60-acre campus of mature and second-growth forest with a pond and wetlands, located in Duvall WA in the foothills of the Cascade mountains, approximately 45 minutes outside Seattle.
We believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We value respect for the whole human family in its wide diversity. This includes the uniqueness we bring into community as influenced by our nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, spirituality, sexual orientation, body shape or size, economic status, or physical ability. Ecosystems, including humans, require diversity to thrive. We find that people learn best in environments where they have a sense of healthy safety and belonging.
Parent testimonial — self-confidence and understanding of natural environment
"My daughter came home every day excited to tell me all of the things she learned and did. She gained self-confidence and a better understanding of the natural environment." – Sarah Valenta
Skills beyond nature — personal and interpersonal growth
We also focus on helping campers build skills that will serve them for a lifetime by weaving the development of tangible and intangible personal and interpersonal skills into each and every activity. Through activities such as patiently waiting to approach wildlife or working together to build a group shelter, campers develop skills in teamwork, communication, thankfulness, stewardship, awareness, patience, common sense, self-confidence, self-respect, respect of others, and problem solving.
Award-winning program — Parent Map Best Nature Camp
We're proud to say that Parent Map has consistently recognized the Wilderness Awareness School as the region's Best Nature Camp. Our Summer Camp program is award-winning, having received Parent Map's best outdoor camp award nine years in a row.
Organizational mission and founding — 1983, Cascade foothills
Wilderness Awareness School, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 1983, is an internationally-recognized leader in outdoor education. Our mission is to help children and adults cultivate healthy relationships with nature, community, and self. We are based in the foothills of the Cascade mountains about 45-minutes outside of Seattle, WA.
Parent testimonial — no facilities, no equipment, and he loves it
"I don't really know what you do—no facilities, no sports equipment, no arts and crafts supplies—but he loves it. And that's the beauty of it. It shows how kids are happiest using their bodies and minds." – Beverly Pressey
We are committed to your child's safety while enrolled in our camp programs. Each of our new and returning employees is required to personally participate in pre-camp training sessions covering a broad range of topics, including safety protocols and policies. The Wilderness Awareness School also: has an emergency and medical response plan in place that is specific to each location; ensures that every summer Camp Director AND all instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified; requires Criminal Background Checks for ALL staff and volunteers; requires Sexual Offender Background Checks for ALL staff; and requests and checks both personal AND professional references for ALL staff.
Yes! As a not-for-profit organization, Wilderness Awareness School is thankful to our donors that allow us to grant scholarships to families in need of assistance. We were pleased to be able to offer over $98,000 in scholarships last year! The maximum scholarship considered for youth weekly programs is 50% of the program cost. Youth Monthly programs may receive a scholarship up to 75% of the program cost.
