2017 Golden Teddy Awards — Camps + Classes

Winner: Camp Gallagher

So you’ve noticed the gleam in your kids’ eyes when they return home from camp, and the number of times they use the word “awesome,” and you’ve wisely decided to get in on the summer camp experience. Camp Gallagher tops your list for family camp destinations, and with good reason. The South Sound favorite among teens offers sunny, sandy adventures plus swimming, crafts, camp fires and all the best summer camp fare — for the whole family.

Finalists

The YMCA’s popular Camp Orkila on Orcas Island opens its doors to families for select weekends, and you are rushing to get in. Families get to partake together in Orkila’s arts and crafts, boating activities, zip line, swing and more.

Family getaways at the North Cascades Institute offer a premium “camping” experience and you love it. No need to bring a tent and no need to miss gourmet eating; sleep in comfy rooms and enjoy healthy, family-style meals in the dining hall. In between sleeping and eating, soak up the stunning North Cascades scenery on hikes, or while reading or sketching.

Local Girl Scouts of Western Washington camps offer opportunities for girls to share their love of camp with their moms, dads, siblings and more, and your votes indicate you dig it. Canoeing, hiking, swimming, crafts and more await. 

The local Catholic Archdiocese runs camps for Catholic youth, commonly called Catholic Youth Organization Summer Camps or CYO Camps. In between welcoming kid campers, Camp Don Bosco in Carnation offers a few weekends of family camps, where all ages come together to unplug and engage in fellowship and camp activities.