The Pond

Above, OEE Instructor Jared Larson shares the finer points of pond succession to his 6th grade Tyee study group while below, Tyee students look out over the pond and watch their peers collect specimens in their nets. After a week of sunshine the Orkila pond has sprung to life as insects metamorphosize, ducklings hatch and the Orkila turtle (not pictured) sun bathes on what remains of the old floating dock.

The New Sarah M Hughes Campfire

Construction on the new Sarah M Hughes Campfire finished last Fall and it's now ready to host campfires! Several schools this Spring season have gotten to experience this new space and now you can get a feel for it here on the blog!

The Hughes Campfire Pit is tucked behind Smith Cabin just below our Lower Life and Death course. The design is based off of the McDade Campfire located near the Orchard, but the Hughes Campfire is a little smaller allowing it have its own unique and cozy feel that's perfect for smaller groups.

You can see more photos here:

 http://orkilaconstruction.blogspot.com/2012/10/hughes-campfire-completed-101212.html

CIT Spotlight: Serena Southwick

Counselors In Training attend camp for an entire month! A rambunctious group of teens who adore Orkila, they are fun to get to know. Check out Serena!

Congrats on getting into CITs Serena! How long have you been coming to camp?
I've been going to camp since the 7th grade, 3 years before now. I love Orkila because it is easy to make friends there and it is just so fun!

Nice! Out of all those times at camp, do you have a favorite camp meal?
My favorite meal at camp is the tacos!

YUM! A camp favorite for sure. Lots of staff and campers alike have "spirit animals," an animal that mimics their spirit. Do you have one?
Sure! I suppose my spirit animal would be an eagle.

Do you have any advice for future campers?
Be yourself and express yourself because you can make truer friends that way. Also, don't get hit in the face with a gaga ball!

Thanks Serena. We can't wait to see you this summer!

YRLs Volunteer for Earth Day!

Last Saturday, YRLs volunteered with Student Conservation Association in honor of Earth Day! We got muddy, told jokes, and mulched part of the Arboretum! To see more pictures, check out the YRL Facebook Page!

What are you doing for Earth Day!?

OSI Spotlight: Eleanor Thompson!

Did you know that Camp Orkila has interns every summer? We call them the Orkila Summer Interns (OSIs)! They are a group of dedicated volunteer staff who love Orkila! Meet Eleanor, she'll be at camp for the entire month of July!

Thanks for letting us interview you Eleanor! Last summer you were a CIT, how was your experience?
Last year was life changing. There is no experience in my life that has changed me more for the better. I grew as a leader, a mentor, and a friend through working with my fellow CITs, other staff members, and the Sahale Unit! Although last summer was my first, "Orkila" is now a fond part of my regular vocabulary and I can't wait to return this year!

That is fantastic Eleanor. Do you have a favorite camp activity?
I'm not sure if this counts as an activity, but some of my best memories of camp were the CIT rides on the minibus complete with air guitar, loud tunes, and hilarious conversations!

Fun! What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am so looking forward to taking the next step at camp toward becoming a staff member. I can't wait to spend more time in Unit and helping out in other aspects around Orkila. I also can't wait to see my fellow CITs from last summer in their OSI staff t-shirts. I'm smiling just thinking about it!

We are too! And the final question is (drum roll please!)... What is your spirit animal!?
Oh goodness! Can I cross a giraffe (for the crazy spots), and a koala (I feel like the could give good advice)? A Kiraffe? A Goala!

Sounds like a spectacular spirit animal! We can't wait to see you at camp!!!

Its Gaga Ball Season Again!

Students from Meridian Park Elementary take to the Gaga Ball pit during their first open rec at Camp Orkila. Under the watchful eyes of instructor and referee Paige May, these Meridian 6th graders can't get enough of this new Orkila classic open rec activity. Gaga has in fact become SO POPULAR that we've added a second pit along side the first. We can't wait for you to show up and get YOUR Gaga on!

Easter at Camp!

On Saturday, the Orcas Island Lions Club hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for over 100 local children in the apple orchard here at camp! It was a beautiful, sunshine- filled morning and a sure sign that this spring and summer are going to be AMAZING!!

CIT Spotlight: Jacob Anderson!

After a competitive process, the 2013 Counselors In Training have been accepted! You may see CITs running around camp honing their teamwork skills, learning about camp, and maybe even being your counselor! Without question, the CITs have a ton of Orkila spirit. Meet Jacob Anderson!

Congratulations on your CIT Acceptance! What makes you keep coming back to Orkila?
Thanks! I have been going to camp for 4 years. The thing that makes me come back is the people and and the activities. The reason why the people make me come back is because we all get to know each other so well. And activities round out the camp experience.

That is awesome Jacob. Can you share a funny memory that you have of Orkila?
The funniest memory at camp is last year when a group of people were telling jokes on island trip!

Nice! Camp loves jokes. Rumor has it that you have a countdown to Orkila. Is it true? How many days til camp?
Yep! There are 92 days until the best summer of my life so far!

We can't wait to see you in 92 days Jacob!