Summer Camp Opportunities 2025
Native Summer Camps and Programs
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Office of Tribal Relations has complied a comprehensive list of summer camp opportunities in Washington State for Native students. Please inquire with the specific camp for possible scholarship opportunities, application deadlines, and more information.
For any questions or assistance with scholarship applications, please contact: Kym Hogan kmhogan@seattleschools.org
WSU Native American Health Sciences
This two-week summer camp at Washington State University Spokane invites youth to discover health sciences careers through hands-on learning experiences taught by healthcare providers, WSU Spokane faculty, and health sciences college students. Topics/skills training include: First aid and CPR training, Basic nursing skills, Traditional medicine, Native American elder teachings, Substance abuse and education, Diabetes education, and Leadership skill building
Held on the WSU Spokane campus, all expenses, such as transportation, housing, food, education materials, and cultural activities, are paid. First-year participants who complete the program will be able to keep their Chromebook and will receive a $200 stipend in the form of a pre-paid debit card.
Dog Woods Totem Raising Camp
A summer youth camp with overnight camping at Dog Woods on Guemes Island. Activities include mounting Raven Welcome Figures and harvesting cattails, leading up to a community gathering on July 12th to honor the raising of the totems. Ages 15-18 | 7 spots available (waitlist available).
Apply for Dog Woods Totem Raising Camp!
Warm Current Summer Surf Camp
We host community surf camps on the Washington coast for Native youth in partnership with the Makah Indian Nation, Quileute Nation, Hoh Indian Tribe, and the Quinault Indian Nation. We teach Native youth to surf, empower them to explore their ancestral waters, and share the benefits of outdoor recreation in their own backyard. Alongside surfing technique, we teach beach stewardship and host beach cleanups.
Camp Wa-Ya
Day camps for ages 6-13, Overnight Adventure camps for youth 9-17, and leadership opportunities for teens 4-18. WA-Ya: Combining STEM principles with Outdoor adventure, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship. Outdoor Leadership Opportunities for High school Students: Students age 14 and older are invited to apply for Wa-Ya’s leadership programs.
Visit the Camp Wa-Ya page for more information
Red Eagle Souring Native Youth Theatre
One of the most anticipated programs RES offers every August is ‘SIYAP’ – Seattle Indigenous Youth Art & Performance – an intensive two (2) week summer theatre workshop over two decades old in which youth explore traditional and contemporary performing arts and create a final public performance at the end of the camp.
More information and registration about Red Eagle Soaring
NY’EHE- Youth Exploring Higher Education
Youth Exploring Higher Education (NY’EHE) on the Pullman campus is a five day overnight camp for high school students interested in exploring opportunities a college education offers. The camp will consist of exposing students a variety of career fields, promote health and wellness, and provide college preparation. Activities will include: Tribal Nation Building Activities, Exposure to STEAM related fields, Tribal Careers, Higher Education Preparations. This is a FREE camp opportunity.
Boys and Girls Club of America
BGCA offers summer day camp programs through tribal communities throughout Washington State. Our Native Clubs offer safe, nurturing and life enhancing programs, character development experiences and, most of all, hope and opportunities for our Native youth. As the preeminent Native youth serving organization, Boys & Girls Clubs on Native Lands have risen to meet the rapidly changing needs of our communities.
Please consult the Boys and Girls Club of America website for more information on a camp near you
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Salmon Camp
Want to learn about the science of salmon? How about help with a stream restoration project? Have you ever wanted to know more about tribal salmon culture? Then Salmon Camp is the place for you! Twenty incoming 6th and 7th grade Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce students will be selected for this week-long summer camp.
Salmon camp is free but space is limited. Participants are selected through an application process. Applications must be received by the end of May. All meals and lodging are included. A stipend will be provided upon successful program Completion.
Camp Rosey- Tahoma Indian Center
Youth and Family Grief and Loss Community Gatherings and Youth Overnight Healing Camp with culture, movement, and music. Camp Rosey is a free-of-charge youth camp established in 2023 that focuses on supporting our sacred youth in their healing journeys through grief and loss. Camp Rosey strives to create an environment where love and support are felt from the moment you arrive until the time you leave.
For more information, see the Tahoma Indian Center website
Ninth Grade Counts
A two-week, no-cost summer camp, Ninth Grade Counts provides an opportunity for soon-to-be ninth grade students to get a jump start on their journey into high school. Students will review high school graduation requirements, explore college and career possibilities, and gain new academic skills while learning about Native American art, teachings, and science.
Students will also be introduced to college and university students and staff, and learn about careers from Native professionals. Students may receive .5 high school elective credit and may complete one Career Related Learning Experience (a graduation requirement for many students) during the summer camp.
NAYA Ninth Grade Counts Summer Camp
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Canoe Journey
The revival of the canoes happened during the Centennial celebration for Washington State and the highways of our ancestors have been re-opened with an annual tribal canoe journeys. It was during this time in 1989 that Mr. Frank Brown, Heiltsuk Nation challenged all canoes to Paddle to Bella Bella, BC! From that point on, we continued to regain the gift of the cedar tree, the canoes and our ancestral highways.
As we continue to follow the teachings of our ancestors, we will heal through our experiences on the journey of our sacred vessels. We look forward to working with each of the canoe families that will be making their way to Lower Elwha!! All families welcome. háʔnəŋ cən há (thank you).