As a mom and a public school teacher (and former camp counselor), I know firsthand how important it is for young people to be encouraged and emotionally supported by positive adult role models. 

Today’s Pandemic Generation—as they are referred to by researchers, teachers, and mental health professionals—continue to struggle with gaps in emotional-social development, increased media consumption, and less time spent outdoors being physically active. 

Kids need summer camp! At Evergreen East Dirt Camps, kids enjoy maximize time on their mountain bikes. // Photos courtesy Evergreen East

Current mental health statistics are daunting. According to “Five-Year Trends in US Children’s Health and Well-being, 2016–2020,” a research study recently published in JAMA Pediatrics, there have been significant increases in diagnosed mental health conditions—27% for anxiety and 24% for depression. Survey data also revealed an 18% decrease in children’s physical activity. 

This makes summer camps for kids more important than ever. Camps provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive community. Time spent away from home forces children and teens to unplug from media, and it teaches independence, responsibility, and resilience. Camps can also help develop their communication, participation, and leadership skills. 

Strengthening personal competencies, like self-identity, self-worth, and self-respect, also builds confidence and courage. This, in turn, breeds hope and motivates goal-setting—all qualities important to positive mental health. 

Adrenaline-pumping thrills and age-appropriate risk-taking can be pivotal during childhood, especially for adolescents.

How so? Imagine the euphoria and pride after ziplining, making it to the top of a climbing wall, winning a canoe race with cabinmates, or landing a mountain-bike jump. 

Northwest mountains, forests, and lakes provide a setting primed for adventure, and our summer 2022 list of youth camps in Washington and Idaho will provide outdoor adventure opportunities while teaching specialized recreation and/or environmental stewardship and nature-based skills.

No matter a child’s age, just one week of camp will improve their well-being and create lifelong memories. And don’t be surprised if you hear that it was the best week of their summer. 

Summer camp high adventure at Camp Spalding: The Blob (top left), ziplining (upper right), archery (mid-right), and rappelling. // Photos courtesy Camp Spalding.

Wondering which camp program would be best for your child? Here’s some help: “Choosing the Right Summer Camp For Your Kid.”

Find more stories about recreation, activities, and outdoor lifestyle topics in the Outdoor Family archives.

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Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park launched their first season of kid’s camps this summer, including a Mountain Bike Skills Camp and Mountain Adventure Day Camp.

“We’ve seen big demand and camps are filling-up quickly,” says assistant general manager Jodi Kayler. According to Kayler, the July Mountain Bike Camp is already sold out with 40 riders, but there are still spots available in the three-day adventure day camps on August 4-6 and August 11-13 as well as for the August 18-20 mountain bike camp. 

All camps are led by experienced ski school instructors as well as curated counselors and mountain bike experts from the region. Safety is top priority, says Kayler, and the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol is generously providing mountain bike patrollers and assisting with safety and first aid.

“Our team is building a variety of trails for junior riders too, including a pump track,” adds Kayler.

For the mountain bike skills camps (ages 9-16), which cost $225, kids will work on jumps and other technical skill building as well as group riding and bike games. The camp also teaches kids how to fix a flat and about stewardship and trail maintenance techniques.

Camp coaches will put kids into groups based on ability levels, and all camp goers take home a t-shirt. Kids need to bring their own geared, front-suspension mountain bike and biking gear (see requirements online before registering).

The mountain adventure day camps for ages 6-11 ($179 per three-day camp), include games, outdoor activities, hiking, playing, and fun in a unique state park mountain environment. The camps have a special focus on environmental stewardship and all campers take home a t-shirt.

All camps take place at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park with pick up and drop off at Lodge 2. More info and registration link at Mtspokane.com/summercamps.

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Bogus Basin Mountain Discovery Camps

Day camp for ages 9-12 and teen overnight camp, ages 12-16, at Bogus Basin Mountain, in collaboration with Boise Parks & Rec. Bogusbasin.org

Camp Ashwell Day Camp – Girl Scouts

The regional program center for Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, located near downtown Spokane, hosts themed day camp sessions for all girls entering grades K-8 (troop membership not required). Activities include STEM experiences, arts and crafts, swimming, and other hands-on, experiential, skill-building fun. Snacks and lunch provided. Gsewni.org

Camp Easton – Boy Scouts

This Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Inland Northwest Council property on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene, near Harrison, Idaho, offers an advanced aquatics program, shooting sports, scout crafts, and nature and recreation activities, including sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, and zipline. The local council also allows BSA, non-BSA, and wedding party groups to rent its facilities, year-round, including campsites, RV pads, and cabins when camps aren’t in session (more details at Campreservation.com.) Nwscouts.org

Camp Four Echoes – Girl Scouts

Located along 2 miles of Lake Coeur d’Alene shoreline near Worley, Idaho, girls sleep in whimsically named camping units, like Teepees in Sky Meadows and Treehouses in Smugglers Cove. Girls Scouts also offers a variety of themed, overnight camps for girls in grades 1-12 (troop membership not required to attend). Activities include waterfront recreation (kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing); nature exploration, hiking, biking, and outdoor skill-building; STEM activities; and adventure-based sessions for those in 7^th-10^th grades. Facility rentals are also available Sept.-May. Gsewni.org

Camp Grizzly – Boy Scouts

Regional camp property along the Palouse River, near Potlatch, Idaho, offers mountain biking, all-terrain vehicles, survival, blacksmithing, animal science, and other recreation and skill-building. The local council allows BSA, non-BSA, and wedding party groups to rent its facilities year-round, including campsites, RV pads, and cabins when camps aren’t in session (info at Campreservation.com.) Nwscouts.org

Camp MiVoden

Located on the northern shore of Hayden Lake, Idaho, Camp MiVoden offers overnight camps for age 8-16. The camp is affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Mivoden.com

Camp Spalding

Located near Newport, Wash., along Davis Lake, there are overnight camps for grades 1-12 plus a family camp. Activities include canoeing, horseback riding, rappelling, and more. Founded by Presbyterian churches. Campspalding.org

Camp Sweyolakan – Camp Fire Inland Northwest

Run by Camp Fire Inland Northwest, Camp Sweyolakan (Swe-o-la-kan) on Lake Coeur d’Alene has overnight camps for boys and girls ages 6-18. Campfireinc.org

Camp Zanika – Camp Fire North Central Washington

Located along the shore of Lake Wenatchee, camp includes overnight sessions for grades 1-12. Activities include fishing, hiking, kayaking, and backpacking, with optional add-ons, such as river rafting and horseback riding. Campfirencw.org

Dart-Lo Day Camp – Camp Fire Inland Northwest

Located along the Little Spokane River, children age 3-18 enjoy outdoor activities like games, swimming, and a low ropes course. Campfireinc.org

Lutherhaven 

A variety of programs are offered among its three properties in North Idaho: a main camp at Lake Coeur d’Alene, Shoshone Creek Ranch Camp, and Shoshone Mountain Retreat. Lutherhaven.com

Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures – Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp

Children grades K-12 learn leadership, teamwork, and outdoor skills along with self-confidence and appreciation for the natural world through activities like hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, canoeing, overnight camping, and more. Parents are welcome to join excursions. Missoulaoutdoors.com

Montana Natural History Center – Outdoor Discovery Day Camps

Program in Missoula, Mont., are for children ages 4 through 5^th grade. Themes include learning about rocks and fossils; fish and stream ecology and fishing techniques; camping, survival, and wayfinding skills; and more. Montananaturalist.org

Northwest Outward Bound School

Wilderness courses and other programs for middle and high school-aged youth, and LGBT+ youth. Destinations in the Pacific Northwest include the North Cascades, San Juan Island, Mt. Rainier, and the Salmon River among others. Recreation activities include backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, and more. Outwardbound.org

Peak 7 Adventures

With offices in Spokane and Portland, Peak 7 offers adventures and courses for backpacking, mountaineering, rafting, and rock climbing. Peak7.org

S.O.L.E. – Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education

Based in Sandpoint, Idaho, S.O.L.E. aims to “ReWild your child” this summer with their Junior Naturalist Experiences program (ages 4-9) and adventure-based outdoor leadership camps for ages 10-12 and 13-17. Soleexperiences.org 

Spokane Parks & Recreation – Youth Outdoor Programs

Day camps (ages 8-18) are organized according to recreation focus, including disc golf, horseback riding, outdoor adventure, and wilderness survival. My.spokanecity.org/recreation/outdoor

Twin Eagles Wilderness School

Specializing in helping children connect with the natural world and develop self-awareness through nature-based activities, Twin Eagles summer day and overnight camps provide wilderness and adventure challenges, and survival skill-building, such as foraging, wildlife tracking, and fire and natural shelter-building. Twineagles.org

University of Montana Youth Camps

Day camp sessions in Missoula for grades K-5 with various recreational activities, including indoor climbing skills, rafting, hiking, soccer, and other team sports. Umt.edu/crec/YouthCamps

Wild Walls Indoor Climbing Clubs

Located in downtown Spokane, the Beginner Club (ages 7-10) is for learning basic skills for belay certification. For youth ready to advance their skills and technique, there’s Climbing Club (ages 7-14). Clubs meet once a week and include one-month membership with rental gear. Wildwalls.com

Wenatchee Valley Museum – Super Summer Adventure Camps

Day camps for kids grades K-6 with science and nature themes. Wenatcheevalleymuseum.org

WSU Cougar Kids Camp 

Day camps for grades K-7 at Washington State University’s Pullman campus, hosted by the University Recreation department. Urec.wsu.edu

Washington Trails Association (WTA) – Youth Volunteer Vacation

Week-long trail work crew projects for youth, ages 14-18, to develop outdoor and leadership skills while building and maintaining hiking trails as a team. Locations this summer include the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Olympic Peninsula, and Puget Sound. Wta.org

YMCA Camp Reed

Located at Fan Lake, north of Spokane, YMCA of the Inland Northwest offers overnight camps, and family camp, that include swimming, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, ropes course, and climbing wall. Ymcainw.org

Y Day Camps – Spokane          

Weekday program for children entering grades K-8. Ymcainw.org

Listing of Nature Schools in the Inland NW – 2021

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“Summer camps help meet the deeper needs that kids have when their only social interactions have been with a screen,” says Twin Eagles Wilderness School Co-founder and Director, Tim Corcoran. There is no substitute for interactions with other kids and adult counselors and time spent outdoors with nature, he says. “And that need is only greater at this point, over a year into the pandemic. Kids can come to camp and have a very safe experience and have their needs be met.”

Most parents can relate to how having your kids go away to camp improves the family dynamics for everyone, Corcoran says. “I think it’s important that, as parents, we’re honest with ourselves about the cost of keeping kids home. Don’t underestimate that cost.”

Twin Eagles, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other camps have modified operations and implemented health and safety protocols, according to CDC guidelines and state and local guidance, to help ensure campers and staff stay COVID-free this summer. Most camp websites have their COVID policies easily available for parents to read.

For example, Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho are following guidance from CDC and the State of Washington Department of Health, in addition to the American Camp Association. Masking will be required at Camp Four Echoes, arrival-day will be a drive-thru process, and campers will be health-screened daily.

Camp Spalding, which remained COVID-free last summer, is also requiring masks. Additionally, campers must either be vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-test no more than three days prior to arrival and remain in quarantine through the start of camp, according to Campspalding.org. (Camps are not requiring masks to be worn while sleeping, eating, swimming, or during physical exertion outdoors.)

Twin Eagles also had no COVID cases last summer. “We take safety really seriously, and we successfully adapted our programs in the era of COVID and can still give kids the experience of connections to nature, peers (socially), and self,” Corcoran explains.

Amy McCaffree is Out There Kids columnist and digital editor, and has been writing for Out There since 2006. She enjoys paddling, camping, hiking, biking, and alpine skiing with her family.

Check out our 2021 listing of Outdoorsy Summer Camps & Nature Schools.

[Photos: Camp Four Echoes on Lake Coeur d’Alene (top left and right). // Photo courtesy Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.; other photos: Twin Eagles Wilderness School summer campers learning outdoor survival skills. // Photo courtesy Twin Eagles.]

More summer camp stories in the OTO archives.

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• Big Lake Camp: Located in Central Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, family camp session in August includes mountain biking, hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail, horseback riding, and watersports.  
• Camp Nor’wester: Rustic camp on Johns Island in Puget Sound offers a four-day family session in August. 
• Camp Spalding: At Davis Lake in northeast Washington, there is a Mom, Dad & Me Overnight in June, for kids entering grades K-2^nd, and a four-night Family Camp in August. 
• Camp Sweyolakan: You & Me Kid! Family Camp weekend in July at Lake Coeur d’Alene. 
• High Cascade Family Snowboard Camp: Located at Mt. Hood, Oregon, families can tailor their camp experience to suit their needs and skill levels, which includes a “Soft Start” program option for first-time snowboarders.  
• NatureBridge: Families spend a weekend at Olympic National Park with educator guides who facilitate activities for youth ages 4-12. 
• Twin Eagles Wilderness School: Weekend retreats for fathers and sons (fall 2020, date TBD) and mothers and daughters (date TBD).  
• YMCA: In western Washington, Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor and Camp Orkila on Orcas Island offer family camp sessions during spring and summer.  

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Evaluate Your Child’s Development

Mastel recommends that parents evaluate their child according to the following:  

• Has the child been asking to go to camp?  
• Do they have a special interest in a particular camp theme or the activities offered (e.g., art, music, sports, outdoor skills)? Is this their interest or the parents’ interest? 
• Have they had some successful experiences away from home and away from their primary caregivers, such as play dates, slumber parties, or a weekend at grandma’s house on their own?  
• Can they manage their own self-care, such as changing in and out of a bathing suit, brushing their teeth, or keeping track of most of their belongings? 

Choose a Good Camp

Next, consider a camp’s mission statement and goals and how well that fits with your family and child. Also, know how camp staff are chosen, screened, and trained.

“Good camps take this very seriously and should be very transparent about their process for choosing their staff,” says Mastel. Talk to parents of former or current campers before making a final decision.  

Find more summer camp stories in the OTO archives.

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“Many times we hear our campers say, ‘I didn’t know I could do that!’ They are pushing past their initial reserve and doing something more challenging. They are getting a chance to succeed and a chance to learn what to do if they don’t. They are learning persistence and sharpening skills in a way that you can’t do in just an hour or an afternoon. They are learning to be vulnerable within their group and how to ask for and give help to members of their team. They are learning to rely on their team and how to be reliable.”  

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Editor’s Note: Check each camp’s website for coronavirus-related date changes, precautions, and cancellations. 

2020 Guide Summertime is for kids to experience outdoor adventure—the hands-in-dirt, skinned knees, messy-hair-don’t-care type of adventure. And while that type of rugged fun can be done with family and friends at local parks and trails and during camping trips, day-long and overnight summer camp programs enhance those types of adventures. Camps add structure and routine to a summer calendar while providing in-depth hands-on learning, character building lessons, peer-socializing and teamwork opportunities, and time away from home for children and teens to learn greater personal responsibility and independence.  

Here’s our annual list of regional summer camps and nature-based schools that provide unique opportunities for learning about nature, science, and outdoor skills—with something for every child, any age, and every family.  

Between the Rivers Gathering 

Weeklong annual gathering in northeast Washington for individuals and families that’s an ancestral living skills mega-workshop—May 25-May 30 this year—to learn primitive skills for self-sufficiency and sustainable living, and to enjoy community and connection. Event takes place at Grouse Creek Farm in Valley, Wash., north of Deer Park. Registration includes primitive camping sites and two daily meals (daily registration also available); children under age 8 are free, when families register for the full event.  CANCELLED THIS YEAR.

Big Lake Youth Camp 

“RAD” Adventure Camp for teens, ages 13-17, include 8-9 day camp sessions that focus solely on one recreation sport—fly fishing (float down the Deschutes River, Ore.), mountain biking, surfing (Oregon Coast), whitewater rafting, backcountry adventure, wakesports, and rock climbing. Based in Central Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, near Sisters, there are also regular (“REG”) camp sessions for ages 7-12 and Adventure Camp for ages 7-9, with activities like sailing, hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Big Lake also offers Family Camps. Big Lake Youth Camp is operated by the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 

Dart-Lo Day Camp – Camp Fire Inland Northwest 

Located along the Little Spokane River, at Dart-Lo Day Camp children age 3-18 enjoy outdoor activities like games, pool swimming, and a low ropes course—program offered by Camp Fire Inland Northwest. 

Camp Ashwell Day Camp – Girl Scouts  

The regional program center for Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, located near downtown Spokane (1404 N. Ash Street), hosts themed day camp sessions (weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) for girls entering grades K-8. Activities include STEM experiences, arts and crafts, cooking, drama, swimming, and other skill-building fun. At Camp Ashwell Day Camp, morning/afternoon snacks are included and lunch is provided by Summer Meals Program. 

Camp Easton – Boy Scouts 

This Boy Scouts of America property located on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene, at Gotham Bay, offers an advanced aquatics program, shooting sports, and nature and scout-craft activities during 6-night camp sessions. 

Camp Four Echoes – Girl Scouts 

Located along 2 miles of Lake Coeur d’Alene shoreline, at Windy Bay, near Worley, Idaho, girls sleep in whimsical-named camping units, like Teepees in Sky Meadows and Treehouses in Smugglers Cove. The regional Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho offers a full summer of programs at Camp Four Echoes for girls entering 1^st-12^th grade; troop membership is not required for participation. Themed camp sessions include activities such as waterfront recreation (kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing); nature exploration, hiking, biking, and outdoor skill-building; and STEM activities. Adventure-based sessions for girls in grade 7-10 include themes like Idaho Adventures—which includes ziplining, lake canoeing, and biking the Hiawatha Trail—and Canoe North Idaho, a multi-day canoe trip. Other sessions for grades 6-12 focus on off-site excursions, such as a roadtrip to Mt. Rainier or Glacier National Park or a horse-packing trip (grades 6-12).  

Camp Gifford – Salvation Army 

This Salvation Army youth camp at Deer Lake offers zip-lining, climbing, archery, swimming, paddling, fishing, ropes course and team building games, and hiking recreation. Sessions include Discovery Camp (ages 7-12) located at the main camp area and Camp Cougar (ages 13-17), a teen wilderness camp in a more secluded, primitive area that’s only a 15-minute walk away from main camp and aims to help teens connect with nature.  

Camp MiVoden 

Located in the forest along the northern shore of Hayden Lake, Idaho, Camp MiVoden offers overnight camps for age 8-16. Ultimate sessions with specialized recreation include equestrian and horsepack camps; wakeboard camp; and “Extreme Teen Camp” sessions that include whitewater rafting and survival skills. Traditional sessions include adventure, junior, and teen camps. Camp MiVoden is a ministry of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 

Camp Spalding 

Located at Davis Lake near Newport, Wash., Camp Spalding offers a unique Pioneer Camp, where kids sleep in authentic 18’ Sioux teepees, cook meals over a campfire, and hike to an overnight campsite. Sessions are offered for different grade-based age groups. Spalding, a Presbyterian-affiliated Christian camp, hosts traditional sessions for campers entering grades 2-12, where kids stay in cabins and eat in the dining hall. All campers enjoy nature and waterfront activities, such as canoeing, along with other recreation options such as horseback riding, rock climb rappelling, archery, and more. Family sessions include a “Mom, Dad, & Me Overnight” in June (for children entering grades K-2) and Family Camp in August.  

Camp Sweyolakan

Located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and only accessible by boat, Camp Sweyolakan (pronounced: Swe-o-la-kan) has overnight camp sessions for boys and girls age 6-18, and camps for families and adults, offered by Camp Fire Inland Northwest. 

High Cascade Summer Snowboard Camp 

Sessions for youth, adults, and families at Oregon’s Mt. Hood. Eight-day youth sessions provide coaching for all skill levels, including a Soft Start option for first-time snowboarders. Specialized sessions including Snowboardcross and terrain park access, which includes a 22-foot Olympics Superpipe. 

KEENs Pond to Pines – Outdoor Nature Day Camps 

Based in Ellensburg, Wash., the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) offers a variety of summer day camps for youth children and teens, pre-K through middle school, at Helen McCabe State Park. Weekly themes are tailored to specific age groups, such as Animal Tracks for grades 1-3 and Dirty Jobs/Adventure Camp for middle-schoolers.  

Ligety Weibrecht Ski Camp 

Founded by World Cup and Olympic skiers Ted Ligety and Andrew Weibrecht, they personally coach campers ages 10 through Masters/adults (must be at least intermediate ability). Camp takes place at Timberline Ski Area at Mt. Hood in Oregon. 

Lutherhaven   

A variety of programs are offered among its three properties in North Idaho, which includes its main camp at Lake Coeur d’Alene, Shoshone Creek Ranch Camp, and Shoshone Mountain Retreat. Lutherhaven was founded by regional Lutheran churches over 70 years ago. 

Outward Bound 

Offering programs for teens and adults around the nation, sessions in the Pacific Northwest include canoeing and rock climbing based out of Spokane; rafting and backpacking out of Redmond, Oregon; and sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound. 

Peak 7 Adventures 

Adventure Leadership Training for 11^th-12^th grade students is a two-week session that provides technical skills for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountaineering, and wilderness first-aid. For teens (ages 15-19) wanting a more hardcore challenge, there’s the Bower Adventure Course (BAC), a 50+ day outdoor expedition leadership program. Peak 7 also offers guided backpacking and Ascent mountaineering trips. Headquartered in Spokane, this faith-based outdoor adventure organization has branches in Seattle and Oregon. Families, youth groups, and organization groups can plan personalized adventure trips with Peak 7’s trip program, guided by its experienced staff. Trip options includes stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, and camping—plus winter recreation options.  

Saint George’s School – Summer Day Camps   

Week-long sessions are offered for all grade levels at the school campus located in north Spokane. Options include Outdoor Adventure Camp (grades 3-6) with hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and fort building; Harry Potter Camp (grades 1-5) with outdoor Quidditch games and scavenger hunts; and Rocket Camp (grades 5-8). Outdoors Sports Camps like Running Camp (grades 1-12), Soccer Camps (grades K-6, 6-12), Tennis & Ice Cream Camp (grades 2-6), and Racket Sports Camp (grades 7-12).   

S.O.L.E. – Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education 

This Sandpoint, Idaho-based non-profit organization provides summer day-camps and multi-day expeditions for youth ages 4-17 throughout the Inland Northwest and beyond. Programs include SOLE’s popular Junior Naturalist Experience day camps (ages 4-9); Leader of the Day Experience day camps (ages 10-12); and Teen Trek Experiences (ages 13-17).  

Spokane Parks & Recreation – Youth Outdoor Programs 

Day camps this summer include Outdoor Adventure Day Camps—offering sessions for youth ages 8-11 and teens, ages 12-15—that meet at Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher area. Weekly sessions focus on varied recreation options, from rock climbing and rafting to disc golf and paddling. Wilderness Survival for Youth sessions meet at Camp Sekani, with an intro session for ages 6-9 and an advanced one for ages 10-14. Horseback Riding Camps, for ages 8-13, include a week of half-days at Relational Riding Academy in Cheney. Teen Raft Guide and Leadership Training is a day-long intro course for ages 11-18. There’s also a 3-day Adaptive Summer Adventure Camp for youth with physical disabilities, ages 8-15.   

Twin Eagles Wilderness School 

Specializing in helping children connect with the natural world and develop self-awareness through nature-based activities, Twin Eagles summer day and overnight camps provide wilderness and adventure challenges, and survival skill-building, such as foraging, wildlife tracking, and fire and natural shelter-building. There are three different themes for week-long day camps, for ages 6-13: Nature Adventurers, Wilderness Survival, and Nature Ninjas—with sessions meeting in Idaho at Camp Stidwell in Sagle, near Sandpoint, or at Blue Creek Bay in Coeur d’Alene (for Wilderness Survival sessions), and day camps meeting in north Spokane at Riverside State Park 9 Mile Day Use Area’s Spokane House. Overnight camps for ages 10-18 include nighttime scout games, group wilderness survival camp-outs, and action archery games. 

West Valley Outdoor Learning Center 

Located in Spokane Valley, Wash., West Valley Outdoor Learning Center plans to offer two summer day camp sessions for youth ages 7-12—Biodiversity Blast-Off (June 22-25) to learn about planets, rockets, and animal survival in different habitats; and Wilderness Survival (July 6-9) to learn how to build shelters, navigate the woods, and read animal tracks.  

Windells Summer Ski Camp 

All-inclusive, 8-day camp for ages 9+ at Mt. Hood, Oregon, with off-hill activities like a skateboard park, trampolines, mountain biking, river rafting, and more. 

Wild Walls Indoor Climbing Camp  

Youth ages 9-14 will learn top roping, knot tying, belaying, ascending, rappelling, bouldering, slacklining, and crate stacking at week-long day camps (M-F, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) at Wild Walls Climbing Gym, in downtown Spokane. Four sessions are scheduled, July 6-August 14. 

WSU Cougar Kids Camp   

Themed day camps, June 15-July 31, at Washington State University’s Pullman campus, hosted in partnership with the Outdoors Program. Sessions are tailored for children entering grades K-6, and “Let’s Go on an Adventure Week” is July 13-17, featuring outdoor recreation activities. 

Washington Trails Association (WTA) – Youth Volunteer Vacation 

Trail work crew projects for high school students, ages 14-18, are week-long opportunities to develop outdoor and leadership skills while building and maintaining hiking trails as a team (and camping)—locations include Mount Spokane State Park (June 28-July 3, 2020) and areas of the Cascade Mountains, including Mount Rainier. Service hours can be applied to school requirements, and students earn a Northwest Forest Pass when a project is on National Forest lands and a Discover Pass when on state park land. Options include shared-identity trips organized specifically for all girls, all Latina, or all LGBTQ+ teens. 

Smith Rock Climbing Camp 

Located at Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon, Chockstone Climbing Guides sponsors a program for ages 12-19—the only AMGA Accredited Program multi-day climbing camp in the western U.S. 

Washington Outdoor School Summer Camps 

This non-profit school offers day camp sessions, Monday-Thursday, for ages 2.5-10, in Roslyn, Wash., west of Ellensburg. They also have a marine wildlife-themed San Juan Island Family Camp in August. 

YMCA Camp Reed 

Located on over 500 acres at Fan Lake, north of Spokane, YMCA of the Inland Northwest offer co-ed, overnight camps at Camp Reed with activities like swimming, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, ropes course, and climbing wall. The three-day/two-night mini camp sessions for children entering 1^st-2^nd grades provide an introductory experience, including swimming and traditional camp activities. Older campers, entering 3^rd-9^th grades, enjoy six-night traditional camp sessions with a full line-up of activities, including a campout under the stars and optional horseback trail rides (ages 10+). Certain sessions even offer additional horsemanship classes (for ages 11+).  

Y Day Camps – Spokane 

Programs provided for children entering grades K-8, from June 15 to August 28, at all four YMCA locations around Spokane—Central Y Camp at Emerson Park (1116 W. Alice); North Y Camp (10727 N. Newport Hwy); South Y Camp (new location at Manito United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd); and Valley Y Camp (2421 N. Discovery Place). Day camp runs 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays.  

Outdoorsy Schools & Daycares 

These education and childcare programs provide experiential, play-based outdoor learning opportunities and incorporate environmental curriculum topics.  

Harvard Park Children’s Learning Center North 

Offers preschool (age 2.5+), before/after school care, and summer camps, featuring a hands-on learning environment and park-like playground for daily outside play. Summer Camp (mid-June through August) is also offered, full or part-time for children age 2.5-10 years, with activities like science experiments, weekly field trips, cooking projects, water play time, sports, and games.  

Into the Forest Outdoor Learning Center and Preschool  

Founded in August 2017, this year-round center and private school located east of Spokane, in Veradale, Wash., provides programs for three age-groups: 1-2 years old, 3-5 years (preschool), and age 6+/elementary-school (before/after-school).  

Little Woodland Adventures Forest and Nature School  

Founded last year, this completely nature-immersed forest preschool for ages 2.5-5 years old is located near Dishman Hills Natural Area in Spokane Valley. Classes are held outdoors, year-round, meeting three days a week, for four hours each day. Curriculum includes place-based activities, life skills, and gardening.  

North Wall Schools 

This accredited, private elementary school and child development center serves the needs of gifted and talented learners with classes for K-6 grades, preschool and pre-K, and a program for infants-toddlers. Founded in 1981, the 2.5-acre campus in north Spokane includes six different outdoor areas corresponding to age levels for students to enjoy year-round outdoor playtime and experiential learning. Features include a Nature Trail and two-story tree fort, zipline, organic garden, climbing wall, play structures, and tricycle track.  

Pioneer School 

A K-5^th grade accredited, non-profit school for gifted, talented, and highly-capable learners. Located in Spokane Valley, it’s known for its high academic standards, small class sizes, and unique, topic-focused experiences that enhance classroom learning—including expeditions, outings, and field-trips for camping, biking, hiking, skiing, and other recreation.  

Plum Tree School 

A private, home-based preschool for ages 3-6 in Spokane that focuses on play-based learning, creative arts, domestic life skills (e.g., cooking, baking), hands-on nature exploration, and mindfulness.   

Saint George’s School 

Located on 120-acres along the Little Spokane River, the campus for this private, independent school (no religious affiliation) is an integral part of the school’s entire K-12 curriculum, providing hands-on experiences to enhance classroom learning related to the sciences, physical education, art, and other courses. An Outdoor Club provides recreation activities and trips for students in grades 8-12.  

Tinkergarten  

A national network of teachers and child-development experts who facilitate play-based learning experiences in their local communities for parents and their children. Classes take place at local parks and other outdoor venues, with classes for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children, as well as classes for babies (6-18 months).  

Twin Eagles Wilderness School  

From October through May, the monthly youth program for ages 6-13https://www.twineagles.org/monthly-youth-programs.html and their families takes place at Indian Springs in Spokane, one Sunday each month (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Children enjoy nature-connection mentoring and hands-on activities like making fire by friction and building natural shelters, animal tracking, and participating in group challenges.  

West Valley Outdoor Learning Center 

Though affiliated with the West Valley School District in Spokane County, the center is available for use by all students of all ages, to connect them to nature through experiential learning. Programs include wildlife habitat, conservation, birds of prey, water ecosystems, and STEM activities. The center hosts monthly, theme-based public open house events too.  

Windsong School 

This private school inspired by Waldorf Education, located on the Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute campus near Spokane Falls Community College, offers parent-child and nursery/preschool (age 3+) programs, mixed-age kindergarten, and classes for grades 1-6. Students enjoy at least one hour of outdoor time each day.  

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“My 10-year-old daughter has always been fiercely independent and has gone to summer camp since she was barely 6 years old…her choice, not mine! Camp Spalding is the one she has attended the past three summers—and will attend again this summer. This is her favorite part of summer. She has made valuable friendships…and enjoys participating in activities she might not otherwise have a chance to experience, such as archery, sand volleyball, and horseback riding. She loves to be outdoors where she can enjoy nature and sing campfire songs.

My 8-year-old son…was ready last summer to attend Camp Spalding’s Junior II camp [3 days and 2 nights]. He grew in independence and self-confidence…learned to care for his possessions and stay organized while at camp—amazingly, he made it home with everything he took to camp! He is excited to return this summer.” – Julie Kaczmark

“My 11-year-old son has been going to Twin Eagles Wilderness School day camps every summer since 2015, and this summer my 6-year-old daughter will also go. Twin Eagles allows kids to be exploratory, which I think is pretty unheard of for camps. ‘Exploratory’ can be scary for some parents because it allows room for risk and the unknown. My agenda for choosing Twin Eagles is so my kids become more comfortable in the outdoors. They love to be outside and these camps enhance that love. The staff care about the whole child and teach lifelong skills. Twin Eagles impacts the spirit and soul of children.” – Amy Gustafson //

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