try some new activities, and connect with friends! A full list of workshops, including pictures of most projects, can be found here.

Learn More and Register Today!

The post Something for Everyone at the Spring Escape! appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.

The CampOut at Camp Sealth

Make Waves with Mocktails and Sail Away!

Join us on our tropical “Lido Deck” and celebrate the weekend with a refreshing mocktail and some apps before Saturday night’s picnic style dinner! After you’ve gotten your fill, make sure to gather your friends and head over to our over-the-top tropical photo booth to strike a pose!

Campfires, S’Mores, and Sunsets

Relive your camping days, or experience a campfire at Camp Sealth for the first time! Huddle around a warm fire for camp songs and skits, and treat yourself at our gourmet build your own s’mores bar. The fire pit in Green Circle is the perfect spot to sit and watch a beautiful Camp Sealth sunset on The Sound!

Sail into the Evening with Karaoke and Camp Fire Songs!

After the campfire you can head on inside for a karaoke party and snacks, or you can continue to relax by the fire while enjoying some acoustic music. We will also have plenty of puzzles available for those who want to work together, and board games for those who want to battle it out!

Come Camp With Us!

The CampOut at Camp Sealth – September 22nd-24th

Hey 18 and older crowd – Spend the weekend at Camp Sealth taking part in a variety of our very best activities including trail rides, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, arts and crafts, nature hikes, archery and much, much more!

Learn More and Register

The post The CampOut: Making Waves appeared first on Camp Fire Central Puget Sound.