Exciting Camps and Activities for Summer 2022

Parents of school-age children have a big job to do during this often-drizzly time of year: It’s planning time for summer camp! We’re here to inspire your search with a plethora of suggestions for great camps to suit all types and tastes. (And psst! Don’t forget to check out your local parks and rec department, YMCA or Boys & Girls Club branch, which also offer a wide range of affordable summer program options.)

Camp Huston (Gold Bar)

At this camp, kids will enjoy a traditional overnight camp experience that includes opportunities to complete challenges, work with other campers as a team and communicate with their peers. Younger kids can try it out with a three-day mini camp, and older kids can stay the whole week. Although this is an Episcopalian camp and there is a nightly chapel hour, campers of all religious faiths, genders and sexual orientations are welcome, and the use of preferred pronouns is respected.

Dates: July 4–Aug. 13

Grades: 1–10

Cost: TBA

URJ Camp Kalsman (Arlington)

This Reform Jewish camp is committed to six core values: friendship, kehilah kedoshah (sacred community), Reform Jewish identity, chesed (kindness), connection to Israel and our relationship to teva (nature). Campers learn new skills and hone existing ones in athletic, aquatic, artistic and nature activities.

Dates: June 26–Aug. 17

Grades: 1–10

Cost: $1,695–$4,595 (financial aid available)

Girl Scouts of Western Washington (Lilliwaup, Carnation)

In 2022, staff-led resident camps will be held at Camp River Ranch and Camp Robbinswold. Participants will get a traditional camp experience that includes boating, backpacking and arts-focused programs. There will be no horse camp this summer.

Dates: July–August

Ages: TBA

Cost: TBA

Camp Sealth (Vashon Island)

Camp Sealth takes place on a 350-acre property on Vashon Island that offers miles of hiking trails and beachfront to explore. There are dozens of overnight camps being offered this year. Choose from multiple themes, including horseback riding, splash, arts and crafts, adventures and “classic camp.”

Dates: July 6–Aug. 27

Grades: 1–12

Cost: Camp Fire offers a three-tiered cost structure. The lowest prices range from $550 to $1,870; the highest (reflecting true camp cost) range from $750 to $2,070. See the full schedule of dates and rates on the website.

YMCA Camp Colman (Longbranch)

Camp Colman’s resident camps offer kids a wide range of traditional camp activities, such as archery, challenge courses, arts and crafts, and many others. Campers are grouped by grade and gender identity into comfortable cabins furnished with bathrooms and electricity. Mini camps are offered for younger kids, and teen camps are available for older campers.

Dates: June 29–Aug. 31

Ages: Traditional Camp, grades 2–8; Mini Camp, grades 1–4; Teen Camp, grades 6–10

Cost: $635–$1,475

YMCA Camp Orkila (Orcas Island)

Seekers

Seekers camp is an introduction to the overnight camp experience. Campers get to swim, make arts and crafts, try out the ropes course, visit the camp’s on-site Marine Salmon Center and more.

Dates: June 29–Aug. 31

Grades: 3–5

Cost: $1,100–$1,900

Explorers

Campers in the Explorers program learn teamwork and develop their camping skills while also enjoying traditional camp activities, including trying out the more advanced rope courses and zip line.

Dates: June 29–Aug. 31

Grades: 5–8

Cost: $1,100–$1,900

Challengers

The Challengers program is the first step in Orkila’s Leadership Progression. These campers get to tackle the most advanced challenge course opportunities, Orkila’s giant swing and zip line. Their daily schedule includes open recreation periods during which they can take on leadership duties and roles around camp.

Dates: June 29–Aug. 31

Grades: 8–10

Cost: $1,100–$1,900

Four Winds * Westward Ho (Orcas Island)

Younger campers can sign up for the Junior Session, which involves a week of sailing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and other traditional camp activities. Older kids can spend an entire month at camp participating in all of the traditional camp activities; ninth- and 10th-graders get to go on a weeklong excursion away from camp. The counselor-in-training campers stay for a month, and their tuition is half the regular cost.

Dates: Junior Session runs Aug. 22–28; monthlong sessions run June 23–July 20 and July 23–Aug. 19

Ages: Junior Session is for campers ages 7–10; monthlong camp sessions are for kids ages 9–15

Cost: Junior Session, $1,700; monthlong session, $6,800 Camp

Zanika (Wenatchee)

Campers at Zanika enjoy classic camp activities, such as boating, arts and crafts, archery, hiking, campfires, a ropes course, kayaking, swimming, performing skits, singing and much more.

Dates: June 22–Aug. 20

Grades: 1–12

Cost: $324–$1,169

Sunset Lake (Wilkeson/Mount Rainier)

Although this camp is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the camp website notes that 50 percent of Sunset Lake campers are members of other faith traditions. Worship sessions and Bible study are combined with traditional camp activities. Meals are vegetarian, and dairy- and gluten-free options are available. See the camp FAQs for more information (sunsetlake.org/summer-camp-faqs).

Dates: June 26–Aug. 13

Ages: 8–17

Cost: $475–$575

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (various locations)

Boys & Girls Clubs offer four different camp programs. Day camps for kids in grades K–5 are chock-full of fun and learning, and include field trips. Sports camps offer a variety of sports for K–12 students who are beginner- and intermediate-level players. Teen camps for students in grades 6–12 connect youths with mentors and peers, and provide opportunities to volunteer and complete service projects. Junior staff and counselors-in-training camps are designed for teens in grades 10–12 who want to develop their leadership skills.

Dates: Vary by location

Grades: K–12

Cost: Varies by program

Fircreek Day Camp (Bellingham)

Fun camp activities are divided into four zones at this nondenominational Christian camp. With tree houses, zip lines, archery, sports, crafts and woodworking, plus tubing, swimming and kayaking on the private waterfront, campers will never run out of things to do.

Dates: June 20–Aug. 26

Grades: 1–6

Cost: $239/week (sibling discount and scholarships available)

Black Diamond Camp (Black Diamond)

This Christ-centered full-day camp delivers a traditional camp experience. Activities include zip lines, a vertical challenge course, a ninja course, a tree swing, group games, axe throwing (!), archery and more. Indoor diversions include a heated pool, drift trikes, and climbing and rappelling walls.

Dates: June 20–Aug. 26

Ages: 5–12

Cost: $347/week (extended care is available)