Entering grades 8-10 in the fall of 2026.
Explore the stunning San Juan Islands by kayak in this one-week beginner-friendly expedition. Designed for teens seeking adventure, growth, and connection, this program combines outdoor skill-building with leadership development and teamwork.
Participants learn foundational kayaking techniques, group travel skills, and backcountry basics like cooking over a camp stove, setting up camp, and building fires. Each day brings new discoveries as the group paddles between 1 to 5 hours, camping under tarps they set up themselves.
The trip begins and ends with a night at Camp Orkila to prepare and debrief. Before departing, all participants complete a swim check and practice a wet exit and re-entry to ensure readiness on the water. Throughout the trip, expedition staff maintain daily contact with Orkila’s base team to support safety and communication.
This expedition offers more than just an outdoor adventure—it’s a chance to build confidence, deepen friendships, and experience the thrill of accomplishing something extraordinary together.
Cabin Assignments: Teen participants live in all-gender cabins alongside staff members and the other members of their program group. When on kayaking trip, participants sleep under tarps in groups organized by gender identity and/or personal comfort.
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.