Season is About to Begin!

The Camp Colman season is about to begin! On Wednesday, March 21st we will have the first group arrive at camp for the 2012 centennial year. This marks the beginning of our spring Outdoor Environmental Education season. Soon following, our first Conference and Retreat group of the season will be joining us at Colman as well.




This past Saturday, we worked hard with a group of over 50 volunteers to clean up camp in preparation for the spring season. It looks beautiful with just over one week before we begin sharing the magic that camp brings to all who visit.

Camp Colman is a Bully Free Zone!

Each summer, Camp Colman staff go through bully prevention training, including how to recognize bullying, typical patterns of bullying, and most of all, how to prevent it and stop it immediately if it is seen at camp. We take bullying very seriously and work every day to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all campers and staff. Camp Colman is a Bully Free Zone!

Make sure to check out this new documentary, Bully coming out March 30th to selected theaters!

Bully Trailer

Weekend Family Crafts!

Don't have any plans for the weekend? Look at this amazing craft idea that can turn into a piece of art for your living room, or a great gift for a friend. Simple and fun to do with all ages!

TRY THIS!

Inspiring Quote

“The basic needs of children never change. They need love, they need guidance, they need approbation (approval), they need encouragement. They need to feel they are a part of something very important. You see camping isn’t pretend. Camping is a real thing.”-- Jean McMullan (former president of ACA; and camping legend)

Become a Staff Member for Summer 2012!

Are you interested in becoming a staff member at YMCA Camp Colman? We have a wide variety of positions available and are hiring now! If you are interested in applying, please go to www.colmanstaff.blogspot.com to find out more, to apply, and to set up an interview! You can also call our office at 206.382.5009!

Sign-Up for Mini Week!

Not quite ready for a whole week away? Sign up for our Mini Camp! This is a three night, condensed camp experience. July 1st through 4th! Experience everything that a full week of traditional camp has to offer, and still be able to get home for the 4th of July fireworks!

visit www.campcolman.org to find our online brochure and a registration form.

Is Your Camper Ready to Jump Right In?

Are you and your family trying to decide what age is best to send your kids to overnight camp? It can be a tough decision. Every kid is ready at their own pace and we want to help you determine when is best for your child.

Check out this article in Seattle's Child Magazine - I am quoted along with other camp professionals who want you to make the best decision for your camper!

Still have questions about if your camper is ready? Please contact me, Alicia Hogl, the Summer Program Director and I will be happy to talk with you and tell you about our strategies to help your camper at camp, including our "First Time Camper Overnight Weekend" and our "Mini Week!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

Consider making a gift to the camp you LOVE today – you’ll be supporting a camper who need financial assistance.

Atty and Taya were bright-eyed campers in the youngest group. At the end of the week, no language barrier could conceal their mom’s gratitude for the opportunities camp provided. Before entering the Hopelink program the family struggled with homelessness, and their mother credits camp for helping rebuild the girls’ self-esteem, confidence and independence. Partnering with Hopelink is one way we ensure your annual campaign gift directly supports a child to camp. Please consider making a gift today. $100 supports one day of summer camp, and $680 funds a week.

Our goal is to provide financial assistance to 1 in 7 summer campers as well as 2 of every 3 OEE school groups.

Make a gift or learn more about our annual campaign at

http://www.supportcampers.blogspot.com/

Polar Bear Plunge!

One of our favorite camp traditions is coming to Seattle this weekend! If the Polar Bear is one of your favorite activities at camp, make sure to sign up today or go watch and support Special Olympics in Washington Saturday, February 11th. This is a fun way to support a great cause and experience a fun campy activity in the winter.
Check out the website for more details.

Explore the Outdoors this Winter!

Check out amazing places to snowshoe in the local area to spend time outdoors with your camper! The summer offers so many outdoor experiences at camp - try some new activities during the winter as well!

Seattle's Child Magazine has great ideas and information.

Click HERE to read more.