Art Exploration
A specialty camp for grades 4-9 focusing on skill building in art.
▌ Editor's read The provided URL loads successfully for YMCA Camp Orkila, which is an ACA accredited camp, with accreditation valid until 2025. The camp is owned by the YMCA, a nonprofit organization. While the specific 'Art Exploration' camp is mentioned as a program, the website details a broader range of activities including marine science, horseback riding, and outdoor adventure, suggesting a well-rounded experience. The site mentions that all staff undergo background checks. Google reviews for YMCA Camp Orkila show a strong rating of 4.8 stars based on 239 reviews, with common themes praising the camp's beautiful location, engaging activities, and positive impact on campers. The camp offers overnight programs for various age groups, emphasizing skill development and community. Social media handles found are @ymcacamporkila on Instagram and YMCACampOrkila on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 11–14
Art Exploration is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. arts programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Arts
- Ages: 11–14
- Address: 484 Camp Orkila Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
- Phone: (206) 382-5000
- Cost notes: Tiered pricing available: 350 / 025 / 695
↗ What parents like
- Focus on art exploration
- Located in San Juan Islands
- Tiered pricing available
↘ Watch for
- Registration for some sessions on waitlist
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Art Exploration
- What ages does Art Exploration accept?
- Art Exploration is open to children ages 11–14. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Art Exploration cost?
- Art Exploration publishes $1,695/week for the standard session. Tiered pricing available: 350 / 025 / 695 Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- Is Art Exploration accredited?
- Yes — Art Exploration is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Art Exploration?
- Art Exploration is operated by a nonprofit organization. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Art Exploration provide lunch?
- Art Exploration does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Art Exploration with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Arts and performing arts camps guide · Compare portfolio, rehearsal, show, and creative fit.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Art Exploration.
- Camp Orkila · Orcas Island · Ages 8–17 · $1,695/week
- Camp Orkila YMCA · Camp Orkila YMCA · Ages 8–18 · $1,695/week
- YMCA Camp Orkila - Art Exploration · YMCA Camp Orkila · Ages 11–14 · $2,025/week