Commentary: Looking ahead to the next century at Camp Sealth

If you’ve ever taken the ferry past Vashon’s west shore, you’ve seen it: the forested stretch of beach where Camp Sealth has welcomed young people for nearly a century. Or maybe you’ve driven past the Camp Sealth sign on Wax Orchard Road and wondered, “What’s down there?”

Summer might be when our cabins are full and our trails hum with campers’ laughter, but the story of Camp Sealth doesn’t end when the last boat leaves in August.

This fall, our camp is alive with opportunities to connect — not just for campers, but for the entire Vashon-Maury community. From our Adult Camp Out in mid-September to our Proud2BeMe Family Camp at the end of October, we have plenty on offer for all ages.

We encourage folks to roll up their sleeves and join us in giving back during Kanga Day of Service, named in honor of our late Camp Director and beloved island resident, Jan “Kanga” Milligan. This full day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., coming up next on Saturday, October 25) of camp clean-up, trail work, and habitat restoration welcomes volunteers of all ages to help care for the forest, shoreline, and spaces that meant so much to Jan “Kanga” Milligan and continue to mean so much to us all.

For those seeking a lighter taste of camp, our Outdoor Adventures program delivers bite-sized experiences — think archery, paddle boarding, arts & crafts, and nature walks — perfect for families and individuals looking to explore Camp Sealth without committing to a full weekend.

For community groups, clubs, or families looking for a private gathering, Camp Sealth is also available to rent year-round. Whether you’re planning a retreat, a wedding, or a day-long workshop, our spaces are flexible and welcoming. We offer discounted rates for Vashon-Maury residents and day-rental options for those who want to enjoy camp without an overnight stay. Our hope is that more islanders will see camp not only as a youth summer destination, but as a shared resource for the whole community.

Our relationship with this land is about more than events on the calendar — it’s about a shared commitment to stewardship. This year, we took an exciting step forward with a new conservation easement in partnership with King County. This conservation easement ensures that Camp Sealth’s forests, wetlands, and shoreline will be protected forever, providing space for generations to explore, learn, and play. It’s our way of making sure that the camp you know and love today will still be here, wild and welcoming, for your grandchildren.

The conservation easement also opens new possibilities for education and recreation. Protected trails mean we can host more nature walks, outdoor classrooms, and service-learning projects. Preserved shorelines mean more opportunities for young people to learn about marine ecology and the importance of Puget Sound’s delicate ecosystem. And safeguarded forests mean the wildlife that has always been part of our camp experience — the eagles, deer, and seals — will continue to thrive alongside us.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with us at Adult Camp Out, dressing up for a Halloween-themed weekend at Proud2BeMe, spending a few hours at Outdoor Adventures, or pulling scotch broom during Kanga Day of Service, your presence strengthens the bond between camp and island. These shared experiences are how we build a sense of belonging that lasts beyond a single event.

For nearly 100 years, Camp Sealth has been a place where people come together to learn, grow, and play. With the conservation easement now in place, we’re looking ahead to the next century — one where camp remains both a treasured part of island life and a leader in environmental stewardship.

We invite you to be part of that story, whether it’s for a weekend, a day, or even just a few hours.

You can find details about all our upcoming programs and rental opportunities at www.campfireseattle.org. The beach, the forest, and the trails are waiting, and so are we.

Omar Malik is the director of camping at Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, which owns and operates Camp Sealth.