Can't wait for camps: local summer camp/activity offerings offer something for everyone

Camp Zanika Lache is one of many local summer camp/activities offered for students.

With summer break only a little over a month away, students from all over the Wenatchee Valley are looking forward to time outside and parents are looking forward to meaningful experiences for their children. Many local organizations, including Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA), Tall Timber, Young Men’s Christain Association (YMCA), Camp Zanika, Wenatchee River Institute (WRI), and others have created opportunities for students in and around the Leavenworth area to make the most out of their summer. 

For students who are looking for a local camp within the Leavenworth area, the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA) offers multiple different types of camps and is only two miles outside Leavenworth city limits. Many of these camps are based around art, whether it is creative writing or musical and performing arts. ICCA shares a beautiful campus with the Sleeping Lady Resort with cabins as well as an outdoor stage and indoor stage located in the Snowy Owl Theater. 

“We have so much space. We are up against the Sleeping Lady, and we are just kind of nestled in the woods out here,” said Rhia Foster, the Arts and Education director of the ICCA. “We’ve got this amazing crew that is really dedicated and excited about engaging our community right now and getting to know everyone. It is providing education though hands on experienced that are really exiting, valuable, and well rounded.” 

“I have done music and sound tech camp last summer. I learned a lot about recording and mixing and also doing concerts,” said Cosimo Terranella, (10) an active band member and sound tech volunteer. “They do concerts, classes, plays, and they do a lot of fundraising to support art programs.” 

Specific classes within the ICCA are rock camp, summer strings camp, writing dragons, slaying stories, music tech camp, art and music connection, theater camp, and jazz camp. 

“I have done music and sound tech camp last summer. I learned a lot about recording and mixing and also doing concerts,” said Cosimo Terranella, (10) an active band member and sound tech volunteer. “They do concerts, classes, plays, and they do a lot of fundraising to support art programs.” 

The ICCA has a tiered payment method. The three tiers consist of $400/ $325/ $250 for five days of camp and payments are completely anonymous. ICCA’s goal is to get the local community involved with creative art and music through hosting events and educational camps. For campers who are looking to improve their creative skills, ICCA will help to inspire them. 

Link to sign up for ICCA camps: Icicle Creek Center for the Arts 

Another local opportunity for children is being offered this summer through the Wenatchee River Insitute (WRI) which offers camps at their location near Leavenworth’s Waterfront Park. With classes for elementary and middle school students, this organization offers day camps focused on arts and outdoor adventure. There are thirteen kids within each group with two educators allowing for students to make friends and feel comfortable while learning. WRI’s mission is to connect people, communities and the natural world.  

WRI uses the “pay-what-you-can" method where there is a base price, usually around $200-$275 for a four-day camp, and there are discount codes to lower the price, if needed.  

WRI is unique because it offers climbing camps, cool critter camps, river wild camp, and more. Most everything the campers do is explore the outdoors of the Leavenworth area. 

Link to sign up for WRI camps: Youth Camps | Wenatchee River Institute 

For students who are interested in mountain biking, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance offers camps specifically dedicated to mountain biking at Leavenworth’s Ski Hill. For a four-day camp, students learn the basics of mountain biking, from learning to control the bike to riding it down the local trails. With a price of $300 per camper, it offers a wide range of skills for all ages. For classes for elementary school students and middle schoolers, it offers everyone the chance to learn. 

Link to sign up for Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance camps: Youth Camps 

For students interested in swimming, participation in the Leavenworth Swim Team offers swim training and competition opportunities.  This group welcomes students ages 6-18 and costs only $100.  This team practices daily from June 16 to July 26 and competes in Thursday night meets. 

Link to sign up for the Leavenworth Swim Team: The Leavenworth Swim Team | LEAVENWORTH SWIM TEAM 

For those hoping to experience an even more immersive natural setting, only 35 minutes outside the Leavenworth Area, three camps are being offered this summer near Lake Wenatchee. Tall Timber is located off White River Road and offers a scenic view near the North Cascades and true isolation. Many students have experienced Tall Timber as part of the sixth grade camp program. 

What makes Tall Timber unique is that it is remote and offers rope courses with a beautiful view. Their mission is to disconnect to reconnect with the world around.  

Additionally, Tall Timber offers camps for young adults. Camps like Youth In Leadership, where students learn how to be a leader through adventures and Bible studies. “Tall Timber was a lot of fun when I was little. It is cool that it is the same place that sixth grade camp happens,” Paige Runions (12) said. 

Link to sign up for Tall Timber camps: Tall Timber 

The YMCA has a Lake Wenatchee location as well. They offer five-day camps with different themed weeks. For example, Western Week, Star Wars Week, Under the Sea Week, and more. They have camps for students between kindergarten and eleventh grade. The YMCA provides cabins for students to stay in and learn outdoors. 

Link to sign up for YMCA summer camps: Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp 

Adding to the camps in Lake Wenatchee, Camp Zanika is run by the North Central Washington Council of Camp Fire. With their rustic cabins located on the lake and creatively themed camp offerings, there is something for everyone.  

Link to sign up for Camp Zanika summer camps: Summer Camp - Campfire - North Central Washington -