Blazer Summer Stories

“This summer, I interned at Camp Orkila!” shared Amelia H. '26. “I've been attending this camp for ten years, and I got to spend an entire month there during my final summer as a teenager. I was a camp counselor, an Arts/Media intern, and a community service member. It was incredibly exciting to make the most of the outdoors, activities, traditions, and amazing community.”

Other Blazers, like Amelia, stepped into leadership roles, mentored youth, and acted as camp counselors and aides, including Nicole C. '27, who also served as a counselor at Camp Sealth on Vashon during the month of August. 

“It’s a camp I attended for six years as a camper,” Nicole shared. “I had a summer filled with both fun times and amazing memories as well as lots of great opportunities to learn and get out of my comfort zone!”

In addition to mentoring, Blazers were excited to explore the world outside of Seattle and travel to destinations both within the United States and abroad, including Europe, Colombia, Boston, Massachusetts, Saudi Arabia, Colorado, and more. Some traveled to visit family, while others created new memories on family trips.

“I went to Japan and Hong Kong to visit my grandparents, and it went great!” said Abby C. '31.

Abby’s trip to Hong Kong was filled with happiness and celebration, as she and her family gathered to commemorate a significant milestone for her great-grandmother, who had celebrated her 100th birthday. 

“Although my trip was a short two days, I really enjoyed it,” Abby shared. “Seeing my cousin and my grandparents really reconnected me to my Hong Kong side, which I don't normally experience.”

Abby not only reconnected with her roots, but she also showed tremendous courage by venturing to new places, such as Japan. During her time in Japan, she visited Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea.

Through the Blazer Athletics, Discovery Day, and Galileo Summer Camps, several students remained physically and intellectually active, including Bilal J. '29, Saniyah R. '31, and Emerson T. '31. By keeping their brains and bodies sharp during the long break, they returned to school feeling motivated, refreshed, and inspired.

“My friends and I attended a volleyball camp at West Seattle Reign,” said Ina R. '31. “I learned a lot of things that can help me in this new volleyball season, including my friends’ strengths and playing positions. We all love volleyball, so playing together during the summer brought us closer for sure.”

During the various sports camps, students practiced with their peers, made new connections, and exercised the courage to try a new sport. Not only did they improve their overall playing skills, but they also learned the importance of helping others who may not be as familiar with the sport. Through Bush Summer Camps, student-athletes created new connections that are maintained both on and off the court. 

“I did the volleyball camps last year, too, when I was in Sixth Grade, and it was kind of scary,” shared Brooke W. '31. “But now I’m in Seventh Grade, and I can help the Sixth Grade (students) feel more welcome. It’s important to have the courage to be yourself when playing a sport, because you don’t know who’s looking up to you.”