Translate
VIDEO: Protecting historic nature camps and creating more so a new generation can enjoy healthy outdoor activities
Summary
July 30, 2025: Executive Braddock toured Camp Sealth on Vashon to see how King County Parks is protecting historic nature camps and working with partners to create a new one in underserved South King County.
News
King County Parks is applying multiple strategies to simultaneously protect historic nature camps and provide more equitable access to a new one in South King County, connecting more young people to healthy outdoor recreation and environmental education.
King County Executive Shannon Braddock recently toured Camp Sealth on Vashon Island where the county helped the nonprofit that has operated the summer camp for more than a century permanently protect most of the campsite. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks also partnered to reopen Camp Kilworth in Federal Way and helped Highline Public Schools enhance Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center near North Bend.
The multiple partnerships have made it possible for more young people in underserved communities to experience nature camps that offer a wide range of activities, such as canoeing, archery, bouldering, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, outdoor living skills, and environmental education.
“King County’s innovative approach to land conservation is opening the door for more young people across the region to experience nature camps, where they can enjoy healthy outdoor activities and create lasting memories,” said Executive Braddock. “We’re preserving beloved summer camps that have served generations, while also helping create a new camp in underserved South King County.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks recently purchased a third conservation easement from Camp Fire Central Puget Sound, which has continuously operated Camp Sealth since 1920. In addition to permanently protecting 260 acres of the 380-acre camp located on Vashon, the revenue generated by the easement purchase will help the nonprofit organization increase access to the popular summer camp.
"For more than a century, young people throughout our region have experienced an unforgettable connection to nature and one another at Camp Sealth," said Rick Taylor, Director of Camp Fire Central Puget Sound. "Our longstanding partnership with King County ensures that tradition will continue for future generations."
"Creating outdoor spaces where kiddos can play, explore, and learn is essential to support healthy growth and development," said King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. "Outdoor experiences help with learning and behavioral/mental health for youth. Thanks to the King County Parks Levy and our nonprofit partners, we're preserving these local outdoor treasures and supporting greater access to outdoor activities like summer camps for King County families for generations to come."
In Federal Way, King County Parks partnered with The Y of Greater Seattle and Forterra to reopen Camp Kilworth this summer along the Puget Sound shoreline. Originally built by World War I veterans as a Boy Scout Camp, the revitalized camp now offers healthy connections and environmental education in a community that had been underserved.
"Originally established in 1934 for the Tacoma Area Council of Boy Scouts, Camp Kilworth has positively impacted countless youth in our region, particularly in South King County," said King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. "As a founding member of the Auburn/Federal Way Boys and Girls Club and a committed advocate for enhancing opportunities for underserved youth, I am pleased to witness this 25-acre site being utilized as a camp facility for the Greater Seattle YMCA this summer. It will offer a YMCA Day Camp along with expanded outdoor education opportunities."
The Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center near North Bend — operated by Highline Public Schools — will use proceeds from the sale of a conservation easement to King County for facility improvements and maintenance, helping to preserve student program experiences. The easement will protect forested slopes along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and Boxley Creek for wildlife and for future generations of campers.
"Environmental stewardship necessitates access to nature-centered learning experiences," said Meredith von Trapp, Director of Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center. "Thanks to our partnership with King County, future generations will be able to experience outdoor education in a spectacular natural setting."
"This work by King County Parks is an inspiring example of how we collaborate with our wonderful community organizations to maintain and revitalize historic spaces for future generations," said King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. "My children attended Camp Waskowitz in their youth, and they’re two of the many children in King County who’ve had amazing experiences through our local nature camps! These camps not only support the health and development of our youth but also preserve the critical wildlands that are part of King County’s identity."
Unifying conservation funding to increase access to outdoor activities
Approved by voters in 2019, the King County Parks Levy has invested in open space preservation and programming to promote equitable access to outdoor education and activities. The Executive Office's proposal to renew the Parks Levy – which is on the Aug. 5 primary ballot – would continue to invest in conservation partnerships.
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks capitalizes on other revenue sources to protect and expand nature camps. That includes King County Conservation Futures and the Transfer of Development Rights, a voluntary, incentive-based approach that has protected nearly 150,000 acres of forestland, farmland, and open space since 2001.
Preservation projects, such as nature camps, contribute to the Land Conservation Initiative, a partnership to protect the last, best 65,000 acres of open space within a single generation and promote equitable access to the outdoors.
Multimedia
- VIDEO: Protecting and expanding nature camps
- PHOTO GALLERY: Images available to download
- TRACKS: An interactive map of environmental stewardship in King County
Resources
- King County Parks Levy
- King County Conservation Futures
- Transfer of Development Rights
- Land Conservation Initiative
Quotes
King County’s innovative approach to land conservation is opening the door for more young people across the region to experience nature camps, where they can enjoy healthy outdoor activities and create lasting memories. We’re preserving beloved summer camps that have served generations, while also helping create a new camp in underserved South King County.
Creating outdoor spaces where kiddos can play, explore, and learn is essential to support healthy growth and development. Outdoor experiences help with learning and behavioral/mental health for youth. Thanks to the King County Parks Levy and our nonprofit partners, we're preserving these local outdoor treasures and supporting greater access to outdoor activities like summer camps for King County families for generations to come.
Originally established in 1934 for the Tacoma Area Council of Boy Scouts, Camp Kilworth has positively impacted countless youth in our region, particularly in South King County. As a founding member of the Auburn/Federal Way Boys and Girls Club and a committed advocate for enhancing opportunities for underserved youth, I am pleased to witness this 25-acre site being utilized as a camp facility for the Greater Seattle YMCA this summer. It will offer a YMCA Day Camp along with expanded outdoor education opportunities.
This work by King County Parks is an inspiring example of how we collaborate with our wonderful community organizations to maintain and revitalize historic spaces for future generations. My children attended Camp Waskowitz in their youth, and they’re two of the many children in King County who’ve had amazing experiences through our local nature camps! These camps not only support the health and development of our youth but also preserve the critical wildlands that are part of King County’s identity.
Environmental stewardship necessitates access to nature-centered learning experiences. Thanks to our partnership with King County, future generations will be able to experience outdoor education in a spectacular natural setting.
For more than a century, young people throughout our region have experienced an unforgettable connection to nature and one another at Camp Sealth. Our longstanding partnership with King County ensures that tradition will continue for future generations.
Contact
Doug Williams, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4543
Visit our Newsroom for additional resources