Camp Wa-Ya Summer 2026 Program

In Outdoor Cooking, campers will learn knife safety and basic cooking methods as we create some delicious delicacies inspired by the outdoors. After cleanup, we’ll head out to play games, explore the woods, swim, and do other camp activities.

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 and traverse the Deschutes River to observe and study what lives underwater and nearby. In between there will be lots of time for camp games, fun activities, and swimming!

All campers will have the option to go kayaking one or two days, depending on group interest.

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

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!

All campers will have the option to go kayaking one or two days, depending on group interest.

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

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 will climb one day at the Mountaineers’ Tacoma Program Center (outdoors) and one day on natural rock. 

Also check out our new overnight program - Adventure Climb with one night of camping and two days of outdoor climbing.

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 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 9-11 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 9-11 year-old group may have the opportunity to work with knives and other more advanced tools.

In Wild Chefs, we’ll learn to safely forage for berries and other edible plants and then cook up some delicious treats using a variety of cooking methods. Of course there will be plenty of time for hiking, swimming, and other camp activities.

During Aqua Ventures, campers will spend their week doing all things aquatic. We’ll explore both marine and freshwater ecosystems as we hike, swim, and kayak our way across the South Sound.

Campers will go kayaking three or four times.  At the end of the week, we will embark on an all-day 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 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 will climb one day at the Mountaineers’ Tacoma Program Center (outdoors) and one day on natural rock. 

Also check out our new overnight program - Adventure Climb with one night of camping and two days of outdoor climbing.

Are you ready to take the next step in your Wa-Ya journey?  Join us for Adventure Time!  During the week, we'll explore the hidden gems of the Olympia area, and then on Thursday, we'll head to a nearby state park or forest service campground for an overnight camping trip and two days of hiking, swimming, kayaking, and playing.  This is a great first-time camping experience (and will also be fun even if you've camped before)!

Ready to try something new? In Adventure Climb, campers will spend Tuesday and Wednesday climbing on outdoor rock with the Mountaineers, with an overnight camping trip in between! The other three days of camp will be spent learning about local geology, and swimming, hiking, and playing outside.

Day Camp or Overnight Camp?  How about both?  In this Adventure Time program, campers will work together on Monday to plan the week’s activities, including a 3-day, 2-night car camping trip to a nearby state park or forest service campground to hike, swim, kayak, and play.