camp caseyhistory

Camp Casey was originally the northern part of Fort Casey, which was constructed at the end of the 19th century as part of the Coast Artillery defense system. For nearly 50 years, it served as an active military post. In 1950, the Army announced that Fort Casey was being placed in caretaker status prior to being declared surplus four years later.

On June 29, 1956, 65 acres of the former fort were obtained by Seattle Pacific College. It served as an extension of Seattle Pacific’s educational mission and character formation through hosting classes and retreats, and it played a special role in the life of Seattle Pacific students, staff, and faculty throughout the years. Seattle Pacific also utilized Camp Casey as a conference center, hosting thousands of young athletes, school children, sport camps, churches, and nonprofit and educational organizations each year.

After nearly 70 years under Seattle Pacific’s stewardship, the YMCA of Snohomish County took over operations of the 84-acre waterfront property on January 1, 2025. The purchase provided a permanent home for the Y’s Overnight Camp that was started in 2022. YMCA Camp Casey continues to serve the hundreds of legacy groups and families that have called this place home for generations. Through Camp Casey, the Y will also serve as an integral non-profit on Whidbey Island, meeting community needs with programs ranging from youth sports to health and wellness for seniors. The Y will continue to open doors to new opportunities and memorable experiences for the community.