Everything you need to know about your child's Camp Orkila adventure
Print double-sided for flyer on front, parent info on back
6th Grade Camp is our annual 3-day, 2-night experience to supplement our science curriculum and allow students to live and work cooperatively. Our 6th Grade Camp program is "school" for the week and is the designated curriculum for ALL 6th grade students.
At camp, students learn to safely use and preserve our natural environment while working and living cooperatively in a residential camp setting. It is such a special trip and a true highlight of 6th grade.
Students attend outdoor science and team-building classes taught by YMCA Camp Orkila staff. Classes include:
We also have shared meals and community-building activities for 6th grade students and staff.
Camp is held at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. Camp Orkila is a YMCA camp which provides a science-oriented experience for elementary and secondary students in the fall and spring.
We travel to camp via:
$50 Deposit Due: April 3, 2026 (day before spring break)
Remaining balance due before camp.
Reduced price options are available based on financial need. If you have applied for free or reduced lunch expenses, your camp payment is reduced as well. We believe every student should have the opportunity to attend camp.
We rely on fundraisers, PTSA contributions, and individual contributions to cover costs, including teacher and high school counselor fees.
You may donate at any time at the Odle office. Please make checks payable to Odle Middle School and indicate "Camp Donation" on the memo line of your check. Donations are tax deductible.
Online donation link coming soon!
📅 Forms Due: Friday, May 1, 2026
Return mandatory forms to your child's math teacher by May 1.
💊 Medications Due: Friday, May 15, 2026 (to school nurse)
Required permission form
Due May 1Required camp form
Due May 1Required camp form
Due May 1Behavior Agreement
Due May 1If your child takes ANY medication (over-the-counter or prescription), you and your healthcare provider must complete this form. Can be faxed to Odle at 425-456-6616.
Due May 1 (Meds due May 15)If your child has dietary restrictions, complete the Dietary Restriction Worksheet and email to Camp Orkila or return to Odle.
Due May 1Important: Students may NOT self-medicate while at camp. All medications must be submitted to Odle's nurse by Friday, May 15 to allow time for review and preparation.
An orange "What to Bring Checklist" will be included in your packet. Activities take place rain or shine. Pack for warm days and cold evenings – dressing in layers is best!
⚠️ Electronics will be taken away if found at camp!
Label everything! Please put your student's name on all belongings. Items can easily get mixed up in the cabins.
Odle staff members and student-counselors from Sammamish and Interlake High Schools will be traveling with your child.
Students will be living with other Odle students in cabin groups:
An Odle staff member trained by the school nurse will give your student their medication. We MUST have written permission from your child's doctor to administer any medication, including over-the-counter medications.
A trained medical professional (volunteer doctor, nurse, or physician's assistant) will be available at Camp Orkila in case of emergency.
The Medication Authorization Form must be signed by your doctor. Medication must be delivered to the school nurse by Friday, May 15.
The Camp Orkila kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary needs and restrictions:
Please check with your child's case manager with any questions about accommodations.
No! 6th Grade Camp is "school" for the week and is the designated curriculum for all 6th grade students. Many 6th grade staff will be at camp. Teachers of multi-age classes know that 6th graders will be attending camp and will plan accordingly. Regularly-scheduled classes for 6th graders will NOT be held, and students may NOT attend elective classes during camp week if they don't go to camp.
No, we have limited accommodations. Students also typically experience more social and emotional growth without a parent or guardian in attendance.
We will design a schedule for students not attending camp due to personal, religious, or family reasons. Students must come to school if they are not going to camp. Students will not attend regularly-scheduled classes during camp week, including electives. Please complete a pre-arranged absence form (available in the office) if your student is not going to camp AND will not be at school. Our hope is all students are able to go to camp.
Please check with your child's case manager with any questions about accommodations and support at camp.
Cell phones are not allowed at camp. Students do not call home, and phone access is only through the camp's phone line. Note: Calls and texts in the area usually route through Canada, resulting in large fees on your phone bill.
If there is an emergency, Odle staff and/or your student will contact you via the camp phone. If you have an emergency and need to contact your student, call Camp Orkila at (360) 376-2678 (emergencies only). You may also contact the Odle office at (425) 456-6600 during office hours.
We will return about 4:00 pm given suitable traffic conditions. The Odle office will be updated regarding our progress. Students will have the opportunity to call you once we have arrived at Odle. It takes time to unload luggage so please do not plan to pick up your student before 4:30 pm.
Camp Orkila's menu is nut-free and the kitchen staff can accommodate most dietary needs. You'll have the opportunity to specify any allergies or restrictions on the camp forms sent in April.
Join us for an optional information session! The evening will include:
Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026 • 6:30-7:30 PM
Location: Odle Middle School
We're here to help! The Odle Middle School Camp Team is ready to assist you.
📞 Odle Office: (425) 456-6600