When is WINTER CAMP?

Winter Camp dates are December 22-23 and 29-30, 2025

Winter Camp runs from 9am-3pm (daily times may be adjusted due to extreme weather conditions; families will receive updates the evening prior with any changes).

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How much does WINTER CAMP cost?

Snow Camp is $60 per day per camper. No discounts or financial aid is available at this time. Only 16 spots per day are currently available; a minimum of 12 campers a day are needed. 

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Where is WINTER CAMP?

Winter Camp is held at Helen McCabe Park, five miles south of Ellensburg (Canyon and Thrall Roads). Our facilities are rustic and primarily outdoors. Appropriate winter clothes will be required for all campers.

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When is drop off and pick up?

Winter Camp drop off is at 8:45-9:00am and pick up is 2:45-3:00pm. A fee may be implemented for late pickup extending past the 15 min pick up period. The southern parking lot at Helen McCabe Park is pick up and drop off. There will be many cars coming in and out; please drive slow and be aware of small humans walking around.

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Valid photo ID is REQUIRED for every approved adult at pick up. The adult present at pick up MUST be on the child's form as an approved adult to pick up the child. Parents/guardians MUST speak directly to either camp directors to authorize an additional adult for pick up.

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What will the weather be like at WINTER CAMP?

Winter Camp is typically cold and snowy, so come prepared! Keeping campers warm and dry is a top priority at camp. Although we have fire pits, hand warmers, and small propane heaters, there will be no indoor facilities or electricity. This makes dressing appropriately VERY important. Here are the essentials:

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Please be advised campers need at least the basics to attend Winter Camp (this is not optional). Campers WILL be denied participation if not properly prepared. If snow clothing is a hardship for your family, contact KEEN.

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• Snow Pants ( insulated and water-resistant)

• Snow Coat (insulated and water-resistant)

• Snow Boots (insulated and water-resistant)

• Warm/thick socks, extra pair recommended (wool with a liner layer is ideal)

• Gloves/mittens, extra pair recommended (liner gloves paired with a water-resistant mitten is ideal)

• Warm/thick hat

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The handy guide below was taken from another outdoor school and is KEEN's recommended layering system for outdoor, winter activities.

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Layer 1: top and bottom base layers or long johns & liner socks (wool, silk, poly blends are best; avoid cotton)

Layer 2: insulating top and bottom & thick socks (wool or fleece are best; avoid cotton)

Layer 3: Snow pants/suit and coat & snow boots

Layer 4: Warm/thick hat and layered gloves/mittens

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What do we eat at WINTER CAMP?

Please provide your kiddo with a lunch to eat at camp. Lunch will take place midway through programming. We will provide snacks, water, and hot beverages throughout the day. If your child eats a lot or has a specific dietary restriction, consider sending them with extra food. Please make sure your child comes to camp with a filled, insulated water bottle (KEEN bottles available for purchase).

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What if my child has allergies or medication?

If your child has any allergies, please make note of them on the health form and inform the staff member checking in your child. We ask that if your child takes any medications during camp hours or has an Epi Pen, that they are labeled and placed in a separate bag in the child's backpack, with instructions as to when/how they are to be taken. Please inform a staff member of this as well.

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Who should I contact with questions or day-of inquiries?

Winter Camp is facilitated by KEEN's Programming Supervisor, Jen Smith. If she is not available, you can contact KEEN's President, Jill Scheffer, with questions. All contact details are below:

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​Jen Smith

(509) 607-0822

jennifersmith@keenetwork.org

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Jill Scheffer

(509) 551-8807

keen@keenetwork.org