Life at Camp Gallagher

HIGH SCHOOL SESSIONS
At Camp Gallagher, our high school campers take the lead. It’s up to them to choose the week’s theme, their daily activities and even the time they wake up each morning. Halfway through the week, lodge groups head out on overnights, paddling or sailing to a campsite on the South Sound where they sleep under the stars, cook their own food, and set their schedule according to the tides. Although always under the supervision of our highly trained staff members, campers are given the freedom to own their experience and contribute to camp in a truly meaningful way.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SESSIONS
During our middle school sessions, campers have the opportunity to try out the wide variety of activities Gallagher has to offer while building friendships, confidence, and new passions. Camper interest drives the groups’ daily activities, but our staff also help push campers to expand their comfort zones by taking advantage of opportunities they might not otherwise explore. From working together on the low ropes course to learning more about how to paddle a canoe, from trying out new arts and crafts to playing beloved games like gaga ball and 9-square,  we give campers both the support and the flexibility they need to surprise themselves.

Classic Camp Highlights*

Boating — During the week there are plenty of opportunities for campers to enjoy the sparkling waters of Case Inlet on paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats!

Challenge Course — The Camp Gallagher challenge course gives campers the opportunity to move out of their comfort zones, while also encouraging team-building among lodge groups. Middle school and younger high school campers will focus on low ropes activities that help them connect with their lodge while older high school campers may have the opportunity to extend that collaboration on our vertical playpen.

Meals — Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are a chance for the whole camp to get together and enjoy some delicious meals prepared from scratch by our amazing cooks. Campers are always a bit surprised just how much they love the food at Gallagher!

Overnights — During our 7, 9, and 10-day sessions these one or two-night excursions around the Puget Sound are a longstanding and beloved Gallagher tradition. Whether traveling by canoes, BIG canoe, sailboat, or kayak, lodge groups bond together during overnights and discover the power of teamwork. Once at their campsite, campers work together to set up camp and cook over an open fire. They return to main camp with stronger friendships and plenty of inside jokes! For our 6-day sessions, campers have the opportunity to build their skills during closer-to-home day trips and challenges around camp.

Sundown — For high schoolers, our nightly sundown ceremony gives campers the opportunity to address the entire camp and share whatever’s on their minds. We listen, sing songs, watch the sky light up in reds, oranges, and purples, and then run to the water’s edge to skip stones.

Campfire — At the end of most days, the entire camp gathers around a roaring campfire on the beach. Songs start loud and fast, then slow down once the stars are out and it’s time to head back to the cabins for some well-earned rest.

Themes — Sessions at Camp Gallagher often feature a “theme night” or “theme lunch” where campers dig into our costume box, get creative with craft supplies, and transport themselves to a different place or time. Past theme activities have included, the Gallagher Sundown Film Festival, Camp Gallagher prom, Casino Night, and Halloween in July.

Details — After every meal, campers compete in a game to “win” a camp chore to complete with their lodge. We believe that each member of a session is an integral part of the community, which means we all do our part to keep camp running for the week. While we know most campers may not expect their “camp chores” to be a highlight, we hear from camper after camper how much fun they have singing and dancing as they work with their staff and lodgemates to clean the bathrooms, organize lifejackets, build a campfire, wash dishes, or clean up the shower area.

Session Types

• Intro to Classic Camp

  • 6-Day Session (Middle School): Does not include an off-site overnight excursion. Campers do have the opportunity to build their skills during closer-to-home day trips and challenges around camp.

• Classic Camp

  • 7-Day Session (Middle School): Includes a 1-night off-site overnight excursion to campsites around South Puget Sound

  • 9-Day Session (High School): Includes a 2-night off-site overnight excursion to campsites around South Puget Sound

• Classic Camp Plus

  • 10-Day Session (High School): Includes a 2-night off-site overnight excursion to campsites around South Puget Sound

2024 Dates and Rates