A new generation of young people will soon have the chance to make memories at the historic Camp Kilworth after it officially reopened on May 7.
Signups for summer camp are now open, and the camp will officially begin in July.
The opening event was filled with community members with fond memories of time spent at the camp as Boy Scouts and those looking forward to the future.
The 25 acres of forest and camp amenities near Dash Point State Park were protected through multiple cohorts of fierce advocates and bureaucratic challenges.
The camp has completed phase 1 of restoration, thanks in part to an army of volunteers who put in hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of time and effort.
Neighbor Angie Leegard brought her children to see the opening and was overjoyed that Camp Kilworth will be open again.
“We’re really honored to have [Camp Kilworth] kept in our communities, especially since there’s not many safe spaces where our kids can be a kid in the city,” Leegard said.
“It’s pained me since I joined the Y in 2019 that this is one of the most diverse cities in the state of Washington and the YMCA of Greater Seattle has never had a significant presence since I’ve been on board,” said Loria Yeadon, Seattle YMCA CEO. “The fact that now through Camp Kilworth we have a presence, and we can connect with the local school districts, the community legislators for this, this part of our state — I’m really excited about what being here is going to parlay into, in terms of bringing services and supports for the family.”
The summer camp itself is a huge benefit to the community, but Yeadon described how it even goes beyond that. When a family is connected with the YMCA through any resource or program, “we try to wrap you in everything that we have that’s a support for your family,” Yeadon said.
That means a family sending a child to summer camp could end up getting connected to health resources, behavioral health resources, and all kinds of opportunities to be supported in new ways.
Another benefit of programming is focusing on preventing summer learning loss.
“One way to do that is to stay active, mentally and physically, and our curriculum is just second to none when it comes to ensuring our kids maintain those skills and are getting ready for the fall,” Yeadon explained, adding that at the same time they are “getting all the wonderful benefits of the great outdoors.”
Learn more
To learn more about the summer camp or register, visit www.seattleymca.org/programs.
Local youth join local leaders as they cut the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of Camp Kilworth under new management by the YMCA. Camp Kilworth is located at 30900 50th Ave. SW, Federal Way, near Dash Point State Park. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror.
