Camp Wa-Ya partners with Thurston County on environmental stewardship 

Thurston County divisions joined forces with Camp Wa-Ya for an outdoor play-and-learn event that advocated conservation and sustainable practices. 

In a statement released on Thursday, Sept. 11, the county said several of its divisions took part in the afternoon program.

Thurston County Public Works Department was represented by the Solid Waste Division and Noxious Weeds Program, while Environmental Health staff from the Public Health and Social Services Department also participated. Stream Team from Community Planning and Economic Development rounded out the collaboration.

The environmental activity took place on Aug. 26 and featured hands-on stations that introduced campers to recycling, plant identification, household cleaning alternatives and salmon survival. Campers rotated through the stations in groups during the program. 

Camp Wa-Ya 

Camp Wa-Ya, based in Olympia, is a day camp for youth ages 6 to 17. 

The nonprofit runs single-week summer programs in the greater Olympia area that are held outdoors in mixed-age groups. 

Campers spend their days in varied landscapes learning outdoor survival and environmental sciences such as biology, geology and climatology. They also study visual and performing arts and native teachings. 

The camp promotes immersive learning in small group settings wherein its model weaves “STEM principles with outdoor adventure, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship.” 

The county said its partnership with Camp Wa-Ya extended the curriculum with expertise from county programs. It created an opportunity for youths to participate in interactive environmental workshops conducted by county staff. 

Environmental activities 

In the first half of the afternoon, the Solid Waste and Noxious Weeds Program hosted environmental activities. 

At the Solid Waste station, campers joined a recycling relay where participants collected resource tokens representing the inputs required to manufacture an aluminum can. They then moved through an assembly-style course and finished by tossing the can into the correct disposal bin. 

“I don’t think I could live like (an aluminum can),” one camper said after completing the challenge.  

The Noxious Weeds Program introduced children to plants commonly found in Thurston County. Campers were equipped with journals to sketch their observations and record notes. 

According to the county, one camper remarked, “My favorite plant today was salmonberry because you can eat it.”  

Stream Team 

The second half of the afternoon continued with Environmental Health and Stream Team leading the way.

Environmental Health staff guided children through preparing nontoxic household cleaners. Campers then crafted their own solutions and bottled them to take home, and also learned about safe and sustainable substitutes for conventional products. 

Stream Team staff gave a salmon lesson, with campers making lifecycle keychains and hearing how water quality and habitat affect survival. 

The county said the program provided practical knowledge through hands-on activities.  

“Campers left with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for their local environment. From recycling relays and plant identification to homemade cleaners and salmon science, the afternoon was filled with learning,” the county said. 

The county expressed gratitude for the collaboration.  

“Thurston County thanks Camp Wa-Ya for the opportunity to connect with the next generation of environmental stewards and looks forward to future partnerships,” the county said.