KEENs Pond to Pines
Outdoor Nature Day Camps 2019!
KEEN is excited to announce our 2019 Summer Camps.
Each camp and activity are carefully constructed to provide the ultimate nature-based learning environment while providing a FUN hands-on experience. During our summer camp children learn through inquisitive and creative activities utilizing science, math, critical-thinking skills and a great deal of imagination!
Camp is for K-9th grades and is held at Helen McCabe State Park.
You can choose to attend all 5-weeks, or choose camp themes that are of particular interest to your campers! See below for a description of each camp.
Camp runs June 17 through July 26. Each week is a new theme.
Monday-Friday from 9-3. No camp during the week of 4th of July.
Each week of camp is $250.
If you register for all 5-weeks the cost is $1000, (one week is free).
Older campers 12+ can apply to be Counselors in Training and receive a reduced tuition cost ($175).
Registration is open. Please click on the button above and register online.
If you prefer to mail a check, please download this form and send a check to:
KEEN
414 South Willow Street
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Want to support a camper to attend camp? Purchase for grandkids or family friends? Click on the button to the left - thank you!
Cancellation Policy:
Because our camp staffing requires us to be prepared for a certain number of campers per week, cancellations could be problematic to the overall operation of camp.
However, in consideration for changing plans, you can cancel your camp registration up to one week (7 days) before your camp starts.
KEEN will retain $50 of the tuition fee in that case.
No refund will be issued if cancellation occurs less than 7 days before your camp starts.
By way of example, if you signed your child up for Week 2 starting June 26, you can cancel by Midnight on June 19 and receive a refund (minus $50). If you were to cancel on June 20 or later, no refund would be offered.
In the case of bad air quality due to smoke, KEEN will relocate camp to an indoor location. No refunds will be given in that case.
We hope you understand that as a non-profit, we rely on camp tuition to fund our staff for summer camp. The loss of tuition at the last moment impedes our ability to offer other campers a safe and enjoyable experience.
Thank you!
Camp Descriptions and Dates!
Week 1 - Survivor Kid
June 17, 2019
Learn skills to survive in the wilderness! Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Explore the woods around camp to find food, pitch an emergency shelter, learn how to start a fire, and multiple ways to get clean drinking water. Make an emergency fishing kit and try your luck out on the pond. Discover how to navigate by the stars during the optional overnight. Test your skills during the Survival Kid Challenge!
Week 2 - Junior Ranger
June 24, 2019
Become one with nature! Explore, Learn, and Protect! Celebrate the beautiful surroundings of Helen McCabe Park by discovering its trails, boating on the pond, and seeking out wildlife. Learn to identify edible and poisonous plants, find what kind of fish live in the pond, and even earn your Washington State Parks Junior Ranger badge!
Week 3 - Dirty Jobs
July 08, 2019
Science can be messy and fun! Let's roll up our sleeves and get dirty! Our natural world calls upon lots of different people to help our planet stay strong. Meet Washington state's biologists, ecologists, engineers, trail crews and fire fighters. Whether they're catching fish, building hiking trails, or planting forests, they're ready help you get dirty in nature. Enjoy traditional camp activities too!
Week 4 - Puzzle Park
July 15, 2019
Solve the mysteries of Helen McCabe Park! Unlock all the mysteries of Helen McCabe Park! Find a geo-cache using a GPS and even create and hide your own for future campers to find. Learn about nature's ways of camouflaging and the park's stealthy critters. Decode fingerprints, extract DNA, solve exciting riddles, and work with your fellow campers to solve the Wild Helen Outdoor Escape Room!
Week 5 - Outsider Art
July 22, 2019
Fun art outdoors - make your own paint, crafts and other fun activities in nature! Learn about all forms of art found in the great outdoors. Create pieces of art inspired by nature, learn songs about the outdoors, and make a musical instrument. Learn from experienced and professional artists and even practice outdoor photography. Finish your week by sharing your knowledge by creating a special piece of art or musical piece to share with the camp!