It is a beautiful day at Camp! We have close to 8 inches of snow, and it just keeps falling! The evergreen trees and bright white snow create great backdrops for our resident photographers. The snow has also given us the opportunity to see what kind of animals have been roaming around camp. Today we spotted coyote, deer, and mouse tracks in the snow, as well as some Geronimo (cat) and Wyatt (dog) tracks in the mix! Check out our picture slide show and see what camp looks like in the winter!

The fall season is flying by! We have had six great weeks of outdoor education so far, and have only 2 schools left. Even on these cold, windy days we still have kids outside learning about the natural environment around them. Our outdoor ed program is an interdisciplinary program combing different ecology lessons with outdoor recreation, with participants from many local and area schools.

Here we have a photo montage of a day spent at the climbing wall.

(Top left) Harnesses and helmets sit on a bench, patiently waiting for a participant to put them on and climb. (Top right) This is Suzanne, our newest team member, she's great! (Mid left) Dana, who is always wearing a smile, belays a climber. (mid right) Here we have Jimmy and Melissa sporting our climbing safety gear. ( Bottom Left ) A student from Jackson Elementary climbs the wall.

It officially feels like fall here at camp. The warm summer breezes have been replaced with the cool, crisp, gusts of autumn. We have had some rain over the past few days, but today it is sunny once again. The rain has left everything looking clean and fresh! The trees are still very green, but soon they will change, and camp will be covered in a blanket of golden yellow leaves. Here are some photos of this beautiful October day!

This is a photo of the big leaf maple tree near the lodge, pretty soon these leaves will change and fall to the ground.

Here is the meadow, you can see where our site manager Chuck and many volunteers have started to reclaim the edge meadow, and to clear away the invasive blackberry plants. You can, once again, walk along the stream!

As the wind whispers through its branches, the poplar tree's serenity is never marred. It seems to say "All is well, all is well."

Crabapple Lake is very calm, you can see the brilliant blue sky reflected on the surface next to the swimming dock.

Welcome, Fall OE Staff!

Killoqua's fall activities include outdoor education programs for local schools. Through the end of October, we'll welcome busloads of kids, teachers and parents here for single- and multi-day experiences. Our fall staff leads the activities and has a blast with the students. This season's crew includes Melissa, Jimmy, Dana, Jesse and Becky. They're pictured here with Joanna, Cassie, Pearl and Juneau the puppy (look closely - she blends in!).

OE programs have a mix of field studies - covering forest, wetlands, wildlife, etc. - and actvities such as group teambuilding, the climbing wall, archery, canoeing, night hikes, singing, camp fires and skit nights. As the leaves change color and the night air becomes crisper, we'll be out exploring camp's 185 acres and learning about the plants, animals and ecosystems we find here!

Thanks for the Support!

Many community groups assist Killoqua throughout the year. This month, we'd like to thank Fluke Corporation and REI!

On September 12, dozens of Fluke volunteers came to camp for the annual United Way Day of Caring. The Fluke crew worked hard and got a lot done. Projects this year included taking down tents from summer camp units, rebuilding and restocking firewood boxes, washing windows, and clearing brush along the meadow to reclaim the volleyball court. We're looking forward to using the new court when it's completed in 2009!

REI also assisted with a generous donation of gear to use throughout the year. September's donation included bikes, helmets and supplies; climbing ropes, helmets and hardware; compasses; ice cream-making balls (add ingredients and ice and roll around); and PFDs (life jackets) and canoe paddles. Pearl, Joanna and Cassie model the new arrivals. You'll see all the items in use around camp soon.

We appreciate Fluke, REI and all the other organizations that contribute to Killoqua throughout the year!

End of Summer

Summer wrapped up in late August with mini camp, a shorter week for new overnight campers, and the last week of day camp. We had a good time that week ... day campers ventured into the star lab from the Museum of Flight and did activities for the "Spies Like Us" theme. Overnight campers learned new songs (the banana song was one of many popular ones), had a skit night, went swimming and boating, and did lots more, including cookouts on Tuesday night.

We'd also like to thank the whole summer staff of 2008. They dedicated their time to being here at Killoqua, working with hundreds of kids and having a great time with them. We have a beautiful site for our summer programs, but it's the people who truly make it a special experience - and they did! Thanks, everyone, and good luck as you head back to college and other jobs. Looking forward to summer 2009!

Session 7

Last week was our 7th session of the summer. The theme was Adventure/Safari. At the Monday night camp fire, a special guest arrived to help us sing one of the most popular songs this summer: "Have you ever seen a penguin drinking tea?" Here they are singing and turning around.


Venture Crew was also in camp session 7. Campers in this specialty program get to focus on lots of outdoor activities - cookouts, campouts, shelter building, camouflage and more. We had full groups of both boys and girls; this photo is the boys heading out for their two-night overnight.

In day camp, campers did lots of tie dye, swimming and were out playing games all over camp. They also enjoyed an exhibition show by a group of visiting agility dogs. And one cabin group participated in the "Service to Killoqua" program by washing Uncle Wigglebottom's cabin on a hot day.

The weather was pretty warm thoughout the week. On Friday, we all had popsicles - prizes for helping with the litter pick-up service project. Yum. Friday night concluded with Council Fire. In addition to unit contributions and other recognition, the CITs presented Charlie with her 10-Year ceremony, recognizing her 10 summers at Camp K.

And now we're in session 8! Check back next week for more details as summer camp wraps up ...

August at Camp Killoqua

Hard to believe it's already August! Session 7 is underway, with the theme of "Adventure" and "Safari." Resident campers are having fun, too, enjoying warm weather and sunny days at Crabapple Lake.

The last few weeks have been great fun, with lots of activities all over camp. Session 5 was Pirate week, always a favorite. Wednesday included a pirate scavenger hunt, and later in the week, campers visited a pirate boat out on the lake, finding special loot aboard.

Last week, in session 6, we welcomed the new "first-year" CITs (Counselors-In-Training). These 12 energetic leadership campers will be here through the end of the summer. Horse camp also included special sessions for English (riding English-style and using the matching tack) and Advanced riders. The Advanced campers visited with a vet and challenged themselves with a riding drill performed for other campers - it was great!

Session 6 had a sports theme, and the all-camp event was our annual "Biffer Games." Campers try to steer clear of being biffed by someone with a sock filled with a bit of flour and take part in activities around the edge of the field. It's a lot of fun.

We also woke up Tuesday morning to find all the dining tables in the meadow, and someone camping on the floating dock. It was a treat to eat outside in the sun that morning!

We're out taking more photos this session. Check back for updates next week!

Session 4 was a high-flying and festive week here at camp. It was holiday week in resident camp, and adventures in flight for day camp.

We celebrated many different holidays, including Camp Killoqua's 67th birthday. Presents, valentines, and spooky costumes could be seen everywhere.

The Museum of Flight came out and helped the day campers build and launch rockets. They used water, air, and alka seltzer to make their rockets fly!

Session 5 is underway! You'll be sure to see an eye patch or two if you walk around the meadow this week. It is Pirates of Killoqua week for both day and resident camp. Check the blog for more pictures and updates of this pirate extravaganza!

Summer has begun!

We are in full swing here at camp! It is hard to believe that three sessions have already come and gone. Zebra, Daisy, Frog and Drizzle can not believe how fast the summer is moving!


Session 1 was the tenth summer of Camp Willie, a camp designed for campers who have experienced the death of a loved one. This year, the campers made mosaic stepping stones out of tiles that they painted, and then broke. The stepping stones are beautiful, showing great care and creative expression, they will soon join the other Camp Willie art projects on the hill near the Gypsy bridge.


Session 2 brought a new activity to camp. It was our very first Dance Camp week. Two professional dance instructors from Seattle came and taught swing dancing lessons everyday to campers who were interested in learning these dance moves! Dance camp will make an encore during session 6. Also during session 2, our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program began for our six second-year CITs they have been busy working with campers, and are beginning their live-ins. They will shadow camp staff, live in cabins with kids, and act as the co-counselors.


Session 3 came to a close today. This week was Western-themed; we had a rodeo and saw many great Old West costumes and accessories. We also had our first Wadikima trip of the summer! These seven teenagers and their two counselors biked around the San Juan islands, having many crazy and memorable adventures! We also had our middle school archery camp. Campers spent two hours or more a day at the archery range practicing shooting techniques and playing games. They also tried out field archery, and even got to do some nocturnal archery! Don't worry, they used glow in the dark paint to mark targets and arrows!


In other news, the new outdoor pavilion is just about finished, we are hoping to have kids using it later this week! We are very excited to be able to update the blog once again, and hope to update it weekly. Keep checking back for more adventures from Camp K!

Summer is Coming!

Zebe and Utah can no longer contain their excitement about the start of summer. Watch them dance their hearts out!

Meet Our New Food Service Manager

Meet Laurie Wesp, Camp Killoqua's very first food service manager. Laurie will be living and cooking at camp full time. She was most recently assistant cook at Camp Stevens near San Diego and is excited to take on the responsibility of managing the Killoqua kitchen. Laurie loves to bake bread and plans to make most of camp's bread herself. She also brings her famous banana cake to Killoqua. Mmmm...good!

The Spring Season Has Begun!

Our spring season is underway. We had our first outdoor education program last week when Lucille Umbarger joined us for a day program and Beverly Elementary stayed 3 days. The rest of the season is packed with school groups. Weekend programs have also started. We have had a Teens in Action planning retreat and outdoor progression weekend. Check out the picture of a group of sixith-graders trying to get their group over the 10 foot wall.

New Shirt Design For 2008!

Here is a preview of the 2008 t-shirt and sweatshirt design. Shirts will have "Camp Killoqua" across the chest and the camp's founding date "1941" on the cuff of the sleeve. Shirts will be available in navy blue with yellow writing or cardinal red with silver writing. Hooded sweat-shirts are royal blue with white writing and will have the date on the back. Shirts are $10 and sweatshirts are $28. If you don't want to wait until summer you can purchase one at the camp office after April 1st.

Camp Fire Website Gets A Makeover

The Camp Fire USA Snohomish website has a fresh new look. Click on the above Camp Fire USA logo to check it out. We hope to add more pictures and possibly even videos from camp in the near future!

Lodge Improvements Complete!

Our lodge improvements are complete! During the last few months the Killoqua lodge has received some needed updates. The kitchen got a new walk-in refrigerator, new double convection ovens and a new hood and fire safety system. The rest of the lodge received new electrical wiring and light fixtures. The new lights are very energy efficient providing twice the light and using half the electricity of the old ones. The lodge is now a little brighter and a little "greener."

A big thank you to the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound for their generous donation that made these kitchen improvements possible.

For Don and Bev...

Last March our long time camp caretakers Don and Bev Wagner retired and moved to Eastern Washington to be closer to family. Before moving, Bev asked us to replace the old plum tree that came down in a snow storm with a crabapple tree. Camp Killoqua was an apple orchard prior to becoming a Camp Fire camp and of course its on Crabapple Lake so a crabapple tree seemed fitting. We chose a Whitney Crabapple which should produce a large quantity of the best eating crabapples. Andy and Joanna dug out the old stump and planted the sappling using compost created from our dining room. We wish Don and Bev the best.

Update from Tolaga

Greetings from the camp office. The last few months have been busy around Camp K. The sounds of birds singing and children playing have been replaced by power saws and hammering. Construction is moving along. See the progress here on the blog. Joanna has been busy getting ready for summer camp, hiring staff and recruiting campers. Next week she will be heading to the American Camp Association conference in Nashville to meet with other camp professionals. She plans a side trip to Graceland in Memphis before heading home. If she is not in the office you can probably find her running the trails training for a half-marathon. Kate has been getting ready for spring events and promoting our leadership programs. She has also been busy applying for graduate school. She recently visited the University of Kentucky to see their facilities and meet professors. She plans to visit the University of Michigan later this month. Andy is hiring staff and visiting schools that will be here for Outdoor Ed this spring. Our first school is next month! Between working and graduate school courses at Seattle University he has been keeping busy. He did manage to take off a few days recently to do a little skiing in Taos, New Mexico. Carol has been busy overseeing construction around camp in addition to keeping camp running smoothly. She was able to squeeze in a little time off for herself recently with a trip to sunny Mexico. Watch for her cruising around camp (silently) in her new electric-hybrid.

Spring Events 2008

We have several spring events planned at Killoqua including Earth Day, Mom/Youth, Dad/Youth, Club camping and summer camp open house. Click on the link to learn more about an event or to register. www.campfireusasnohomish.org/signup

Teens In Action Annual Quilt Making

Camp Fire's Teens In Action club recently gathered at Camp Killoqua for their annual quilt making weekend. Several teens spent the night at camp hanging out with their friends while sewing some pretty incredible quilts to donate to various charities. Keep up the good work TIA's!

Snow Falls At Camp Killoqua!

New Hill Mini Ain't So Mini Anymore!

After months of rain, we have finally had a decent break in the weather which has allowed the construction workers to make serious progress. Check out the photo to view the progress that has been made in the span of two weeks. Construction will slow down once roof is finished and the workers begin the finishing work. We hope to have construction completed and surrounding area graded and cleaned up by the beginning of our Outdoor Education season in mid-March. Be sure to check the blog often to see more pictures as the construction progresses.

Our New Open Air Kitchen!

Just kidding! An open air kitchen would be great on the beach in Hawaii but not here in rainy Washington. This is actually the first step of our mini kitchen makeover. Workers have removed a portion of the kitchen's back wall to replace the walk-in refrigerator. After the new fridge goes in and a little structural support is added the wall will be replaced.

SPRING OUTDOOR ED STAFF WANTED!

Do you have a passion for teaching youth about the outdoors? Well, Camp Killoqua may have the perfect job for you! We are still seeking a few spring (April 14-June 13) Outdoor Ed Instructors to work with 3rd-6th grade students teaching ecology, team building and outdoor recreation. Follow the link to view a complete job description on our website: www.campfireusasnohomish.org

REI Supports Camp Killoqua

Carol and Joanna recently made a trip to the REI store in Seattle to receive a generous check and go on a shopping spree. With REI's donation we were able to purchase several new Novara mountain bikes, 2 Coleman camp stoves, compasses, belay gloves, climbing helmets, and more. A big thank you to REI for their support. Andy took one of the bikes for a spin around camp and commented that they are a "sweet ride". We will be recycling a few of our older bikes to Sharing Wheels in Everett where they will be refreshed and given to people in need.

Site Manager Office

Chuck, Killoqua's site manager, put the finishing touches on his new office today. Rumors circulating camp that his new office is actually a recording studio where he will launch his pop singing career as false, it's just an office--a place for Chuck to set up his desk, store his files, and take an iced tea break. A big thank you to all the people who helped with construction.

I Tie Dye With A Little Help From My Friends

The tie dye bungalow may look the same on the outside, but inside its a whole new world. The Fluke Corporation of Everett remodeled the interior; removing old stalls and shower heads, painting the inside, building a new work station and drying racks. Check out the picture of Utah as she takes in the view. Tie dying, rinsing and washing can now be done in the same place. Who will be the lucky person to use it first--come to camp 1st session and it may be you!

Gypsy Mini Comes Crashing Down

As anyone who has ever used the Gypsy mini knows, it was in need of a little TLC. Well, this fall as part of our capital campaign the mini was torn down in front of a cheering crowd with the help of a giant yellow claw. Construction of a new larger mini has begun and will be finished this spring. We will post more pictures as the construction progresses.

Summer 2008 Brochure Now Online!

Camp Killoqua's 2008 summer camp brochure is now available online on our website. Be one of the first to see it. Click on the photo of campers to view the brochure as a pdf file and learn more about the new speciality sessions this coming summer or to see if your photo made the brochure.

Welcome

Happy New Year! We are developing a blog to keep you aware of all the happenings at camp. Stay tuned, as we plan to have our blog up and running soon.