Summer camps can provide teens with valuable opportunities to act as leaders in a safe environment as well as allowing them a break from urban or suburban life. Seattle boasts a number of camps that cater to a variety of interests and learning styles.
Outward Bound is an organization that provides wilderness expeditions in locations throughout the country. While Outward Bound has adult programs, it also contains expeditions directed specifically for teens and young adults. These courses vary in length and expense, but most focus on similar activities: kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and canoeing. These courses begin with rope courses and other training exercises, followed by a trip planned and run by students themselves, although it's supervised by instructors. Outward Bound offers courses for individuals 12 years of age and older. Shorter expeditions last about 10 days, while longer programs can last up to 22 days.
Wilderness Ventures runs a number of programs in the West and Northwest, but the Washington Mountaineering expedition begins in Seattle itself. The Mountaineering trip is 16 days long. It begins with intense training in hiking and other wilderness skills, and is followed by a five-day climb of Mount Baker, the tallest mountain in the North Cascades. The program is offered to teens in ninth grade and higher or those who have previously completed a Wilderness Ventures course. Program leaders maintain interaction with teens throughout the course.
Camp Orkila is offered by the YMCA of Greater Seattle, and is situated on Orcas Island, in northwest Washington. The program takes teens from grades seven through 12, providing opportunities for age groups. Middle-schoolers take part in wilderness expeditions alongside older students, while high-schoolers can participate in two levels of leadership programs offered for specific age groups. A basic leadership program is offered to eighth- and ninth-graders. The courses include wilderness activities such as sailing, hiking and kayaking, although the camp also offers horseback riding and skateboarding programs. Most leadership sessions last about two weeks, and are offered at three rates based on level of involvement.
SuperCamp is, as of 2011, a 29-year old program, dedicated primarily to academic training and achievement. The camp's focus is intellectual stimulation, including preparation for the SATs and other standardized tests. The camp is at universities throughout the country. While 2011 does not boast an active session of the University of Washington camp, it was open as of 2010. The camp takes teens.
Camp Seath, located on Vashon Island in Puget Sound, is sponsored by nationwide wilderness organization Camp Fire U.S.A., and offers two leadership programs, one beginning at 10th grade and another beginning at 11th. These programs train teens as counselors or riding staff for the camp's other programs. As such, the teens in training take part in normal camp activities, but are also expected to take charge of younger campers and ensure their safety and security. The two courses run nearly a month, from late July to late August.
