A gorgeous gem in the San Juan Islands - designed for kids, but open 3 times a year for families. The entire experience is breathtaking, from a stunning ferry ride through the islands to the long sandy beaches, huge old forests, grassy fields, horse barns, rustic cabins and buffet meals in the mess hall. Whether you participate in all of the activities (horse back riding, BMX, Climbing wall, giant swing 60 feet in the air, kayaking, elaborate hide and seek game in the forest, crafts, swimming, skits around the campfire... to name a few) or just wander through camp with your camera marveling at salmon spawning ponds deep in the 2nd growth forest, orca whales just off the coast, bright purple starfish in the tide-pools... Camp Orkila is sure to whisk you away from your day-to-day routines and remind you what is important in life and why being a kid is so much fun!
Here are a few images to give you a feel of the vast beauty of Orkila's nearly 300 acres - and this doesn't even touch on all of the activities!
It looks wonderful....what a great way to spend a vacation...at a family camp. I never would've thought of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories you've evoked. We love Orcas Island, and really wanted to revisit the San Juans this summer. From Portland we made it to Port Townsend, WA, one of our favorite towns, then had to cut back East, to Coeur d-Alene, ID on our journey home. Your photos have helped us travel back in time to our last visit. Family camp sounds like a wonderful idea/time.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've been on vacation. Thanks. I've never been to the Pacific NW. Maybe some day I'll get there. Right now I"m grounded a bit fighting ovarian cancer recurrence. I'll just continue to vacation with you if that is OK? I took one of your classes in Michigan last year I think. Wished we had talked more about your photography........ We should have commissioned a class in that. It's as great as your beadwork.
ReplyDeleteWow! I soooo want to go there! Looks divine :)
ReplyDeleteI took a clay tile workshop years ago on one of the San Juan Islands. It was wonderful. Your post took me back there. We had sunny weather and I remember riding bikes all over the island. The San Juan's are really treasures of the Northwest.
ReplyDeleteThese photographs are indescribably beautiful - you have captured not only what's there, what it looks like, but how it feels too... I've been back a couple of times to soak it in. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour photos seem to tell a story Bev...it's no wonder that you and Jerry and the kids love Camp Orkila so much. It looks like it has the perfect combination of terrain and elements you both love so much. That it's a camp with fun activities adds an unexpected twist that I would definitely want to keep writing year after year.
ReplyDeletethis is a magical series of photos..you captured the essence so well~
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