Are you there Summer? It's me Hamilton.

So the sun is FINALLY shining here at Hamilton. The Teacher Naturalists, Cooks, and Directors are all glad the sun finall showed up, just in time for summer camp to start. St. Charles and St. Joe's Issaquah are splitting a week here at Hamilton. St. Charles is here from Monday until Wednesday and St. Joe's is partaking in the regular Tuesday through Friday schedule. The staff is enjoying the change of pace. The TNs all hope the sun will continue to shine through our last week at Outdoor Ed. and into the start of the summer season.

It's Raining Again, Hallelujah!

So it just finished dumping buckets of rain on Lake Hannan and the level of the lake seems to be high and ready for some summer splashing. The Pond was a site of some exciting events caused by the high water level: Salamander eggs!! A group of students found a some goo and discovered an unborn Salamander within. The kids from St. Louise, St. Rose and St. Anthony from Portland were all excited to see the unusual sight. Although the rain continues to plague us, the warmer temperatures are welcome. The Salmonberries and Thimbleberries are starting to ripen and the Vine Maple leaves are stretching out to create the shade we’ll be grateful for in August. The camp looks so different from how it was in April and the staff loves watching the slow transition towards Summer occur.Thankfully the rain stayed away in time for Night Hikes in which the kids will learn about the inner workings of the eye and other night adaptations. SAY HEY SAHALEE!

St. Joe Sno!

St. Joseph Snoqualmie came to Hamilton to frolic with the beavers and to learn important leadership skills. They roped up and climbed into the Vertical Playpen. The high ropes challenge allowed them to learn valuable leadership skills that will transfer from the outdoors to the everyday. Affirmations, “Cross the Line” and group affirmations allowed the group to grow closer to one another. After a Solo Hike St. Joe’s enjoyed some shelter from the rain with Hot Cocoa by the Fire in Discovery. The students had a chance to learn about leadership, each other, and most importantly, themselves at a fantastic day suspended high above the ground.