The following is a release from Camp Roots:

Nature immersion, friendship and creativity shine at Camp Roots where kids can be kids and so much more. From fort building to outdoor games, crafting and nature exploration, Camp Roots offers a diverse lineup of fun and engaging activities with plenty of downtime in one of the Northwest’s most beautiful parks.

Headquartered in the sprawling grounds of Saint Edward Park adjoining the Bastyr University campus, Camp Roots begins its summer session for 6-12 year olds from July 6 to Aug. 14. Full day camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with before and after wrap around care available from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A typical morning will include scenic hikes in old growth forests spotting woodpeckers and sea planes. Afternoons will be spent in unstructured free play an essential aspect for growth and learning, according to Camp Roots founder/director, April Rose. A passionate advocate of youth empowerment for over two decades, Rose came up with the idea for Camp Roots upon the completion of her Master’s degree in education from Seattle’s Antioch University.

“The youth of today do not get enough time to play outdoors and at Camp Roots we provide all outdoor play year-round,” Rose said. “It is essential to spend time playing, learning, hiking, creating and just being outside.”

This simple message has a profound impact in terms of how kids learn and ultimately succeed. Comparing Camp Roots to the “Boys and Girls Club of Nature schools,” Rose is determined to provide campers an authentic learner-centric experience where they have the space and freedom to be themselves and to cultivate lasting bonds with each other and with the outdoors, all of which enables a Growth Mindset orientation of cooperative problem solving and innovation.

Her vision is holistic and practical: building 21st century skills requires a return to our past, to get reacquainted with mother nature in order to build a better future for tomorrow’s leaders.

“The parks were built for the people of the community that surround them, and the playgrounds for the children,” Rose said. “This summer we will nourish our little seed as it sprouts into a tree that will grow its roots deep within each community.”

Like many great ideas whose time is ripe, Camp Roots is a promising new venture that is sure to be a family favorite for generations to come.

For more information visit http://www.camproots.org/.