Olympic Family Camp: A Reflection from the Airport Lounge

This dream was Steve’s.

I remember it so clearly—Acadia 2022 had just ended, and we were tucked into a hotel room for the night, tired but dreaming. Steve turned to me and said, “What if we created a camp for families? A place where educators could refuel—but bring the people they love most along for the journey?”

That’s who Steve is. He’s always been about family, connection, and making space for belonging. It’s what drew me to him in the first place.

Since Acadia 2023, we’ve welcomed over 100 families into that dream. And this past week at Olympic? It might just be our favorite chapter yet.

Fifty-three humans. All gathered in one space. Different ideas. Different backgrounds. Different stories. But one shared purpose: to find hope and peace through community.

And we did.

We laid flat on the forest floor for Belly Botany, discovering whole ecosystems just beneath our feet. We tested creek water and learned about the Crescenti Trout, a species found only here. We hiked (almost) to the top of Storm King, felt the mist of Marymere Falls, and witnessed Ranger Coady’s now-famous waterfall dance. PS- Ryan made it to the top of Storm King the next morning. 

We crafted red cedar roses with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, who reminded us what it means to make choices for the next 70 years, not just today. We read, jumped off bridges into the lake, played Left, Right, Dice, and filled our Joy Jar with moments that truly mattered.

And we ended it all with a forest dance party that felt like it belonged in a fairytale.

Now we’re sitting in the airport lounge—charging our devices, sipping caffeine like it’s magic, and letting the quiet settle in.

Our hearts are full.
Our purpose renewed.
And come Saturday, we’ll be ready to meet our next group of campers at Golden Gate.

Because this dream keeps going.
And we’re still saying yes.

With love,
Dacia & Steve 💛