Holding Onto Summer, Looking Forward to Fall.
Reflecting on Summer Sessions
Our summer camp sessions for 2025 came and went quicker than any of us anticipated! This year, we hosted two Sunday - Friday Christian camps, five Wednesday - Friday “Enviro” camps, and one theatre session with the help of French Toast Theatre Productions.
Each session brought in it’s own uniqueness to camp, whether it was high energy camp singalongs, skits provided by each cabin group, or campers feeling adventurous enough to sleep under the stars (with counselor supervision of course).
Many of the enviro groups picked blackberries which was then turned into some delicious jam for Friday morning breakfasts. They also helped us in many HUGE ways around camp.
One group led a trail maintenance effort along our trail from the dining hall to the waterfront. The area was heavily trafficked and therefore eroding, the campers and counselors worked together to put branches and leaves in the worst areas, making way for some habitat restoration. Oh yeah! Another group built three beautiful bird boxes to hang up around camp, pictured in the gallery below. Our last set of campers helped us with a Crow / Raven problem near our compost by building two (very large) scarecrows.
Our staff were a huge help in maintaining and beautifying camp by painting and hanging lots of new signs around camp. Whether it's leading youth, making signs, or hopping into any and every project we can think of around camp, they’ve accomplished a lot more than being “just a summer camp counselor”.
Fall at Sound View
Looking ahead, we’re excited for a lovely Labor Day Weekend here at camp. Most of our summer staff have left, and a few remain to see through to the very end of our summer season here at camp. As always, we plan to have exciting outdoor recreational activities for families to enjoy before sending their little ones back to school.
Luckily, a few of our staff wanted to stay with us for our Fall Outdoor Environmental Education season, and we’re thankful they’re here. On top of four school groups, we will have plenty of grounds work to chip away at before the Winter season is upon us.
We’ll be a stop on the Key Peninsula Farm Tour on 9/27-9/28 offering camp tours, archery, and a tour of our mini farm as well.
On October 10-13th we invite families to spend their long weekend with us at camp.
We do have plans for some sort of Halloween event at camp. Potentially a trunk or treat or something else! We will upload a flyer with more information soon.
Get Involved
There is always a need for more people here at Sound View Camp. If you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or working seasonally, please reach out to program@soundviewcamp.com
We also have an up to date Amazon Wishlist with many tools and equipment we could use for our Fall season!
See you soon!
NCCC Blue 5
Sound View Camp has enjoyed Americorps NCCC teams for many years, and this one was no exception. On January 9th, we welcomed NCCC team Blue 5 to camp!
This team hit the ground running, working efficiently and effectively to complete any and all projects thrown at them.
During our annual MLK Day of Service event, a familiar face visited camp. Pictured above, Kurt shares his vision for our new and improved music room. Below is a picture of the completed project. This team did a beautiful job to make this room feel warm and welcoming for musicians of any skill level.
They took advantage of some unusual sunny winter days by doing repairs on our tandem kayaks. This will make for longer lasting use of these kayaks that were donated to us last year. We use them for our outdoor environmental education groups, summer camps and hopefully for expedition trips in 2025.
…As well as learning from the best! Kendra and Jake have been amazing teachers to this team as they learn more about our ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest and how to be good stewards of the land.
Of course, they’ve also had time for some fun!
Blue 5 has been a welcomed addition to Sound View this season. From their hard work connecting our trail systems, to pulling out invasive species, to creating new signage for camp, their projects will leave a lasting impression here at camp. We’ll be sad to see them leave!
Nisqually Land Trust X Sound View Camp
Protecting and Restoring the Puget Sound with Nisqually Land Trust
Nestled in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, the Nisqually River flows 78 miles from its headwaters on Mount Rainier to its delta at the Puget Sound. This extraordinary river, fed by glacial meltwater, is the only one in the U.S. with its source in a national park and its mouth in a national wildlife refuge. Along its journey, the river passes through pristine forests, rolling farmlands, and vibrant communities, all while serving as a lifeline for people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The Nisqually Land Trust (NLT) plays a vital role in protecting and restoring this remarkable watershed and the surrounding area. Through conservation easements and land acquisitions, NLT safeguards critical habitats for at-risk species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bald eagles, and northern spotted owls. The river’s health directly impacts water quality in south Puget Sound, providing essential resources for local communities and ecosystems.
Sound View Partnership: Join Us in Restoring Habitat
Sound View Camp is excited to partner with Nisqually Land Trust to offer hands-on opportunities to help restore and protect the Nisqually watershed and surrounding areas. Starting this year, we’re hosting two programs per month, inviting volunteers to connect with nature, learn about conservation, and make a meaningful impact.
One of these events is an invasive plant removal work party. Volunteers will help remove Scotch broom and invasive blackberry to enhance marine shoreline habitats on the Land Trust’s conservation easement located at Sound View Camp. Work parties take place rain or shine, and we’ll provide hot beverages and pre-packaged snacks to keep you fueled. Youth are welcome when accompanied by an adult, making this a great opportunity for families to give back to the environment together.
Why Your Help Matters
The Nisqually watershed and surrounding land is home to five native salmon species and countless other wildlife that depend on healthy, thriving habitats. By participating in these work parties, you’ll directly contribute to the restoration of critical ecosystems and support the broader mission of protecting one of the healthiest rivers in Puget Sound.
Join Us
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events! Check our website and social media for upcoming dates and registration links. Whether you’re a long-time conservationist or new to environmental stewardship, these programs offer a rewarding way to engage with the land and make a difference. To register or learn more, contact Nisqually Land Trust at volunteer@nisquallylandtrust.org.
Let’s work together to protect the Nisqually River’s legacy for generations to come!
Happy New Year!
We rang in the New Years with some awesome friends and families of Sound View Camp! Today we’re taking a chance to create resolutions in our own lives, as well as with camp. 2025 will bring lots of new programs, new folks, and of COURSE happy campers.
One major update for 2025 is our beloved director, Kurt Sample, has officially retired!
This month we will be introducing our two new directors hired in 2024 as well as offering other staff spotlights throughout winter. Can’t wait to see you this year.
Does the Early Bird Get the Worm?
NPR’s Bird Notes has the answer.
Always trying to get at the root of things. It’s either a curse or a blessing. Yes - Sound View has an early bird discount. But - does the early bird always get the worm. For the answer, refer to this short episode of NPR’s Bird Notes.
Monthly Gifts Keep Camp Ticking
Monthly donations to the Sound View Fund are what keeps camp ticking in the off season.
Happy October!
This is the time of the year at camp where we are still serving hundreds of school children in our growing outdoor education program yet are slowly buttoning up for the winter season. The staff makes repair lists and also wish lists of things they hope to accomplish when all is quiet. During the winter, we have volunteers, especially AmeriCorps NCCC members, who take on projects that make Sound View better by spring.
Honestly, in the winter months money is tight. Keeping the year-round staff paid is a priority but the repairs and upgrades takes funding as well.
Think in terms of what you do, maintenance-wise, in your own home. Replacing a rotten board on your steps; purchasing plumbing supplies to stop a leaky faucet; changing out a door handle; renting a carpet cleaner; replacing mower blades; painting a room; upgrading a worn electrical outlet; etc.. Surely it is an endless “to-do” list at your own home so multiply it for the buildings and acreage we have at camp.
We often raise money for special purchases. However, monthly donations to the Sound View Fund are what keeps camp ticking in the off season. This fund, used for discretionary purchases, keeps the staff and volunteers busy with winter chores that prepare camp for the busy season.
It is easy to set up a monthly donation toward the Sound View Fund. We have donors that give only $5 a month and that’s OK. Because, $5 can fix a leaky faucet. However, $20 can buy a sharp mower blade. $15 replaces a worn electrical outlet. $60 buys enough paint for a chalet. $35 purchases lumber/screws to fix a stoop or step. Every day, there is always something to fix or improve at Sound View. Knowing that the staff can go to the hardware store for the necessary supplies is surely a blessing. Your monthly donation will make this happen.
Thank you for supporting Sound View!
Let There Be Compost
Introducing…. drum roll please! 🥁
Our newest addition to camp, a two bin compost system!
For anyone who may be unfamiliar with what compost is / does, composting is the process of turning organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil or mulch through decomposition. It's a natural process that can be sped up by creating an environment that's ideal for decomposing organisms
During OEE, we at Sound View Camp educate students on the importance of only putting on your plate what you think you can finish. However, we’ve all been guilty with “eating with our eyes” so to speak.
Collecting compost at our meals will benefit camp by giving us material to create rich soil from our own camp meals to use in our garden, so we can begin growing fresh fruit and vegetables for more delicious dishes. We can’t wait to share!
A Spectacular Mural
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with the Sound View community! Over the past few months, two of our incredible international staff members, Charlotte and Sofia, took on a meaningful challenge and completed a beautiful mural, started by a previous staffer, on our maintenance shop.
The mural is a stunning tribute to our camp's unique spirit. It features iconic elements like Mt. Rainier majestically rising in the background, the Sound View sign that warmly welcomes our guests to the waterfront, and the charming platform tents where so many memories have been made. Perhaps the most touching part of the mural is the memorial to many of our beloved past farm animals, who have brought joy to so many campers over the years.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to Charlotte and Sofia for their dedication and hard work. Their creativity and passion have truly brought this mural to life, capturing the essence of Sound View Camp. It stands as a vibrant reminder of the countless stories and experiences shared here.
We are incredibly excited for everyone to see this beautiful addition to our camp. Whether you’re here for a summer camp, a weekend retreat, or just passing through, we hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate the mural and all that it represents.
Thank you, Charlotte and Sofia, for your amazing contribution. You have left a lasting legacy that will be cherished for many years to come!
SUMMER - BE YOURSELF
Kids need summers to discover themselves
Hey - do you remember the feeling you had on the last day of school just before summer vacation? All of a sudden there was so much to do, the rules were different, the weather was perfect, and you did things because you wanted to. You were no longer boxed into the grim routine about conforming to expectation set by teachers and classmates.
Now - do you remember when you returned from school after summer vacation? Do you remember how friends had grown, some seemed different, some positive, some sadly negative, and most had stories to tell.
Summer vacation is that sacred time for young people to grow and experience positive change while being themselves. It is a time to be silly and serious, to learn and to forget, to make new friends, try new things, to be proud and to be humble, to be entertained, and to serve. At Camp Sound View, we offer just the place for all of these to happen. It is where campers can be themselves and come out of the season a better, and more interesting person with stories to share.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR CAMP TODAY!
Kendra and Sadie Grow OEE
This is a great picture of Sadie (on the left) and Kendra (on the right) serving corned beef and cabbage during the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Family Camp. Our Outdoor Environmental Education Program (OEE) is BOOMING thanks to Sadie - who jumped in last fall and Kendra, who took over in the winter to completely fill the spring season. All of the schools have re-booked for next year. How cool is this!
Professor Petticoat makes a Second Appearance
Professor Petticoat came to Sound View again during the Mom & Me Camp to entertain and educate families with Punch and Judy. Everyone laughed through Mr. Punch’s antics. Did you know that Punch and Judy are over 350 years old?
Meet Baxter
Baxter the Bunny entertained kids during the Mom & Me Camp. He will be around this summer to educate campers about rabbits and their care.
Two-Person Kayaks have Arrived
Tandem (2-person) Sit-Upon Kayaks are ideal for our unique waterfront
What a great day! Lindblad Expeditions donated TEN used, but still very wonderful, 13.1 ft 2-person kayaks to Sound View! These will be used for exploring the Sound by the Expedition campers/staff as well as for other programs we run year-round. WE NEED PADDLES and they are on our Amazon wish list. If you kindly donate two paddles, you get to name a kayak! Just send us the chosen name and we will be sure to letter it onto a kayak. Have you signed up your child for camp (especially Expedition) yet? View wish list here - https://www.soundviewcamp.com/donate
Always a Pretty Sunrise - if you care to catch it.
Camp Sound View boasts spectacular sunrises. It pops up between McNeill and Anderson Islands and there are so many places on as well as on the way to the waterfront to catch it. Our guests who are morning people are very lucky!
HOW TO: Sponsoring Camper(s)
The camp software allows for grandparents, friends, organizations, churches, etc. to sponsor campers for our summer sessions. Setting up a sponsorship code is a wonderful way to partially, or fully pay the camp fee while giving the parents control of the reservation itself.
The camp software allows for grandparents, friends, organizations, churches, etc. to sponsor campers for our summer sessions. Setting up a sponsorship code is a wonderful way to partially, or fully pay the camp fee while giving the parents control of the reservation itself.
Here is how it’s done:
From soundviewcamp.com, click on “My Account” at the top of the page. Log into or create an account.
Once logged into your account. Click on the three bars at the upper left of the page. Choose “SPONSORSHIPS”.
Click “Purchase a code to distribute”.
Enter the desired code. This could be anything that you choose and it is what you will distribute to the family(s) registering their kids for camp.
Enter an expiration date. What is the last day that they can register?
Enter the individual claim amount. This can be dollars or a percentage of the camp fee. Perhaps you wish for the families to pay half while you pay the other half.
Enter the individual claim limit. How many times do you want this sponsorship code to be used?
Enter the total claims limit. How many dollars are you willing to commit to this sponsorship code.
In this example, Main street will pay 50% of a camper’s registration and the parents are responsible for the rest. An individual can only use the code “MainStreetkids24” once and $$2,000 has been budgeted for this code.
In this example, bobbie smith has been gifted a fully paid session of camp. Bobbie’s parents can begin the sign-up process and enter the sponsorship code to pay for the session.
After entering the details for your sponsorship code, click “ADD TO CART”. This will take you to the page where you pay for the total claims limit that you indicated.
Once this is done, let your family(s) know about the sponsorship code so they can begin registering kids for camp.
AmeriCorps NCCC Week 1
A summary of Week 1 Accomplishments for AmeriCorps NCCC Gold 5 team.
The AmeriCorps NCCC Gold 5 team is off to a tremendous start during their first week at camp.
TUESDAY: The team arrived Tuesday afternoon, met the staff team, moved into the blue house, and had a brief and windy tour of Sound View. It is always a pleasure to point out many of the projects accomplished by all of the previous teams.
WEDNESDAY: Starting to get cold - but not unbearable. Breakfast in the dining hall followed by a day of training with Kendra and Sadie. Team members will hopefully have the opportunity to work with kids and families this winter so it is important to for archery, farm, and zip line training.
THURSDAY: Still windy and getting colder. Jim Hall and Aaron Maeda came out to camp to train the team in the camp maintenance shop. A great way to do this was assembling a picnic table using more of the wood salvaged from the floating dock taken apart by the summer AmeriCorps team. Three team members rebuilt the trailhead steps that lead up to Calvinwood to be more adult-friendly. A grilled cheese and soup lunch in the dining hall along with great conversation was nice as well.
FRIDAY: Really cold and staff dealing with preventing freezing pipes. The team kept the shop warm by feeding the woodstove and completed two more picnic tables on their own. We hope to build at least eight for the tent-cabin area.
Next week - MLK Day of Service, more tables, rope holders, chick coop repairs, building the overlook fence, and the teams first “away mission” with the Nisqually Land Trust.
New OEE Director
Meet Kendra, the new Outdoor Environmental Education Director! Freshly onboarded and armed with a Master's in Natural Science and Environmental Education, Kendra is all about organizing and leading school field trips that spark curiosity about nature.
With a passion for the outdoors matching Bailey's (her adventurous dog), She is on a mission to show young minds the magic of the environment. She’s driven by a deep love for nature and a desire to inspire today's kids to appreciate and care for our planet.
Beyond work, Kendra enjoys hiking, kayaking, knitting, and diving into a good read. Get ready for exciting adventures and inspiring lessons, guiding students toward a greener future!
A Winter AmeriCorps NCCC Team
AmeriCorps teams have been amazing over the past seven years - transforming Sound View into an attractive Environmental Education facility.
Wonderful News! Sound View Camp will be hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC team from early-January until late-February. We are excited to have a team during the “off-season” and have much planned for them, including…
Working on stewardship projects around the site in partnership with the Nisqually Land Trust,
Building split-rail fences, picnic tables, and other needed features,
Helping develop a winter outdoor education program for schools visiting camp, as well as a traveling program for camp staff (and AmeriCorps members) to visit schools,
Fixing canoes,
Finishing the Max’s Garden project as a native plant teaching area,
Continuing work of trails and signage.
AmeriCorps teams have been amazing over the past seven years - transforming Sound View into an attractive Environmental Education facility.
How to Support Camp during the "Lean" Months
Here’s how…
We all struggle through winter in the Pacific Northwest. For Sound View Camp, wet, cool days with minimal daylight isn’t the best draw for winter campers, and folks naturally prefer staying at home vs roughing it in the wet woods. Sound View does host occasional groups and we run a few family camps but income doesn’t really pick up until April with the arrival of school groups for outdoor education.
The camp staff keep the Calvinwood feeders full during the winter months so students and guests can appreciate and learn about a variety of birds come spring.
Fortunately, we have a small staff and a low overhead, but still have to watch the budget carefully from December through March. Here are some ways you can help us through the “lean” months.
Consider a monthly gift to the Sound View Fund. Income which we can rely on is the best sort of income!
Register your child for camp early. If we have a solid enrollment before January 1st then we can focus on staff recruitment vs camper recruitment.
Come to one of our off-season family camps. These don’t generate significant income but they allow our staff opportunities to try out new programs and meet camp families.
Bring your group to camp! This could be a youth group, reunion, or a bunch of friends. The two lodges are cozy and warm and you can use the dining hall for meetings. With a large enough group, we can even provide meals.
Check out our Amazon wish list. This is a super-easy way to purchase something very much needed for camp. We love unexpected packages!
ACA Mission and Vision Statement
Mission: Empowering camps to create quality experiences.
Vision: Building a world of belonging and growth.
This summer, Sound View Camp will host accreditation visitors from the American Camping Association (ACA). We are always excited to share our camping programs for youth and families with other camping professionals. Meeting the high standards outlined by the ACA have been an important part of what we do. Please read the letter below from ACA leadership.
“Dear Friends,
We are thrilled to share with you our new mission and vision statement:
Mission: Empowering camps to create quality experiences.
Vision: Building a world of belonging and growth.
Together, we say: Empowering camps to create quality experiences that build a world of belonging and growth.
Our hope is that you will join us in our endeavor to empower quality camp experiences that build a world of belonging and growth.
At the heart of the camp experience lies a foundational belief: that everyone deserves to belong. Camps provide an environment where every camper and staff feels valued, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. In a world that often emphasizes differences, camps stand as sanctuaries where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength.
We believe belonging is not a passive outcome; it’s an intentional experience. It’s found in shared laughter around a campfire and in art shared among new friends. It’s the sense of being part of something larger — a community that supports, challenges, and uplifts one another. It’s the counselors who become mentors and the campers who become lifelong friends.
An incredibly important element of the magic of camp lies in our ability to foster growth. Camps are not mere places of recreation; young minds explore, experiment, and evolve. Campers discover their potential and learn to overcome challenges. They leave camp with a broader perspective and the confidence to take on the world.
We also believe that camp professionals are the architects of these transformative experiences. Their dedication, passion, and commitment are what elevate camps from places on a map to places of purpose. They possess the power to inspire and create an environment where belonging and growth thrive.
As we look forward to the next stage of ACA’s growth and our strategic plan, let’s embrace this chapter together. Let us build a world of quality, inclusion, belonging, and growth. Let’s continue to innovate, adapt, and evolve as members of an organization ready to grow and thrive. We are capable and ready for exceptional growth.
In the landscape of today’s society, it is important to provide kids with physically and emotionally safe spaces. Let us provide hope and solace for young minds, inspiring them and equipping them with the tools they need to make the world a better place.
The future beckons us to embrace our new mission and vision with grace and innovation — to create a world where every school-aged individual has access to quality camp experiences.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our new mission and vision.
Together, we will continue to empower quality camps and build belonging.
Warm regards,
Liz Fogel, EdD
Chair, National Board of Directors
Tom Rosenberg
ACA President/CEO”