This past May, the City of Burien’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PaRCS) Department earned statewide recognition when its Outdoor Explorers Summer Camp received the Innovative Program Award from the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA). The honor celebrated the camp’s creative approach to breaking barriers and opening doors for local Highline District BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) youth—many of whom have historically faced challenges like cost, transportation, and lack of access to outdoor experiences.
Thanks to support from the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant, Outdoor Explorers has introduced teens to the magic of the Pacific Northwest through kayaking, hiking, and hands-on lessons in environmental education. Beyond the adventures, the camp stands out for another reason: a professional development track for returning campers. By shadowing staff and learning leadership skills, participants gain valuable job-readiness experience while continuing their connection to the outdoors.
This year, however, came with new challenges. The City was not awarded another round of the NCLI grant for 2025, forcing the camp to scale back. Instead of welcoming 36 teens per week, staff worked hard to deliver the same high-quality experience for 15 campers each session. Even with a smaller roster, the spirit of adventure never dimmed.
From paddling the waters of Seahurst Beach to exploring Salmon Creek Ravine’s hidden trails, campers spent their summer discovering the natural world around them. They learned about the region’s water systems during visits to the local treatment plant, built confidence in their abilities, and developed friendships that will last well beyond the summer months.
Outdoor Explorers proves that meaningful experiences can be cultivated at any scale from creativity, passion, and a commitment to giving every child the chance to explore, grow, and lead. And this award-winning program is doing just that.
