To prepare for the unveiling of the new look for the YMCA of Greater Seattle... this blog will be undergoing some changes over the next week. On January 4th, all branches in the Seattle area will kick-off the transformation - feel free to visit one!
Stay tuned...
December 29, 2010
December 23, 2010
December 20, 2010
EARLY BIRD SHIRTS
Continuing on with the tradition, if you register by the end of the 2010 a free t-shirt will be yours! Each camper will receive a special "early bird" t-shirt if registered by December 31st, 2010.
NOTE: It will be much cooler than the pic of the shirt to the right!
December 14, 2010
CHALLENGE TOWER CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES
Looking down the inside from the top deck.
Entrance to the inside
Climbing holds on, zip lines and terminal shelter coming soon.
Several photos stitched together. Taken from the 24' level looking down and up.
Entrance to the inside
Climbing holds on, zip lines and terminal shelter coming soon.
Several photos stitched together. Taken from the 24' level looking down and up.
December 6, 2010
MARINE LECTURE @ ORKILA
THE LIFE AND HARVEST OF SPOT PRAWN
From the SeaDoc Society
You know you love to catch and eat local Spot Prawns, but do you REALLY know as much as you want to about them? Did you know they are usually born male, reproduce for a few years, then become female and reproduce for a few more years before they die at the early age of 5? Did you know that Spot Prawns are actually shrimp, not prawns, and that they are the largest of the 7 shrimp species commercially harvested in the area? Now is your chance to learn more about this fascinating and tasty local crustacean. On Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, Rich Childers from the Department of Fish and Wildlife will speak on the life of the Spot Prawn.
This fascinating and fun talk also will include information about how the State regulates Spot Prawn harvest. These shrimp are recreationally and commercially harvested in traps set from 55 to 90 meters (180 to 295 feet) deep, usually in areas where the seafloor is rocky. Be a good listener and you might even pick up a few tips to increase your own Spot Prawn harvest.
The 2010/11 Marine Science Lecture Series was created to inspire the general public and to highlight the amazing fish and wildlife of our region. Lectures are free. Please park in the upper parking lot at Camp Orkila. Shuttle service from the parking lot to the talk is available before and after the lecture.
The lecture Series is presented by program partners The SeaDoc Society and YMCA Camp Orkila. It has been made possible through generous sponsorship by Tom Averna (Deer Harbor Charters), Eclipse Charters, West Sound Marina and co-sponsorship by Barbara Brown, The Kingfish Inn and Shearwater Kayaks.
Article from Bull Wings: Orcas Issues, Views, and News
From the SeaDoc Society
You know you love to catch and eat local Spot Prawns, but do you REALLY know as much as you want to about them? Did you know they are usually born male, reproduce for a few years, then become female and reproduce for a few more years before they die at the early age of 5? Did you know that Spot Prawns are actually shrimp, not prawns, and that they are the largest of the 7 shrimp species commercially harvested in the area? Now is your chance to learn more about this fascinating and tasty local crustacean. On Tuesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, Rich Childers from the Department of Fish and Wildlife will speak on the life of the Spot Prawn.
This fascinating and fun talk also will include information about how the State regulates Spot Prawn harvest. These shrimp are recreationally and commercially harvested in traps set from 55 to 90 meters (180 to 295 feet) deep, usually in areas where the seafloor is rocky. Be a good listener and you might even pick up a few tips to increase your own Spot Prawn harvest.
The 2010/11 Marine Science Lecture Series was created to inspire the general public and to highlight the amazing fish and wildlife of our region. Lectures are free. Please park in the upper parking lot at Camp Orkila. Shuttle service from the parking lot to the talk is available before and after the lecture.
The lecture Series is presented by program partners The SeaDoc Society and YMCA Camp Orkila. It has been made possible through generous sponsorship by Tom Averna (Deer Harbor Charters), Eclipse Charters, West Sound Marina and co-sponsorship by Barbara Brown, The Kingfish Inn and Shearwater Kayaks.
Article from Bull Wings: Orcas Issues, Views, and News
November 30, 2010
125TH ANNIVERSARY OF YMCA CAMPING
In October nearly 500 YMCA Camp Staff and Volunteers gathered in Colorado to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of YMCA Camping. The following video was produced for the event. Camp Orkila is well represented in photos, songs and words. Check out the credits at the end and pay close attention to the final song. How many Camp Orkila photos do you recognize?
November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
From all of us at YMCA Camp Orkila to all of you... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!Note: This marvelous snowman appeared at Camp today. He loves kayaking (see the paddle!) and he always keeps his activities safe (see the helmet!). Over these past few days Camp has become a winter wonderland!
November 20, 2010
LET IT SNOW
We have a great snow storm at Camp last night. 2-3 inches of snow everywhere. Wish you were all here to share in the excitement.
November 16, 2010
Orkila Can Act!
Orkilans Excel Onstage
Orkila Alumni Eli Zavatsky and Andrew Guy performed a bit of Shakespeare over the last two weeks, as they helped Garfield High School put on a modern rendition of "As You Like It."
A huge kudos to these gentlemen and a big thank you to Garfield High School for an excellent show. For their next showing check out http://garfieldstage.org/.
Eli was an Orkila Summer Intern this past summer where he practised his theatrics and antics for his role as Touchstone the clown. Andrew excelled as Charles, the wrestler, and was a Counselor in Training this past summer.
If you know of Orkilans who are active in the community, who would like to share their excellence, please e-mail djarashow@seattleymca.org with the story. November 9, 2010
CHALLENGE TOWER CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The new challenge tower is almost finished. Zipline testing began today. Check out the video and pictures below.
Erik tests one of the zip lines
October 16, 2010
The Tahminawi Expedition is enjoying the sunshine this weekend here at Camp Orkila! We were able to open up BMX for one last ride around the track before it closes for the season. We've also been pressing the apples from our orchard and making cider out of them. If you were a part of the Tahminawi Expedition, click here to use your password to look at (and download!) photos from this past weekend:http://camporkila.smugmug.com/(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "Tahminawi Fall 2010" and enter your password).
October 9, 2010
University Rainier & Mighty Alki Expeditions
We are currently having an amazing weekend with the University Rainier (Part Two!) and Mighty Alki Adventure Guides Expeditions here at Camp Orkila. The snazzler has not yet been found, but I suspect that it will be found soon after dinnertime.
If you were a part of the University Rainier or Mighty Alki Expeditions, click here to use your password to look at (and download!) photos from this past weekend:http://camporkila.smugmug.com/(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "University Rainier and Mighty Alki" and enter your password).
October 2, 2010
The University Rainier (Part One!) Expedition Adventure Guides were here at Camp Orkila this weekend! If you were a part of the University Rainier Expedition, click here to use your password to look at (and download!) photos from this past weekend:http://camporkila.smugmug.com/(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "University Rainier Expedition Part One Fall 2010" and enter your password).
September 26, 2010
September 25, 2010
Orca Expedition visits Camp Orkila
The Orca Expedition Adventure Guides were here at Camp Orkila this weekend! They brought along some serious snazzler hunters and ended up bagging TWO very impressive snazzlers. Here, we see Kristen vividly acting out one of Orkila's three respects: Respect the Environment. If you were a part of the Orca Expedition, click here to use your password to look at (and download!) photos from this past weekend:
http://camporkila.smugmug.com/
(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "Orca Expedition 2010" and enter your password)
http://camporkila.smugmug.com/
(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "Orca Expedition 2010" and enter your password)
September 21, 2010
September 18, 2010
Husky Expedition Adventure Guides
The Husky Expedition Adventure Guides visited Camp Orkila this weekend! If you were a part of the Husky Expedition, click here to use your password to look at photos from this past weekend:
(Go to the Adventure Guides Gallery, then click on "Husky Expedition" and enter your password)
September 17, 2010
CLIMBING TOWER UPDATE
The work on the new Climbing Tower (and Zipline!) continues. Check our Orkila Construction Site for updates throughout the building process.
September 15, 2010
MISTY MAGICAL MORNING/DAY
Yesterday (and today) - the entire Camp and Island was engulfed by a misty fog. It felt so mystical all around Orkila... all day long. For example, in the pic above... you can't even see the other islands - or the horizon line!
September 6, 2010
September 3, 2010
STAFF VALUES AWARD WINNERS
Every session Orkila Campers vote on who they think best exemplifies each YMCA Core Value. For staff - this occurs at the end of the Summer. Congratulations to the following staff (from left to right): Brian for HONESTY, Angie for CARING, Mike for FAITH, Finnie for FUN, Wasan for RESPONSIBILITY, and Damon for RESPECT.
Not pictured - John for RESPECT & FUN
September 2, 2010
STAFF/SEASON TRANSITION
With the departure of the Summer Staff - some of them transitioning to the next season - the Fall Staff train together in preparation for the start of the fall season of Outdoor Environmental Education (OEE).
September 1, 2010
ORCA WHALES VISIT CAMP (AGAIN)
In the pic above, staff react to seeing orca whales breach. There were a couple whales passing by Camp, the day after the final summer campers departed.
You can kinda see the the whale watching boats that were following the whales in the pic above. In the video below, the staff perform a cheer in honor of the whales!August 31, 2010
August 28, 2010
August 27, 2010
August 26, 2010
August 25, 2010
August 24, 2010
August 23, 2010
August 22, 2010
August 21, 2010
CAMPERS WRITE/SING ORIGINAL SONG AT CAMPFIRE
Session 7 Mt. O campers wrote and performed this original song at closing campfire. Great job - it's quite catchy! And here's even MORE songs from that very same campfire...
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