There is nothing quite like an old-fashioned summer camp experience — campfire stories and s’mores, singalongs, trying new things and running around outdoors. At a classic summer camp, kids learn independence, make friends, reconnect with nature and just relax after an action-packed school year. With stays lasting from a few days to a month, and sessions for first-graders through teens, there is a camp for every kid on this list.
Camp Sealth (Vashon Island)
Camp Fire’s Classic Camp on Vashon Island offers kids choices among a variety of traditional camp activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, singing, archery, bouldering, exploring and more. Like all Camp Fire camps, tiered pricing and financial assistance are available.
Grades: 1–10
Cost: $726–$1,242
YMCA Camp Orkila (Orcas Island)
YMCA’s traditional camp at Camp Orkila gives kids a taste of the classic camp activities, including swimming in a pool, arts and crafts, a ropes course, visiting the Marine Salmon Center, sleeping under the stars and much more. At least one session in each age group offers all-gender cabins. Tiered pricing.
Grades: 3–10
Cost: $990–$2,350
Sunset Lake (Wilkeson)
Sunset Lake is a nonprofit summer camp and retreat center owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Set in the foothills of Mount Rainier, the center offers a classic overnight summer camp experience. Horsemanship is an option that can be added. For kids not ready for overnight camp, a weeklong day camp is offered for ages 6–13.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: $595–$77
Black Diamond Camp (Auburn)
The Christian faith–based Black Diamond Camp offers weeklong (and a few short-week) full-day camps filled with traditional camp activities. Kids can try indoor climbing, swimming, slingshots, drift trikes, rappelling and many other indoor and outdoor activities they can’t always enjoy during the year. Extended day options and financial assistance are available.
Ages: 5–12
Cost: $240–$398
Camp Huston (Gold Bar)
At the Episcopal Camp Huston in Gold Bar, summer camp involves team-building activities as well as traditional camp activities. Each week includes a campfire, a variety show and a dance. A Mini Camp (July 14–17) for kids in grades 1–5 is perfect for younger campers who aren’t ready for a full week away from home yet.
Grades: 3–10
Cost: Varies
Four Winds * Westward Ho (Orcas Island)
This camp offers two monthlong sessions that feature a full program of old-school camp activities, trips and group living experiences, allowing campers to connect with nature and become comfortable in their own skin. Campers entering grade 9 or 10 can take a six-day canoeing, sailing, kayaking or backpacking trip off the camp property. Financial aid is available.
Ages: 9–15
Cost: $8,000
Boys & Girls Clubs (multiple locations)
Boys & Girls Clubs’ summer day camps offer for kids in grades K–8, while traditional overnight camps serve grades 1–10. Campers experience a wide variety of activities and field trips in a safe, inclusive and engaging environment. Specialized summer camps are also offered. Volunteer opportunities for kids in grades 9–12. Tiered pricing and financial assistance are available.
Grades: K–8
Cost: $50–$450
Girl Scouts of Western Washington (multiple locations)
For registered Girl Scouts, staff-led overnight camps are held at Camp Robbinswold and Camp St. Albans, while volunteer-led community camps are hosted across the state. Campers can enjoy a traditional camp experience that includes boating, archery, campfires, singing, arts and crafts, and more. Affinity and family camps are also offered, and financial assistance is available.
Grades: K–12
Cost: Varies
Camp Zanika (Wenatchee)
Camp Zanika, located on the shores of Lake Wenatchee, is owned and operated by North Central Washington Council of Camp Fire. The relaxed, traditional summer camp experience is based on themes like “Survivor” and “Color Splash” and takes place in a fun and safe environment. Choose from a mini week for younger campers to extended two-week stays for experienced campers.
Grades: 1–12
Cost: $299–$1,639
Camp Kalsman (Kirkland)
Camp Kalsman, located on 300 acres near Kirkland, practices active Jewish education, incorporating Judaism into activities as campers learn new skills in athletic, aquatic, arts and nature programs. Sessions last from one to five weeks, focusing on different interests, such as kibbutz life, the arts, Hebrew immersion and outdoor challenges. Member discounts and financial assistance are available.
Grades: 1–11
Cost: $2,025–$6,750
