Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is Sound View Camp open?

Yes - we are! We are operating a little out of the ordinary but numerous families have been enjoying camping with us since the middle of June. Families can reserve tent sites, RV sites, Shire cabins, and tent-cabins.

This is an extremely challenging for Sound View and we are so blessed to be able to serve families in any way thios summer and generate enough income to stay afloat. Please tell your friends about us!

+ Do we need to be Presbyterian or even Christian to come?

No - all are welcome. Sound View is owned and operated by the Olympia Presbytery which is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Discover More.

Normally, we would have a short, optional, informal outdoor worship service each morning and we are awaiting "phase 4" to offer that again.

+ Can I register online?

Of course! This is the best way and it is really easy. Here is the link to register online.

+ How long will "campground mode" go on?

Who knows? Most of our cabins are heated and cozy - even in winter. The RV field remains dry in the rainy season, and some people enjoy tent-camping into the late fall. Once we can serve food again in the dining hall, we can add lots of options for weekend guests and homeschooling families. It may be a long time before we return to the normal mode of operation.

All of our sites will remain upen until October 31. After that, we will close the beach sites, forest sites, and the platform tents but all others will remain available during the fall and winter.

+ Where are your campground policies?

So glad you asked. You can find them here.

+ Do you have a camp store?

YES! We sure do.
Our camp store and office is the hub for the summer. There, you check-in, check-out, view the latest schedule, get sanitized sports equipment, borrow a bike, and get your questions answered. Often we have cartoons at dusk, ukulele lessons, and sing-a-longs next to the store.

The store has:
Shirts & Hoodies
Candy
Soda and Water
Ice Cream
Chips and Cookies
Jiffy Pop
Pop Tarts
Cup of Noodles
Hot Dogs/Buns
S'mores Fixings
Ice
Stuff you may have forgotten

+ Check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is after 3:00 pm and check-out is noon. Those are the times that sites can be occupied/vacated. However, if you see an activity on the schedule that you don't want to miss, then you may come earlier or stay later.

+ We are totally new to this kind of camping. Where do we begin?

Yes - planning can be intimidating. However, families find it easier each time they venture out. This is a good resource to check out.

+ Why are you not allowing dogs?

We like dogs. But, our site is an environmentally sensitive area with happy, visible deer, birds, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, barn cats, and a llama to protect the flock. Our waterfront is particularly sensitive. We also have guests who may come here because we do not allow dogs. Perhaps they or their children are frightened by them. It took a lot of planning and effort to retool this youth camp into a campground and we stand by our choice not to allow pets.

+ Are you providing meals?

No. The Health Department restrictions for a camp kitchen during the reopening phases are too difficult to follow. For the time being, families are doing their own outdoor cooking.

We are hoping that we will be able to provide simple meals beginning in September.

+ Are you offering the ropes course or paintball?

No. Not this year.

+ Some of the pictures show made-up beds. Does camp provide linens?

No. We felt that the pictures would be nicer if the beds were made up as if there were people in the cabin - instead of a bare mattress. Families renting cabins need to provide their own sleeping bags or linens.

+ What activities are you running?

Activities depend on the weather, the tide, and available teen volunteers. When families are at Sound View, we try to open the waterfront at high tide for boating, the farm/garden for education, and archery. However, we are committed to only run programs when safe. Check the campground calendar.

+ Are you charging for activities?

No. We are not charging extra but we are definitely accepting donations. We can't promise that a particular activity will be offered - or have the appropriate staffing - or if the weather will cooperate.

+ Tell me about the bathrooms?

We clean the bathrooms (showerhouses) and the portable bathrooms twice a day. Guests staying in the Agape cabins are responsible for their own private bathroom. We have a portable toilet set up at the RV/Tent site area, the forest campground, and the waterfront. The Longhouse is used for the Trillium Trail site. We expect families to pitch in and help keep the bathrooms tidy in between staff cleanings.

+ Is there adequate space between campsites for good social distancing?

Yes. Our summer guests have been delighted in the way we have spaced out all of our sites. Three of the sites (Trillium Trail, Cardai Hill, and the Garden Cabin/Field) are very private. The RV sites are clustered around a large field and the tent sites are about 100 feet apart.

+ Does each campsite have a firepit?

Yes. We know that each family needs to stay distanced from other families and time around a campfire for talking and cooking is very important.

+ Why is there a two-night minimum for some cabins?

We have to allow cabins to "sit", unoccupied, windows open, for at least 24 hours between guests. The 2-night minimum helps us maximize income.

+ Do I need to bring firewood?

If you have some, then bring it. However, we have lots of windfall around camp and "slash" from a recent timber harvest that we would love for you to scavange and burn. Bringing a small hatchet is useful. Kids also enjoy scrounging for firewood. Put them to work!

+ Is there swimming?

We do not provide a lifeguard for swimming - only boating. Puget Sound is cold but kids will tip over the corcls (little round boats) and play in the water. That is OK seeing as they have a PFD on. When your family is at the beach at other times, please permit your kids to wade in up to their knees only.

+ Do I need to bring lifejackets (PFDs)?

We have PFDs at the waterfront for when we run boating. ALL MUST WEAR THEM. If you have your own then great! Your kids should wear them while playing in the water at the beach.

+ Internet and mobile?

Verizon works best. We have free Internet areas at the store and the dining hall porch for getting work done.

+ Does my family need to wear masks?

Yes - please! At your own campsite, alone on a hike or in a kayak this is optional of course. However, around other families and the Sound View staff, masks are required.

+ What is there to do?

Hike the trails.
Ride bikes around the upper part of camp.
Self-guided nature hikes.
Low tide exploration.
Simple arts and crafts.
Disc golf.
Sit around the fire as a family and have meaningful discussions.
Wade in the water and cool off
Visit the mini farm.

+ What sites have electricity?

Agape Cabin
Shire Cabin
Tent Cabin
Platform Tent
Garden Cabin Site
RV/Tent site shelter
There is no power at the waterfront, Trillium Trail, Bow and Arrow, or the forest tent sites.

+ Will you run traditional summer camp in 2021?

We hope so! A lot depends on what happens with the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions/safetymeasured required of summer camps. We are also exploring the idea of continuing the "family campground" mode at the same time - possibly offering a day camp program for the kids.