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HISTORY
KEEP is the latest chapter in a long story of our community’s dedication to saving Camp Kilworth. For over 80 years, the picturesque camp property overlooking Puget Sound was a boy scout camp that hosted a variety of camps and community events. Generations of youth from Federal Way and Tacoma learned outdoor and nature skills in the camp’s forest and 1935 Rotary Lodge.
Since its first attempt to be sold in 2001, local residents and scout families have sought to maintain the property as a camp and natural open space for the community and coastal wildlife. When the boy scouts relinquished the property to the Kilworth Foundations in 2016, a renewed effort began to save the camp for future generations and expand its vision to serve our diverse community. From this effort, KEEP was formed in 2020 to engage stakeholders and raise support for the camp’s future and the preservation of its historic buildings.
We encourage you to explore the history of the camp and the community’s preservation efforts in the timeline below. As a community space, the camp’s history lives in the experiences of many in our community. Now, thanks to the support of the community, the next generation of youth will have the chance to create memories in this special place
THE KEEP STORY,
& more...
We would like to acknowledge the Historical Society of Federal Way, The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and 4Culture for recognizing the value of this historic landmark and supporting our collective efforts to save it through grants and guidance.
KEEP is grateful to Forterra for their leadership and steadfast commitment to save Camp Kilworth. We give our heartfelt thanks to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for restoring and reopening the camp so it can be filled with the sound of children’s laughter again.
THE STORY OF CAMP KILWORTH & beyond...
Camp Kilworth Legacy
Camp Kilworth is a 29.33 acre space of historic structures and coastal forest with a trail system that connects the activity spaces and the natural habitat.
The property is second growth forest with an abundance of native plants, including salal, thimble berry, salmon berry, Indian plum or osoberry, both evergreen and red huckleberries and a variety of ferns. The forest itself is primarily composed of western hemlock, red alder, large-leaf maple, some Douglas fir, with a few yew and madrona trees. Most of the western red cedar was logged off before the site became Camp Kilworth for the Boy Scouts of America.
Structures were gradually built over the eighty-two years the property served as a camp for the Boy Scout of America, Tacoma Area Council of Scouts. Through the efforts of Tacoma Rotary #8, plus other community organizations and businesses, the camp was designed and constructed starting in 1935. Early features included the log style Rotary Lodge and Amphitheater on a bluff above the Puget Sound.
Over the more than eight decades that Camp Kilworth was in operation, thousands of young men learned life and self sufficiency skills presented by the Boy Scouts of America. The camp not only served young Cub and Boy Scouts, it was well used by the Girl Scouts, YMCA, Veterans and local church organizations that held summer camps and other programs at Camp Kilworth. Many public meetings were also held at the Rotary Lodge. It served the community and its youth well over the ensuing years.
The importance of Camp Kilworth goes far beyond its use as a camp for the Boy Scouts of America. It is a place where youth groups, Veterans, community groups and citizens gathered to learn, have fun and relax in Camp Kilworth’s natural beauty.
The property is second growth forest with an abundance of native plants, including salal, thimble berry, salmon berry, Indian plum or osoberry, both evergreen and red huckleberries and a variety of ferns. The forest itself is primarily composed of western hemlock, red alder, large-leaf maple, some Douglas fir, with a few yew and madrona trees. Most of the western red cedar was logged off before the site became Camp Kilworth for the Boy Scouts of America.
Structures were gradually built over the eighty-two years the property served as a camp for the Boy Scout of America, Tacoma Area Council of Scouts. Through the efforts of Tacoma Rotary #8, plus other community organizations and businesses, the camp was designed and constructed starting in 1935. Early features included the log style Rotary Lodge and Amphitheater on a bluff above the Puget Sound.
Over the more than eight decades that Camp Kilworth was in operation, thousands of young men learned life and self sufficiency skills presented by the Boy Scouts of America. The camp not only served young Cub and Boy Scouts, it was well used by the Girl Scouts, YMCA, Veterans and local church organizations that held summer camps and other programs at Camp Kilworth. Many public meetings were also held at the Rotary Lodge. It served the community and its youth well over the ensuing years.
The importance of Camp Kilworth goes far beyond its use as a camp for the Boy Scouts of America. It is a place where youth groups, Veterans, community groups and citizens gathered to learn, have fun and relax in Camp Kilworth’s natural beauty.
Camp Kilworth, Established 1934
Located on the shoreline of Puget Sound in what is now the City of Federal Way in South West King County, Camp Kilworth was initially developed for the Boy Scouts of America Troops of Tacoma, which included Browns Point/Dash Point. Camp Kilworth is locally significant based upon it being the only Boy Scouts of America camp located in King County, WA.
From 1934 until 2016, it was one of five camps operated by the Pacific Harbors Council of Tacoma, BSA National. It’s close proximity to Tacoma, both north Pierce and south King counties meant that it was a prime location for Cub Scout Day Camps, weekend over-night camping, to attend meetings, earn merit badges, or participate in award ceremonies and adult training programs. It was built and sustained by sponsorships, donations and contributions of local businessmen, community and service clubs. Camp Kilworth represents how community organizations work together to accomplish cultural values and create communal spaces to pass on to future generations.
BSA grew to be one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. It’s estimated over 110 million Americans participated in Boy Scouts of America at some time in their life.
At its inception, the Boy Scouts of America movement gained momentum across the nation and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In 1911, when Seattle formed their Council, BSA in Tacoma had eight troops organized In 1921-1922. Rotary #8 worked with the American Legion to procure tents and equipment from Camp Lewis to establish four 2-week camps for boys at Camp Dover on American Lake.
By the next year, a camp was established at Spanaway Lake where Rotary #8 built them a lodge. Assisted by Kiwanis Clubs they built eight cabins within the next two years. By 1924, Tacoma formed its own Council District. The camp was lost in 1930, when the Metropolitan Parks District ruled that their property could not be occupied by an outside agency.
By 1934, W.W. Kilworth deeded acreage on the Puget Sound to the Tacoma area BSA for a permanent camp, Camp Kilworth.
From 1934 until 2016, it was one of five camps operated by the Pacific Harbors Council of Tacoma, BSA National. It’s close proximity to Tacoma, both north Pierce and south King counties meant that it was a prime location for Cub Scout Day Camps, weekend over-night camping, to attend meetings, earn merit badges, or participate in award ceremonies and adult training programs. It was built and sustained by sponsorships, donations and contributions of local businessmen, community and service clubs. Camp Kilworth represents how community organizations work together to accomplish cultural values and create communal spaces to pass on to future generations.
BSA grew to be one of the largest youth organizations in the United States. It’s estimated over 110 million Americans participated in Boy Scouts of America at some time in their life.
At its inception, the Boy Scouts of America movement gained momentum across the nation and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In 1911, when Seattle formed their Council, BSA in Tacoma had eight troops organized In 1921-1922. Rotary #8 worked with the American Legion to procure tents and equipment from Camp Lewis to establish four 2-week camps for boys at Camp Dover on American Lake.
By the next year, a camp was established at Spanaway Lake where Rotary #8 built them a lodge. Assisted by Kiwanis Clubs they built eight cabins within the next two years. By 1924, Tacoma formed its own Council District. The camp was lost in 1930, when the Metropolitan Parks District ruled that their property could not be occupied by an outside agency.
By 1934, W.W. Kilworth deeded acreage on the Puget Sound to the Tacoma area BSA for a permanent camp, Camp Kilworth.
Property Ownership History
The land that Camp Kilworth sits on first belonged to the Coast Salish People of Puget Sound, specifically the Puyallup Nation, who stewarded the land in our region since time immemorial and still live here today.
The first settler claim on the land that we could find was by William Ollard who owned and logged the land from 1907-1930. Remnants of the logging legacy can still be found in the Camp as cedar stumps with spring board notches in them. William Ollard then sold the acreage to Dr. Frank and Minnie Killgore of Puyallup who only retained the property for a few years before selling it to William W. Kilworth & Augusta L. Kilworth on February 27, 1934. The next day, the Kilworths deeded the property over to the Tacoma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Tacoma area Boy Scouts of America used the property for 80 years until the Pacific Harbor Council sought to sell it. However, they were not allowed to profit through leasing the property or permitted to sell the land or any part thereof. A deed restriction required that the property would go back to the Kilworth Foundations if BSA found they had no need of it. Eventually the Kilworth Foundations obtained ownership of the property and chose to sell the property.
The first settler claim on the land that we could find was by William Ollard who owned and logged the land from 1907-1930. Remnants of the logging legacy can still be found in the Camp as cedar stumps with spring board notches in them. William Ollard then sold the acreage to Dr. Frank and Minnie Killgore of Puyallup who only retained the property for a few years before selling it to William W. Kilworth & Augusta L. Kilworth on February 27, 1934. The next day, the Kilworths deeded the property over to the Tacoma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.
Tacoma area Boy Scouts of America used the property for 80 years until the Pacific Harbor Council sought to sell it. However, they were not allowed to profit through leasing the property or permitted to sell the land or any part thereof. A deed restriction required that the property would go back to the Kilworth Foundations if BSA found they had no need of it. Eventually the Kilworth Foundations obtained ownership of the property and chose to sell the property.
William Kilworth
In 1934, Businessmen William W. Kilworth gave the land for this camp to the BSA Council of Tacoma for the purpose of teaching Scout crafts, cooperation, patriotism, courage, self reliance and kindred virtues among boys. Service clubs such as Rotary #8 then developed the camp plan and built the lodge.
William Washington Kilworth was born in Kansas in 1881 and died in Tacoma in 1964. His Father died when he was young so he worked as a paper carrier for the Emporia Gazette. The Editor, William Allen White, took notice of him and became his mentor. He encouraged him to get a good education. After graduating from Princeton, William Kilworth bought a train ticket for Seattle where he initially made money in real estate. He later became a prominent businessman in Tacoma where he started the Washington Handle Company, making broom handles. He got the idea after watching the amount of waste created in the lumber industry. He offered the mills a minimal amount for the rounded slabs considered waste. At its peak his company created 75% of the broom handles produced in the USA. He never forgot the encouragement he received from Mr. White and it engendered “a life-long desire to help others, especially boys through the Boy Scout movement.”
William Washington Kilworth was born in Kansas in 1881 and died in Tacoma in 1964. His Father died when he was young so he worked as a paper carrier for the Emporia Gazette. The Editor, William Allen White, took notice of him and became his mentor. He encouraged him to get a good education. After graduating from Princeton, William Kilworth bought a train ticket for Seattle where he initially made money in real estate. He later became a prominent businessman in Tacoma where he started the Washington Handle Company, making broom handles. He got the idea after watching the amount of waste created in the lumber industry. He offered the mills a minimal amount for the rounded slabs considered waste. At its peak his company created 75% of the broom handles produced in the USA. He never forgot the encouragement he received from Mr. White and it engendered “a life-long desire to help others, especially boys through the Boy Scout movement.”
Camp Kilworth, Design and Planning
Most of the early development in the Puget Sound region was done along the coastline since everything was more accessible by boat. Camp Kilworth sits on a high bank forested bluff above a sandy beach in what is now Federal Way. Initially the Tacoma Scouts accessed the camp by boat and a trail that led up the bluff through a ravine. Rotary Club #8 formed a Boy’s Work Committee in 1934 to begin formulating a design plan for Camp Kilworth.
The National headquarters of the Boy Scouts offered to have their camp planning expert review the plans when completed. Glenn Parker and other members of the Tacoma Engineers Club went over the camp and made several topographical maps. Sherman Ingels, Landscape Architect, outlined landscaping possibilities and spotted the building sites. The Tacoma Society of Architects under the leadership of Nelson Morrison and Ernest Mock drew up suggested plans for troop shelters and also plans for the main lodge.
The final plans were reviewed by the National Boy Scout Council and the Boys Work Committee and in April of 1935 they outlined a construction program for the Camp at an estimated cost of $3,500 for the main lodge. Camp Kilworth plans were presented at the Tacoma Rotary #8 regular club meeting in May of that same year. Each member was asked to take one or more shares of the project on the basis of $20 cash or its equivalent value in construction materials. The new Rotary President, Farlin Nye made the construction of the camp one of Rotary #8’s main objectives and $2,200 was quickly subscribed by members to begin the process. Detailed plans for the Lodge were drawn up by the Tacoma Society of Architects and contractor, Walter Ketner was authorized by the committee to build the Lodge according to the final plans.
The Rotary Lodge was finished for an approximate cost of $4,400 and officially dedicated on May 3, 1936 by William and Augusta Kilworth at a gathering of Scouts and many who had contributed to the construction. The Sea Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp from Sea Ship 110 provided inspirational music. At the 1936 dedication, a time capsule was placed in the exterior of the northeast fireplace of the Lodge. Rotarian Robert G. Walker of the Walker Cut Stone Company and George W. Ball of the Ball Brass Company donated the metal box to encase the chosen materials in. The Rotary Lodge still sits on the bluff overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
The National headquarters of the Boy Scouts offered to have their camp planning expert review the plans when completed. Glenn Parker and other members of the Tacoma Engineers Club went over the camp and made several topographical maps. Sherman Ingels, Landscape Architect, outlined landscaping possibilities and spotted the building sites. The Tacoma Society of Architects under the leadership of Nelson Morrison and Ernest Mock drew up suggested plans for troop shelters and also plans for the main lodge.
The final plans were reviewed by the National Boy Scout Council and the Boys Work Committee and in April of 1935 they outlined a construction program for the Camp at an estimated cost of $3,500 for the main lodge. Camp Kilworth plans were presented at the Tacoma Rotary #8 regular club meeting in May of that same year. Each member was asked to take one or more shares of the project on the basis of $20 cash or its equivalent value in construction materials. The new Rotary President, Farlin Nye made the construction of the camp one of Rotary #8’s main objectives and $2,200 was quickly subscribed by members to begin the process. Detailed plans for the Lodge were drawn up by the Tacoma Society of Architects and contractor, Walter Ketner was authorized by the committee to build the Lodge according to the final plans.
The Rotary Lodge was finished for an approximate cost of $4,400 and officially dedicated on May 3, 1936 by William and Augusta Kilworth at a gathering of Scouts and many who had contributed to the construction. The Sea Scouts Drum & Bugle Corp from Sea Ship 110 provided inspirational music. At the 1936 dedication, a time capsule was placed in the exterior of the northeast fireplace of the Lodge. Rotarian Robert G. Walker of the Walker Cut Stone Company and George W. Ball of the Ball Brass Company donated the metal box to encase the chosen materials in. The Rotary Lodge still sits on the bluff overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
The Rotary Lodge
The Rotary Lodge at Camp Kilworth is a rustic vernacular style lodge built in a log cabin siding style popular in the 1930s. Construction began in 1935 and the building was dedicated on May 3, 1936, giving local Scout troops a nearby place to hold leader training, meetings, camp, and events.
Designed as a side-gabled great room style that features a dropped roof porch with a magnificent view of the Puget Sound. Two heavy wood double doors with metal strap hinges swing out onto the porch area that is now used as the main entrance. Large brick fireplaces were built at both the northeast and southwest sides of the one story high open high-beamed hall. A plaque on the Fireplace: “These Fireplaces Presented by Hugh C. Wallace Trust – 1935 – BSA – Be Prepared”.
The main hall has a wood board ceiling showing through an open large beamed framework. Two hand forged wrought-iron chandeliers that were made for the Lodge hang below the beams. A kitchen with open porch was added onto the east of the building where the original hall entrance was located. The kitchen roof line matches this original entrance which was on the south side of the Lodge and was cedar shingled to match the original Lodge roof.
Designed as a side-gabled great room style that features a dropped roof porch with a magnificent view of the Puget Sound. Two heavy wood double doors with metal strap hinges swing out onto the porch area that is now used as the main entrance. Large brick fireplaces were built at both the northeast and southwest sides of the one story high open high-beamed hall. A plaque on the Fireplace: “These Fireplaces Presented by Hugh C. Wallace Trust – 1935 – BSA – Be Prepared”.
The main hall has a wood board ceiling showing through an open large beamed framework. Two hand forged wrought-iron chandeliers that were made for the Lodge hang below the beams. A kitchen with open porch was added onto the east of the building where the original hall entrance was located. The kitchen roof line matches this original entrance which was on the south side of the Lodge and was cedar shingled to match the original Lodge roof.
Significant Wildlife Corridor
The Dash Point area to the south and Dumas Bay/Lakota to the north of the camp were all determined to be part of a wildlife corridor by Don Norman, Wildlife Consultant who prepared a Functional Assessment Model for the forest at Camp Kilworth. The shoreline bluffs at Camp Kilworth are the feeder bluffs for Dumas Bay, which contains large eelgrass beds that are critical for salmon.
The property is second growth forest with an abundance of native plants, including salal, thimble berry, salmon berry, Indian plum or osoberry, both evergreen and red huckleberries and a variety of ferns. The forest itself is primarily composed of western hemlock, red alder, large-leaf maple, some Douglas fir, with a few yew and madrona trees.
The property is second growth forest with an abundance of native plants, including salal, thimble berry, salmon berry, Indian plum or osoberry, both evergreen and red huckleberries and a variety of ferns. The forest itself is primarily composed of western hemlock, red alder, large-leaf maple, some Douglas fir, with a few yew and madrona trees.
Troop 72
The first camp Ranger was a Danish immigrant and WWI Veteran named Hans Peter Jensen who was instrumental in organizing as Scoutmaster for Troop 72 which began in 1936 at Browns Point. Also in 1936, a Ranger’s cabin was built near the Lodge by the Tacoma Elks by L. H. Vocational Institute of Tacoma. It has even been suggested that it was the cabin seen at the beach. About this time funds were raised by the Dash Point Social and Improvement Club, to build the Blockhouse at Camp Kilworth.
After 1938, Jim Phillips Sr. took over as Ranger for the next 18 years. He was so respected that the Blockhouse was named after him. His son, Jim Phillips, Jr. took over after him and served from 1956-1973. He is credited with clearing the trails and marking them with wood signs and Scout symbols. During his time as Ranger at Camp Kilworth, he said much of the heavy work of building bridges, setting up camp stoves and repairing storm damage at the camp was done by the Navy Seabees. He said that the Seabees also used Camp Kilworth as a training site.
After 1938, Jim Phillips Sr. took over as Ranger for the next 18 years. He was so respected that the Blockhouse was named after him. His son, Jim Phillips, Jr. took over after him and served from 1956-1973. He is credited with clearing the trails and marking them with wood signs and Scout symbols. During his time as Ranger at Camp Kilworth, he said much of the heavy work of building bridges, setting up camp stoves and repairing storm damage at the camp was done by the Navy Seabees. He said that the Seabees also used Camp Kilworth as a training site.
The Fate of Camp Kilworth
By 1973, BSA membership peaked at 6.5 million members nationwide. By 2000 the membership had dropped to 3.4 million. Loss of members was causing mounting debts and financial hardships on the local and national level. Local area councils tried to compensate by merging their Council districts and following the nationwide trend of logging or selling their camps, despite protests by their own members.
In 2004, Pacific Harbors Council (PHC) tried to sell Camp Kilworth but local Scout leaders and supportive community members, including Hazel Dickenson of Audubon and Mary Ehlis, led an effort to save the camp. They petitioned the City of Federal Way to buy it. In May of 2005, Hazel Dickinson, of Rainier Audubon and Mary Ehlis appeal to Pacific Harbors Council Board for more time for the city to put together an offer. Rainier Audubon and Naturalist Don Goodman are given permission to do a plant survey at the camp that finds the property is a wildlife corridor. In October 2005 the City Council unanimously voted to buy Camp Kilworth and gives PHC until 2007 to clear the deed. Pacific Harbor Council Board votes to accept the offer and must negotiate intent of deed with the two Kilworth Foundations, then the courts will make a final ruling whether to clear deed. In the end, the sale could not be completed because the deed language prohibited the Scouts from profiting off of the property. March 4, 2006: Scout Troops hold a closing ceremony for Camp Kilworth.
Scout leaders had a plan to operate the camp at no cost to the Council but it was denied by PHC. Concerned citizens kept the issue alive by making organizations and individual people aware of the many ways they could volunteer, as to assist the City to maintain and preserve the property as best serves the community.
In 2004, Pacific Harbors Council (PHC) tried to sell Camp Kilworth but local Scout leaders and supportive community members, including Hazel Dickenson of Audubon and Mary Ehlis, led an effort to save the camp. They petitioned the City of Federal Way to buy it. In May of 2005, Hazel Dickinson, of Rainier Audubon and Mary Ehlis appeal to Pacific Harbors Council Board for more time for the city to put together an offer. Rainier Audubon and Naturalist Don Goodman are given permission to do a plant survey at the camp that finds the property is a wildlife corridor. In October 2005 the City Council unanimously voted to buy Camp Kilworth and gives PHC until 2007 to clear the deed. Pacific Harbor Council Board votes to accept the offer and must negotiate intent of deed with the two Kilworth Foundations, then the courts will make a final ruling whether to clear deed. In the end, the sale could not be completed because the deed language prohibited the Scouts from profiting off of the property. March 4, 2006: Scout Troops hold a closing ceremony for Camp Kilworth.
Scout leaders had a plan to operate the camp at no cost to the Council but it was denied by PHC. Concerned citizens kept the issue alive by making organizations and individual people aware of the many ways they could volunteer, as to assist the City to maintain and preserve the property as best serves the community.
Local Troops Protect Camp Kilworth
In 2009-2015 volunteers formed the Facebook group “Friends of Camp Kilworth” and coordinated countless work parties to maintain and improve the camp. They gathered monetary donations and facilitated the acquisition of thousands of dollars in materials and in-kind support for camp improvements. Some of the major volunteer clean-up efforts were organized by Dane Bergman, Warren Nedved, and Kristina Miller. On February 28, 2016 Scout Troops and neighbors of the camp held an 80th Birthday party for Camp Kilworth at Rotary Lodge.
In December of 2016, PHC Board under the new CEO, Ralph Voelker voted to go to a “one camp plan” and close Camps Kilworth, Hahobas, Delezenne and Curran. Camp Thunderbird was kept as the only camp. Lynne Long organized troop leaders and camp neighbors to discuss options and 400+ signatures were collected on a petition to save the camp. Advocacy to save the camp from logging and development continued. At the Federal Way City Council meeting, Laura Olsen requested that the City of Federal Way reject issuing permits for tree-cutting for profit at Camp Kilworth.
Camp Kilworth was then officially closed in 2016. In accordance with the 1934 deed, the property was legally returned to the two Kilworth Foundations by a Quit Claim Deed. As of April 17, 2019, Camp Kilworth was no longer one of the camps owned by Boy Scouts of America and its future was uncertain.
In December of 2016, PHC Board under the new CEO, Ralph Voelker voted to go to a “one camp plan” and close Camps Kilworth, Hahobas, Delezenne and Curran. Camp Thunderbird was kept as the only camp. Lynne Long organized troop leaders and camp neighbors to discuss options and 400+ signatures were collected on a petition to save the camp. Advocacy to save the camp from logging and development continued. At the Federal Way City Council meeting, Laura Olsen requested that the City of Federal Way reject issuing permits for tree-cutting for profit at Camp Kilworth.
Camp Kilworth was then officially closed in 2016. In accordance with the 1934 deed, the property was legally returned to the two Kilworth Foundations by a Quit Claim Deed. As of April 17, 2019, Camp Kilworth was no longer one of the camps owned by Boy Scouts of America and its future was uncertain.
Camp Kilworth, Most Endangered Places 2018
In 2018, Camp Kilworth was chosen as the Most Endangered Place in Washington State by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. The property was nominated by the Historical Society of Federal Way and presented by Suzanne Vargo Tone.
The Most Endangered Places list brings attention to important buildings, sites, and historic places that are threatened by demolition or neglect. On January 15, 2019 the City of Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Council issued a Proclamation “Honoring the Historical Significance of Camp Kilworth”. The proclamation recognized that the Camp is a microcosm of not just Boy Scouts of America history but of the history of how coastal communities developed on the shores of Puget Sound during the early years of the last century. It reflects nearly a century of growth and development involving local service clubs, business and community cooperation. It showcases what is important to Federal Way and Washington State as a whole.
The Most Endangered Places list brings attention to important buildings, sites, and historic places that are threatened by demolition or neglect. On January 15, 2019 the City of Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Council issued a Proclamation “Honoring the Historical Significance of Camp Kilworth”. The proclamation recognized that the Camp is a microcosm of not just Boy Scouts of America history but of the history of how coastal communities developed on the shores of Puget Sound during the early years of the last century. It reflects nearly a century of growth and development involving local service clubs, business and community cooperation. It showcases what is important to Federal Way and Washington State as a whole.
Camp Kilworth for Sale
Camp Kilworth was given back to the William Kilworth and Florence Kilworth Foundations by the Pacific Harbors Council, BSA on May 6, 2019 through a Quit Claim Deed. The future of the camp was uncertain and the community recognized the property was at risk of being sold and developed.
On May 18, 2019, the Friends of Camp Kilworth met to formulate a Mission and Goals for saving the Camp so it could remain a natural open space that continues to support scouts while also expanding the vision to serve all youth in our Greater Federal Way Community. The group named this vision the Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) and began engaging key stakeholders, including local and state elected officials, parks and recreation agencies, conservation groups, historic preservation advocates, and funders.
This renewed effort to save the camp was led by longtime advocates for the property, including Mary Ehlis, Lynne Long, Laura Olsen, and Suzanne Vargo Tone, along with new advocates Dawn Meader McCausland, Gabriel Newton, George Petzinger, Nadiya Sheckler, and Brian Smith along with other local community supporters. The group also received strategic support from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation through the work of Jennifer (Jay) Mortensen. By December 2019, the KEEP team had engaged Forterra and advocated for conserving the property for the community and its ecosystem value.
In early 2020, KEEP met with Forterra and the YMCA of Greater Seattle representatives, encouraging a potential partnership to save Camp Kilworth and return it to its original purpose of providing access to nature for local youth and communities.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the KEEP team pressed forward, incorporating as a nonprofit in March 2020 and becoming an official 501c3 in late 2020. During this time the camp was listed for sale as a potential residential development site by the Kilworth Foundations’ representatives. With the property at risk, KEEP held back from public outreach to protect the camp. Years passed as negotiations proceeded between Forterra and the Kilworth Foundations and capital funds were raised by Forterra, through the diligent work of Nicholas Carr, for acquisition.
Over this time, the camp’s structures fell into disrepair and vandalism persisted, but hope was never lost. KEEP continued to look out for the property and support partners and funders who were working together to save the camp, notably Forterra, YMCA of Greater Seattle, Historical Society of Federal Way, WA Trust for Historic Preservation, King County Historic Preservation, King County Conservation, WRIA 9 Cooperative Watershed Management Funds, Rainier Audubon, 4Culture, State Sen Claire Wilson, State Rep Jesse Johnson, and Federal Way Council Member Susan Honda.
On May 18, 2019, the Friends of Camp Kilworth met to formulate a Mission and Goals for saving the Camp so it could remain a natural open space that continues to support scouts while also expanding the vision to serve all youth in our Greater Federal Way Community. The group named this vision the Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) and began engaging key stakeholders, including local and state elected officials, parks and recreation agencies, conservation groups, historic preservation advocates, and funders.
This renewed effort to save the camp was led by longtime advocates for the property, including Mary Ehlis, Lynne Long, Laura Olsen, and Suzanne Vargo Tone, along with new advocates Dawn Meader McCausland, Gabriel Newton, George Petzinger, Nadiya Sheckler, and Brian Smith along with other local community supporters. The group also received strategic support from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation through the work of Jennifer (Jay) Mortensen. By December 2019, the KEEP team had engaged Forterra and advocated for conserving the property for the community and its ecosystem value.
In early 2020, KEEP met with Forterra and the YMCA of Greater Seattle representatives, encouraging a potential partnership to save Camp Kilworth and return it to its original purpose of providing access to nature for local youth and communities.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the KEEP team pressed forward, incorporating as a nonprofit in March 2020 and becoming an official 501c3 in late 2020. During this time the camp was listed for sale as a potential residential development site by the Kilworth Foundations’ representatives. With the property at risk, KEEP held back from public outreach to protect the camp. Years passed as negotiations proceeded between Forterra and the Kilworth Foundations and capital funds were raised by Forterra, through the diligent work of Nicholas Carr, for acquisition.
Over this time, the camp’s structures fell into disrepair and vandalism persisted, but hope was never lost. KEEP continued to look out for the property and support partners and funders who were working together to save the camp, notably Forterra, YMCA of Greater Seattle, Historical Society of Federal Way, WA Trust for Historic Preservation, King County Historic Preservation, King County Conservation, WRIA 9 Cooperative Watershed Management Funds, Rainier Audubon, 4Culture, State Sen Claire Wilson, State Rep Jesse Johnson, and Federal Way Council Member Susan Honda.
Camp Kilworth Saved!
On March 18, 2022, Forterra successfully purchased Camp Kilworth, to the relief and gratitude of the local community and generations of advocates who had worked diligently to preserve it. Forterra was able to purchase the property thanks to funds from King County Conservation Futures, WRIA 9 Cooperative Watershed Management Funds, and the WA state legislature, with the support of State Senator Claire Wilson.
In May 2022, YMCA of Greater Seattle signed a lease with Forterra, laying the groundwork for the restoration of the property to serve as a future site for youth camps, environmental education, and community open space. Today, as in the beginning, Camp Kilworth represents the collective work of many who have come together to give something special to the community.
Thanks to Forterra’s conservation and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s vision, this historic open space will be here for future generations of youth to experience nature and engage in environmental education.
In May 2022, YMCA of Greater Seattle signed a lease with Forterra, laying the groundwork for the restoration of the property to serve as a future site for youth camps, environmental education, and community open space. Today, as in the beginning, Camp Kilworth represents the collective work of many who have come together to give something special to the community.
Thanks to Forterra’s conservation and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s vision, this historic open space will be here for future generations of youth to experience nature and engage in environmental education.
Camp Kilworth Historic Landmark
In 2021 KEEP began officially documenting the history of the camp for historic preservation, thanks to grant funding from 4Culture, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and donations from the community. In 2022, KEEP nominated Camp Kilworth for historic landmark designation and developed a Preservation Plan for the property. The effort was led by KEEP board members Mary Ehlis, Suzanne Vargo Tone, Nadiya Sheckler, Gabriel Newton, Laura Olsen, Dawn Meader McCausland and Brian Smith, with the help of the Historical Society of Federal Way, Katie Pratt of NW Vernacular, and Sarah Steen of King County Historic Preservation.
On August 25th, 2022, Camp Kilworth was designated a historic landmark by the King County Landmark Commission, becoming Federal Way’s first historic landmark. This designation ensures the preservation of the historically significant Rotary and Timber Wolf lodges, the Fire Bowl amphitheater, and the trail system.
On August 25th, 2022, Camp Kilworth was designated a historic landmark by the King County Landmark Commission, becoming Federal Way’s first historic landmark. This designation ensures the preservation of the historically significant Rotary and Timber Wolf lodges, the Fire Bowl amphitheater, and the trail system.
YMCA of Greater Seattle Re-opens Camp Kilworth
After signing a long-term lease with Forterra, the YMCA of Greater Seattle began extensive site restoration work in 2023. The camp had suffered from vandalism and overgrowth and required upgraded infrastructure to support youth activities again. With skillful project management by Josh Sutton of the YMCA, a new caretaker house, welcome center, and bathrooms were constructed, and numerous repairs were made in 2024 and 2025. Work parties by community members helped to replace invasive plants with natives and restore the historic amphitheater and trails. Restoration of the historic Rotary and Timber Wolf lodges is planned for Phase II of the project.
The Grand Re-opening of Camp Kilworth will be held on May 7th, 2025. Camps are scheduled to open in July. With the camp preserved and reopened, KEEP achieved its mission and dissolved its nonprofit organization in May 2025.
We encourage all our supporters to reach out directly to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for volunteer and giving opportunities. More information on camps and current activities can be found on the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Camp Kilworth webpage.
The Grand Re-opening of Camp Kilworth will be held on May 7th, 2025. Camps are scheduled to open in July. With the camp preserved and reopened, KEEP achieved its mission and dissolved its nonprofit organization in May 2025.
We encourage all our supporters to reach out directly to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for volunteer and giving opportunities. More information on camps and current activities can be found on the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Camp Kilworth webpage.
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