We Bring the Classroom Outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions!

Camp GEORGE: Getting Involved

  • Camp GEORGE is actively searching for the perfect facility to call home. We are currently exploring potential sites in the Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, and collaborating with organizations that support overnight Outdoor Schools.

    As we move through our foundational phase, we’re excited, eager, and ready to bring our vision to life! If you have connections to potential locations, know of a camp facility or retreat center that would be a great fit, or are currently looking for an Outdoor School program (or a new option) for your site, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today at info@camp-george.org

  • Outdoor School is the modern term to describe what was once known as:

    • Outdoor Education Camp

    • Environmental Education Camp

    • 5th/6th-Grade Science Camp

    It gets its name from the way it extends learning beyond the four walls of the standard classroom, immersing students in hands-on experiences in the natural environment. By stepping away from their desks and chairs, students engage in active learning - standing, touching, exploring, seeing, investigating, and interacting with the world around them - bringing education to life in an impactful and lasting way.

  • Camp GEORGE is dedicated to providing transformative experiences to 5th and 6th-grade students, offering hands-on, experiential education opportunities that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. As we build partnerships with schools and school districts, their students and classroom teacher(s) will attend Camp GEORGE for a week-long overnight Outdoor School experience.

    Our unique program sets itself apart by prioritizing social-emotional learning and youth development. Camp GEORGE cultivates critical thinking and effective communication, nurtures teamwork, builds independence and resiliency, and fosters both personal and interpersonal growth - empowering every student to become the very best version of themselves.

    For more details on Exploring Camp GEORGE, our Curriculum & Instructional Areas, and our exciting Camp-Wide Activities, click on the linked text or visit the corresponding pages in our navigation bar.

  • Right now, during our foundational phase, financial and in-kind donations are essential. They are helping us build and support our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization until we are fully operational, running active weeks of overnight Outdoor School on-site with students.

    Donations directly fund much-needed educational materials like animal pelts and skulls, GPS units, binoculars, tablets, campfire pits, soil testing chemicals, rope crafting items, an interactive watershed model, hiking backpacks, arts & crafts materials, cabin supplies, storage bins, and so much more! Additionally, funding provides essential resources and materials for our students, teachers, High School Mentors, and volunteers to ensure their success during their Outdoor School experience.

    Financial donations also help cover essential operation costs, including digital tools like website hosting, Google Workspace, Canva, and ongoing outreach efforts to grow our community and fundraising capacity. Every single contribution plays a crucial role in preparing Camp GEORGE for its future home, ensuring we’re ready to launch the moment we secure a facility!

    To support Camp GEORGE, please Donate Here or click “Donate” button at the top of the page or explore one of our “Wish Lists” in the navigation bar. Giving is quick, easy, and secure!

    *Camp GEORGE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

  • You bet we are! We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate, and skilled volunteers as we transition from our foundational phase to a fully operational overnight Outdoor School.

    Here are our current top volunteer needs:

    • Social Media & Marketing

    • Fundraising & Special Events

    • Community Outreach - Host a “Camp GEORGE Meet & Greet”

    • Business Partnerships & Donations

    • Do You Have a Special Talent to Share? Let’s Collaborate!

    To learn more and get involved, visit the Volunteer Opportunities section in our navigation bar. We’re incredibly grateful for the time, dedication, and support of our volunteers. No expertise required, just a passion for making a difference!

  • There are various ways to stay updated on all things Camp GEORGE, including singing up for our Monthly Email Updates and following us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok), to keep up with our progress, funding milestones, and upcoming events and opportunities.

Camp GEORGE: School & District Partnerships

  • Currently, Outdoor Schools Washington reimburses qualifying public schools in Washington State up to $125 per student per day (subject to change). Visit www.outdoorschoolswa.org for more details and to see if your school or district qualifies for funding.

    As a new overnight Outdoor School, we aim to keep our program affordable and accessible while ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

    While we have not yet set a firm tuition rate, we anticipate initially charging somewhat less than the maximum reimbursement rate as we establish our Outdoor School and build our reputation. Camp GEORGE is committed to making Outdoor School possible for all students and aims to offer financial assistance and/or scholarships as funding allows once we are fully operational.

    If you have questions about tuition or bringing your students to Camp GEORGE, please contact us at info@camp-george.org- we’d love to explore options with you!

  • First and foremost, Camp GEORGE is designed to get all participants outdoors, rain or shine! Below is a general overview of what a typical day at Camp GEORGE might look like:

    • 7:00am: Wake Up & Get Ready for Breakfast

    • 7:30am: Morning Stretches & Exercise

    • 7:45am: Breakfast & Meal Program

    • 8:30am: Cabin Time; Mentor/Teacher Meeting to Prepare for Class Activities

    • 9:00am - 11:30am: Morning Class Activities

    • 11:30am: Cabin Time; Teacher Debrief

    • 12:15pm: Lunch & Meal Program

    • 1:30pm: Cabin Time

    • 2:00pm - 4:30pm: Afternoon Class Activities

    • 4:30pm: Cabin Time; Teacher Debrief

    • 5:15pm: Dinner & Meal Program

    • 6:30pm: Cabin Time

    • 7:00pm - 9:00pm: Camp-Wide Evening Activities (e.g., Line Dancing, Campfire, Owl Calling, Skits & Songs Program, Arts & Crafts)

    • 9:00pm: Showers & Reflective Journals; Teacher Debrief

    • 9:30pm: Lights Out

    A member of our Camp GEORGE team will meet with teachers prior to their assigned Outdoor School week to select their class activities and create an individualized daily schedule.

    *Camp-Wide Evening Activities are scheduled on specific days of the week by Camp GEORGE staff for programming purposes.

  • Camp GEORGE’s activities can be broken down into two distinct categories: curriculum-based instructional areas and camp-wide activities.

    Our Outdoor School has a wide variety of academic rotations for our teachers to choose from. Students will spend two and a half hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the afternoon immersed in hands-on, outdoor based learning with their classmates, teacher(s), and Mentors.

    They’ll have the opportunity to rotate through instructional areas, participating in exciting lessons designed to bring exploring, investigating, and learning to life. For a detailed look at our curriculum and academic rotations, click on the linked text Curriculum & Instructional Areas or visit the corresponding page in the navigation bar.

    In addition to instructional areas, students will take part in a variety of enriching and unforgettable camp-wide activities that bring our entire camp family together. These activities are designed to be interactive and full of fun, while fostering social-emotional learning, youth development, and a strong sense of community.

    Our student campers will bond with their classmates, cabin groups, dining hall groups, teachers, and Mentors through activities like community campfires, stewardship projects, and interactive and motivational presentations. They’ll also enjoy field day, Ga Ga Ball, a camp-wide barbeque, line dancing, owl calling, our celebratory skids & songs program, and so much more! Every unique experience at Camp GEORGE is designed to build teamwork, confidence, and lasting memories. For a deeper look at our Camp-Wide Activities, click on the linked text or visit our designated page in the navigation bar.

  • Our volunteer High School Mentors are the heartbeat of our Outdoor School! We are proud to offer our innovative Camp GEORGE Mentorship Program that provides comprehensive support - from the application process to the on-site overnight Outdoor School experience and beyond, ensuring our Mentors continue to grow and thrive even after they return to school.

    Our Mentors play a fundamental role in the success of our 5th and 6th-grade students, shaping their overall Outdoor School experience. They are responsible for supervising and managing their cabin groups, with around the clock support from Camp GEORGE staff. They have the unique opportunity to improve their time management, communication, and leadership skills by teaching our instructional areas to small student groups, working alongside the classroom teacher(s) and/or Camp GEORGE staff to create thought-provoking learning experiences. In our dining hall, Mentors eat with students, fostering conversation, managing behaviors, and encouraging active participation in our meal programs.

    Serving as both positive role models and leaders, our Mentors take on responsibilities similar to those of a teacher, parent, and caretaker. Our student campers rely heavily on our Mentors for support, structure, and guidance as they create a once-in-a-lifetime Outdoor School experience. For detailed information on our Camp GEORGE High School Mentorship Program, click on the linked text or visit our designated page in the navigation bar.

  • Our classroom teachers play an essential role in the overnight Outdoor School experience at Camp GEORGE. Just like our Mentors, their enthusiasm and engagement directly influence their students’ level of participation and overall success throughout the week. While our Mentors take the lead in managing cabin groups, dining hall table groups, and small-group instruction, teachers remain responsible for their students and their behavior throughout the entire Camp GEORGE experience, 24 hours a day.

    Our teachers actively support our Mentors during instructional rotations, participate in meal programs and presentations, lead camp songs, and assist staff with camp-wide activities. Beyond their supervisory role, this experience allows our teachers to bond with their students outside of the traditional classroom, witness their personal growth in a new environment, and even experience their own moments of transformation!

    Camp GEORGE is not just an extraordinary opportunity for students - it’s an equally memorable and rewarding experience for educators as well.

  • No, Camp GEORGE does not utilize parent/guardian chaperones. This is one of the key aspects that sets our program apart from many other overnight Outdoor Schools in Washington State. Instead, we embrace the near-peer relationship model where high school students serve as Mentors, positive role models, and leaders for our 5th and 6th-grade students. Research shows that younger students are more engaged, participate more actively, and respond better to high school students than they do to additional adult supervision during their time at Outdoor School.

    For many of our students, Camp GEORGE may be their first experience spending a night away from home. This independence is imperative for their growth, helping them build resilience, confidence, and a sense of individuality. Without parents/guardians present, students have the opportunity to form new friendships and connections, step outside their comfort zones, and truly embrace self-discovery in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. We greatly appreciate our parents and guardians, and we know students will return home from Outdoor School with hours of stories to share with them!

    *For further information on the near-peer relationship model, visit our designated High School Mentorship Program page in the navigation bar.

  • We are currently seeking partnerships with schools and districts in Western Washington, particularly the Puget Sound region, to provide impactful Outdoor School experiences for 5th and 6th-grade students. If you’re an educator or administrator interested in collaborating with us, please contact us today!

  • At Camp GEORGE, aligning our curriculum with the needs of schools and districts is one of our primary goals. Our program is designed to be highly adaptable, and our curriculum allows for easy and simple modifications, ensuring it meets students where they are and integrates seamlessly into teacher’s lesson plans.

    Whether it’s preparing students before attending Outdoor School or continuing learning afterward, we will work closely with schools and districts to make environmental education an accessible and valuable extension of classroom exploration and learning.

Camp GEORGE: Parents & Guardian Resources

  • At Outdoor School, the safety and well-being of every participant are at the core of everything we do. From the moment students, Mentors, and teachers arrive, Camp GEORGE staff provide continuous, 24-hour care and support to ensure a safe and positive experience for all.

    Our trained Mentors manage and supervise students in their cabin groups, dining hall, and during our camp-wide activities, with ongoing direction and support from Camp GEORGE staff and teachers. During class sessions and instructional activities, students remain in the care of their classroom teacher(s) and Mentors.

    While our Mentors play an important leadership role, teachers remain ultimately responsible for the behavior of their students. The Camp GEORGE staff works closely with teachers to support them in behavior management, providing guidance and stepping in when necessary to ensure a positive, structured, and safe environment. Additionally, our staff work closely with Mentors—especially in the cabins—to ensure the safety, success, and well-being of everyone involved.

    Overnight, Camp GEORGE staff will conduct quiet check-ins on cabin groups to ensure everyone is safe and sound, providing additional support to students and/or Mentors as needed. To provide even greater peace of mind, our staff living quarters will be located within a short walking distance of our cabin groups.

  • All Camp GEORGE staff will receive training and certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED use to ensure the highest safety standards. Our future facility will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and 911 accessibility for rapid communication and emergency response when needed. In an emergency requiring medical attention or transport, the Camp GEORGE Director and the student’s classroom teacher will be directly involved.

    Once the student is safe and stable, the Camp GEORGE Director and the classroom teacher will contact the school principal and the student's parent or guardian by phone to provide updates and support. These measures reflect our commitment to participant safety and clear, consistent communication with our school principals and families.

    *As we begin to partner with schools and districts, we remain dedicated to refining our policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Camp GEORGE participants.

  • Each school follows specific medication distribution guidelines that align with their district’s policies. Parents or guardians will need to communicate with their child’s classroom teacher or school nurse to obtain all necessary medication forms required for students attending overnight Outdoor School. Please be aware that obtaining the necessary medication forms for your child is essential. We strongly encourage you to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for these forms to be completed and signed. It’s imperative to ensure that this process is finalized before your child arrives at Camp GEORGE.

    Additionally, all prescription medications must be in their original labeled containers. Over-the-counter medications should also be in their original, brand new, and unsealed containers upon arrival at Camp GEORGE. Once on-site, medications will be securely stored in locked cabinets, accessible only to the Camp GEORGE Director, the Nurse (if applicable), and the school medical liaison (if applicable).

    It’s important to note that Camp GEORGE staff will not distribute medications to students; this task must be carried out by a school employee, such as the classroom teacher or a designated medical liaison sent by the school to assist with the process.

    *Prescription medications must be in their original, labeled container. There are no exceptions.

    *Over-the-counter medications must be in their original, brand new, unsealed container. There are no exceptions.

  • Camp GEORGE is committed to accommodating most dietary needs and food allergies (*within reason) to ensure every participant has a safe and enjoyable experience. While we are currently in the process of securing a facility and partnering with a chef and kitchen staff, having a team that is willing and able to work with us to accommodate dietary needs and food allergies is one of our top priorities.

    Once our kitchen staff is in place, we will work closely with our teachers and families to ensure our menu can meet specific food allergies and most dietary needs. Parents/Guardians are responsible for providing specific dietary information to their child’s classroom teacher before their assigned Outdoor School week and including it on their child’s Permission Slip. If we are not made aware of a child’s dietary needs or food allergies before they arrive at Camp GEORGE, it becomes extremely difficult for our kitchen staff to purchase the necessary items and properly prepare meals throughout the week. Without this advance information, the chef and kitchen will not be able to accommodate these needs on-site.

    For the safety of all participants, Camp GEORGE will not allow any outside food or beverages into our facility. We will provide healthy, nutritious, kid-friendly meals, along with snacks throughout the day. We will make sure that all students are fully fed and have everything they need, so there is no need to bring their own snacks.

    *Camp GEORGE has a strict zero-food-and-beverage policy. Outside food or beverages of any kind will not be permitted on the premises.

  • At Camp GEORGE, we understand that bedwetting can happen at any age, and we are committed to ensuring every child feels comfortable and supported during their overnight stay. Our staff are trained to work sensitively with students who experience frequent or infrequent bedwetting, helping them have a dry and successful camp experience. Discussing our plan with your child in advance can also be beneficial.

    If your child experiences bedwetting, we ask that you include this information on their Permission Slip and inform their classroom teacher before Outdoor School begins so we can tailor our approach to their needs. Below are the measures we will take to provide discreet and supportive care:

    1. On the first evening at Camp GEORGE, our staff will speak privately with your child to explain the plan and reassure them. We will discreetly wake them several times throughout the night—for example, about an hour after bedtime, before staff go to bed, and in the early morning—to support their success.

    2. If your child uses pull-ups or diaper briefs, camp staff will wake them quietly in the morning about 10-15 minutes before others. This allows them time to remove hygiene items and freshen up in the restroom or shower if needed.

    3. Cabin Mentors, who play a key role in providing privacy and emotional support, will also be discreetly informed about your child's needs. They are trained to handle sensitive information responsibly.

    4. Each morning, Mentors will check cabins for wet sleeping bags after all students have exited. If a sleeping bag is wet, we replace it with a temporary one while laundering the original to maintain privacy, cleanliness, and comfort.

  • At Camp GEORGE, your child's safety is our top priority. Our staff will work with sleepwalkers to ensure their safety while providing a sense of comfort and reassurance. If your child is a sleepwalker, please make sure to include this information on their Permission Slip and inform their classroom teacher before Outdoor School begins, so we can tailor our safety measures as needed. Here's how we will address sleepwalking at Camp GEORGE:

    1. Cabin Mentors are discreetly informed about a student's sleepwalking tendencies to ensure safety. Mentors are trained to handle this sensitive information responsibly.

    2. Students who sleepwalk are assigned to a bottom bunk, positioned furthest from the front door. Additionally, our staff will conduct overnight checks on cabins with sleepwalkers.

    3. Every evening, after the cabin lights are turned off, Camp GEORGE staff will set up a stack of large tin cans outside the cabin door. If a student or Mentor tries to sleepwalk out of the cabin, the cans will crash loudly to the floor, alerting everyone inside immediately.

  • No, Camp GEORGE is an electronics-free zone. We proudly turn screen time into green time, by immersing students in the great outdoors, building real connections, and encouraging exploration. Additionally, items such as laptops, tablets, music or reading devices, video games, etc. are not allowed.

    The Outdoor School experience offers a rare opportunity for students to disconnect from their screens, focus on the present, build relationships with their classmates, peers, teachers, and Mentors, and be fully engaged with themselves. In the event of an emergency, the Camp GEORGE Director and classroom teacher will contact parents or guardians via phone.

    If a student or Mentor brings their cell phone to Camp GEORGE, it will be collected immediately, safely stored, and returned at the end of the week prior to departing Outdoor School.