Wa-Ya: Combining STEM principles with outdoor adventure, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship
2025 Summer Camp Registration will open on February 12th
Tatum, our 2024 Indigenous Fellow
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!
OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Students age 14 and older are invited to apply for Wa-Ya’s leadership programs. Visit this page 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.
ADVENTURE CAMP
sEA-KAYAKING & bACKPACKING OVERNIGHT TRIPS - AGES 11-17
Explore the intertidal ecosystem and spectacular areas of the South Sound!
Backpack in Olympic National Park, 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.
DAY CAMP
EXplore the olympia area - AGES 6-13
Wa-Ya’s Day Camp Program takes campers on different adventures each week. Our activities include swimming, kayaking, tide-pooling, hiking, rock climbing, practicing survival skills and creating art using natural materials. There’s something for everyone!
NEW FOR 2025 - Camps for Tweens! We’ll be offering sessions during select weeks just for kids 11-13 with new activities.
We make Outdoor Education Accessible to Everyone
It is part of our mission at Wa-Ya to make outdoor education accessible to every child.
We offer financial assistance to help make camp more affordable
Our South Sound Partners
At Wa-Ya Outdoor Institute, we teach community values, the benefits of working together and the power of synergy.
Wa-Ya embodies these values through partnerships. Working together, we lift each other up and become a stronger community.
NISQUALLY TRIBE
