December 5, 2013

OTC in Downtown Seattle

Last night, our Year Round Leaders dedicated the evening to music. We started things off with our new favorite name game, where the person in the middle points to someone in the circle, that person has to crouch down, and the two on either side race to see who can name the other one first.
 

Our leaders of the night, Gabe and Adam, then lead us in a rousing game of Musical Chairs, followed by a competition where 4 teams went against each other to see who could guess the title and band of a song that was played. We finished off in a circle, where we sang songs from the Orkila Tabernacle Choir songbook, like we do in the summer at the end of every campfire.




The Blanket Song, Jet Plane, Country Roads and many more were sung harmoniously as we shared songbooks and held up however many fingers to show what we wanted to hear next. After singing some of our favorite tunes and envisioning an Orkila sunset, we ended OTC with our traditional closing song, "Orkila, Orkila" and culminated the evening with a values session.



 
 
Thanks for an incredible gathering, YRL's! See you next week!

November 11, 2013

YRL's Doing Service!

This weekend, our Year Round Leaders helped create a green space by pulling out blackberry roots, ivy vines, and planting trees! There was great teamwork, delicious food, and creative names given to the new plant families. Thanks for your hard work and beaming energy, YRL's!
 
 
 
Pulling these roots out takes a lot of strength and encouragement!
 
 
Pulling out ivy can be quite the task, but good teamwork can untangle and pull those vines out of the ground!
 
 
 
 
Thanks for a great day, y'all!

October 31, 2013

Teen Leadership Level 4 and 5 Applications Due!

Calling all Teens! 
What are your plans this summer? Tomorrow is the deadline for our Level 4 or 5 Leadership program applications.
If Counselors in Training, Islanders, Orkila International or Orkila Summer Intern is something you would like to be a part of, apply now!

October 24, 2013

Meet 2013 CIT Isabel!

One of Camp Orkila's leadership opportunities is the Counselor-In-Training Program - a 4-week intensive experience for a group of teens to grow as camp leaders, a community, and confident individuals! Are you interested in doing CIT? Then check out the CIT Blog! Applications are due by November 1!

Meet Isabel, a CIT from last summer!

Hey Isabel! What is your history at Orkila? How long have you been coming?
I've been going to Orkila every summer since I was nine! It's one of my favorite places, and every summer there's always something new and exciting.

Wow! That's a lot of years! Last year you were a CIT. What was one of your highlights of the CIT Program?
My highlight of my CIT experience was definitely unit week. It was awesome to feel like a counselor and be a role model for younger kids. Meeting new people and making tons of great memories was also one of the things I loved!

Cool! And now that you have accomplished a summer as a CIT, we see that you are applying to be an Orkila Summer Intern. Why are you applying?
I am applying for the OSI program because I love working with kids, and spending the summer at Orkila with amazing and dedicated people.

It sounds like you would have an awesome summer! And our final question for you is... What is your favorite meal at Camp Orkila?
My favorite meal is for sure taco night. Yum!

We agree. Yum! Thanks Isabel!

YRL Kick Off!

Last night was a momentous occasion, because the 2013-2014 Year-Round Leadership year kicked off! Last night we played games, ate great food, met new camp friends, and came up with a name for ourselves... Tape Squad!

If you participated in one of our many Teen Leadership Programs last summer, you are welcome to still register for a fun year of YRLs by calling in at 206-382-5009!


October 16, 2013

Meet OSI & YRL Lauren!

Camp Orkila has an amazing array of Teen Leadership Programs! Meet Lauren, a phenomenal Orkila teen who is pumped to talk about the Year-Round Leadership (YRL) Program and the Orkila Summer Internship (OSI)!


Hey Lauren! Last summer your were an OSI. Too cool! How was the OSI Program? What was one of your favorite aspects?
Being an OSI was awesome. I got a look at how camp runs, which as a previous camper was really cool. My favorite part of being an OSI was making a difference in kids' lives just like a paid staff would.
Rad! We are so happy that you had such a wonderful experience. Now that you are back in Seattle, you have decided to be a YRL! Also really cool. Why have you decided to be a YRL?
I've decided to do YRL because I want that piece of camp that I love back at home. I'm excited to be a leader in my own community.
Sounds awesome Lauren. Hey, can you tell us your spirit animal?
My spirit animal is definitely a sloth mixed with a tiger.
Of course! Thanks Lauren! See ya at YRL!
Interested in YRLs? Registration closes Friday! You can find more information on the YRL Blog.
Interested in OSI or any other Teen Leadership Program? The deadline to apply is November 1! Check out the OSI Blog!

October 8, 2013

10 Days Left to Register! YRLs!

Do you miss camp? Do you wish that you could continue camp all year? Are you a teen who lives in the Seattle area? Then you are in luck! Join the Year-Round Leadership (YRL) Program!

One of last year's YRL Crew!


The YRL Program is a way for teens to stay connected to camp through community, leadership, and service in the Seattle area. For more information and to register, you can visit the YRL Blog! But do hurry, registration closes October 18th!

September 26, 2013

Above, 6th grade students from Mill Creek Elementary School climb on the outside of Camp Orkila's Challenge Tower. They are belayed by a group of their peers standing below, their hands held firmly onto the ropes as the students climb up as high as the choose.

September 19, 2013

Contra Dancing!

Last night, Orkila hosted Cindy Holmes and her friends Eileen and Pam - a musical trio. They put on a Contra Dance for Billings Middle School from Seattle. Holmes called out dances while her band mates performed Irish traditional pieces. Students and staff alike took to the floor, dosey-doed, spun their partners and danced into the night.

September 17, 2013

Year Round Leadership - Sign Up Today!

Hey folks,
YRL is fast approaching, and you should sign up for it! The Year Round Leadership program is for teens who want to continue their camp experience and leadership development all year in Seattle. Together we will have weekly or bi-weekly gatherings, participate in service projects, and even get to hang out at camp once in a while! Our first meetings are Wednesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 24th from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Friday the 25th all YRL's will get together to play a huge game of Wreckage in the evening starting at 7pm!

Sign up now and get ready for an awesome year!

Questions? Concerns?
E-mail us at aflaherty@seattleymca.org or tnesbit@seattleymca.org or visit the YRL blog.

Have a great week, y'all!



September 10, 2013

Above, students from the West Side School from Seattle watch as their peers perform wet-exits in double sea kayaks. This afternoon the West Side School will depart with four Orkila instructors on a two night kayak expedition to kick off their 8th grade school year. They will stay on Pt. Doughty tonight before crossing over to Sucia Island tomorrow.

September 3, 2013

Staff Slideshow!

Here is the 2013 Staff Slideshow. We could not have had such a great summer without our amazing staff! Thanks for all your hard work!!

August 28, 2013

Session 8 Slideshow!

Session 8 was a great week and a fabulous way to close out camp this year. Thanks to everyone who was a part of our summer here at Orkila! See you next summer!

August 27, 2013

Slideshows 5, 6 and 7!!

If you have missed our last few slideshows, here they are. Be sure to like us on facebook for other weekly updates!

August 11, 2013

Wreckage

Wreckage is an intense part of the Graywolf and Lizardhead unit experience here at camp. Check out what its like during the mid week battle between the two teams.



Session 6 is Here!

Session 6 is here, let the fun begin! Can you spot anyone you know??


August 8, 2013

Session Slideshows!


Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 3 Slideshow from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.



Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 4 Slideshow from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.



Be sure to check out our vimeo page for all videos and our Instagram for photos updates from Camp Orkila!
https://vimeo.com/camporkila/videos
Instagram: @CampOrkila

August 3, 2013

Alumni Campfire

Last night was this weeks closing campfire! Not only that but it was also this summers Alumni Campfire! Campers and staff enjoyed a camp flashback, with lots of classic skits and songs.


August 2, 2013

Islanders Are Back!

Today the Islanders made it back to camp after 4 weeks of kayaking around the San Juans. Over the month long trip the 9 participants and 2 instructors kayaked 100 miles, traveling to 14 different islands, and camping at 15 different camp sites. Among the 14 islands they visited, the Islanders circumnavigated Orcas, Lopez, San Juan, and Cypress.
A huge group of campers and staff awaited their arrival after lunch and cheered them in as they beached for the last time on camp's sandy shore. Welcome back Islanders! Way to go!!






July 30, 2013

The Fun Is Flowing!

Camp is going strong with many units on island trip and others enjoying some pool time with the backdrop of another amazing Orkila sunset. 

July 28, 2013

Session 4 is Here!

Another week has started, more campers have arrived and we couldn't be more excited!! Session 4 is going to be a great week!



July 26, 2013

Polar Bear!

There is no better way to wake up than jumping in the Puget Sound at 6:30 am. Campers were rewarded for their heroic efforts with piping hot chocolate.


July 25, 2013

Orkila Magic Show!

Campers were treated to a magic show as a young local magician wowed the crowd. Both campers and staff were amazed at his awesome tricks!


July 20, 2013

Session 3 Is Here!

Campers hopped off the bus and into a week that will be full of amazing memories! We can't wait to show them the Orkila spirit!

Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 3 Arrival from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.

Session 2 Slideshow!

Another amazing week just wrapped up! Check out the slideshow to see all the amazing things that went on! 


Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 2 Slideshow from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.

July 19, 2013

See You Next Summer!!

Tonight was the closing camp fire of session 2! It was a fun week filled with memories and good times! Thanks Session 2!!


July 18, 2013

Dock Jump Summer Record!

Camper Jose from the HAL unit broke this summers record for most dock jumps in a row! He jumped 50 times into the cold water! You go Jose!


July 16, 2013

Goodies Have Fun With Paint!

Today the Goodie Glacier's got to express their creativity and inner painter. Their canvases were 10 wonderful CITs.




July 14, 2013

Session 2 All Camp Event!

Tonight was our second session All Camp Event. Four teams battled for the championship in an extreme, camp vision of capture the flag! It was a great time for all!



Session 2 Has Arrived!

Session 2 is here! They spent their first full day at camp today and had a blast! Here's a litle peek into their first few hours here at YMCA Camp Orkila!

Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 2 Arrival from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.

July 13, 2013

Session 1 Slideshow!

The past week was an amazing way to kick-off the summer! Relive all of the magic that happened with the slideshow!

July 12, 2013

Dork Dance Session 1

Last night was this summers first Dork Dance! Campers dressed in their dorkiest clothes and danced the night away! Go Dorks!!




July 10, 2013

Camp is Going Strong!

It's mid-week and the fun is still flowing! Many units are out on island trip and those still at camp are enjoying the zip line, get wet get dirty, pool parties, campfires and much much more!




July 9, 2013

The Islanders Are Away!

Yesterday the Islanders left Orkila for their month long kayak expedition. The Islanders will spend their days paddling around the San Juans as they take in the sites and sounds of the islands. We wish them a safe journey and will see them return in a month!


July 6, 2013

Session 1 Arrival!

The first round of campers have arrived at Camp Orkila! This is looking to be one of the biggest and most exiting summer ever at Orkila and we couldn't have started any better!


Camp Orkila 2013 | Session 1 Arrival from Camp Orkila on Vimeo.

Also, be sure to check out our other sites for the latest updates, pictures and videos.

CampOrkila.SmugMug.com 
Facebook.com/YMCACampOrkila
Instagram: @CampOrkila

July 5, 2013

Campers Arrive Tomorrow!

All the staff here at Camp Orkila can not wait for tomorrow morning when campers arrive! Let the summer fun begin!!

July 3, 2013

Staff Dork Dance!

Tonight was the staff dork dance! Everyone gathered in the lodge for some good old fashion dorky dancing! 3 days until campers get here!







July 2, 2013

Staff Island Trip

Yesterday counselors arrived back at camp after 2 nights on island trip. Some of the staff went to Sucia Island and others traveled to Satellite. The days were spent bonding with units, training, and preparing for an awesome summer! Only 4 days until campers arrive!!





June 28, 2013

Orkila Sunset

A great day of fun and games was ended with a beautiful sunset! Many more gorgeous nights like this will be coming all summer! Only ONE week until campers arrive!


June 27, 2013

The Lily Song!

The excitement around camp is building! All of the staff here at Camp Orkila are ready for campers to arrive and are getting their singing voices ready! Listen along as the staff recite the chorus of the famed "Lily Song" at campfire.


Also, be sure to check out our other sites for the latest updates, pictures and videos.

CampOrkila.SmugMug.com
Facebook.com/YMCACampOrkila
Instagram: @CampOrkila

June 26, 2013

First Round of Counselors Arrive!

Today Camp Orkila greeted a number of new staff members. Tomorrow they will be joined by returning staff to complete our summer team and kick training into high gear. Only 10 days until campers arrive!