Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is it like living on Orcas Island
Living on Orcas is SWEET! There is lots to do, and many other island to explore. Orkila is located about two miles from the town of Eastsound. It has a grocery store and a co-op, a pharmacy, an outdoor store, two sea kayaking shops, a convenience store, a movie theater and MANY restaurants.
Orcas Island is home to Moran State Park with great campsites and over 30 miles of hiking trails and beautiful lakes. Other great trails can be explored on Turtle Back Mountain. There are also opportunities for whale watching.
Orcas is artsy/crafty and has a lot of eclectic things to do and see. There is a farmer’s market in town every Saturday and all sorts of events hosted throughout the week in Eastsound – think open-mics, shows, karaoke etc. For a pretty penny, one can also travel out to Doe Bay Resort and Café and spend time in their hot tubs and sauna – and enjoy awesome food in their café.
Getting to other islands is VERY easy. It is free to walk on to the inter-island ferry that runs between Shaw, Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Island. Friday Harbor, the largest town in the islands is on San Juan Island. It has about twice the things that Eastsound does. San Juan Island also has Lime Kiln State Park – the only land based whale watching site in the islands.
Orcas is also a hop, skip and jump (ferry ride) away from Anacortes which will get you close to Bellingham, Seattle and Vancouver, BC if you’re feeling adventurous.
Q: What does time off and day off look like?
For most positions, staff work a 6-day work week with one 24 hours period off during the week (scheduled with your supervisor). Throughout each day we aim for staff to get at least 2-hours off. For all other times, including overnight you are expected to be doing your job or being with campers.
If you are working a multi-week program your day off schedule might look different. For teen trips this may mean working all days in the expedition and having multiple days off in between programs.
Some support staff positions work a shift schedule.
While on your day off or time off housing and meals will still be provided but you are free to leave camp if you want.
Q: Can I bring my car to Camp?
Yes! Staff may park at camp in Foxfire Field. Speed limit on camp property is 15mph. Reservations for the ferry are highly recommended for cars.
Q: Can I bring my bicycle to camp?
Yes! Here are some things to consider.
You must wear a helmet while on camp property (leading by example for our campers).
Campers may NOT ride your bicycle. Other staff may, with your permission. They too, must wear a helmet while on camp property.
We don't have a designated "bike lock area," so you are free to keep it near your cabin and lock it to something durable, like a small tree. We cannot guarantee the safety of any bikes or bike locks while at camp.
If you are driving yourself or with someone else, bring your bike along, too. If you are walking onto the ferry, and are planning to be picked up by us, we can pick your bike up with you. Just let us know in advance.
Uniform:
We always wear “Wookies” (Wood Cookies) or name tags while on duty as a part of our Child Abuse Prevention policies. Every staff member and volunteer will receive a staff shirt. Wearing them is required on arrival day, recommended for departure days, and optional on other days. Please do not alter them in any way. Staff can wear Orkila staff shirts from previous years as well.
Dress code:
We recognize that dress codes often disproportionately affect certain groups of people, including women, people of color and trans or gender nonconforming people. Our dress code applies to anyone of any sex, gender identity or gender presentation. We recognize that camp can be a place many view as safe to express their identity through clothing, and encourage participants and staff to do so.
All hair colors and hairstyles are welcome. Tattoos may be visible (if content is appropriate around children) and piercings are acceptable but may need to be removed or covered for some activities.
As for appropriate clothing, staff are encouraged to use common sense. Clothing should cover most of the body from the collarbone to mid-thigh, ensuring coverage of the genitals and nipples. Clothing needs to be practically appropriate for camp activities, taking into account the physical nature of what we do, and the variety of weather and temperatures we experience. We should be prepared to run, move around, and get messy, with our clothing remaining comfortably in place.
During aquatic activities, one must wear swim attire that covers their genitals, and may choose to wear swim attire that covers more of their body. Outside of the aquatic activity, one’s mid-thigh to collarbone must be mostly covered. This means when walking to and from aquatic activities and bathrooms/cabins, one may need to put on additional clothes or use a towel to cover themselves. Staff must ensure that participants do not stay in wet attire for long periods of time due to increased health risks. Shoes are required when moving around camp. Closed-toed shoes and long pants are required for some activities and recommended for others. Staff should be prepared to walk and run over uneven terrain for activities and in case of emergency.
Imagery and text on clothing should reflect the values of the Y. Anything that relates to or promotes the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, profanity, or violence are prohibited. As staff members of a non-profit organization, clothing should also not advocate for or against a political party or candidate.
Q: Is there a uniform or dress code?
Q: Where can I charge my cell phone, iPod, laptop, etc.?
Our staff lounge is called Great Blue Heron or GBH. Here we will have a TV, couches, and camaraderie! You may charge things in this common space, but please do not leave your electronics unattended.
Q: How early should I try to be at the Anacortes Ferry Landing for my desired sailing?
This will depend on if you are walking on, biking on, or driving on. You can find information for first-time ferry riders here.
The Washington State Ferries take reservations for the San Juan Islands. To learn about the reservation system and to make a reservation please visit: Washington State Ferries Reservations.
Q: When do campers arrive/leave?
For session 1 we have a mini week and campers arrive on Monday and depart on Friday. The first half of the summer (sessions 2-5) campers arrive on Saturday and depart on Friday. For the second half of the summer (sessions 6-9) campers arrive on Wednesday and depart on Tuesday. Session 9 campers arrive Saturday and depart on Wednesday.
Q: Is their wifi at Camp?
Yes! There are “hotspots” in a couple of places, but the best location for staff is in Great Blue Heron (GBH) and the Larry Norman Lodge. If the service is ever slow or not working, please notify a director as soon as possible so we can fix it.
Q: How should my friends or family contact me?
Letters and mail are a great way to keep in touch at camp! Our mailing addresses are:
For USPS
Your Name - Staff
PO Box 1149
Eastsound WA, 98245
For UPS & Fedex
Your Name - Staff
484 Camp Orkila Rd
Eastsound WA, 98245
To contact our main office at camp:
Camp Orkila Main Office, 8am-5pm: 360-376-2678
In case of emergency:
24 hour Cell Phone, always carried by a director: 360-317-6852
Q: Can friends or family visit me?
Anyone may visit camp for a maximum of 2 hours and cannot stay overnight. Visitors must sign in at the main office and get a visitors’ badge. Visitors cannot interact with campers and there may be additional restrictions due to COVID-19.
There are AirBnBs, hotels, and campsites around the island for visitors wishing to stay longer.