The YMCA of Snohomish County is thrilled to announce the purchase of Whidbey Island’s historic Camp Casey from Seattle Pacific University (SPU), marking a significant milestone in its mission to expand reach and impact across the region. After nearly 70 years under SPU’s stewardship, the YMCA will carry forward Camp Casey’s legacy. Beginning January 1, 2025, the Y will take over operations of this picturesque 75-acre waterfront property, opening doors to new opportunities and memorable experiences for the community in this inspiring new home.
Camp Casey, a decommissioned U.S. military fort built in 1890, was purchased by Seattle Pacific in 1956 and includes a large parade field, auditorium, military bunk houses, and Victorian-style homes for the officers. It has served as an extension of Seattle Pacific’s educational mission and character formation through hosting classes and retreats and played a special role in the life of SPU students, staff, and faculty through the years. The conference center serves the Whidbey Island community and external groups by hosting thousands of young athletes, school children, sport camps, churches, and nonprofit and educational organizations. In 2000, Seattle Pacific purchased the Fort Casey Inn, a row of ten cottages built for U.S. Army officers adjacent to Camp Casey. The cottages are available to rent year-round by the general public.
Because of its historical and environmental significance, SPU has worked closely with numerous county, state, and federal agencies on conservation and preservation concerns including the endangered Golden Paintbrush plant, Crockett Lake ecology, and landscape views and trails.
Kim Sawers, special assistant to the president for property transactions, said the Seattle Pacific Board of Trustees has been evaluating the best use of Camp Casey since the 1980s, including discussions about selling the property. “This has been thoughtfully deliberated for nearly 20 years because of the challenges in facility upkeep and maintenance and the reality that our core Seattle campus and the students we serve are the University’s priority,” said Sawers.
She acknowledges this a bittersweet moment for the SPU community as many have fond memories of spending time at Camp Casey, but she is grateful that a new owner will share SPU’s values of youth education and development and will continue to invest and steward this historical place.
“Seattle Pacific brought a high level of diligence to the decision to sell,” says Sawers. “We are thankful to find that partner and ideal steward in the YMCA of Snohomish County, an organization that will honor the beauty of the property, invest in improvements, and carry forward a nonprofit retreat and camp that serves youth and the community.”
Peyton Tune, president and CEO of YMCA of Snohomish County, says the YMCA envisions Camp Casey as a regional asset that will continue to benefit the local Whidbey Island community through day camps, youth sports, swimming, and youth leadership programs as well as serve the broader regional community through environmental education programs, retreats, conferences, summer overnight camps, and special events.
“We are excited about this opportunity to expand the Casey property into a YMCA program center, serving thousands of individuals and families every year,” says Tune. “A facility like Camp Casey is more than just a location; it’s a tool to create tomorrow’s changemakers and deliver life-changing experiences through intentional and impactful programming.”
Tune adds that the next steps will be to share the vision of the camp’s future with community and key stakeholders and determine the need for YMCA programs, utilizing the indoors and outdoors to engage the community in wellness activities. The Y will begin offering programming for youth, adults, and families in 2025, with registration for youth overnight camp opening in early November.
“We are committed to honoring the legacy of Camp Casey while enhancing the property and its offerings to meet the needs of today’s diverse communities, ensuring access for all,” says Tune.
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, nurture, and strengthen culturally vibrant communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through six YMCA facilities and over 30 camp and program sites, the Y’s work is felt throughout the county.
Seattle Pacific is a Christian university where more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students are equipped to anticipate and shape the future in a thriving, world-class city.
