Wildfire smoke threatens Camp Zanika’s summer season and finances

WENATCHEE —- A local summer youth camp in Lake Wenatchee is facing financial challenges after wildfire smoke forced the early closure of multiple summer camp sessions, threatening its future operations.

Camp Fire North Central Washington says it needs $31,875 to meet payroll and $126,125  to take care of affected camp families without putting the future of Camp Zanika at risk.

In nearly two decades working at Camp Zanika, Executive Director and Camp Director Theresa Samuelsen says wildfire smoke has never impacted camp operations to this extent.

The organization said Session 5 ended one day early due to deteriorating smoke conditions. The next session was cancelled on the second day when air quality returned to unsafe levels. Session 7 was cancelled entirely due to lingering smoke. 

“Our campers had just arrived. They were excited, our staff was ready, and we had an entire week of camp ahead of us,” said Samuelsen. “Sending those children home was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make. But when it comes to the health and safety of our campers and staff, there really isn't a choice.”

Camp Zanika Lache is the nonprofit organization’s resident camp for grades one through 12, founded in 1932 on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee, within the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness area. It offers overnight summer camp, outdoor education, leadership development and year-round opportunities for children and families throughout North Central Washington.

The organization said the decision was heartbreaking, but necessary. Though, it puts the camp’s future at risk.

“We want to do the right thing for our families, but we also have to make sure there is still a Camp Zanika next summer,” Samuelsen said. “We cannot do both without help from our community.”

According to Camp Fire North Central Washington, cancelling a camp session does not eliminate expenses already incurred, such as hiring and training seasonal staff, purchasing food, and ordering supplies. The nonprofit organization must also pay for insurance, utilities and other facility expenses regardless of whether kids are at camp. Insurance has been increasingly limited due to wildfire risk, the organization added.

Camp Fire North Central Washington’s immediate goal is to raise enough for payroll expenses while hoping to meet its larger goal of $126,125 to help take care of families affected by the closures while keeping Camp Zanika financially strong enough to open its doors again.

“We have always found a way to keep going,” Samuelsen said. “Camp has survived hard years before. But this is different. We made the decision we had to make to protect our kids. Now we are asking our community to help protect Camp Zanika.”

The organization is raising money through an online campaign: https://givebutter.com/help-save-camp-zanika-youth-coed-summer-camp-5jktx3.

Donations can also be made by calling 509-663-1609, texting helpcamp to 53-555 or by mail: Camp Fire North Central Washington, PO BOX 1734, Wenatchee, WA 98807.

Businesses, foundations and major donors can contact Theresa Samuelsen at campfirencw@gmail.com.