Camp Kirby

★Matthew Wilson

Cabins dirty and not insulated, holes in the walls and floors, needs to be torn down and or money spent to fix multiple items in the cabins and restroom. While we were there with my child’s school and as chaperones I had to address one camp counselor aggressive behavior towards a 5th grader. I later found out he had done this with others and when it came to me seeing it with one of my kids I made sure communication was clear on the behavior that would not be accepted nor tolerated. The small young man tried to get aggressive and loud with me while addressing his behavior it didn’t last long with again having to clarify for his sake.

★★★Mark Prior

Our family has participated in several Camp Fire programs around the Pacific Northwest, and we attended the Camp Kirby day camp in July 2025. While my daughter seemed to enjoy herself and spoke positively about the experience, the overall setup left me uneasy as a parent. Camp Kirby is located on a small island about 35 minutes from Bellingham. The setting is rustic and remote, and you have to drive very slowly down a long road to reach it. It's an unusual place, quiet and tucked away, but also far removed from anything else. The biggest issue for me was the lack of transparency and connection with the camp itself. Drop-off and pickup were tightly controlled: you wait in a long car line, staff approach your window, and then you're expected to drive off. There was no opportunity to meet the counselors, interact with other parents, or even glimpse the facilities. I asked nicely twice during the week if I could just see where my daughter was spending her day, and was told both times to email the director due to camper privacy. I understand wanting to protect kids, but other Camp Fire locations I’ve attended have found ways to balance privacy with openness. Here, I left every day with no idea what the camp looked like or what was going on inside. Communication was also minimal. Other camps send daily updates with photos and summaries. At Kirby we received one brief email and a photo album with a single blurry side photo of my daughter. I strongly recommend that Camp Kirby improve transparency by posting photos or videos of the grounds and facilities online. Even a virtual tour would go a long way toward helping parents understand where their kids will be all week. As it stands, I still have no idea what the space looks like. They offer one open house in the spring, but unless you live nearby, that’s not realistic. The counselors seemed kind, though a little overwhelmed. And while my daughter’s experience may have been positive, I genuinely don’t know, because parents are kept completely at arm’s length. I wouldn’t recommend this camp unless you live nearby or already know someone with firsthand experience. They need to build more trust with parents and provide a clearer window into what’s actually happening during the week.

★★★★★clara Van Houten

camp kirby is so fun and unique! it is a special and big part of me! this year will be my 3rd year going. you make tons of special bonds and do fun activitys!

★★★★★Elsa Anderson

I have spent several years growing up at Camp Kirby and have met some of my best friends there. We have always had so much fun at camp together. I think every child should get the opportunity to experience a week at Camp Kirby surrounded by caring counselors and lots of silliness.

★★★★★Gracie Ermi

Camp Kirby is the most magical place on Earth! No matter who you are or where you come from, you can be yourself at Kirby. Kids get a chance to be kids and have fun and explore and be weird while allowing others to do the same. It's such an important place to so many people, myself included, because of how the experiences you have there change you for the better. I will always treasure the memories I've made at Camp Kirby!