Seattle Overnight Camps FAQ's

common questions about Seattle OVERNIGHT CampS

If you don't see the answer you are looking for, please email our camp team at summercamp@mountaineers.org with any questions!

what is camp like?

Where and when does Camp start and end?

Seattle Overnight Camp runs at The Mountaineers Stevens and Meany Lodges, but since transportation to the lodges is provided, camp starts and ends at the Seattle Program Center (7700 Sand Point Way NE), located inside of Magnuson Park. Drop off is at 10:00am on the first day of camp, and pick up at 3pm on the last day of camp. We ask that parents be prompt with their pick-up and drop-off as we will all be travelling together to the lodges.

What does a typical day at Camp look like?

Seattle Overnight Camp consists of rock climbing, rafting, outdoor skills, swimming in lakes, games, crafts, and more. Every day at lodges we participate in an outdoor activity (hiking, rafting, or climbing depending on the lodge), learn different types of curriculum (first aid, navigation, 10 essentials, etc.), and have free time to explore and play in and around the lodge. Here's a typical day at Mountaineers overnight lodge camp:

8:00–9:00am: Breakfast and prep for the day's activities
9:00–9:30am: Hop in the vans to drive to the trailhead
9:30am–3:00pm: Hike to Valhalla Lake, swim, eat lunch, hike back down
3:00–3:30pm: Head back to the lodge in the vans
3:30–6:00pm: Free time at the lodge (games, music, quiet time, exploring Stevens Pass ski area)
6:00–7:00pm: Dinner
7:00-9:00pm: Evening activities (capture the flag outside, movie night, etc.) and dessert!
9:00-10:00pm: Evening winddown and lights out

WHAT DOES MY CAMPER NEED TO BRING TO CAMP?

We recommend that campers wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes for outdoor activities every day of camp. Campers should also come with clothes to wear while hanging out at the lodge and pajamas to wear at night. Campers are responsible for bringing sleeping bags, pillows, and any other sleep items they need to feel comfortable. A typical outing at camp calls for a day pack, sun protection, swimwear, water bottle, layers, and anything else to keep your camper happy and healthy. For a more detailed list of items to bring, please see our Lodge Camp Packing List. Keep in mind that many pieces of required gear are available to borrow (for free with camp registration) from the Mountaineers Gear Library. Camp staff will communicate about this offering as your camp date approaches.

What is The Mountaineers Camp electronics policy?

Electronics are not allowed at Mountaineers Overnight Camp. If campers are sent to camp with phones or other electronic devices we ask that these devices remain off and away throughout camp. Devices that are out will be confiscated by camp staff when necessary and returned to families during check out at the end of the week.

All communication with family during the week should be facilitated through or approved by camp staff.

What are the ages for Mountaineers Camp?

Seattle Overnight Camp serves campers aged 9-17. Weeks of camp are separated by age group as follows:

Elementary school: 9-11 year-olds
Middle school: 11-13 year-olds
High school: 14-17 year-olds

Age Exceptions: Generally speaking campers must be within a month of the minimum age birthday to attend camp for any particular week (i.e. if a camper turns nine on August 25, they would be eligible to attend any Elementary age camp week beginning July 25 or later). All exceptions are made at the discretion of the Camp Director.

How do you group kids together at camp?

At overnight camp, we operate as one large group, so campers and instructors will always be participating in the same activities each day of camp, with the exception of free time. So if your camper is coming to camp with a friend, they will have plenty of time to spend together. Though, we always encourage kids to try to meet new people and form new connections, so there may be times that we mix up groups for games or other smaller activities.

Does Camp Run during holiday weeks?

Yes, but on a modified schedule. The Mountaineers recognizes Juneteenth and July 4th as holidays during the summer. Therefore, these weeks of camp change yearly to accommodate each holiday. See yearly schedule for annual holiday week offerings and updates.

registration

How do I register my camper(s) for Camp?

In order to register for summer camp, you need to:

Have a Family Membership with The Mountaineers (either guest or member)
Register your child for summer camp in early February. Follow this link for a step by step guide on setting up your account and registering for camp.

what paperwork do I need to fill out?

To be able to register for camp, you will need to complete the Youth Information Form and Youth Programs Form. Both can be found on your camper's profile under "Youth Forms." Field trip waivers will be emailed out and available at Monday check-ins when necessary.

what happens if the week of camp I want to sign up for is full?

If the week of camp is already full, you may join the waitlist. There is no cost to join the waitlist and no obligation to sign up once you're on it.

What happens if I'm on the waitlist and spaces open up?

You will receive an email inviting you to register if space becomes available and you are at the top of the waitlist. You have five days to sign up for that offering. If you decide not to sign up in that time period, we will email the next family on the list and offer them the spot.

Do you offer Scholarships for Camp?

The Mountaineers strives to serve everyone, regardless of ability to pay. We are committed to providing access to outdoor recreation, education and conservation opportunities for all members and youth in the communities we serve. Please follow the Scholarship link to learn more and apply for a scholarship. We recommend applying for a scholarship at least two weeks prior to registering for camp.

What is your refund (transfer and cancellation) policy?

Campers cancelling before May 1 will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee. Campers cancelling between May 1 and two weeks before the registered session will receive a 50% refund. Campers canceling within two weeks of the registered session will not receive a refund. This policy also applies to camp transportation services. Exceptions to the policy are rare and occur at the discretion of the Camp Director.

Transfer policy: Campers can transfer from one session to another without penalty until 2 weeks before the session they are transferring out of. Transfers within 2 weeks of the registered session will be considered a cancellation. Ability to transfer is contingent upon available space in the session the camper wishes to transfer to.

In the event that the camp team cancels a course or activity, campers effected by the cancellation will receive a full refund minus a $10 administrative fee.

safety

how do the mountaineers deal with serious allergies?

As part of the registration process, you'll complete a detailed health history form with any information regarding health concerns. All medications and EpiPens should be given to the Overnight Camp Coordinator on Monday and taken home Friday. All staff is trained on how to use EpiPens in case of an emergency. Please contact the Camp Director with any specific concerns or instructions.

how do you know the right camper is going home with the right adult?

The Youth Programs Form provides the option for creating a Kid Code. This word, phrase, or collection of numbers or letters allows The Mountaineers to release your camper to anyone who knows your Kid Code. In the event a person tries to pick up your child and cannot remember the Kid Code, Mountaineers staff will check ID and only release the child if that person is on the authorized pick up list.

What are the protocols for swimming at camp?

Each week of camp includes a visit to a nearby lake with the option for swimming. Additionally, weeks of camp at Stevens Lodge will include a rafting day with Outdoor Adventure Center in Index, WA. PFDs are provided and worn by all staff and campers who participate in rafting. If campers are not strong swimmers or are uncomfortable in moving water, we recommend registering for climbing-focused weeks at Meany Lodge.

When at the lake campers must: be under direct supervision of their instructors when in the water and remain in the chest-deep part of the lake, no deeper. Campers can always choose how much they want to participate in swimming activities.

What requirements are in place for staff members?

Camper safety is our top priority. All staff members are required to pass background checks and attend a week of program-specific training, a majority of which is devoted to camper safety. All staff members are required to complete at a minimum a first aid certification course within the past two years and review waterfront safety protocols during training week. Additionally, camp directors, coordinators, and at least 2 instructors will have their Wilderness First Responder certification.

Can't find the answer you are looking for?

Email our summer camp team at summercamp@mountaineers.org for more answers!