Ready, Set, Go...

Early Bird discounts are active! Want to come to Orkila this summer? If so, register before December 31st and you'll receive the lowest rates we offer and won't have to hassle with wait-lists! So, if you know camp is in the cards for your family and friends this summer, now is a great time to sign up! www.camporkila.org.

Wreckage!!!

Wreckage, an epic camp version of dodge ball, may as well be one of the highlights for many campers and staff alike at Camp Orkila! Last week, the YRLs met up at the Y to play our own game. Check it out!

OSI Spotlight: Sam!

Have you ever wanted to gain a deeper understanding of camp, from behind-the-scenes to creating camp magic for a camper? Each summer 40 passionate 17-year-olds are accepted into the Orkila Summer Internship Program and they get to do just that!

Here is what Sam, an OSI from last summer, has to say about being an OSI and Camp Orkila!

 Hey Sam! Tell us about all your good times at Orkila!
I have been going to camp for nine years and I have continued to come back to camp not only for the kids who return year after year (I love to watch them grow up!), but I also come back for myself. I consistently return home after camp a more centered and better person every year. It is a place where I can be me and enjoy every moment of it.

That is wonderful to hear. Is there any highlight you have from last summer as an OSI?
There is no one moment that was the "highlight" of my OSI experience, but every so often I would get this feeling that Orkila was exactly where I was supposed to be in a that moment. That was a really great feeling and I hope I will be able to feel that sense of rightness wherever I go now. Camp set the bar pretty high!

We love that feeling too. Is there something that you learned from being an OSI that you would like to share with us?
Ok, this is going to sound cheesy, but it's actually true. I learned through the OSI program that every person comes from a different background and has different perspectives in various situations. What may be no problem for one camper is a huge stretch for another.

So true. To finish things off, what is your all-time favorite camp song!?
My favorite camp song is the Moose and Juice song. I love teaching it to the girls in my cabin!

Thanks Sam!

Peace & Chow, Chow & Peace

At Camp Orkila, and especially in the Teen Expedition Programs, there is a tradition of how to begin meals: with a Peace & Chow circle. Together in our group, we cross our arms, hold hands, and share what we appreciate. Appreciations can range form someone in the group, to the food we are about to eat, or the sky above our head. Once everyone has shared, one person says "Peace & Chow," then everyone replies "Chow & Peace," and we uncross our arms by twirling around!

Perhaps this Thanksgiving you can bring the tradition to your meal. Happy Thanksgiving from Camp Orkila!

Karla Sings "Country Roads!"

In tune with OTC Appreciation Month (get it!?), Orkila-enthusiast Karla sent us in a video of herself singing John Denver's "Country Roads." Karla has been going to camp for 9 summers! Last summer she was a CIT, and this year she is applying to come back as an OSI!

Thanks Karla for sending us in such a great video! What makes Orkila a special place for you?
Camp is my favorite place in the world because I move around so much and camp is the one place that's always there. Even if the people there are a little different every time, I find that they're always wonderful and happy people. Camp is my home.

That is wonderful that camp means that much to you. Why did you choose to sing "Country Roads?"
Honestly, I recorded myself singing almost every camp song and then picked that one! Haha! I guess I just like the song and I relate to it because I miss the states which is my home! :)

Thanks Karla!

OTC Appreciation: The Lily Song!

So "The Lily Song" might not be an official OTC Song, but let's face it, it has become an Orkila favorite and is a rich tradition passed on through generations! We absolutely adore it.

Do you have a song that you associate with Orkila that you love to sing? Send us in a video to tnesbit@seattleymca.org and we'll feature you on the blog!

Meet The Fainting Goats!

 Last night, the Year-Round Leadership Thursday Group kicked-off their 2012-2013 year together! After much contemplation, we decided that calling ourselves "The Fainting Goats" was the best possible option. That night, we played some hilarious name games, brainstormed leadership ideas, created our own "Fainting Goat Constitution," and closed the night with a values session. Check out how much fun we had!

"Name, Name, Goose!"

Introducing Bangarang!

Last night was a historic night for Orkila because the 2012-2013 Year-Round Leadership Program was kicked off! Our first gathering consisted of some hilarious name games, the creation of our Constitution, music, snacks, and a closing value session  Together, we decided that we would call ourselves Bangarang! Check out our photos, we are pumped for a fantastic year together!

Adam explains how to play Common Ground.

"Name, Name, Goose!"

OTC Appreciation: Whistling While in France!

Bon jour! Past Summer Camp Director, Michael Pulju, and his friend whistle the Orkila Closing Campfire Song in France! C'est magnifique!

Do you know an Orkila song that you love? Then send us in a video to tnesbit@seattleymca.org and we'll feature you on the blog!

YRLs Plant Trees!

Did you know that Camp Orkila doesn't only happen in the Summer? Teens who participated in Leadership Programs last summer get the awesome opportunity to be a Year-Round Leader in Seattle! This past weekend, a few of us teamed up with YMCA Earth Service Corps to plant 500 trees at the Chinook River Bend. We had a blast!

CIT Spotlight: Keirsten!

Will you be 16 this summer? Or do you know someone who will be 16 summer? If so, check out the CIT Program! Each summer Camp Orkila accepts a group of fantastic teens to come to camp for a month. During their time at Orkila, they develop their leadership skills, gain a better understanding of camp, and become part of a strong community of friends.

Keirsten was a CIT last summer, here is what she has to say about camp!

Hey Keirsten! We'd love to hear about your camp experience!
Sounds great! To start, I've been coming to camp for 7 years. At camp, I get to experience a whole new side of myself and test the boundaries of what I thought I couldn't accomplish before. For example, having the responsibility of shadowing a cabin for a week! The kids really look up to you, and it's so weird remembering having that same feeling myself.

That's awesome. How has Camp Orkila and the CIT Program impacted you?
Orkila teaches me to love challenges and trust myself. There are moments when I think something is too difficult or just straight impossible, but being able to look back at July and think of the crazy things I accomplished allows me to really trust myself. For me, it's just a matter of reminding myself there is NOOOO limit to how much happiness and enthusiasm I can give in one day. All of these revelations are because of Orkila! For real!

We love to hear that Keirsten! Now that you're back home, what are some of your favorite memories from this past summer?
Looking back, I think all of my favorite memories as a CIT were spent with the kids. I really found myself based on how I interacted with kids. Being able to find something in common with an 8-year-old  and lose track of time and be totally in the moment is what I found with these kids. It has inspired me to continue this work with kids this school year and I'm loving it!

We bet that you're doing an amazing job! One last question - what is your favorite camp activity?
Dork dances! They are my favorite night of the week at camp! Dork dances are when I just let it all out! I love to dance and to get other people stoked on dancing too!

Woohoo! Thanks so much Keirsten!

Want to be famous..?

Then send us a video of yourself performing your favorite camp song! November is Orkila Tabernacle Choir Appreciation Month (yep, it's official), and we want to celebrate by seeing how YOU perform your favorite camp songs! They don't even have to be from OTC. Did your cabin sing "Call Me Maybe" all the time and you want to do an acoustic rendition of it? Or perhaps you want to put a twist on "Jet Plane" by rapping the whole song. Or maybe "The Princess Pat" is your favorite song and you just want to belt it out for us to hear! Who knows!? We'd love to see your performances.

Please send a video of yourself to tnesbit@seattleymca.org. We can't wait for you to be famous on the blog!