The PlayGarden offers a fully inclusive nature-based summer camp experience for kids with disabilities and their typically developing peers, ages 3.5-21. Camps are Monday-Thursday, from 9:30 am-1:30 pm. With a high staff to camper ratio, we are able to support every child in their quest for adventure and play!
“The PlayGarden just feels right. Other day camps have required a lot of work to support Alex and help him be able to have a good time. Here it was easy. I didn’t have to explain about his wheelchair, his communication device, or his disability. We didn’t feel self conscious, out of place, or rushing to keep up. I was impressed by the quality of the people working with the kids. They really engaged the kids, and supported and expanded on their play. Thank you!”
Huckleberries
Ages 3.5 to 8
Garden Explorers
Ages 4 to 12
Teen Camp
Ages 12 to 21
Junior Counselor
Ages 13 to 16
All PlayGarden Summer camps are Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-1:30pm.
No camps are held on Fridays. We hold this time open for our Free Play program and to serve the broader community. You can find detailed camp descriptions on the camper registration form.
One Week Camps:
Huckleberries, June 26th- June 29th, ages 3.5- 8
Teen Camp 1, July 17th- July 20th, ages 12-21
Teen Camp 2, August 7th-August 10th, ages 12-21
2 Week Camp Sessions:
We have made changes to the camp registration process. Due to high demand for our programs and our desire to continue to build deep relationships with the campers and families we serve, and limit the transitions children go through during the summer, we have adjusted our Garden Explorers camp weeks to be in two week block sessions *All Garden Explorers block sessions are for ages 4-12 years old.
July 3rd- July 13th Garden Explorers Session 1 *No camp on 7/4, cost is adjusted.
July 24th- August 3rd Garden Explorers Session 2
August 14th- August 24th- Garden Explorers Session 3
2023 CAMP APPLICATION
To reduce the inequitable strain of first-come, first-serve enrollment we use an open enrollment period. We will open our open enrollment period from March 1st-March 15th. All applications collected in this period will be shuffled and then considered equally. Our staff will then work through the applications and notify families if they have received a camp slot or been added to our waitlist by the end of the day on March 27th.
The PlayGarden is here for EVERY child who wants to play! No family is turned away, because of financial restrictions and we need your help to make that happen. Therefore, our program fees operate on a sliding scale, with a full and reduced rate. Summer camp fees will be posted soon.
FINANCIAL AID AND DDA RESPITE FUNDS
Want to learn how to be a summer camp counselor?
The PlayGarden’s Junior Counselor Program is a youth leadership program that runs in conjunction with the PlayGarden’s fully-inclusive outdoor play-based Summer Camp program. The program provides an opportunity for young leaders ages 13-16 to learn what it is like to work as a camp counselor at the PlayGarden. Junior Counselors learn how to set-up camp activities, how to support and play with kids of all ages and abilities, and how to work collaboratively in a team environment while having fun!
Junior Counselor Program dates and more information on how to apply can be found in the application below.
We are currently hiring for: Assistant Camp Director, Junior Counselor Program Lead, Camp Counselors.
Before Applying: We encourage interested applicants to review the job descriptions, read information about summer camp on our website, explore photos of what camp looks like on our social media channels (Facebook & Instagram) and watch videos of camp on our youtube channel to get a true sense of what working at camp is like.
To Apply: Download and fill out the Employee Application (button below) and send a cover letter email expressing your interest and experience to our Camp Director, Hannah Gallagher at Hannah@seattleplaygarden.org
Applications accepted until positions are filled. Preference given to applications received by April 30th.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Seattle PlayGarden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultural, racial, economic and linguistic backgrounds to apply. Having a staff that authentically reflects the communities we serve is a critical step in creating the inclusive world we envision.
Descriptions of each camp session can be found on our camper registration form. If you have additional questions you can call our office at (206) 325-5576 or email camp@seattleplaygarden.org
