A New Purpose for the A-Frame
With a growing OEE program, the lower part of the A-Frame was chosen to house a new ELC.
It actually started in 2018, when a team from AmeriCorps NCCC created the first Environmental Learning Center in the beach basement at the waterfront. The talented, artistic team created murals to showcase the discoveries that students would encounter at our tidal zone. Unfortunately, the big snow/ice storm of that winter landed a tree on the roof and the building was demolished. We saved what artwork we could and stored it safely in the loft of the shop.
With a growing OEE program, the lower part of the A-Frame was chosen to house a new ELC. The artwork was integrated into the design and we are all excited about this indoor space for future activities for students and campers.
Thank you Sadie, Michael, Catherine, Sammi, and Saquawn for your hard work creating this new resource.
Spring Outdoor Environmental Education
The OEE team wrapped up a wonderful fall season and are looking forward to spring.
Our fall season was amazing! We served schools from Tacoma, Gig Harbor, South Kitsap, North Kitsap, and Olympia. The fall OEE staff were super-creative and the students had wonderful experiences. During their off time, the staff also renovated the A-Frame to become the new Environmental Learning Center. This provides us with an indoor space to teach a variety of classes based on a school’s request. Inside with room for 16 students, are microscopes, lesson plans, equipment, and a glow-in-the-dark ceiling of constellations.
The Fall OEE Team entertaining students during a campfire. Left to right catherine, Sadie, Michael, Sammi
The spring season is now nearly full with our first school arriving on April 10! We still have three open weeks in May. If your child’s school is looking for a spring outdoor education experience, please ask them to contact Kendra at oee@soundviewcamp.com.
W H O O S H
Bring back the W H O O S H by helping us rebuild the giant swing!
I love our giant swing!
I love it because it takes a team effort to run.
I love it because it is a perfect example of “challenge by choice”. One goes as high as they are comfortable.
I love it because it sets up easily and only takes one staff member to operate. This allows our small team to offer it to most groups.
I just love the giant swing!
But, what I love the most is the W H O O S H. What’s the W H O O S H you ask? Well, when a person, kid or adult, is pulled up all the way, 50 feet above the ground, pulls the quick release to begin the swing, there is an audible W H O O S H as they go flying by. The W H O O S H makes me smile. Sometimes my smile is as big as the person doing the W H O O S H I N G because I know they are having the time of their life.
This summer, the giant swing passed all of the structural tests which make it safe , but unfortunately, being over 10 years old, it failed and must be rebuilt. The ropes course industry in the US is safe because of strict regulations and at Sound View, we rebuild and modify elements as required by our inspectors. This summer, the zip line was rebuilt and was a hit. We really want the giant swing back for 2024.
The pricetag to rebuild the giant swing is $7,000. For our end-of-the-year #GivingTuesday fundraiser we are asking for your financial support to bring back the W H O O S H.
NEW! Summer Family Camp
During our three weeks of summer youth camp we are also offering three weeks of summer family camp. This promises to be a perfect family vacation for those wanting that unforgettable summer camp feeling.
This is new. During our three weeks of summer youth camp we are also offering three weeks of summer family camp. This promises to be a perfect family vacation for those wanting that unforgettable summer camp feeling.
Each session starts Sunday afternoon and ends on Friday afternoon. Family campers will be served by a dedicated staff team who will schedule awesome family camp activities. But also, family camp youth will have opportunities to participate in daily activities and evening programs with the overnight campers. AND (yes there’s more) there will be intergenerational activities for the entire camp population such as morning gathering, meals, and campfires.
Plus - adults working with the program director, can volunteer their time helping with special activities, craft, arts, and games. Or possibly, just helping out wherever to relive camp memories.
Families choose their lodging: Shire cabins, forest tent sites, or RV sites. Families can still do camp-cooking for themselves or sign up for some (or all) meals in the dining hall.
Yes - we know that adults may still need to work - so we have decent Internet in various parts of camp. Bring a comfortable chair and get your work done in the cool shade while your kids are being entertained by our creative staff.
This is a six-day program that will certainly be a highlight of your family’s summer. You must sign up for the entire week.
Off-Season Family Camps
This winter, our staffing levels return to normal and we are excited to offer a family camp each month. Our lodging is cozy and warm, wonderful aromas come from fresh-baked goods in the kitchen, wood stoves provide atmosphere for great conversations, the coffee is always on, and there is always something new to learn with friendly staff to help.
This winter, our staffing levels return to normal and we are excited to offer a family camp each month. Our lodging is cozy and warm, wonderful aromas come from fresh-baked goods in the kitchen, wood stoves provide atmosphere for great conversations, the coffee is always on, and there is always something new to learn with friendly staff to help.
December 31 - January 1 - New Year’s Eve Family Camp
This 24-hour camp is a safe and fun way to bring in 2024 with your family. Bring your swimsuit and warmest towels for the annual New Year’s Day polar bear plunge.
Fantastic food, snacks, and family games make this event special.
January 13-15 - MLK Day of Service Family Camp
Join us for day(s) of service with your family over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Lodging is no charge and only pay for meals. We will be building picnic tables and sprucing up the insides of buildings. If the weather cooperates, we will burn brush and split logs. Adults with chainsaws are always appreciated.
February 17-19 - The Great Bird Count Family Camp
During this super-educational President’s Day weekend, we are going to join the rest of the world connecting to birds. Identifying birds, photographing birds, listening to birds, or singing songs about birds - whatever your passion - this is the weekend for you abd your family.
March 15-17 - St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Family Camp
Celebrate GREEN with us, Green environmental education activities, green crafts, green yummy food, green Irish songs, and all the magic and fun of a Sound View family camp adventure
October Family Camp
Family camp weekends are always the best! Check out the amazing activities from our fall festival. Make sure to sign up for our other family events to keep from missing out on the fun!!
Weather Station Update
Phase Two of the weather station project was completed today. It was a long leap - but Internet has been run to the waterfront to allow weather data to be shared with others. Thank you AGAIN to Jim & Pat Yeilding for the advanced weather station at the end of our pier. The maps show how our little stretch of the Salish Sea is now covered. Soon - a camera for a seagull's eye view of the Sound. https://www.weatherlink.com/map
Early Bird Registration Ends January 1
You can save 15% by registering BEFORE January 1.
Hooray! Summer camp dates are set and early-bird registration is going on now.. Youth Camp, Mini-Camp, Expedition, & LIT.
You can save 15% by registering BEFORE January 1. Don’t wait.
From Dock to Tables
For years, the wooden floating dock migrated from the inner lagoon to the end of the pier in June and then back again by Labor Day. For the past eight years, this routine has been forced to change due to a deteriorating pier as well as the need to run boating for three seasons to accommodate schools visiting for outdoor education. We have run boating successfully in the outer lagoon for the past two years and are happy with this sheltered location.
Pierce County has also restricted new dock construction and repairs of old docks for our section of the Key Peninsula. This, along with an agreement made with the Nisqually Land Trust, necessitated demolishing the heavy floating dock by 2024. We took advantage of our resident AmeriCorps NCCC to accomplish this early.
Tiny Snowfall
We didn’t get a whole lot of snow this week, but enough for Steve, our winter caretaker, to take some pretty pictures.
This is the time of year when we register summer campers, sign up schools for Outdoor Education, and think up some creative new (and established) programs and events. Looking ahead …
Yes - and Fundraising is also on our minds during the “lean” winter season. Please consider a generous end-of-year gift to Sound View Camp. THANKS!
Why the Earlier Summer?
For 2023, we have scheduled the three sessions of overnight camp to begin earlier than they did in 2021 & 2022. Here are the reasons why …
For 2023, we have scheduled the three sessions of overnight camp to begin earlier than they did in 2021 & 2022. Here are the reasons why …
In 2021, we chose a late-July starting date due to the pandemic. In 2022, because of the same uncertainty, we merely followed suit.
It is best for us to bring in the staff early to give them as many weeks of employment as possible and to be competitive with other camps.
With summers getting hotter, with the usual campfire bans due to dry weather, as well as the certainty of wildfires upwind of us, August can be a challenging time overnight sessions.
We are certainly looking forward to three full weeks of camp with an enthusiastic staff fresh out of a week of training and ready-to-go. Please sign your camper up soon to take advantage of the early-bird discount.
New Year's Eve Family Camp
Enjoy a cozy and safe New Year’s Eve at Sound View Camp. There will be fun things to do, inside and outside.
Enjoy a cozy and safe New Year’s Eve at Sound View Camp. There will be fun things to do, inside and outside, during any sorts of weather. Highlights:
3 meals (lunch, pizza dinner, late breakfast)
Farm tour
Games in the dining hall
Campfire with s’mores - inside, or outside (weather permitting)
Craft project
New Year’s Eve party with early celebration (for little ones).
New Year’s Day polar bear plunge (brrrr)
Sunday Singing Circle
The early bird catches the canoe?
Register for a session of overnight camp BEFORE January 1 to save 10% ($52.50)! All that is required is a $100 deposit.
Letting In the Jungle
By allowing the hillside to regrow and eventually absorb rainwater, the hope was that the waterfront road would not experience its annual washout.
In mid-Spring, AmeriCorps NCCC members strewed several bales of old straw and other organic matter onto the steep section of road that runs between Calvinwood and the dining hall. Closing that road addressed some safety and erosion problems. By allowing the hillside to regrow and eventually absorb rainwater, the hope was that the waterfront road would not experience its annual washout. AmeriCorps members also created the wonderful new trail system to replace the need for campers to walk on the road.
I was amazed that even through the very dry summer, grass and other vegetation starting peeking out through the straw. Once the fall rains began, the growth has become more profound. I often think of Kipling’s short story Letting in the Jungle where Mowgli used his jungle buddies and the power of nature to eradicate a village which wronged him. I am anxious to see what happens next. Autumn leaves now trapped in the new grass will decay and add nutrients; persistent grass roots will loosen packed gravel; ferns will begin to grow; perhaps in a year one will never know there was road there at all.
This project, like many at camp, needs few resources - only volunteers and a commitment to see it happen. Some projects, such as rebuilding the ropes course, require significant funding and outside expertise. Sound View hopes to raise $50,000 to refresh and reopen the high ropes course in time for spring. If you are able, please help make this happen.
Snug and warm with plenty to do
Even with cooler temperatures and on windy, rainy days, the adventurous family can find plenty to do during a weekend at Sound View.
Sound View is now in “off-season” mode. During the unpredictable months of November through March, families and groups are still very welcome at camp and enjoy a significant discount.
Even with cooler temperatures and on windy, rainy days, the adventurous family can find plenty to do during a weekend at Sound View.
Walk on the beach and discover that the winter waves wash up many treasures.
Enjoy the rain pattering on tin roofs.
Build a campfire outside or inside a shelter. There is PLENTY of firewood.
Practice your outdoor cooking skills - or use the stove in the camp kitchen. (Calvinwood & Lakewood/Fircrest also have kitchens).
Borrow a ukulele and teach yourself some chords. We have a “learn to play” DVD in the dining hall.
Watch the birds from Calvinwood porch. If the feeders are low, fill them please. Suet donations are always appreciated.
Play ping pong, foosball, checkers, and chess in the dining hall.
Watch cartoons in the dining hall. We have some classic cartoon DVDs or bring your own
We make fresh pots of coffee each morning. The tea pot is always on.
Visit the farm. We feed the critters each morning at 9:15.
If enough families are interested, we can still cook breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
Meet other families. Even better - bring other families with you.
If the weather is forecasted to be too wild and crazy - even if it happens while you’re at camp - no worries! We will let you reschedule. - because your safety and comfort is important to us.
Keeping a Promise
… the campers looked up at the closed static course and asked when it would be open again. They learned and understood why it was closed and I shared my dreams of it reopening with 21st Century upgrades, and I promised them that it would be soon.
I had the absolute BEST TIME teaching the ropes course class during the summer of 2021.
That summer, we were running sessions way-differently due to the pandemic, so, for me to jump in was not unexpected.
The high ropes course had its annual inspection in early-2021 after being closed for an entire year during the height of the pandemic. Because of changing regulations, and the difficulty of maintaining a course using growing trees instead of telephone poles, certain elements failed inspection and we had to close the usual “static” course until repairs could be implemented. However, other parts of the course passed (with flying colors) and these included the Giant Swing, Multi-Vine, and the Big Jump - all elements seldom used in previous years.
With this news, I designed a summer ropes course class that was new, exciting, and very different which used the available elements. The class trained the summer campers - some as young as eight - to not only participate but also gave them early skills to facilitate. They learned knots, group belays, “clipping in”, safety checks, and even setting up elements. And, as I mentioned above, I had the BEST TIME observing the growth of each camper as they learned to not only take care of their own safety, but to safeguard others as well.
Still - the campers looked up at the closed static course and asked when it would be open again. They learned and understood why it was closed and I shared my dreams of it reopening with 21st Century upgrades, and I promised them that it would be soon.
I intend to keep that promise - especially after seeing how the ropes course changes kids for the better, particularly when you encourage leadership skills early-on.
We want to raise $50,000 to repair/update the high ropes course in time for the spring season. Already, we have raised $5,000 - or 10% of our goal. Will you please help me keep my promise? THANK YOU in advance for your generous donation!
Two Campaigns
It is crazy-hard running a camp in the 21st Century! I need your help.
As regulations change, prices rise, and expectations evolve, we will lean on financial (sustaining) gifts to keep Sound View afloat. It is my sincere goal that in the next few years, we can claim that 10% of our revenue comes from donations - especially monthly giving. A healthy non-profit often requires an even greater percentage - especially if the goal is to serve more people while keeping rates affordable.
To end this year and in the days leading to Giving Tuesday, we aim to do the unusual; running two campaigns at the same time.
One campaign, as detailed in an earlier post, will hopefully encourage new monthly givers for the Sound View Fund. These donations will help with many of the financial obligations that make running camp “crazy-hard”. I really hope that you will be able to make a generous monthly gift.
The other campaign will raise money to repair, refresh, and revamp the high ropes course. A LOT has changed since our course was built in the early 1990s. Not only has technology evolved which renders much of our course obsolete, but the trees have grown (which affects everything). Our program has grown too! We need to be able to run the course year-round with a smaller staff which requires 21st Century changes. From now to Giving Tuesday, I will talk about the ropes course in future posts so you can learn more.
We hope to raise $50,000 to get the course up and running by this spring. Your generous gifts will make this happen.
The Sound View Fund
We depend on donations of to keep Sound View thriving and affordable. Without funding, we could not very well maintain our one-hundred acre site, nor could we guarantee that all kids can come to Sound View, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
Right now, we hope to significantly add many more monthly donors.
Sound View Fund: Monthly gifts are crucial for the overall camp operation. Taking good care of a large wooded property with all the pitfalls of keeping it “real and rustic” requires money. We work hard to be thrifty and good fiscal stewards while at the same time responding to what nature throws at us to keep trails, shoreline, buildings, and program areas looking their best.
Our goal for 2022-23 is to raise $30,000 through monthly gifts. This represents around 7% of our overall budget.
Outdoor Education for All
In 2019, the Sound View Camp Outdoor Education program was the "new kid on the block" and just beginning to take off when the pandemic struck. We developed our program to be an affordable option for those shut out of the larger, more established camps because of price or availability. Sound View is pretty remarkable - not fancy - but not set in its ways to keep a school from doing what curriculum/activities are best for their students.
I am so excited that the Outdoor Education for All Bill passed the Legislature. Throughout my forty years of camping, I have seen how kids react to the out-of-doors and know that the hands-on learning of an OEE experience benefits students, teachers, and the future. It was sad to see so many schools cutting back on this worthwhile experience because of the lack of funding. The new bill will hopefully lead to growth of outdoor learning.
I am also happy that pre-pandemic schools are beginning to grab dates for next spring. We have more prime dates, both spring and fall, available for others as well. Please let me know if I can help you get started with planning, a tour of camp, or to answer any questions about our program.
Gold 8 - Days 1 and 2
The Americorps NCCC Gold 8 team arrived on Friday afternoon and got straight to work on Saturday and Sunday. The ten-member team, from the East Coast and Midwest are excited to experience our Pacific Northwest rain after spending the last few months in sunny California.
Gold 8 will be at Sound View for over six weeks and will be undertaking a lot of environmental projects including trail management, timber harvest cleanup, waterfront projects, signage, and numerous other things that can only be done by an enthusiastic national service team.
Saturday (in the sunshine) and Sunday (in the pouring rain), the team inventoried and restacked the lumber shed so they and others can easily find wood for various projects..
