Are you starting to get excited about Camp Kaniksu 2026?
We are too!
You’re already picturing sunscreen, muddy shoes, and a very tired, very happy kid at the end of the day. Camp Kaniksu 2026 is on your radar… and trust us, it’s on ours too.
Because camp spots disappear faster than snacks after an afternoon of swimming, we use a waiting pool system. The 2026 waiting pool is open March 1–31, 2026, and we’ll make selections in April. You can enter your child for more than one week if they meet the age requirements (if chosen, they may only attend one week).
Campers are selected with care to create a balanced, positive camp culture. If your child is chosen, you’ll get an email with registration details by April 17. At that time, you can register a sibling for the same week if they meet the age requirements, though sibling spots are not guaranteed, especially across different age groups. Each camper may attend one week per summer, and if you’re applying for kids in different age groups, you’ll fill out a separate form for each.
Camp Costs & Scholarships
We work hard to keep camp accessible for families. Scholarships are available for all programs.
• Day Camp (Ages 6–9): $200 | Scholarship copay $50
• Overnight Camp (Ages 9–12): $220 (includes Thursday overnight) | Scholarship copay $50
• Teen Expedition (Ages 13–17): $395 | Scholarship reduces cost by $100
2026 Camp Weeks
Woodland Scouts - Ages 6-9. This is a 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.
June 15–19
July 6–10
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.
June 8–12 (Thursday overnight)
July 13–17 (Thursday overnight)
Teen Expedition - Ages 13-17. Teen Expedition is Camp Kaniksu in full adventure mode, a 70-mile canoe-only journey where teens paddle as a team, carry their gear, and build real outdoor skills over 5-days. Along the way they learn navigation, canoe safety and rescue techniques, identify wild edible plants, practice knife safety, make fire with matches and ferro rods, try bushcraft projects, fish, observe wildlife, and grow more confident every mile. It is challenging, empowering, and packed with the kind of memories that last long after the last paddle stroke.
Aug. 3–7 (Co-Ed Teen Expedition, Pend Oreille River paddle trip)
Aug. 10–14 (All-Girls Teen Expedition, Pend Oreille River paddle trip)
Camp Kaniksu is a nonprofit, community-focused camp with intentionally limited spots. We’re not trying to build the biggest camp. We’re building the kind your kids will talk about all year. Smaller groups, incredible staff, and big outdoor adventures.
Introducing The Camp Kaniksu Junior Counselor Program
Camp Kaniksu Junior Counselors help instructors, support younger campers, and make camp safe, fun, and welcoming, while learning leadership and outdoor skills. If your 12-14 year old loves being outdoors, enjoys working with kids, and wants to build their leadership skills, we encourage them to apply!
Generously supported by
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.
How are participants selected?
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.
