Adventure and STEM

At Wa-Ya, our mission is:

“To weave together outdoor survival, science, and indigenous culture and perspective to provide all youth regardless of income, an opportunity for learning about outdoor science, connecting with nature; and using that connection to foster a sense of belonging, self-confidence, and stewardship.”

To achieve this, Wa-Ya conducts 10 single week summer day camps in the greater Olympia area geared to youth ages 6-18 years old. We spend our days in diverse and stimulating outdoor landscapes where students learn outdoor survival, environmental sciences like biology, geology, climatology, performing and visual arts, and learn native teachings. We focus on immersive hands-on and experiential learning, in small group environments. Our camps are entirely outdoors and are composed of mixed age groups where campers can learn from instructors as well as each other. Through all of our camps, we build not only knowledge and understanding, but also resiliency and a sense of community, as well as an appreciation and joy for the natural world.