We’re so glad you’re joining us!
Welcome to Camp Killoqua! Whether this is your first summer at camp or you’re returning for another season, we’re excited to have you as part of our summer staff community.
This summer, you’ll be part of a unique, child-centered community focused on helping campers build confidence, make friends, try new things, and connect with the outdoors. Camp is a busy, active, meaningful place to work, and you will be an important person in the lives of our campers.
About Camp Killoqua
Camp Killoqua is located on 185 acres of forest, wetlands, trails, game fields, and waterfront in north Snohomish County. Camp has welcomed campers since 1941 and continues to offer a classic outdoor camp experience rooted in Camp Fire’s philosophy.
Our programs include day camp, overnight camp, specialty camps, teen leadership programs, outdoor education, retreats, family events, and community programs. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, boating, crafts, outdoor cooking, hiking, songs, games, archery, high ropes, cookouts, and campfires.
Camp Killoqua serves a wide range of campers, families, schools, and community groups. During the summer, our day camp serves campers in grades K-8, and our overnight camp serves campers in grades 1-12, with some specialty and leadership programs for older campers.
Camp Killoqua serves a diverse community of campers through day camp, overnight camp, specialty camps, teen leadership programs, outdoor education, family programs, and retreats. During the summer, campers range from early elementary age through high school, and they come to camp with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and needs.
Our camp community includes people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions and non-religious backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, disabilities, learning styles, family income levels, and family structures. Some campers are returning to a place they already love, while others are attending camp, sleeping away from home, or spending extended time outdoors for the first time.
Staff should be prepared to support campers with different comfort levels, communication styles, social skills, and emotional needs. Some campers may be outgoing and confident, while others may be shy, homesick, anxious, overstimulated, or still learning how to navigate friendships and group living.
At Camp Killoqua, inclusion means helping each camper feel safe, valued, and able to participate as fully as possible. Staff play an important role in building a respectful, welcoming community where campers can connect with the outdoors, with themselves, and with each other.
Camp is different from most jobs. You live and work in the same place, spend long days with children, and help create the magic of camp through flexibility, patience, humor, teamwork, and care.
Campers love Killoqua traditions, including songs, camp names, getting into weekly camp themes, all-camp events, cookouts, swimming, crafts, games, and time outdoors. Staff may choose a camp name for the summer, which could be an animal, plant, nickname, character, place, food, or something meaningful to you.
Killoqua’s program philosophy centers on small groups, camper choice, relationship-building, and inclusion. Campers are grouped with caring, trained staff who help guide their experience. Overnight camp cabin groups help shape their session activities, and day campers experience a wide variety of weekly themes and classic camp activities.
Arrive at camp at 9:00 am on June 15:
Unit Coordinator positions, waterfront staff, some kitchen staff, and challenge course staff.
International staff:
Arrive prior to June 18, if possible.
All other staff members:
Arrive at camp at 10:00 am on June 18.
Staff orientation runs June 18 through June 27. Please come prepared to stay onsite for the duration of training week.
Staff breaks are subject to change.
Staff working Session 9 Day Camp must be ready to go Monday at 7:00 am. Saturday, August 15 will be an all-staff cleaning day, end-of-season dinner, and celebration.
During camper sessions, all staff have a 2-hour break each working day, Monday through Thursday. Staff orientation has a different schedule. You may not receive a 2-hour break each day during training, but you will have personal time daily.
Camp is a tech-free space for campers. Staff should plan to use cell phones only during time off and in staff-only spaces. There is Wi-Fi in the staff room. Mail is delivered daily, and it’s always fun to receive mail at camp.
Camp Killoqua
15207 E. Lake Goodwin Rd.
Stanwood, WA 98292
Office Phone: 360-652-6250
Camp meals are kid-friendly and include options such as spaghetti, burritos, French toast, fruits, and vegetables. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten options are available, and most food allergies are accommodated when possible.
Pacific Northwest summers are beautiful, but mornings and evenings can be cool, and rain is always possible. Pack layers and clothes that can get dirty. Staff are role models for campers, so clothing should be functional, active, and appropriate for working with children outdoors.
Staff wear “Blues and Whites” for Friday banquet dinners and parent-facing moments. Bring dark blue slacks, shorts, or jeans with no holes, and a plain white shirt with no print or logos.
Each week at Camp Killoqua has a theme that helps add extra fun and creativity to the camp experience. Themes are a playful way to put a twist on everyday activities, from games and crafts to campfires, all-camp events, meals, and cabin time.
Staff help bring themes to life by getting involved, being silly, and adding creative touches throughout the week. This might mean wearing a costume on themed days, adding a themed challenge to an activity, decorating a cabin sign, creating a skit, or finding small ways to make the week feel special. Costumes do not need to be fancy or expensive. Homemade, simple, and camp-friendly costumes are often the best. Some supplies may also be available in the Camp Craft House to help staff add creative touches to costumes, decorations, or activities.
Themes are not about being perfect. They are about helping campers feel excited, invited, and part of the fun. When staff are willing to join in, campers are much more likely to jump in too.
Session 1 Day Camp Only: Explore Space
Space may be silent, but the fun is out of this world! Blast off into a week of cosmic games, starry adventures, and intergalactic imagination.
Session 2 Day Camp Only: Wacky Science
Things are getting a little weird this week — and that’s the fun of it! Join us for wacky experiments, messy discoveries, and hands-on science fun that’s sure to blow your mind.
Session 3 DC & OV: Heroes vs. Villains
Heroes, villains, and everyone in between — it’s your time to shine! Lex vs. Supes? Thanos vs. Avengers? Huntr/x vs. Demons? Join us for a week of epic rivalries, daring challenges, and plenty of camp-sized adventure.
Session 4 DC & OV: Pirate of Killoqua
Ahoy, campers! Set sail with the pirates of Killoqua and search for adventure (and maybe a little treasure) on Lake Crabapple.
Session 5 DC & OV: Anime Week
Calling all demon hunters, ninjas, samurai, and everyday adventurers — or anyone who just wants a slice of life! Step into the world of anime as we celebrate epic stories, creativity, and imagination all week long.
Session 6 DC & OV: Wild West Week
Saddle up, partner — it’s time for some western fun! We’ll chase bounties, play frontier games, and see who’s the fastest draw in camp.
Session 7 DC & OV: Camp K Eras Tour
We’re turning back the clock and cranking up the nostalgia! From groovy tunes to funky trends, each day is a blast from the past.
Session 8 DC & OV: Winter in Summer
Cool off with a frosty twist on summer fun! We’re bringing winter to camp with snow-inspired games, chilly crafts, and plenty of icy surprises.
Session 9 Day Camp Only: International Sports Week
Get ready to go global! We’ll explore games and sports from around the world — you might even find a new favorite to bring home.
Staff live in camper-style housing, including cabins, platform tents, pole-houses and other outdoor living spaces. Many areas have limited heat or electricity. Personal space is limited to the area around your bunk, so pack thoughtfully.
Camp has a staff laundry room with washers, dryers, and folding tables. Laundry soap is provided, though you may bring your own. Please do not bring laundry pods, as they are hard on our septic system.
Essential Gear
Clothing and Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are required in most areas at camp. Flip flops are only okay for showering and staff areas.
Personal Items
Bedding
Fun Optional Items
Send Before Camp, ideally by June 1
Bring With You or Complete Upon Arrival
These documents are necessary for employment and payroll.
Staff pay periods are processed every two weeks. Paychecks are delivered or direct deposits are made one week after payroll is processed.
During staff training, staff will have the opportunity to set up direct deposit. Please make sure you have the information needed to complete direct deposit setup if you would like your pay deposited directly into your bank account.
International staff are paid twice during the summer: once mid-summer and once at the end of the summer. International staff will also be taken to the Social Security office to apply for a Social Security number, which is required for payroll processing.
Working at camp is active and demanding. Be ready for long days on your feet, running, playing, hiking, supervising, supporting campers, and living outdoors. Camp is also incredibly rewarding. You’ll learn new skills, build strong friendships, and help create experiences campers remember for years.
From I-5 north of Seattle, take Exit 206. Go west on Lakewood Road/Hwy 531 for about 2.2 miles. At the stop sign, turn right toward Warm Beach and continue on Lakewood Road/Hwy 531. Go approximately 3.5 miles, then turn left onto East Lake Goodwin Road. Continue 1.5 miles, past Wenberg County Park. The camp entrance will be on your left.
Questions Before You Arrive?
Please contact Camp Killoqua at killoqua@campfiresnoco.org with questions before arrival.
We can’t wait to welcome you to camp!
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
