Camp Snohomish Expands to Accommodate More Snohomish County Youth
Everett, WA. March 28, 2023 – The YMCA of Snohomish County opened Camp Snohomish in August 2022, hosting 71 kids at The Ranch at Warm Beach in Stanwood, WA. Camp capacity filled quickly, prompting the Y to add more opportunities this camp season. The Y is adding three weeks of overnight camp and opening up 168 more camper spots for kids entering grades 1-9.
“Summer camp experiences are transformational and our goal is to get as many kids as we can to camp,” said Whitney Butterfield, Director of Camp Advancement. “Camp helps children grow by providing a safe, positive environment for them to discover who they are and the gifts they have to share.”
The YMCA of Snohomish County has been providing meaningful summer camp programs for over 100 years. Campers spend time building friendships and learning new skills through adventure and exploration, all while discovering the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
A parent of first-time campers shared the positive experience their two children had at Camp Snohomish last summer. “It was a great first sleepaway camp for the boys. They both gushed about their weeks – everything from the counselors to the activities to the other kids in their cabins – and even the camp menu. They’re both looking forward to returning this summer and I’m grateful the experiences they had.”
Campers participate in traditional camp activites like arts & crafts, boating, STEM, and archery. They also focus on team building and exploring the outdoors. According to a study out of Michigan State University, the number of young people in the United States getting outside every day has dropped in half over the last generation. In 2022, 86 percent of Camp Snohomish campers experienced camp for the first time.
“It is critical for the Y to provide camp experiences,” said Butterfield. “Youth who play outside are happier, better at paying attention, and less anxious. Spending time in nature also builds confidence. We are intentionally growing our camp program so more youth have access to outdoor camp.”
As a top strategic priority, the YMCA of Snohomish County is advancing toward establishing a year-round Camp Snohomish property serving all youth and families in the community. The goal is to find a location that can serve in excess of 400 kids per week and runs all summer long. Camp Snohomish will be used for traditional summer camp, but also for Family Camp, Adventure Guides and youth education through partnerships with local school districts.
For more information about Camp Snohomish, including session dates and registration information, please visit ymca-snoco.org/overnight-camp. Financial assistance is available