Wa-Ya: Combining STEM principles with outdoor adventure, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship

INDIGENOUS FELLOWSHIP

We are proud to offer this one-of-a-kind opportunity for a person connected to the indigenous community to develop leadership and outdoor instructor skills. Please find more information here!

Devon, our Indigenous Fellow from 2021, describes her experience: “The Indigenous Fellow position is an incredible opportunity to be able to connect with children of varying ages in an outdoor classroom while providing a cultural perspective. The fellowship allowed me to gain the leadership skills and confidence to be able to teach large groups of youth and develop curriculum through a cultural lense. Assisting the instructors with daily activities and lessons gave me the experience needed for the lead instructor position the following year. I would highly recommend the Indigenous fellowship as an introduction to outdoor education and working amongst youth with an interest in outdoor science.”

OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students age 14 and older are invited to apply for Wa-Ya’s paid internship program. Interns will assist in the planning and delivery of Wa-Ya’s Day Camp programs and will receive training and experience in summer camp operations and the logistics that are necessary for the support and delivery of science & adventure-based activities. Click here for more information!

Unreal Arboreal

Children experience a “living stump” here in the mixed conifer ecosystem of McLane Nature Trail. They learn how plants, animals and microbes work together to form food webs and homes for one another. Here, campers practice their tree climbing skills to get a better view of the beautiful forest.

Strength on the Water

Campers are given the skills and knowledge to paddle a two person sea kayak on the South Sound. They learn paddle technique, orienteering skills, teamwork, and experience first-hand the biology of one of the most dynamic marine ecosystems on the planet. The water fight came later!

ADVENTURE CAMP

sEA-KAYAKING & bACKPACKING OVERNIGHT TRIPS - AGES 12-17

Kayak through the Puget Sound exploring the intertidal ecosystem and spectacular areas of the San Juan Islands or the South Sound!

Backpack in the awe-inspiring Cascade Range or Olympic National Forest, while learning about environmental leadership, outdoor skills, and ecology!

Join Camp Wa-Ya for a week-long overnight program as we travel through some of Washington’s most beloved locations.  Our trips are great for beginners and require no prior experience! We have scholarships available and can also lend you any gear you need. Our instructors are experienced guides and trained as Wilderness First Responders. Click here for more information.

DAY CAMP

EXplore the olympia area - AGES 6-13

Wa-Ya’s Day Camp Program takes campers on different adventures each week. From kayaking and tidepooling to rock climbing and learning about geology to practicing survival skills, we have something for everyone.

NEW FOR 2024 - Overnight Option! Campers ages 9-13 can join us for a week of Day Camp that ends with an camping overnight at Millersylvania State Park. This is a great first-time camping experience!

Click here to see all of the amazing Day Camp programs we offer!

Cynthia, remy, and leopold talk About Camp Wa-Ya

Cynthia’s boys have been attending Camp Wa-Ya for the last 4 years and they look forward to it all year long. “Remy says his favorite part is “kind of everything.”  Leopold says it is spending time with one of his best friends.  Really it’s all about friendship, making memories, being outdoors and learning about science, gaining confidence in outdoor adventures and learning about the art and culture of the native peoples of south Puget Sound. The intersection of landscapes, indigenous knowledge, art, science and friendship is a rare and special gift that I am grateful to offer not only to my kids, but to others in our community as well.   Our instructors come with a shared love and expertise for this unique combination of experiences and passing their spark along to future generations. Their passion for the outdoors, environmental stewardship and learning about the relationship between people and place is contagious.”