Camp Cascadia was founded in 1969 by community pillar Esther McChesney. It was built on her love for the camp experience, youth, and her devotion to her Lord and Savior. As a child, Esther joined Camp Fire Girls which led to eventual employment with the organization, culminating with her being the Director of Camp Killoqua for 14 years. In 1959, following her retirement from Camp Fire, Esther continued to serve youth and the community as a probation officer in Snohomish County Juvenile Court.  In 1981 she retired as the Assistant Director of the Denny Juvenile Detention Center in Everett. In addition, throughout her lifetime Esther was also a devoted volunteer to many organizations dedicated to building a stronger community and supporting young people.

Esther’s vision for Camp Cascadia was twofold. One, to give kids an opportunity to learn all about the world’s various countries and peoples, so that they may learn and grow as a part of the wider global community that inhabits God’s world. And two, to give them an authentic summer camp experience. The camp was designed to focus on one country each year, bringing the world to Cascade View’s backyard for the purpose of broadening horizons, building character, teaching kids to participate in and understand the mission field of the church, and facilitating the formation of memories that will last a lifetime.

Over the years the camp has adapted to the changing times but has tried to keep the spirit of Esther’s original vision. Many of the longtime traditions have continued on such as cooking over fires, spending time outside on the church grounds, making homemade ice cream, teen and adult volunteers, singing, nature class, doing crafts, outdoor chapel, skits, studying a different country each year and more…

Our camp is volunteer led by adults and teens under the leadership of our Co-Directors Luke and Jason. There are many volunteer roles at the camp including group leaders, kitchen staff, grandmas and grandpas, camp nurse, class leaders, outdoors, and the church pastor.

Here are some related articles from the Everett Herald:

Founder of Camp Cascadia has inspired generations of local youth | HeraldNet.com

Camp founder, 102, opened doors nearly 5 decades ago | HeraldNet.com