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Letter of Dissolution - KEEP


Dear friends, community, stake holders and contributors of Camp Kilworth,


MARK YOUR CALENDER! - May 7, 2025 4:30PM

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The Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) is thrilled to announce that the YMCA will host a grand opening event for Camp Kilworth in Federal Way, WA on May 7th at 4:30pm. This re-opening is the realization of KEEP’s founding goal set forth 5 years ago. The day of celebration will include a tour of the camp and a big salute (thank you) to all who have contributed to the successful completion of Phase I.


The YMCA of Greater Seattle has feverishly put forth efforts to establish the groundwork for the camp’s necessities, such as water, septic, and electricity, in the last year. Along with these critical amenities, the YMCA also completed the following improvements:

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  • New caretaker’s house was brought on site.

  • A welcome area and restrooms have been established.

  • The amphitheater has been reclaimed and rebuilt.

  • Several species of trees have been planted throughout the camp.

  • Invasive species have been removed and natives planted.

  • New trails have been created, stairs and paths added, and the bridge repaired.

  • New archery range was established.

  • Soil contamination areas were capped and mitigated.

  • A secure front entrance gate was erected.

  • Hazardous Rotary Lodge flooring was removed and the floor was rebuilt.

  • Timberwolf and Rotary lodges are awaiting restoration in Phase II.

 
KEEP could not be more pleased with all the hard work the camp has received, and we cannot wait to see local kids experience the camp, this summer, as Phase Il gets underway. 

 

Saving Camp Kilworth from development has been the persistent dedication of the community for over 20 years, and with KEEP, the third time was the charm. We successfully brought in Forterra, who purchased the property with the help of King County Conservation Futures Funds and Water Resources Inventory Area (WRIA) funds. With the YMCA of Greater Seattle joining the effort, the ideal partner to lease the property and run youth camps was found.

 

KEEP accomplished yet another important goal when the Camp received historic landmark designation from King County Landmarks Commission in 2022 – the first historic landmark inFederal Way’s history! This was accomplished with the help of grants from 4Culture and the WA Trust for Historic Preservation. The landmarked areas include the two lodges, the beloved amphitheater, and the trail system.

 

All this great work could not have happened without the love, dedication, and donations made by you!

 

KEEP’s founders and the community advocated for the camp, pursuing a proclamation of
historic significance by the City of Federal Way and receiving the Most Endangered Places designation from the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation (WTHP) in 2018. Support from our local and state representatives, residents of Federal Way, and surrounding areas led to this stellar achievement.

 

The re-opening of the camp marks the accomplishment of KEEP’s main goals, and we want to inform you that the organization will be concluding operations and closing April 30th, 2025.

 

Camp Kilworth is in outstanding hands, with the YMCA at the helm, and we are confident the camp will once again be the nurturing, inspiring, and environmental gem of the South Puget Sound. It will remain a rare space that will​ continue to teach life skills as William Kilworth and the Rotary 8 of Tacoma intended, 89 years ago.


The YMCA has amazing educational, inclusive, and creative programs
planned for the youth of King and Pierce Counties. Times will also be set aside for community events and special affairs.


KEEP Board members will be involved in YMCA discussions going forward, regarding historical significance, native species plantings, and plans for a space that will honor KEEP and the community’s efforts to preserve the camp. KEEP will be donating its remaining funds to the YMCA for these projects.

 

We hope you will continue to honor and support Camp Kilworth with donations of money and time to the YMCA as they commence Phase II, which will include the full restoration of the historic Timberwolf and Rotary lodges.

 

We are so grateful for every one of you who have supported the Kilworth Environmental Education Preserve over these past 5 years. We hope to see you at the May 7th Grand Opening Celebration!

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With grateful hearts, 

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The KEEP Board of Directors

 

Dawn Meader McCausland-CEO
Gabriel Newton-President
Brian Smith-Treasurer
Suzanne Vargo-Secretary

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