Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki

Nestled on more than 18 beautiful acres near the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County, Washington, Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki is a place where nature, learning, adventure, and community come together.

The Kiwanis organization has been stewarding Camp Wa-Ri-Ki since 1976, but the property's history reaches back to the 1950s, when it served as the Larch Mountain Honor Camp. Today, we are committed to preserving this special place while improving aging infrastructure and expanding opportunities for children, families, schools, and community organizations to experience and learn from the outdoors.

Learning, Growing & Exploring Outdoors

At Camp Wa-Ri-Ki, having fun while learning is a priority. Our programs are built around four core areas:

• Nature-Based Learning
• Leadership & Personal Development
• Fun, Exploration & Adventure
• Outdoor Skills

Throughout the year, children and families have opportunities to explore the forest, discover wildlife, build outdoor skills, create, play, and connect with one another and the natural world.

Our seasonal community events have become some of the most special ways we welcome families to Camp Wa-Ri-Ki:

Nature Day celebrates outdoor discovery with hands-on activities that invite children and families to explore, learn, create, and experience the natural world together.

Harvest Day welcomes the changing season with fall activities, nature experiences, food, and opportunities for families to gather and enjoy the beauty of camp.

Our Annual Free Easter Egg Hunt brings hundreds of community members to Camp Wa-Ri-Ki for a joyful day in nature. Children and families explore the camp's grounds while hunting for eggs, spending time outdoors, and creating memories together. By keeping this event free, we can welcome families from throughout the region to experience the camp and simply enjoy a day outside together.

A Place for Community

Camp Wa-Ri-Ki is more than a camp. It is a gathering place where children, families, schools, organizations, and community groups can connect through shared outdoor experiences.

We partner with schools, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and Kiwanis Clubs to expand access to outdoor recreation and learning. We also make camp facilities available to organizations that serve children, families, and other members of our community.

Our partners have included Lifeline Connections, Skamania County, Washington school districts, Kiwanis Clubs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, among others.

Together, these partnerships help more people learn, explore, connect, and grow outdoors.

Gather at Camp Wa-Ri-Ki

Camp Wa-Ri-Ki is also available for private rentals, offering a beautiful, natural setting for gatherings both large and small.

Our facilities and grounds can host:

• Weddings and celebrations
• Family reunions
• Clubs and community organizations
• Retreats and group gatherings
• School and youth groups
• And more

Whether gathering around a campfire, celebrating with family and friends, or bringing a group together for a weekend away, Camp Wa-Ri-Ki offers a unique opportunity to unplug, reconnect, and enjoy time together surrounded by nature.

Our Mission: This Place

Our mission is to provide outdoor experiences that support the optimal development of at-risk youth and strengthen our communities through recreational, educational, and leadership opportunities.

Camp Wa-Ri-Ki is a place to discover new abilities, build relationships, develop confidence, experience adventure, and deepen respect for the natural world.

Honoring This Land & One Another

Southwest Washington is the ancestral and modern home of First Peoples, including the Cowlitz, Yakama, and Klickitat peoples. The First Peoples of the Skamania County area included the Chilluckittequw People. We acknowledge and honor their enduring relationship with these lands and waters.

Kiwanis International and Camp Wa-Ri-Ki are committed to creating environments rooted in mutual respect, belonging, and dignity for all. We strive to ensure that our programs and operations welcome the diverse children, families, volunteers, partners, and communities we serve.

At Camp Wa-Ri-Ki, nature is our classroom, adventure inspires growth, and community brings us together.