Attending summer camp is a rite of passage. For some, it can be the very first taste of independence away from home, with days filled with hiking, tie-dyeing, singalongs, swimming, and ghost stories by a fire. It can be an opportunity to learn valuable skills that boost confidence and foster lifelong friendships.
Several camps in Western Washington offer a classic camp experience, but there are also specialized camps that cater to niches like horseback riding, archery, and boating. We’ve gathered 10 camps to consider.
Camp Orkila
Location: Eastbound, Orcas Island | Ages: 8–17
A YMCA camp, Camp Orkila is situated near the tip of Orcas Island. Its campers can enroll in programs lasting anywhere between seven and 28 days, with the option to do a traditional camp experience, a specialty, or a teen leadership camp. Kids can choose from art exploration, marine biology, outdoor adventures, Spanish-English lessons, and more.
Camp Sealth
Location: Vashon Island | Ages: 5–17
Camp Sealth, owned by Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, has been creating memories for decades. It offers a traditional camp experience for its visitors along with specialized camp sessions for archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, conservation, swimming and more. It offers Proud 2 Be Me programming, which focuses on LGBTQIA2S+-identifying campers.
Camp Colman
Location: Long Branch | Ages: 5–17
Camp Colman of the YMCA offers four- and seven-day sessions throughout the summer. Here, kids can do a bit of everything, from volleyball and performance art to paddleboarding and Gaga Ball. Offering tiered price options and a sliding scale price, Camp Colman aims to make summer camp accessible to everybody.
Camp Leo
Location: Auburn | Ages: 8–17
Camp Leo is an overnight summer camp designed for kids diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, giving attendees a classic camp experience while surrounding them with others living with diabetes. Camp Leo offers three sessions at the Black Diamond campground in Auburn, for elementary-, middle-, and high-school students. Camp Leo offers tiered pricing and scholarships for potential campers.
Camp Kirby
Location: Samish Island | Ages: 5–17
Camp Kirby of Camp Fire Samish is located on Padilla Bay and offers overnight-camp options as well as day camp for those who are younger and/or simply not ready to be away from home. Day camp is available for those entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Campers will explore the natural surroundings of Camp Kirby while also participating in traditional camp activities.
Camp Gallagher
Location: Lakebay | Ages: 12–17
A camp geared toward teens, Camp Gallagher is situated on the shores of Case Inlet. At Gallagher, kids can partake in sailing, kayaking, overnight camping excursions, and theme nights that have ranged from casino night and prom night to Halloween in July. For more adventurous campers, Camp Gallagher also offers the Expeditions Camp, where campers will be challenged to explore their surroundings and set up camp in a new spot each night.
Camp Killoqua
Location: Stanwood | Ages: 4–17
Camp Killoqua, operated by Camp Fire Snohomish, offers all the trappings of classic camp alongside unique specialty camps for curious minds. Some of its specialty programs include Camp Tok, for kids who are interested in content creation and storytelling; Culinary Camp, for those who love to cook and want to learn the basics (and perhaps learn about budgeting, too); Grief Camp, also known as Camp Willie, which provides a space for campers who are dealing with the death of a loved one; and more.
Camp Sparkle
Location: Bellevue; Woodinville; Seattle; Spokane; Tacoma; and Vancouver, Washington | Ages: 5–17
Camp Sparkle is a free summer day camp operated by Cancer Pathways that’s dedicated to kids who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis or a loved one with cancer. Traveling through six locations, the camp takes attendees on field trips, invites them to do therapeutic activities, and provides insights about cancer that might be beneficial.
Camp Stand by Me
Location: Vaughn | Ages: 7 and up
For more than 50 years, Camp Stand by Me has operated an accessible weeklong overnight summer camp for those with disabilities. It’s run by Easterseals Washington and welcomes campers of all ages from all over the world. Attendees can participate in all the activities associated with summer camp, such as swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, and more.
Sunset Bay Marine Mammal Academy
Location: Edmonds | Ages: 7–17
Sunset Bay Marine Mammal Academy, located at Sunset Bay Wharf, is a great camp option for those curious about marine life. Kids will get up close and personal with the Sound’s aquatic wildlife and learn about sustainable practices. High-school students can also participate in the Summer Law program, led by attorney volunteers who help students develop critical-thinking skills as it relates to the law. Sunset Bay offers overnight and day-camp options.