Outdoor Education

so what's outdoor ed?

Where the Pacific Northwest Becomes the Classroom

At YMCA Camp Casey, outdoor education comes to life through hands-on exploration in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most remarkable coastal environments. Located along the shores of the Salish Sea on Whidbey Island, students learn by doing—walking through heritage forests, exploring prairie and shoreline ecosystems, and discovering marine life through activities like beach seining and visits to our Sealab touch tanks. Guided by experienced outdoor educators and local environmental stewardship partners, students investigate the natural systems that shape our region while building curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections with the outdoors.

Our program is designed to reflect the characteristics of high-quality outdoor schools by combining place-based science learning with teamwork, discovery, and reflection. Whether climbing our outdoor wall, observing the night sky, or studying marine habitats along Admiralty Bay, students engage in interdisciplinary experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world. At Camp Casey, outdoor education is more than a field trip—it’s an opportunity for students to build community, develop leadership skills, and leave with a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in caring for it.

Email: CampCasey@ymca-snoco.org
‍‍Phone: 360-678-5050

ymca programs

Forest Meadow Walk

Take a hike! Walk through our heritage forest, home to tons of old growth firs, and learn about local flora and fauna from our expert Outdoor Education Specialist.

1hr - Max Class Size: 30

Beach Seine

Scheduled at low tide, our team takes our research boat out and drags a net in Admiralty Bay. Our skilled staff shares about the various marine life that we’re able to pull out. Everything from starfish to sculpins!

1hr - Max Class Size: 40

Fort & Beach Shoreline Walk

A little bit of nature mixes with a little bit of history! We’ll guide your group down our beach to the adjacent Fort Casey State Park talking about everything from glaciers to gun batteries along the way.

1hr - Max Class Size: 30

Pool*

Available Memorial Day through Labor Day, our heated, outdoor pool offers a one-of-a-kind aquatics experience with views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains. Staffed with our lifeguards, your group can enjoy open swim in our lap pool and 3 ft wader pool.
*Depending on season and staffing

1hr - Max Class Size: 100

Sealab

Get up close and personal with intertidal zone sea life in our marine touch tanks. Our Outdoor Ed Specialist will show off some of the amazing crabs, urchins, sea stars, and other critters living right off our beach, while allowing your group to ask questions and even touch some of the creatures.

1hr - Max Class Size: 30

Archery

YMCA archery instructors are certified by USA Archery. Our instructor will teach archery basics including aiming, releasing, and scoring. We’ll also cover the basics of safety and shooting so you can enjoy the sport. Groups must provide 1 adult to supervise children.

1hr - Max Class Size: 18

Climbing Wall

Challenge yourself on our outdoor climbing wall, perfect for all skill levels! This is a great way to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and have a blast. Supervised by trained staff, and equipped with an auto-belay system, the wall offers a safe and exciting experience for youth and adults alike. Groups must provide 1 adult to supervise children.

1hr - Max Class Size: 16

Giant Slide

Overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, our giant slide gives your group a chance to add some thrill and excitement to their experience. Groups must provide at least 1 adult to supervise children.

1hr - Max Class Size: 40

Partner programs

Native American
Storytelling

Professional storyteller & retired sociologist, Lou LaBombard, shares traditional stories and tales. Of Mohawk and Seneca descent, Lou’s storytelling is captivating for all ages!

45min - Max Class Size: 300

Forest Walk; Prairie Walk

Your group can walk directly from Camp Casey to the Admiralty Inlet Preserve, exploring an old growth forest and prairie restoration efforts with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust.

30min-1hr - Max Class Size: 30

Night Sky Viewing

Professor Doug Downing (Seattle Pacific
University) will showcase the wonders of the galaxy! Take a peek through the giant telescope as he describes the nebula, galaxies, and moon craters that you’ll be seeing.

1hr - Max Class Size: 20

Sail on Schooner Suva

Hosted by our local partner, take a sail on a 100-year old tall ship! This educational tour focuses on maritime heritage and history.

2hr - Max Class Size: 20

Whidbey Island Kayaking

Hosted by our local partner, get out on some kayaks with your group. This educational tour focuses on the rich history, habitat, and aquaculture of Penn Cove while you paddle along bluffs fringed with stately madrone trees and under the watchful eyes of herons and eagles.

2hr - Max Class Size: 20

Suva & WIK Combo

• 1.5 hour sail/paddle
• 30 mins in-between each group to prepare equipment
• 20 passengers max, although smaller allows for more hands-on time for each youth
• Location: Penn Cove, Whidbey Island
• $750/group
• 50% deposit required to each org to hold booking

Birds of Whidbey

Bordered by both the Crockett Lake Wetland Preserve and the Salish Sea, we have a rich diversity of bird species constantly present at Camp Casey. Our local experts at the Whidbey Audubon Society will get your students up close and personal as they learn about the variety of waterfowl, song birds, and birds of prey all

1hr - Max Class Size: 30

Life Beneath the Salish Sea

With a variety of educational programs available, Sound Water Stewards will give your group a glimpse into life beneath the Salish Sea. From bioluminesence to harbor seals, learn about the interconnected web of biodiversity in the waters just off our shores.

30min - Max Class Size: 20

outdooreducation

Number of Y programs

Day
Field Trip

1 Night
x3 Meals

2 Nights
x6 Meals

3 Nights
x9 meals

outdooreducation

Number of Y programs

Day Field Trip

1 Night x3 Meals

2 Nights x6 Meals

3 Nights x9 meals

Day
Field Trip

1 Night
x3 Meals

2 Nights
x6 Meals

3 Nights
x9 meals