BY RECORD STAFF
Children from Island County can soon attend summer camp at Camp Arnold near Mount Rainier.
The camp is a joint venture of the Salvation Army’s Service Extension Department and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County.
The camp dates are July 2 -6.
There are 35 camp spots for 8 to 12-year-olds and 10 openings for 13 to 16-year-olds.
Transportation will be provided to and from camp. The Whidbey Island pickup and dropoff is at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office parking lot in Oak Harbor. There are no other bus stops on the island. Parents and caregivers from South or Central Whidbey must have their children at the Oak Harbor pickup for a 7:30 a.m. departure.
Scholarships for the camp are based on family income. There is a $25 nonrefundable application fee per child.
Application packages are available at all Big Brothers Big Sisters offices and the application fee may be paid at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County offices located at 913 E. Whidbey Ave. in Oak Harbor or the South Whidbey office at South Whidbey High School.
The application deadline is Friday, June 15.
Camp Arnold is a Christian-based camp, sponsored by the Salvation Army. It was founded in 1965 and is located on 600 acres with a view of Mount Rainier, secluded meadows and a wetland beaver habitat. There are 3 miles of nature trails, canoeing on a lake, a challenge course, climbing wall, nature center, outdoor playing fields, modern cabins, indoor gymnasium, outdoor amphitheater, dining hall, large outdoor swimming pool, chapel and outdoor and indoor activity areas.
There is an opportunity to participate in the challenge course experience with both low and high “ropes” programs. Canoeing is also available on Trout Lake, which is located at the campsite.
The camp administrative staff remain on-site during the camp. Counselors are recruited from colleges and universities by a thorough screening process and trained in working with youths 8 to 16 years old.
For more information, call Big Brother Big Sisters at 279-0644 for North and Central Whidbey, and 360-221-6808 ext. 5417 for South Whidbey.
