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!

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?!