Dave Street is a kid at heart, someone who shares the joy of the summer camp experience.
“Absolutely,” said Street, the man behind one of the area’s longest running and successful city-backed resident camps for boys and girls. “As a kid, I went to camp, and it had a profound effect on me.”
That kid at heart devotes considerable time and energy so that others can enjoy the wonders of summer camp. Street and his well-seasoned staff make it happen each summer for Kent-area kids who take in an action-packed week of outdoor learning, activity and fun.
The Kent Parks Resident Camp at Waskowitz comes to life Aug. 6-10 at the base of Mount Si in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, four miles east of North Bend.
It marks Street’s 33rd year as camp director.
“I have a passion for this because I know we make a difference in kids’ lives,” said the 57-year-old Kent man, known to a generation of campers as “Mr. Dave.”
The camp annually takes in about 140 kids who will become fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders this fall. Waskowitz, nestled in the woods on 360 acres of land, offers a week of swimming, hiking, camping and other planned events. The camp traditionally brings in a lineup of top entertainment, from magicians to musicians.
More than 4,700 campers have spent time at Waskowitz over the past 30 years, many of whom, like Street, keep coming back as counselors when their time as campers comes to an end.
“It’s the consistency of our staff that makes it successful,” said Cameron Parker, a Microsoft program manager who has been a part of the camp’s staff since 1985. “It has not been difficult to keep going. We get along so well together. It’s a matter of meeting up, getting the work done and making it happen.”
The camp has a good reputation, having been nationally honored for its work. Street credits his dedicated staff for their exhaustive efforts in providing a safe, comfortable and memorable experience for boys and girls.
“And these days parents have to be careful of where they send their kids,” Street said. “We provide so much.”
About 85 percent of Street’s staff – volunteers – return next month. All counselors have experience working with children. In fact, five people on the staff have worked with Street at Waskowitz for at least 25 years.
The staff trains for a full weekend before the camp opens.
“They know the more they give, the more they get back,” Street said. “They know this is the probably going to be the best week in these kids’ lives.
“These kids get to be themselves. There’s no pressure on them. They’re not at home, they are in a controlled environment.”
Added Cameron: “We keep the kids busy from sunup to bedtime. … There is so much energy. We feed off each other’s energy. We try to be ‘on’ in front of the kids.”
For Street, outdoor education is important. But not every school district can afford it. In Kent, Street welcomes those schools that are willing to encourage kids to try a rewarding and fulfilling camp experience in the great outdoors.
At Waskowitz, kids leave behind the Xbox for a fishing pole.
“They actually get to enjoy nature, enjoy themselves and see counselors who lead and help them to be successful,” Street said. “There is so much energy. We give energy and the kids give energy back.”
That overwhelming energy keeps a good thing going, a camp for all kids.
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Meeting slated
Organizers of the Kent Parks Resident Camp at Waskowitz will host a parent/camper informational meeting on Wednesday, July 11 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue N.
The meeting is an opportunity for parents and campers to meet the camp director and staff. A slideshow presentation will be presented.
Kent is one of the few cities to offer a resident camp for boys and girls entering the fifth, sixth or seventh grade this fall.
The Aug. 6-10 camp, now in its 33rd year, offers a wide spectrum of activities and professional management.
The camp, at the base of Mount Si in the Cascade foothills, is four miles east of North Bend. It is nestled in the woods on 360 acres of land.
Cost for the camp is $320, which includes transportation, cabin accommodations, supervision and all meals, field trip and camp shirt.Scholarship monies are available for Kent residents on free-and-reduced lunches.
For more information or to register, please call 253-856-5030 or visit www.kentwa.gov.
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