Camp Sealth, Vashon

In 1920, a few intrepid explorers transformed the unpopulated shoreline of Vashon Island into an outdoor classroom, where they invited kids to come stay, play, and learn valuable skills. In the nearly 100 years since its founding, Camp Sealth's facilities have evolved, but its mission and activities have remained much the same. Camp organizers still helm resident camps for kids ages 6 to17, bunking them together in cabins by night and offering exploration of the 400 acres of forest and shoreline by day. Staffers lead horseback trail rides and teach survival skills such as archery and fire-starting.

They also provide more focused full-day retreats for students that teach leadership skills to teens. And to back all their camps and activities, the camp boasts an excellent safety record and a ban on frozen underwear pranks, as well as accreditation from the American Camp Association.

Also at their secluded getaway location, surrounded by 400 acres of forest and wetlands on one and a half miles of private beach along the Puget Sound. They are a short ferry ride away from both Seattle and Tacoma on the Vashon Island.