By Nathan Zabel
Environmental Education Coordinator

There is still space available to register for NSEA’s summer camp – Camp Keystone! Did you know that salmon are a keystone species? Did you know that a Keystone is literally the stone that keeps a bridge from collapsing? Do you know that summer camp can play a keystone role in your child having an amazingly fun summer?  NSEA’s camp is named in honor of the keystone role of salmon as a food source as well as an important nutrient source to fuel ecosystems across the Pacific Northwest.  We chose an important name because we are going to have big important fun.

Camp Keystone is a place where children 4-6 years old will explore and discover the wonders of the outdoors while instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for the natural world, rooted in salmon education. Each week of camp will feature a unique ecological theme, including “Terrific Trees,” “Things with Wings,” and “Underwater Adventure.” Camp starts on June 21st and will run all summer long, ending on August 20th. Each week of camp is Monday – Friday from 9am – 12pm and will run rain or shine.

While no two days at Camp Keystone are alike, each day will follow a schedule. We’ll kick off the day with a welcome circle featuring a land acknowledgement and movement like salmon yoga! The rest of the day will be spent exploring the outdoors through free play, games, arts and crafts, and activities, all facilitated by NSEA’s Camp Educators. There will be a snack break so we can recharge, and we’ll end the day by sharing our favorite moments.  

We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to utilize NSEA’s campus as an avenue to spark children’s natural curiosity of the outdoors while building social and life skills to foster a lifelong love of leaning and connection with the natural world. Our six-acre campus will provide a place of wonder, discovery, and science! Campers will get to sneak through the trees, play pretend in a magical forest, and explore the plants and animals. Additionally, each week will feature a field trip where campers will be transported to a property located in the forest along Tenmile Creek. There, they will extend their learning and discover lush forests, beaver dams, marshes, ponds, and a beautiful salmon-bearing creek.

 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your child outdoors this summer to experience hands-on, place-based learning! Register today by visiting n-sea.org/camp-keystone. We are committed to equity and are proud to offer scholarships so Camp Keystone can be accessible.  

For more information about Camp Keystone, please contact Nathan Zabel at nzabel@n-sea.org or call 360-312-3094.