KEENs Pond to Pines
Outdoor Nature Day Camps 2021!
KEEN is excited to announce our 2021 Pond to Pines summer day camps.
Each camp and activity is carefully constructed to provide the ultimate nature-based learning environment while providing a FUN hands-on experience! KEEN’s Summer Camps are 100% outdoor immersion and take place at the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center @ Helen McCabe Park.
Our primitive facilities provide for amazing nature-based experiences and true outdoor nature exploration. During our summer camp children learn through inquisitive and creative activities utilizing science, math, critical-thinking skills, and a great deal of imagination! Plus we have a ton of fun!
Pond to Pines camps are organized by grade levels and run from June 21 through July 31. Each week is a new theme.
Registration is open! Please click on the button above and register online.
Cancellation Policy:
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. Because we are a non-profit entity, we cannot process cancellations after tuition is due May 1, 2021. Cancellations before May 1, 2021 will be processed as soon as possible, minus the deposit. Thank you for understanding.
Camp Descriptions and Dates!
Pre-K Camp - Week 1 June 21, 2021
Operated by our friends at Washington Outdoor School who specialize in the little kiddos!
The theme will be based around the book Over and Under the Pond and other stories that explore both the easy to see and hidden worlds of plants and animals living in Helen McCabe Park.
Pre-K camp runs 9am-12noon M-F
Rate: $160
Camp Week 2 - June 28-July 2
ULTIMATE SURVIVOR
Grades 1-3
9am-3pm/Family Night
Rate: $350
Description – Think you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Learn to identify local edible plants and treat water, create an emergency shelter, learn to light a fire, and navigate with the stars. From Leave No Trace to first aid, learn all the essentials skills to survive in the wilderness… and BEYOND! The whole family can join us on Thursday evening for our Survivor campfire!
PREDATOR PROWL Grades K-2
T-F 9am-3pm
Rate: $300
Description – Lions, coyotes, and bears OH MY! Experience the thrill of the hunt as we explore our PNW predators and what adaptations these animals have to help them survive. Learn about predator-prey relationships and how to be safe in a carnivore’s territory. Find out what it’s like to be at the top of the food chain!
THE KITTITAS EXPERIENCE
Grades 6-8 (Max 8 kids)
9am-3pm
Rate: $750
Description – Let’s get out of town! You’ll spend each day exploring a new adventure in the Kittitas Valley. Investigate a wind turbine, test your vertical skills on a wall of rock, explore a fire lookout, and discover the forest atop an equine friend.
WAGONS WEST Grades 3-5
9am-3pm
Rate: $350
Description – Spend the week exploring Helen McCabe State Park as the pioneers may have. Learn how to pack the essentials for a long journey and participate in a live action Oregon Trail game. Write letters home on handmade paper and eat fireside goodies smeared with homemade butter! Create your own rag doll, play pioneer games, and learn about our Indigenous neighbors though oral storytelling, just like Laura did!
ULTIMATE SURVIVOR Grades 3-5
9am-3pm/Overnight
Rate: $550
Description – Think you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Learn to identify local edible plants and treat water, create an emergency shelter, learn to light a fire, and navigate with the stars. From Leave No Trace to first aid, learn all the essentials skills to survive in the wilderness… and BEYOND! Test your skills on our Thursday night campout at Helen McCabe State Park!
WILDERNESS WANDERERS Grades 6-8 (Max 8 kids)
9am-3pm/Overnight
Rate: $1250
Description – If you love to hike, camp, and love to test your limits, then grab your backpack! We’ll start the week learning about gear, food, Ten Essentials, navigation, and Leave No Trace. Then we’ll head into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area to test our skills on a four-day backpacking adventure! Are you up for the challenge? (Campers must be in good physical condition, although previous backpacking experience is not necessary. Limited gear is available to borrow).
WET & WILD Grades 3-5
M-F 9am-3pm
Rate $350
Description – Water is LIFE! Spend the week soaking in every aquatic opportunity at camp. Learn about watersheds and riparian habitats, test water quality and investigate all the critters that live in the pond. Spend the heat of the summer days paddling around, fishing the depths, and learning water rescue techniques. And swimming, of course!
