Looking for Winter Schools

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We are piloting winter outdoor environmental education (OEE) at Sound View. The season has the challenges of wet, cool, or possibly snow but nature never sleeps and important learning happens year-round.

Schools and homeschool groups are welcome to come out Thursdays and Fridays in January and February. The winter program is very affordable -

Overnight Adventure - Four Meals - $50 per student
Day Trip - any time between 9 and 6 - $11 per student

We are excited to have an AmeriCorps NCCC team on site helping as naturalists and activity leaders. This season, we will try out new winter-based lessons plus adapt our “tried & true” ones for winter students.

INTERESTED?

Next up - MLK Day of Service Family Camp

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January 13-15

Join us for day(s) of service with your family. Lodging is no charge and only pay for meals. Families will work with the winter AmeriCorps NCCC team, 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.

The camp staff will offer outdoor environmental activities and special service projects and crafts for kids.

Mini Camp is Back

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Mini Camp is back!

We took a few years off during the pandemic offering this program for younger and first-time campers (ages 6 to 9).  Now, happily, mini campers will once again attend Sound View from Wednesday to Saturday this summer.

  • Mini Camp runs Wednesday (4:00) to Saturday (10:00).

  • Mini campers stay in Calvinwood Lodge which presents a homey atmosphere, snack kitchen,  and bathrooms inside.

  • Mini camp has a 1:6 staff to camper ratio.

  • Leaders in Training (LITs) help with the program which provides even more supervision and excitement.  The LITs spend Sunday-Wednesday training, and helping the staff prepare for the mini campers.  Their enthusiasm is contagious!

  • The mini camp program is an excellent introduction to overnight camp. Mini campers have a schedule which allows them plenty of time as a group but also moments when they are part of the larger camp program.

  • Mini camp is perfect for kids bringing friends or eager to make new ones.

If you take advantage of the Early-Bird Discount and register before January 1, you will save 15% ($56).

Mini Camp Session 1 - July 10-13

Mini Camp Session 2 - July 17-20

Mini Camp Session 3 - July 24-27

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Sound View Camp depends on monthly gifts from cheerful givers who recognize the value of camp programs and outdoor stewardship.  Please consider an end-of-the-year donation.

End-Of-Year Fundraising. Consider a monthly gift.

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I have been blessed to be the director of Sound View Camp for over seven years.  In this time, much has changed with new programs, a marked commitment to land stewardship, and thousands of kids and families served.  A talented staff, committed board, and scores of volunteers have made wonderful things happen during my tenure.

The future is also very bright:

  • In 2024, Sound View Camp will become its own 501(c)(3) non-profit which will allow greater autonomy and access to different kinds of grants,

  • Our relationship with the Nisqually Land Trust is exciting and collaborative.  Proceeds from the environmental easement sit safely in an endowment fund to provide regular interest income to sustain operations.  

  • Outdoor Environmental Education (OEE) has really taken off.  Visiting schools with eager students is a perfect use for our camp.  Sending young people back into their communities with environmental stewardship skills is missional for us.

Outdoor environmental education is integrated in all that we do.

My vision is that Sound View Camp will thrive in the years ahead.  Venturing forth as our own 501(c)(3) will require sustaining funds in addition to income generated by programs alone.  I really hope that 15-20% of our camp revenue will come from donations.  This is truly a mark of a healthy nonprofit.

This is my end-of-the year ask.  Can you commit to setting up a monthly gift?  It really doesn't need to be a large amount - just something we can depend on and budget for.   I would really like to start the new camp board out right with a growing list of monthly donors. Just a few dollars a month goes a long way.

I am also looking for those willing to serve on the new camp board.  We need creative people with a passion for what we do but also with a "can do" attitude about fundraising.  Please email me if you are interested.

Thank you for your kind support!   On behalf of the Sound View staff and board, I wish you and your family a very happy and safe New Year!

Kurt Sample
Camp Director
soundviewcamp.com/donate

New OEE Director

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Meet Kendra, the new Outdoor Environmental Education Director! Freshly onboarded and armed with a Master's in Natural Science and Environmental Education, Kendra is all about organizing and leading school field trips that spark curiosity about nature.

With a passion for the outdoors matching Bailey's (her adventurous dog), She is on a mission to show young minds the magic of the environment. She’s driven by a deep love for nature and a desire to inspire today's kids to appreciate and care for our planet.

Beyond work, Kendra enjoys hiking, kayaking, knitting, and diving into a good read. Get ready for exciting adventures and inspiring lessons, guiding students toward a greener future!