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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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??

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

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.

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!!