Entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2026.

This two-week program offers teens an immersive outdoor experience in the stunning San Juan Islands, designed to build kayaking skills, leadership, and teamwork. Campers begin the journey with a night at Camp Orkila before setting out to explore island waterways generally in double or triple kayaks. Each day includes 1 to 6 hours of paddling as groups learn essential techniques such as wet exits and re-entries, group travel skills, and outdoor living basics including cooking on a camp stove and setting up camp. While in the field, campers spend nights at campgrounds, sleeping under tarps they set up themselves. Throughout the program, campers develop confidence, deepen relationships, and practice peer-to-peer leadership within a close-knit group.

All participants complete swim checks and demonstrate necessary kayaking skills before departure. Staff maintain daily communication with camp and support campers in taking on leadership roles through group planning, shared responsibilities, and decision-making.

Participants return with valuable outdoor skills and strengthened leadership abilities that extend beyond the expedition.

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.