A week at camp
What campers do
Every week at Camp Keystone follows NSEA’s emergent learning curriculum (activities designed around the unique needs and interests of each group of campers). Our staff build each week around what the group is curious about, which encourages exploration, decision-making, and problem-solving while campers develop social and communication skills.
Weeks blend youth-driven activities on our campus with field trips to places like Birch Bay State Park and Larrabee State Park. Throughout the summer, campers explore the world of salmon and the vital role salmon play in the watershed, from the trees along the creek to the insects in the water.
Sessions & cost
Ten weekly sessions, Monday through Friday.
Full-Day Camp
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
For ages 5 to 6 years
$500 per week
Half-Day Camp
8:30 am to 12:30 pm
For ages 3 to 6 years
$300 per week
Sibling discount
10% off
We offer a 10% sibling discount for the second camper.
2026 session weeks
June 22-26 June 29-July 3 July 6-10 July 13-17 July 20-24 July 27-31 August 3-7 August 10-14 August 17-21 August 24-28
Registration
Registration opens annually on February 1st.
- New familiesCreate your family profile, complete the required forms (before or during the registration window), and register for sessions of camp.
- Returning familiesLog in to update your camper’s forms, add new campers, and register for sessions of camp.
- Get ready for campReview the daily schedule, camp handbook, and FAQ below so you and your camper know what to expect on the first day.
Financial assistance is available. Families who qualify for subsidies through Working Connections Child Care can receive financial assistance to help reduce camp costs. Details are on the Washington DCYF website, and you can always email Nathan with questions.
Licensed & accredited
A licensed outdoor program with high standards.
Camp Keystone is a licensed, nature-based outdoor program accredited by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). We are also proud participants in Washington State’s Early Achievers program, which recognizes high-quality educational opportunities. This ensures your camper is part of a program that meets rigorous standards for outdoor learning.
Our low camper-to-staff ratio ensures personalized attention for each child. Every staff member completes a rigorous onboarding and training process, including background checks, First Aid and CPR certification, and specialized training in outdoor youth care. Our site undergoes regular inspections throughout the summer to maintain the highest standards of programming.
Camp resources
Everything you need before camp starts.
This was such a unique and great experience for my son. To know he was learning about the Salish Sea, salmon life, and being in nature was the best way I could have him spending his time.
Parent of a Camp Keystone camper
Common questions
Answers to the questions families ask most.
How old does my child need to be to attend Camp Keystone?
Half day Camp Keystone is offered for campers 3-6 years old. Full day Camp Keystone is offered for campers 5-6 years old. Camp Keystone is licensed through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) for youth ages 3-6 only.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes. Your child needs to be potty trained. We will have access to bathrooms on site to use throughout camp.
How many campers are in each group? What is the adult to camper ratio?
Both half day and full day will have a maximum of 12 campers with 2 adults for a ratio of 1:6 adult to camper.
What is the minimum number of campers required to run a camp?
6 campers are required to run each week of camp. If this number is not met two weeks in advance of the camp starting, we will either cancel it and transfer your registration to a different week, or refund you in full.
Is there a minimum number of weeks of camps I need to register for?
No. You can register for 1 week of camp or the entire summer!
Do you offer a waitlist for full camps?
Yes! If a camp is full, you can still register for it and will be placed on a waitlist.
Do you offer scholarships to attend camp?
Yes! As a licensed, outdoor nature-based camp through Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), subsidies are available to qualifying families. For more information, click here.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made by June 1st. We can move you to a different week, as space allows, or you will be refunded fully if you cancel before May 1st. After May 1st, if a cancellation needs to be made, you will be refunded everything except the 10% non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made after June 1st will result in no refund, because it would be difficult to fill that spot at that late point.
Where is Camp Keystone located?
Camp Keystone is located on NSEA’s campus at 3057 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, WA. Drop off and pick up will take place there.
For the full day group, we will be taking campers on field trips throughout the week to various locations, including Birch Bay State Park, Larrabee State Park, Hovander Park, Hundred Acre Woods, and other locations throughout Whatcom County.
Can I attend Camp Keystone with my camper(s)?
No. Camp Keystone is an opportunity for your camper to spend time outdoors in a safe, enriching environment with other campers to develop skills in self-awareness, teamwork, and social-emotional learning.
What does a typical day of camp look like?
No two days are alike at Camp Keystone, but this sample schedule gives you an idea of activity types and daily flow. Lessons will be a mix of outdoor exploration, nature games, stories, arts and crafts, and unstructured play.
Half-day Camp Keystone
- 8:30am: Welcome and salmon circle
- 9:00am: Nature theme introduction
- 10:00am: Snack and stories
- 10:30am: Outdoor exploration and investigation
- 12:00pm: Snack and closing circle
- 12:30pm: Goodbye, see you soon!
Full-day Camp Keystone
- 9:00am: Welcome and salmon circle
- 9:30am: Transportation to field trip site
- 10:00am: Snack and stories
- 10:15am: Nature theme introduction
- 12:00pm: Lunch, stories, and rest time
- 1:00pm: Outdoor exploration and investigation
- 2:00pm: Snacks and stories
- 2:15pm: Transportation to NSEA
- 2:45pm: Closing circle
- 3:00pm: Goodbye, see you soon!
Join us this summer
We’re excited to welcome your camper to Camp Keystone!
Join us for a summer at Camp Keystone. Registration opens annually on February 1st.
Questions? Email Nathan at nzabel@n-sea.org or call 360-715-0283 x120.