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about the campaign

Why is YMCA Camp Casey Special?

YMCA Camp Casey is a place like no other—where history, nature, and community come together to create life-changing experiences. Nestled on 85 acres of pristine waterfront property on Whidbey Island, this former U.S. Army fort built in 1890 is steeped in legacy and brimming with possibility.

More than a summer destination, YMCA Camp Casey is our region’s home for year-round youth development, environmental education, leadership training, and community wellness. With 1,200 feet of shoreline along the Salish Sea, guests engage with hands-on marine science at our Sealab, explore rare ecosystems, and walk through forests older than the State of Washington itself. Towering trees and native meadows host both educational encounters and moments of quiet reflection—cultivating stewardship, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

“I have always been a big fan of the Y! I served on the Board of Trustees in the 1990s and have been an Emeritus Trustee ever since. The Y represents the fabric of our community; comprised of our friends and neighbors where all are welcomed and opportunity and kindness are prioritized. The YMCA Camp Casey property is a rare and precious community treasure. There is no better organization to activate and steward this regional asset. My daughter Amy and I are honored and thrilled to offer our leadership and support its success!”

– Bob Drewel, Capital Campaign Co-Chair

As part of the YMCA of Snohomish County, Camp Casey carries forward a legacy of service and impact. From school groups and retreats to summer overnight camps that shape the leaders of tomorrow, this place supports diverse experiences that reflect our mission: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Programming is expanding to include aquatics, youth sports, wellness activities, and leadership development—welcoming thousands each year.

But what truly makes YMCA Camp Casey special isn’t just its history or setting—it’s the people who gather here. It’s the young camper discovering new confidence, the family reconnecting under starry skies, the leaders emerging through shared purpose. It’s a place where transformation happens, where legacies are built, and where the future feels a little brighter.

preserving the past, protecting the future

A Window into Marine Discovery

Tucked along the pristine shoreline of Whidbey Island, the Sealab at YMCA Camp Casey offers youth a one-of-a-kind, hands-on marine education experience. What makes the Sealab truly unique is its immersive approach to environmental learning—blending the wonder of the natural world with the Y’s mission to nurture youth development and curiosity. Through touch tanks and real-time coastal ecosystem studies, the Sealab inspires a deeper understanding of the Puget Sound's delicate balance and beauty.

A Living Legacy

Beyond the open fields lies one of the island’s quiet treasures—an old growth forest that stands as a powerful reminder of the natural heritage we’re called to protect. This forest is special not just because of its towering trees, some hundreds of years old, but because of the story it tells. This old growth forest becomes more than scenery—it becomes a teacher. Through environmental education programs, guests explore the ecology of this unique habitat, learning how old growth forests store carbon, support rare species, and reveal the importance of conservation.

Where Camp Casey Meets the Tide

The camp’s 1,200 feet of Salish Sea shoreline is more than just a scenic boundary—it’s a living, breathing part of every camper’s experience. This rare stretch of unspoiled coastline connects youth and families directly to one of the most ecologically rich marine environments in the world.

What makes this shoreline so special is its ability to inspire learning, exploration, and wonder. Campers comb the beach for driftwood and sea glass, explore tidepools teeming with life, and watch as seals and otters glide through the surf. It’s a place where marine biology comes alive, where stewardship is taught through experience, and where every wave tells a story.

Nature’s Classroom in Action

Wildlife isn’t just observed—it’s experienced. From bald eagles soaring over the bluffs to harbor seals bobbing in the waves, the diversity of animals that call this place home makes it one of the most vibrant and engaging outdoor learning environments in the region. What makes the wildlife at Camp Casey so special is its accessibility and abundance. Located on Whidbey Island’s edge where forest meets shoreline, the camp is surrounded by ecosystems that support a stunning variety of birds, mammals, and marine life. Guided hikes and beach explorations become opportunities to track animal signs, study habitats, and understand the vital roles these creatures play in our environment.

camp

A Catalyst for Growth

YMCA Camp is more than summer fun—it’s a catalyst for growth. Day Camp helps kids build confidence, make friends, and stay active close to home, all within a safe, values-driven environment. Through hands-on activities and mentorship, campers discover new interests and strengthen character.
Camp Casey Overnight Camp deepens the experience, encouraging independence and self-discovery. Surrounded by nature and guided by supportive role models, campers learn resilience, empathy, and the power of community. Family Camp invites loved ones to unplug and reconnect, creating shared memories that last a lifetime. It’s a unique chance to slow down, bond, and be fully present with one another. Camp isn’t just a tradition—it’s a foundation for resilience, belonging, and lifelong skills.

conferences

A Gathering Place

For generations, YMCA Camp Casey has been a destination for connection, learning, and renewal. From leadership retreats to family reunions, youth gatherings to outdoor education, hundreds of groups from across the Northwest have found inspiration on our historic grounds. We’re honored to continue this tradition, providing a welcoming space where teams grow stronger, families reconnect, and students experience hands-on learning in the natural world.

community

A YMCA for Whidbey Island

From youth sports and aquatic activities to senior programs, a wellness center, and teen leadership, the Y is here to serve and strengthen the local community. Families will have access to engaging, high-quality programs that promote health, connection, and personal growth. And this is just the beginning. As we build relationships and learn more about the needs of our neighbors, we’ll continue to expand our offerings. Together, we’re creating a Y that reflects the heart of Whidbey Island.

camp casey overnight camp

Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders

YMCA Camp Casey Overnight Camp offers youth ages 6-18 a mix of classic camp fun—like archery, skits, swimming, and campfires—with intentional moments that build confidence, independence, and friendship. Campers are supported by caring staff and surrounded by a welcoming community where they can be themselves. It’s more than just a week away—it’s an experience that stays with them long after summer ends.

Camper

A first-time camper gains independence, faces challenges, and discovers their strengths. Through teamwork and exploration, they develop initiative, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Camp nurtures growth, builds relationships, and lays a foundation for a bright future.

Counselor In Training

A camper grows into a counselor in training, gaining
responsibility and mentoring younger campers. Through hands-on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, they develop confidence and the skills to guide others.

Counselor

A camp alum becomes a counselor, turning passion into purpose. Through hands-on experience, they build leadership, adaptability, and a deep commitment to service. As they grow in their career, they embody what it means to be a changemaker — uplifting others and strengthening their community.

Family

A camp counselor has the opportunity to pass on the values of leadership, service, and community to their family. They pay it forward by supporting the Y through giving, volunteering, and participating in programs that once shaped them. Their commitment leaves a lasting legacy, ensuring future generations experience the same growth, belonging, and opportunity.

"It was life changing for him. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Memories to last a lifetime!"
- Parent of a YMCA Camper

Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders

Where the Magic Happens

The Premier Camp and Conference Center Serving the West Coast

The History of Camp

YMCA camping in the United States began in 1885 with the establishment of Camp Dudley in New York—the first known summer camp in the country.

Born from the YMCA’s mission to support the holistic development of youth, early camps focused on moral character, physical fitness, and connection to nature. These programs offered boys from urban areas a healthy escape from city life, grounding them in values like honesty, respect, and responsibility while fostering independence and leadership. As the movement grew, so did the reach and variety of camp experiences, from day camps to overnight wilderness adventures.

Throughout the 20th century, YMCA camping evolved to meet the changing needs of families and communities. Camps became more inclusive, welcoming girls, and expanding access for youth of all backgrounds. Today, the Y operates hundreds of camps nationwide, united by a cause-driven approach that nurtures the potential of every child.

“We are excited about this opportunity to expand the Casey property into a YMCA program center, serving thousands of individuals and families every year. A facility like Camp Casey is more than just a location; it’s a tool to create tomorrow’s changemakers and deliver life-changing experiences through intentional and impactful programming.”
- Peyton Tune, President and CEO of YMCA of Snohomish County

For Inquiries

Jennifer Willows
SVP/Chief Development Officer
jwillows@ymca-snoco.org | 425/760-9417