Camp Wa-Ya Summer 2025 Program

During Aquatic Exploration, campers will take a deep dive into the aquatic worlds around Olympia as they journey through the South Sound's marine and freshwater ecosystems.  We'll explore Budd Bay at low tide to see what lives underwater and learn the basics of sea kayaking on local waterways.  In between there will be lots of time for camp games, fun activities, and swimming!

Campers in the 6-8 year-old group will go kayaking twice. 

Campers in the 9-10 year-old group will go kayaking two or three times. 

Campers in the 11-13 year-old group will go kayaking three or four times.  At the end of the week, we will embark on a kayak journey to Hope Island to explore and identify organisms on and around the island. 

Wa-Ya staff are trained in water safety and kayaking, and all activities are weather-dependent.

In Survival campers will learn the foundations of how to survive in the wild, including the basics of shelter building, orienteering, wilderness first aid, and Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and safety. When we are not focusing on survival tactics, we will be exploring the forest and using scientific methods to pursue our curiosities. Campers will gain a basic understanding of wildlife identification and tracking, as well as edible and medicinal plants of the Pacific Northwest.

Campers in the 9-10 year-old group may practice more advanced skills, including fire-building, and knife safety/whittling.

In Wild Art, campers will create their own nature art-inspired pieces, using a variety of mediums.  We will create lasting art from invasive plants as well as works in the wild that are only meant to last a short time.  Campers will make their own paintbrushes and dyes using natural materials and use these to make all kinds of things.  In between painting, drawing, and building, campers will have time to play games, take hikes, and go swimming!

Campers in the 9-10 year-old group may have the opportunity to work with knives and other more advanced tools.

Campers in the 11-13 year-old group will work together on Monday to choose their activities for the week.

In Native Nature, campers will explore Native culture and its connection to the natural world. Campers will learn how Native people use objects from nature to heal, practice their traditional beliefs, and survive. They will learn Native songs, games and stories with special instruction from tribal members from the northwest, southwest, eastern, and plains cultures. Finally, campers will connect with the use of traditional ecological knowledge in science and natural resources.

In Geo Quest, campers will hike and scramble up hills and down streambanks to uncover the geological wonders of the Pacific Northwest.  We’ll explore nearby landscapes like Mima Mounds and Bayshore Preserve and spend two days learning and practicing rock climbing skills with experienced instructors from the Mountaineers.  This camp rocks!

Campers in the 9-10 year-old age group will climb one day at the Mountaineers’ Tacoma Program Center (outdoors) and one day on natural rock. 

Campers in the 11-13 year-old age group will climb two days on natural rock.

If you can’t decide which session to sign up for because they all look so great, then the Best of Wa-Ya is for you!  During this week of fun, we’ll visit our favorite activities and locations while exploring indigenous culture, ecological science, and adventure skills.  This action-packed session includes hiking, kayaking, and exploration in forest ecology, marine science, and outdoor skills.  So pick up a paddle, strap on your pack, and let’s go!

Campers will go kayaking one or two times.