You’re starting to get excited about Camp Kaniksu 2026. So are we!
Details about the 2026 season of Camp Kaniksu, including dates and pricing, will be posted here in February. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Registration runs through the entire month of March
All applicants will be placed in a waiting pool (not a wading pool - just to be clear)
Selections will be made in April
All applicants will be notified by email mid-April whether selected or not so that you can make your summer plans.
Camp Kaniksu
Camp Kaniksu is designed to immerse elementary and teen campers in the natural beauty of our region. For elementary-aged children, it's a fun-filled adventure where they engage in outdoor activities, hands-on learning, and environmental exploration, creating lasting memories and a lifelong love for nature.
The highlight for teens is the thrilling Teen Expedition, a 5-day adventure that takes them on an exploration of our pristine lakes, promoting teamwork, leadership, and ecological understanding.
Our camp programs inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while fostering a deep connection to the stunning landscapes of the Kaniksu region.
Six-week-long sessions are offered during the months of June, July, and August, although participants are limited to one session per season. Healthy snacks and lunches are provided.
Which camp is right for your kiddo?
Woodland Scouts (Ages 6-8)
This is camp for our youngest nature lovers. We use sensory awareness activities and games to deepen our connection to nature, explore all over the landscape, craft with natural materials and play tons of games. We build natural shelters, practice good fire making, make cordage, wade in the ponds, weave baskets and cook over the fire.
Pathfinders (Ages 9-12)
We up the challenge with this age group and push them to hone some of their outdoor skills through fire challenges, group shelter building, foraging for edible and medicinal plants, carving with knives, and doing more complex crafts. There is an overnight on the Thursday night of camp. Kids bring their camping gear with them in the morning (many opt to sleep in hammocks in the trees) on Thursday and stay until noon on Friday.
Teen Expeditions (Ages 13-17)
Our Teen Expedition program is a transformative 5-day adventure where teens embark on a journey of exploration and discovery through the pristine landscapes of our region. From kayaking on crystal-clear lakes to hiking through lush forests, teens develop leadership skills, gain environmental knowledge, and form lasting bonds with peers. This immersive experience empowers them to become confident, environmentally conscious individuals ready to tackle the challenges of our changing world.
Camp Kaniksu is more than a summer camp - it’s a community and a tradition that keeps campers returning year after year. A strong camp culture is key to its success, built by returning campers who carry forward its values, traditions, and shared experiences.
Each summer, camp is comprised of a mix of new and returning campers. While we welcome new participants and integrate them into camp life, it is vital to have returning campers to ensure continuity, leadership, and mentorship, enriching the experience for all.
Returning campers provide familiarity with routines and outdoor skills, strengthening the community and deepening connections. By balancing new and returning campers, Camp Kaniksu remains a place where confidence grows and a lifelong love of nature thrives.
How are participants selected?
Are scholarships available?
There are a limited number of scholarships available for each session. Campers selected in the lottery who cannot pay the registration fee can request a scholarship - no questions asked - by contacting Brianna Larson via email.
We believe all children deserve an equal chance to experience the life-changing impacts of Camp Kaniksu.
