Entering 12th grade in fall of 2026.
Participants must be under 18 for the duration of the program.
Cabin Assignments: OSIs might live in single-gender or all-gender cabins with campers, OSI cabins, and staff cabins based on their role at camp for the session and other factors.
The Orkila Summer Internship (OSI) is a unique, four-week leadership development program designed for teens ready to take on increased responsibility, gain work experience, and build meaningful connections. Open to rising seniors, OSI offers a dynamic blend of hands-on training, leadership practice, and behind-the-scenes exposure to camp operations. Participants receive comprehensive training in areas such as behavior management, child abuse prevention, and program quality before stepping into leadership roles across camp.
Participants spend two weeks working “in-unit” alongside cabin counselors, directly supporting and mentoring campers. During this time, they help lead activities, facilitate games, support camper well-being, and gain valuable insight into the daily life of a counselor. For the other two weeks, participants rotate through interdisciplinary roles, shadowing staff in areas such as the kitchen, housekeeping, arts programs, media team, and adventure activities. These experiences provide a well-rounded understanding of camp operations and introduce teens to a range of roles beyond the cabin.
Throughout the program, participants develop a variety of transferable skills while earning up to 400 hours of community service. Housing assignments may vary and include living in single-gender or mixed-gender cabins with campers, fellow OSI participants, or staff—based on their role and placement during each session.
*Application, interview, references and background check required.
Accepted applicants will receive registration instructions.
https://www.seattleymca.org/orkila/teen-leadership/programs-application-webform
Priority deadline for applications is December 15th. For applications submitted after December 15, decision letters will be sent out on a rolling basis until programs fill.
We are committed to making YMCA Camping and Outdoor Leadership programs more accessible for everyone. We have created our pricing options and developed a voluntary sliding fee schedule. Simply select the price most appropriate for your family. Your selections are completely confidential and do not impact the quality of your participant’s experience.
$150 non-refundable deposit is required for all registrations and is applied to the total amount due.
Price A reflects the full price of sending a participant to the program selected. This level represents the full price of camp operations, including industry leading training and staffing, support for long-term maintenance, repairs, and facility enhancements.
Price B is partially sponsored by funds generously contributed by our supporters to help families unable to afford the full price of the program.
Price C is our most accessible rate, supported by generous contributions from our donors to ensure a positive camp experience for as many participants as possible.
Our goal is to remove barriers that prevent anyone from participating in our programs, including financial barriers. If our lowest price still creates a financial barrier that prevents you from participating in our programs, we invite you to fill out a Financial Assistance Application. Once we have reviewed and approved your application, you will receive an email confirming the percentage you have been awarded.* A $50 deposit is still required to confirm your reservation.
*We are only able to offer financial assistance for one registration per participant each summer.