Camp Hamilton Introduce
For families in Washington State seeking a summer camp experience that blends outdoor adventure with faith-based learning, Camp Hamilton in Monroe presents a unique opportunity. While the term "campground" might suggest a typical public camping site, Camp Hamilton is specifically known as a private, organized summer camp operated by CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) Summer Camps, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Seattle. It is designed to offer transformative experiences for youth, challenging them to "live, learn, and grow in the Catholic faith" through a diverse array of activities and community living.
We understand that choosing a summer camp for your child is a significant decision, and the local perspective often involves finding programs that are not only engaging and safe but also align with personal values. Camp Hamilton provides an environment where campers can unplug from technology, engage with nature, and build social skills in a supportive, faith-filled setting. While some past reviews may highlight individual negative experiences, it’s important to understand the camp’s mission and the comprehensive program it offers. This article will provide a detailed overview of Camp Hamilton, its location, the structured activities and services it provides, its unique features, and why it remains a relevant and valuable option for Washington families looking for a specialized summer camp experience.
Camp Hamilton, located in Monroe, Washington, is a long-standing summer camp with a rich history dating back to 1950. As part of CYO Summer Camps, it is dedicated to providing youth with an immersive outdoor and faith-based experience. Spanning 570 acres of lush temperate rainforest in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the camp offers a private lake, streams, and a variety of enclosed cabins for accommodation. The primary focus of Camp Hamilton is on challenging campers through adventure programs, fostering faith, and building strong community bonds. It emphasizes unplugging from technology, encouraging campers to engage directly with their peers and the natural environment.
The camp is structured to offer different programs tailored to various age groups, from elementary school to high school, each incorporating elements of outdoor adventure, environmental education, and Catholic teachings. Activities are designed not just for fun but also to teach problem-solving, teamwork, and Christian values. Meals are served family-style in the spacious Discovery Lodge, often overlooking the lake, with efforts made to accommodate various dietary needs, including being a peanut-free facility. While it operates as a structured summer camp with specific programs, its expansive natural setting and the opportunity for overnight stays make it relevant within the broader context of "campgrounds" for youth in Washington State.
Camp Hamilton is located at 25405 Lake Fontal Rd, Monroe, WA 98272, USA. This address places the camp nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, providing a beautiful and relatively secluded natural environment. Monroe, a city in Snohomish County, Washington, serves as the nearest town, offering essential services and amenities. While the camp itself provides an immersive experience, its proximity to Monroe means that it is accessible for drop-offs and pickups, and offers a degree of convenience for staff and visitors when necessary. The setting on 570 acres of temperate rainforest, complete with a private lake (Lake Fontal) and streams, ensures that campers are deeply integrated into a natural landscape, ideal for outdoor education and activities.
Accessibility for families across Washington is generally good, given Monroe’s location relative to major population centers. It is within a reasonable driving distance from areas like Seattle, Everett, and other communities in the Puget Sound region. This allows many local families to send their children to Camp Hamilton for its unique programs. The camp is fairly remote, being about 20 minutes from the nearest town, which contributes to the "unplugged" experience. While cell service can be limited, the Discovery Lodge does offer Wi-Fi for staff use, and a landline is available for essential communication. The journey to Camp Hamilton offers scenic views as one moves deeper into the forested areas surrounding Monroe, setting the stage for an immersive outdoor adventure.
- Structured Summer Camp Programs: Offers various week-long programs for different age groups (e.g., Adventure 1 for 5th-7th graders, Adventure 2 for 8th-10th graders, High School programs).
- Faith-Based Curriculum: Integrates Catholic teachings, values, and spiritual development into daily activities and community life.
- Overnight Accommodations: Provides enclosed cabins for campers, with heat, electricity, bunk beds, and mattresses.
- Meals: Serves nutritious, kid-friendly meals family-style in the Discovery Lodge, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an afternoon snack. The camp is peanut-free and can accommodate most special dietary needs with advance notice.
- Environmental Education Programs: Offers residential outdoor environmental education experiences for students, often aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
- On-site Staff and Supervision: A dedicated team of trained staff, including counselors and program leaders, provides supervision and guidance. Staff undergo intensive training in areas such as healthcare, child development, and behavior management.
- Health Care: A camp nurse oversees medication management and basic first aid.
- Expansive Natural Setting: Sprawls across 570 acres of temperate rainforest with a private lake (Lake Fontal) and streams, providing a vast natural playground for exploration.
- High Ropes Course: Features a high ropes course and vertical obstacle course, challenging campers with exciting adventure activities.
- Paintball: Offers thrilling paintball matches as part of the adventure programming.
- Boating and Water Activities: Campers can enjoy various vessels on Lake Fontal, including paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.
- Mountain Biking Program: An exciting program with over 50 miles of scenic trails and roads for campers to explore, along with bike maintenance skills.
- Hiking Trails: Dozens of scenic hiking trails are available throughout the property, suitable for exploring the diverse ecosystems.
- Wilderness Explorers Camp: A specialized program for adventurous campers involving overnight hiking, outdoor cooking, survival skills, and weather awareness.
- Unplugged Environment: Campers are generally not allowed to have cell phones or other electronics, encouraging full engagement with the camp experience and peers.
- Community Building: Emphasizes creating a "Circle of family, friendship, and support" among campers and staff.
- American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation: Ensures adherence to high standards for health, safety, and program quality.
Address: 25405 Lake Fontal Rd, Monroe, WA 98272, USA
Phone: (360) 863-1525
Mobile Phone: +1 360-863-1525
General CYO Summer Camp Phone: (425) 333-6135
Email: cyo@seattlearch.org
Camp Hamilton is particularly well-suited for locals in Washington State, especially those in the Puget Sound area, for several compelling reasons. For families seeking a summer camp that goes beyond mere recreation, Camp Hamilton offers a distinctive blend of outdoor adventure, personal growth, and faith-based education, aligning with a broad spectrum of local values and needs.
Firstly, its location in Monroe, nestled within 570 acres of temperate rainforest, provides an accessible yet truly immersive natural environment. Washingtonians appreciate direct access to the outdoors, and Camp Hamilton delivers this in spades with its private lake, extensive hiking and biking trails, and diverse ecological setting. This allows children to genuinely disconnect from screens and engage with the natural world, a priority for many parents in the region.
Secondly, as a CYO Summer Camp, it offers a structured and supervised environment rooted in Catholic teachings. For families who prioritize spiritual development alongside traditional camp activities, Camp Hamilton provides a unique offering. The emphasis on community building, teamwork, and character development, all within a faith context, resonates with many local families looking for a holistic summer experience for their children. The American Camp Association accreditation further assures parents of a commitment to safety and quality programming.
While some past individual experiences might have raised concerns about food or comfort, it's crucial to understand that these camps are designed for structured group living and outdoor activities, which inherently involve a departure from typical home comforts. The camp's proactive approach to safety, trained staff, and specific program offerings like high ropes, mountain biking, and boating, ensure a dynamic and enriching experience. For Washington locals seeking a transformative summer camp that promotes independence, fosters a connection to nature, and reinforces positive values, Camp Hamilton stands as a unique and valuable resource.
Camp Hamilton Photos










Camp Hamilton Location
Camp Hamilton
25405 Lake Fontal Rd, Monroe, WA 98272, USA
Camp Hamilton Reviews
My kid went here and absolutely terrible camp. She hated every second of it, the food tasted horrible it was inedible. They made her hike even though she has a medical condition.
Apr 02, 2025 · C KidsThis camp hurt me so bad. I cried when I ate the food it tasted like dog food. I thought this was a getaway for me and the fam but it was actually an abandoned summer camp!! It made me so scared at night and they put me in a cabin with nobody except for Joey. Don’t go to this camp if you want to come home without nightmares!!!!!!
May 11, 2024 · Stars4youGreat learning experience for the class.
Apr 23, 2019 · M SchumacherThis camp got me to love camping. The staff and faculty are the most supportive and fun people I had ever met. It's a long way out and you lose cell service, but that really helps you to connect to nature and God. It is also a great facility to rent out during the off season because everything is closed and heated with electricity. Great for a family retreat or reunion.
Jul 31, 2015 · Camren RichardsGreat facilities to escape from the digital world for a few days. A nice lake view from the porch of Discovery Lodge is a great way to start the day and was only topped by camping on the beach, lake-side. The trails can be a little underwhelming, but the Lodge offers a little but of civilization to make for a more comfortable trip.
Oct 06, 2018 · Swhet
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