We Bring the Classroom Outdoors!
Our Founder’s Story
Camp GEORGE was founded by lifelong Washington state resident, Karra Jackson, who brings almost 35 years of experience with K-12 students in environmental education and overnight Outdoor School to the organization.
“My desire to start Camp GEORGE stems from the life-changing experience I had in 1991, as a first-time camp counselor, when I was 16 years old at Camp Waskowitz in North Bend, WA. The opportunity to work with underserved fifth and sixth grade students, in a weeklong overnight setting, taught me the value of stewardship, the benefit of stepping outside of my comfort zone, and the importance of being a positive role model. The opportunity to be in the beautiful outdoors and teaching campers about our natural environment was incredibly rewarding.
The privilege of influencing a child’s life in such a positive and impactful manner truly made me a better human being. At a pivotal time in my personal growth and development, this experience showed me that when you give back, you receive so much more in return. I feel my life’s purpose is to ensure as many individuals as possible have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience overnight Outdoor School.
At Camp GEORGE, we believe in the importance of every person who walks through our doors, and we are committed to helping them find that same belief in themselves. Welcome to our Outdoor School family.”
-Karra Jackson, Founder and Director, Camp GEORGE
Karra and her father, George Jackson, in Seattle, WA
“My father’s love and support for me were unwavering.”
In Memory of George Jackson
Camp GEORGE is named in loving memory of our Founder’s father, George Jackson, who passed away unexpectedly in 2021 at the age of 70. George grew up in the Pacific Northwest, loved spending time with his family and friends, and was an avid fisherman with great respect and admiration for the outdoors, nature, and wildlife.
But more importantly, he understood the value of Outdoor School; getting kids outside to learn, imagine, create, and explore in a safe and nurturing environment. And, he had a deep appreciation for the impact this experience has on an individual’s social-emotional learning and development. He always believed Outdoor School “put so many compassionate humans out into the world at a pivotal age and time in their lives.”
It is a privilege to name Camp GEORGE in his memory.