Seattle Camp Overview
Day Camp Courses
Open to campers ages 6-12, Day Camp is a chance for youth to learn foundational outdoor skills and begin their journey into top rope climbing. Campers will spend four days of the week onsite at our Seattle Program Center, climbing and interacting with outdoor curriculum in the mornings, and swimming at the Magnuson Park Swim Beach in the afternoons. One day a week, they’ll head offsite for a field trip tailored to the weekly theme and their age.
Day Camp is an experiences-focused program, meaning campers sample a variety of outdoor curriculum. Lessons shift depending on camper interest, staff background, and weekly camp theme, but examples include: introduction to first aid, introduction to navigation, the 10 Essentials, Leave No Trace, outdoor cooking, introduction to kayaking, rope ascension, arts and crafts, guest presentations, and more.
Add-ons for Day Camp include Extended Care before or after the camp day for families who may be interested in early check in or late pick up as well as a Thursday night overnight lock-in at our facility for campers 8 and up.
Themes: Every week of Day Camp has a theme that designates the field trip for the week as well as a few of the weekly activities. Weeks with climbing specific themes (i.e. Ropes and Rocks Week, Rockstar Week, etc.) include a hike day for younger campers and an outdoor climb day for older campers. Weeks with water specific themes include kayaking in Magnuson Park and field trips to Discovery Park (Wind and Waves Weeks) or to raft on the Skykomish River (Water Weeks). Survivor Week includes a field trip to Alderleaf Wilderness College to learn survival skills.
Day Camp is a great fit for campers who:
- enjoy spending time outdoors
- are new to Mountaineers programs
- are new to summer camp
- have never climbed before or are hoping to develop their basic climbing skills
- want to build friendships, skills, and confidence
Overnight Lodge Camp Courses
Open to campers aged 9-17, Overnight Lodge Camps provides a week-long overnight camp experience. Campers will bunk at our rustic Mountaineers Stevens Lodge located at Stevens Pass where they’ll participate in day hikes, do community-building activities, play games, and explore around Stevens Pass. We also work with partners near each lodge to offer differing outdoor adventure activities throughout the summer such as climbing and rafting.
Campers will work together to cook and clean meals, maintain their bunk spaces, and have fun together during their week at the lodge. These programs are experiences-focused, with emphasis on building community, outdoor skills, and new experiences in a unique, fun setting.
Lodge Camps start at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center and end at Stevens Lodge. Different weeks are designated for differing age groups so as to create a welcoming and accessible environment for campers of all ages. Instruction, food, and gear are included.
Lodge Camp is a great fit for campers who:
- are new to Mountaineers overnight camps
- are ready to grow their outdoor skills and knowledge
- are ready to sleep away from home for multiple nights
- enjoy spending extended time outdoors
- want to build friendships, skills, and confidence