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planning for camp!

Travel Info

Transportation

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Our bus is currently experiencing mechanical issues and will not be used to transport campers, only camp materials. Families will have to drop off and pick up at camp - if you are unable to provide transportation, please contact us and we will try to find an alternative!

CAMP LOCATION

Pond to Pines summer day camps are 100% outdoor immersion held at the Yakima Canyon interpretive Center in Helen McCabe Park, just five miles south of Ellensburg (I-90). Each camp is carefully constructed to provide the ultimate nature-based learning environment while providing a FUN hands-on experience!

Directions to YCIC (Pond to Pines and Wild Horizons Summer Day Camp)

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From Ellensburg

Follow Canyon Road south from town, about 5 miles to YCIC @ Helen McCabe Park (just before the canyon).

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From Yakima

Take I-82 north towards Ellensburg

Take Exit #3: Thrall Road

Turn right onto Thrall Road

Turn left onto Canyon Road​

DROP OFF & PICK UP

Arrival Procedures

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Drop off will be from 8:45-9 at Helen McCabe State Park, also known as the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center. The address is 24343 S Canyon Rd, Ellensburg, WA, 98926. Parents can park in the main lot next to the pond and camp staff will be there to greet everyone and facilitate check-in!

 

Checking in consists of:

  • Ensuring each camper arrives with a complete packing list;

  • Confirming health forms and waivers;

  • Checking in any medications with staff.

 

IF YOU NEED A LATE DROP OFF AT CAMP, YOU MUST CONTACT ANNA BALDWIN (970)-666-1147 THE DAY PRIOR TO ARRANGE DROP OFF.

 

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Departure Procedures

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When picking up your child, please arrive promptly at your designated times each day. Follow the below instructions to ensure your check out experience is smooth.

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YOU MUST CHECK OUT WITH A COUNSELOR BEFORE LEAVING WITH YOUR CHILD.

 

Pickup will be in the same location as drop off, in the main parking lot at Helen McCabe State Park.

 

Checking out consists of:

  • You MUST provide a valid photo ID when picking up your child. We will not release a child to anyone not specifically indicated on the registration form.

  • Collecting any medications.

  • Checking lost and found.

  • Double checking that you have: your child, their extra clothes, their water bottle, and anything else they brought with them.

 

*A $25 late fee will be implemented for any pickup after 3:15pm without prior authorization from the camp director or supervisor. To avoid a late fee, please ensure you have good communication with camp staff and have several backup authorized adults able to pick up your child if a situation should arise (list these on your camper’s health form).

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Lists

Packing List for
Day Camp

In order for your kiddo to have a successful experience at camp, they must come prepared! The Scouts aren't the only ones with that motto... PLEASE review the packing list to ensure that your kiddo has everything they need! Campers without the basic necessities will not be allowed to attend camp that day; this is a safety thing!

Please write your child’s name on every item to limit cross-contamination and lost possessions.

  • Water bottle (preferably at least 32 oz.), filled. Camp will have water stations available for refilling.

  • Weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy close-toed shoes.

  • Summer clothing can include: lightweight t-shirt and shorts, hat, jacket

  • Change of clothes (accidents happen; please send your camper prepared so staff is not forced to contact you during camp hours for soiled clothing)

  • Water Days: water shoes, swimsuit, and towel for pond days (water days this year are Thursdays and Fridays)

  • Backpack

  • Sunscreen with your child’s name written on it in permanent marker

  • Hat and/or Sunglasses

  • Bug spray; our mosquitos are hungry. Nothing less than 40% DEET works. Treating clothing with Permethrin before camp is encouraged as well.

  • Breakfast and lunch are not provided this year. Please send your child with breakfast (or eat at home before arriving) and lunch every day. We will provide two daily snacks. If your child has specific dietary concerns, including allergies, please consider providing extra snacks for your kiddo.

Forms & Waivers

DIGITAL HEALTH FORMS AND WAIVERS The health & waiver form provides us with pertinent medical information as well as release waivers for programming. Please read everything carefully.

Office & Mailing Address

115 East 4th Avenue, Suite 215

Ellensburg, WA 98926

keen@keenetwork.org

509-551-8807

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KEEN is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our Federal EIN is 22-3849021 

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KEEN's mission is to cultivate an active understanding of the impacts of climate change on the endangered shrub-steppe and foster commitment to environmental stewardship by providing culturally relevant nature-based education. Our main project is to establish the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center (YCIC) at Helen McCabe Park near Ellensburg, WA.

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