Need Inspiration for a Halloween Costume..?

... Then think back to the Prop Shed! Located next to Camp Orkila's beautiful Campfire Pit, the Prop Shed is full of wondrous garments. From silly wigs to large dogs and maroon, velvet dresses, there is something there for everyone. Check out how 2012 Summer Staff decided to dress up!

Do you think that your Halloween costume is as silly as these folk's costumes? Tell us about it! Email Tessa at tnesbit@seattleymca.org and we may even spotlight you on the blog!

CIT Spotlight: Adam!

Each summer, Camp Orkila accepts a passionate group of teenagers into the Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program. CITs spend one month at Orkila developing their leadership, gaining a greater understanding of camp, and being part of a community dedicated to camp. Interested in applying to the program? Check out the CIT Blog!

Last summer Adam was a CIT! Here is what he has to say about camp:

So Adam, what is your camp background? How long have you been going, and what makes you keep coming back?
Well I've been going to camp for what was my 3rd year. My 1st I was a Traditional Camper in the Mt O Unit. My 2nd year I had been an LDI then my 3rd year I got accepted as a CIT. And what made me come back is that I keep learning about myself every time I go back and it's also a place where I feel like I belong there.

What was one of your favorite parts of the CIT program?
It's been several months since I have been a CIT and I STILL can't think of a favorite part of being a CIT. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be Island Week, because you have a chance to get to know all 30ish people you will get to be living with for a month.

What was one of the goofiest things that has ever to you happened at camp?
The goofiest thing that has ever happened to me was when I decided to tell people about my voice impressions. My trademark impression is of the character Elmo. When I first told my CIT's they had managed to pass it around to other camp members and then it spread like wild fire. So I pretty much had to talk with my Elmo impersonation multiple times a day.

That's hilarious! What are you up to nowadays?
Nowadays I'm busy with school and football (until that ends) and then I'll be on my way to wrestling and Orkila's Year-Round Leaders.

Cool! To finish up, out of all the cheers we do at camp, which one is your favorite?
Out of ALL the cheers we do at camp, my favorite one would have to be.... the Buff a Low Cheer!

Thanks Adam!

Highland Builds a Rope Bridge!

A student from Highland Middle School balances on the beginnings of a rope bridge. This class encourages students to work independently and problem solve together while trying to build a bridge between two trees. With only ropes to use and no plans to draw from, its amazing to watch each class build a unique bridge.

Global Connections at Orkila!

Global Connections 9th-12th graders visited Orkila this week for kayaking, art projects, hiking, high ropes, and teambuilding.  In this photo, a student attempts to hula hoop 30 feet above the ground while on the Charlie Chaplin walk on the High Circuit.

CIT Volunteer Weekend!

This past weekend, Counselors-in-Training (CITs) from the Summer 2012 got the exciting opportunity to volunteer at camp! From covering the BMX track in preparation for Winter to painting faces and lining trails, the CITs made a great impact and had a fabulous time! Check out some of their pictures:

Celebrating hard work after covering the BMX track with tarps and tires!

Face paint, anyone? Meow!

We have a song to teach you!

Lining the trail with logs!

Plankton Party!

Salmon Bay sixth graders hunt for plankton under the microscopes in our Marine Salmon Center. Below, students get their hands wet while learning about our different marine invertebrates that we keep in our touch tank. Did you know that over ONE MILLION plankton can fit in one tablespoon of sea water, OR that phytoplankton (plant plankton) provide earth with over half of its oxygen?!