Taking the plunge

Our first campers come tomorrow! Everyone here at camp is very excited.

We're looking forward to seeing you ;)

Sunsets in the San Juans

So this is a post about a sunset, but this is also a post about me. Not me in the picture - me taking the picture. My name is Theo, and I'm the camp photographer and resident blogger this year.

Hi!

Ever since I arrived, I have been asking our staffers why they come to Camp Orkila. Why they like it here. What camp means to them.

One common response includes the place, the natural beauty of the San Juans. Many people have told me this is one of the most beautiful places they have ever been.

As we all watched the sunset tonight, I decided that I agree.

The final days of training

Campers are almost here! Much of our staff came back from island trips to get some r+r and... DORK DANCE! Just a few days left, and we can't wait to see you this summer!

 Pre-dork dance!

 

The wood cookies are almost ready

 

More dork dance costumes

 

We'll see you soon!

Counselors Arrive!

DanJay addresses bushels of bright eyed summer staff.

The final wave of staff is finally here. It's only a matter of time until the first campers arrive!

Time Off, Time to Fish

DanJay, Dave, and Pullyou (taking the pic) do a bit of fishing on a staff day off.

The Directors tackle Mount Constitution!

Sure we all left at 4 am for the 1.5 mile hike up the mountain - but it was worth it!

The view was clouded, but nothing can stand in the way of a beautiful sunrise.

Orcas Fire Department Perform Drills at Orkila

Fire engines set up shop on the farm at Orkila. Where's the dalmation?

We don't know what they are practicing here. Do you?
Wouldn't it be great to drive a fire truck?

Have a great weekend!

It's Memorial Day Weekend!  Get out and enjoy the sunshine, we sure will :)

Summer Time = Wiffeball Time

Noticed this display recently in a grocery store. We love Wiffleball.

Hats!

Dan J & Pullyou joined Lena and Steve (from our sister camp - Camp Colman), and Chris for a recent all-YMCA event. There were grab bags with hats. And we wore them with pride!

Orkila Full-Time Staff Training!

Color Communication Training with Matthew Fairfax

Beth takes a break from the proceedings, for a quick stretch.

This group made the puzzle task look easy...

... this group did not.

Look at this crazy bunch of Orkila Full-Time Staff
(with Matthew Fairfax, too). They're silly.

Pics from Around Camp

Libby with the camp chickens!

Meeting outside, on a beautiful sunny day.

Can you spot the deer??

We Won!

There were 20,704 insider voters in the 2009 contest via Evening Magazine and King 5 - and in the end we were chosen as the Best Kids Camp!

Thank you for your support and your vote!

Also the Whale Museum - another San Juan Islands institution - was chosen as the Best Museum. Congrats to them as well :)

ORKILA UPDATE #4: It's Not The Same Here... Without You

Heading back to Seattle...

We're heading back to Seattle, and once we return we will upload pictures and video!