Burning the Slash Piles Scheduled

Our forest managers and the Key Peninsula fire department will be burning the slash piles left over from the timber harvest on Sunday. It should be a sight to behold.

Halloween Weekend Forecast

This seems like the best we could hope for!

Revamping the Website

Well, it has taken most of the day and there are still pages to be tweaked - but the website is a little more current in regards pandemic operations.

As things, become more “normal”, it will now be easier to adjust.

Pay close attention to the events in the sidebar (or at the bottom of your mobile device).

Maintenance Log

• Generators are ready for any power outages

• Calvinwood Smoke Detector batteries changed

• Mattresses moved from platform tents to Longhouse for the winter.

• Activity building “netted” in to allow indoor archery and other games

• Musical instruments hung in dining hall

• Big tree that fell in southeast corral removed, split for firewood, and fence repaired. Th goats are happy again!

• Pantry freezer converted to dry storage for the winter.

My Lord, What a Morning!

I boated into to Sound View from Anderson Island today to check on camp. Leaving Amsterdam Bay, I had to pull out the compass because I could not see the Key Peninsula - just 1.2 miles away. I am used to this and have navigated many a foggy day for my unique commute to work. After steering a NW course for about ten minutes, I saw the red buoy to starboard and found the pier in the smoky haze.

It was really low tide when I beached the boat and set anchor far out on the tide line. It smelled like a really low tide as I set a “pull line” on the anchor so I could bring the dinghy closer to shore when I leave in the afternoon. It seems as if the low tide smell was somewhat different today - but, then again, my nose has become acclimated to a persistent smoky smell and perhaps this is some reaction taking place as the two smells come to grip with each other in my brain.

Normally, I am keenly aware of the sun rising (Sound View faces East) so I turned around to see the early sun.

Somewhere out there is Anderson Island - from whence I came.

The aroma was still overpowering and …. different … as I started the climb up the hill away from Puget Sound. At this point, a song popped into my head. This is not unusual because songs are ALWAYS popping into my head because I know lots of them. This one was an old spiritual “My Lord, What a Morning”, The song was being sung by The Seekers. Only Judith Durham’s clear voice could cut through this haze.

My Lord, what a morning,
My Lord what a morning,
My Lord, what a morning,
When the stars begin to fall.

Lots of leaves fell prematurely during the high, dry winds on Labor Day.

Hiking the uphill trail from the waterfront to the dining hall, I noticed that a slight rain, or a heavy dew had fallen. The ferns had a shiny look and the wood chips and maple leaves on the trail were wet.

“This is good”, I thought.

Usually, I love the smell of rain falling on areas that have been without for so long. But again - something smelled “off” - with the lingering smoke affecting even this simple delight.

Our lowland forests at camp usually stay pretty moist but the dry winds that blew in on Labor Day causes concern. These woods are mostly maples, alder, and a few cedar and are truly remarkable.

You will weep for the rocks and mountains,
You will weep for the rocks and mountains,
You will weep for the rocks and mountains,
When the stars begin to fall.

Like all spirituals, this one has uncertain roots. Whether it came from slave plantation or from free African-American congregation in the north - we are unsure. There are many verses but only two sung by the Seekers (an Australian quartet).

The haze is still apparent as I exit the waterfront trail and view the dining hall sitting empty and lonely. Normally, this is the “hub” of camp activity but over the summer, we did not use inside spaces for meals or gatherings. This fall, however, we are serving “to-go” breakfasts and dinners from the dining hall as well as offering ukulele and handbell classes inside (with masks) for our guests.

Hopefully soon - we can have meals and gatherings here again.

Hiking up the hill from the dining hall.

We have been feeding the camp cats in the dining hall and they have been doing their jobs keeping the mice out of the kitchen until we re-open. I fed the two grey cats, both named Fuzzy, and continued the hike uphill.

One of several slash piles scattered in the woods.

The recent timber harvest did a whole lot of good in regards to “forest health” - words you are probably hearing a lot of since the wildfires began. The upper woods of Sound View are primarily Douglas fir, alder, and cedar. When these forests become too cluttered, then wildfires have a greater chance of thriving. The timber harvest cleared out unhealthy trees, dry rotted logs, and blackberry snarls that contribute to bad forest management. Over the summer, family campers helped clear out lots of “slash” (free firewood) for their cooking fires and now, we can walk these woods and easily deal with potential problems and new fallen trees.

In late fall / early winter the large slash piles will be burned in concert with the wet season. In March, we will begin planting the next generation of trees including ones that will thrive in our soil.

We are starting to harvest sunflower seeds. A little “real” sunlight would definitely help the tomatoes.

I checked in on the farm critters I have no idea how this smoke is affecting them but there are no places to bring them indoors. Missy came in today to feed/water them and gathered up around two dozen eggs. So, that hopefully is a good sign for the chickens at least.

In the garden, the sunflowers are still imposing. We are waiting for the tomatoes to ripen so we can put them on burgers as part of our “to-go” meals. Hopefully, enough sunshine is getting through.

You will hear the shout of victory,
You will hear the shout of victory,
You will hear the shout of victory,
When the stars begin to fall.

It is really easy to get (and stay) depressed during this very unusual year. But - I know that God is in charge. Perhaps God is pointing out our mistakes in a very blunt way. The smoke, the smells, the fuzzy awareness, the worry, the want for freedom are “stars falling” and a clear call that the planet is in danger. Whether we are weeping from the stinging haze, or weeping over a damaged world full of mistrust, hate, racism, pain, or worse - indifference - we are still weeping.

What victory will make us all shout for joy?

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.

COVID-19 FAQ

Last Updated:  April 24, 2020

As you know, our priority is always the health and safety of all guests. As such, we will be regularly updating this page to inform you of our practices and policies regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The staff and board meet nearly on a daily basis and consults with local, state, church, national, and international agencies to remain informed and proactive as new information develops.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Sound View Camp open?

At this time, Sound View Camp is not open due to the governor’s stay home / stay safe order.  Sound View staff is living on-site to tend to the animals, plant the garden, mow the fields, and post daily OEE lessons.  

Like most businesses, the staff and board are meeting virtually to discuss options and are waiting for more guidance from the CDC, state authorities, and the local health departments.

Is Sound View taking phone calls?

Yes.  The phone system for Sound View Camp directs all calls to staff cell phones.    The camp phone number is (253) 884-9202.  You can choose to talk to these people:

• Summer Camp and Group Retreats - Kurt Sample - Extension 1

• Family Camp and School Groups - Katie Eskridge - Extension 5

• Finances and Fundraising - Natalie Castle - Extension 2

Will I be refunded if my program is canceled by Sound View or a governing agency?

Sound View Camp, like many nonprofit organizations, is preparing to experience significant hardships in addition to those already realized. Second only to everyone’s health and safety, we aim to provide scholarships for campers this summer, fund our overhead, and continue to offer life-changing outdoor educational and recreational programs for all. However, we recognize families across the nation are also bracing for their own challenges.

All of our spring programs will be rescheduled to a late-summer or fall date.

If your program is canceled by Sound View or a governing agency, please choose from the following options:

• Kindly donate funds already paid. Please call or email Natalie (listed above) to discuss how you can receive a tax receipt for your thoughtful and generous gift. Thank you!

• Save the funds as a credit to be used in the future:

  • You can choose another date, and we’ll hold your spot

  • We’ll hold the credit in your account (good for 2 years from your scheduled visit)

• Or receive a full refund for the amount paid

Will I be refunded if I choose not to participate in a program that is not canceled?

Please refer to the cancellation policy for your program. In general, when a guest or program participant chooses to cancel, they will not receive a refund. If you have questions, please call the appropriate number listed above.

Does Sound View have any virtual opportunities to keep my kids engaged?

YES!  Katie has been posting outdoor environmental education lessons online since March.  We are encouraging kids and adults to complete these lessons.  For those who complete twenty (or more), a special gift will be awaiting them at Sound View when we do reopen.’

What additional steps will Sound View take to prevent COVID-19?

This list will surely be updated with further direction from the CDC as well as our local health department.

• We will have handwashing stations available at all entrances of our dining hall as well as hand sanitizer throughout camp. We have increased the availability of hand sanitizer to staff, guests, and campers.

• Sound View Camp will only open when it is safe to do so.

• When you visit, you will see an increased number of signs and literature about the importance of handwashing and other prevention practices.

• During and between each group’s stay, housekeeping will take additional steps to deep clean buildings with a bleach-based solution (especially focusing on door handles, crash bars, light switches, toilets, faucets, and showers).

• Staff will perform similar deep cleaning in our dining hall and other high traffic buildings 3-4 times daily, as well as ensuring the soap and hand sanitizer dispensers therein are regularly refilled.

• All of our program areas will also be cleaned with a bleach-based solution between uses.

• Sanitizing program equipment between individual use will also be put in practice.

• Our food service staff will also increase their already robust prevention practices, including eliminating certain self-serve options.

• All members of staff will receive training on the prevention of communicable diseases. Staff will be required to stay home if ill.

• Our team is assessing the local and global situations every day and planning new policies and procedures as necessary. As always, our priority is everyone’s safety.

What are Sound View’s plans for summer camp?

We are planning to provide children with what will surely be a much-needed, fun-filled summer camp experience; however, we recognize that if it is not safe to hold camp this summer, we may need to cancel or adjust the program in order to continue to prioritize the health of our campers and staff. Thankfully we have an excellent working relationship with our county’s Department of Health and our accrediting agency, the American Camp Association, and the Presbyterian Camp Conference Center Association. Additionally, our staff and board are working with these agencies and many others to ensure that we are fully prepared to continue to offer the same Christian summer camp experience that we have been providing for over 30 years.

If you were planning to attend a summer camp open house, they will be taking place virtually. Check back for dates.

Will Sound View Camp have international staff this summer?

Unfortunately, our provider for international staff, AIESEC, has decided not to provide leaders for this summer.  In many countries, visa applications are on hold and the US is considered a “hot spot” in its entirety.  We are having really good discussions with AIESEC about providing naturalists for the fall OEE season.

As a donor to Sound View, how can I help?

We are beyond grateful to the members of our community – our alumni, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff – who have recognized the challenges crises like this can pose to a human services organization regardless of their own hardships that they may be facing. For those that are able and interested, please make a gift here. THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.

2020 Staffing Scenario

Here is my COVID-19 update.

In Washington State, schools are closed until at least April 24. College campuses have shifted to online learning. Camps, including Sound View, will weather out a spring season without any income from outdoor education schools or weekend groups. Parents are prudently waiting to sign their kids up for camp. Travel visas from other countries are on hold and this affects securing international staff, including our partnership with Colombia.

Needless to say, with all of this uncertainty, I haven’t yet hired the spring or summer staff.’

This, I see, would be the absolute “best case” scenario.

• Life returns to normal by May 1 and we can open again.

• I hire a staff team of about six people to work what remains of the spring season. This team would need to be over 18, multi-talented, and willing and able to do anything from teaching an OEE class, to washing dishes, or jumping on a mower to cut the grass. This team stays on until July 5 or longer (if wishing to be part of the summer team).

• A summer team of 16 people comes in on July 5th. Staff training begins on that day and summer camp begins on the 12th - supplemented by Rovers. That team remains at Sound View until August 15.

As I mentioned, above is the best case scenario and not really expected. A lot of things can happen The spring season could start much later - or not at all. I won’t cancel spring programs until the school closures have run their course. If all is clear, then we forge ahead. If not, then tough decisions need to be made. Right now, Sound View is being kept clean, groomed, and ready to open as soon as it is safe.

Are you looking for a job when we do open? Please let me know by filling out the form below.

Peace,

-Kurt-

2020 Timber Harvest

A big, heavy limb like this could fall anytime.

In 2018, the day after Christmas, a very large hemlock was blown over and cleaved the lumber shed roof in half. Thankfully, we were able to repair this prior to the big snowstorm of 2019 which would have surely caused more damage. Unfortunately, that snowstorm and aftermath took down a maple which completely destroyed our only waterfront building. We have only recently been able to entirely clean up what’s left of the foundation.

The leaning, moss-covered maples and alders are most noticeable this time of year.

We have a lot of trees at Sound View Camp. Since the Presbytery of Olympia purchased Camp Wakoma from Campfire in 1985, we have pretty much let the forests grow. There has been some minor tree harvests to address road safety and one pocket of laminated root rot, but Sound View remains heavily forested even in areas where there are guest cabins, platform tents, and lodges. Many of these trees are alders and maples which are at the end of life and are apt to let fall large heavy limbs or lose their tops entirely.

In the summer months, while the breezes are gentle, this is not a problem. However, with our growing outdoor environmental education program resulting in hundreds of students visiting Sound View in the Spring and Fall - when the breezes often blow - these large trees pose a serious safety concern.

We have requested a permit to to undergo a timber harvest over the winter of 2020. The results of this harvest will include:

1. Removing “danger” trees,

2. Creating a new road to allow traffic, delivery trucks, and most importantly, emergency vehicles to loop around camp safely with access to all lodging areas. This will eliminate semi-trailers (food delivery trucks) having to back up on our dirt roads, especially when guests are present.

3. Thinning out wooded sections of the camp which are closest to guest lodging - especially trees leaning towards buildings.

4. Creating more of a “grove” atmosphere in our main area of camp instead of swathes of impenetrable forest. By doing so, we can carve out attractive tent campsites among trees. Presently, the scouts that run events at Sound View have to pitch their tents on the playfield which limits its use.

5. Reclaim playfield areas that have shrunk in the last thirty years.

6. Remove smaller Douglas firs in the ropes course area to allow others to thrive. This is important if we need to move high ropes course elements in the event of losing a key tree due to wind or disease.

7. Planting numerous saplings to create more diversity in our forests.

There will be NO clear-cutting at Sound View. The harvest will focus on danger trees, Douglas fir, hemlock, and maple. We love our iconic cedar which defines our entryway into camp. Cedars will be generally left alone as they are thriving with the exception of those in the path of the new road. Also, the lowland forests (about 33% of the property) will not be thinned.

The white sap is an indicator of a larger problem with this fir.

The decision to harvest trees at Sound View has not been taken lightly. No one likes to remove a tree. But, as I walk through the camp and see the marked trees, I take time to look up - and then I understand. My primary concern is the safety of our guests and I will work hard to ensure that they can safely walk our trails and explore our property while they are here.

Sound View will be holding an Open House on Saturday, December 28, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm so that neighbors and friends can walk the property and have their questions answered. Please feel free to stop by.

If you have questions/concerns before then please email me at director@soundviewcamp.com and I will do my best to answer them. Specific tree-related questions can be asked of our forest managers (Hopkins Forestry) at hopkinsforestry@yahoo.com .

From NOW until Cyber-Monday

When campers register early, we rejoice!

Parents can save a bundle by registering their kids for camp BEFORE December 3. Not only will the 15% early-bird rate apply, but also an extra 10% …. making a total of 25% off. Our sessions for 2020 are $425 (Youth Camp and Expedition). Registering by Cyber-Monday means that parents would only have to pay $319 for a full week of camp!

To take advantage of the Cyber-Monday discount, the camp fee must be paid in full when you register. If only claiming the early-bird discount (good until April 1), only the $75 deposit is needed.

So please, think SUMMER now.