Camp North Bend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp North Bend
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Camp North Bend
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 45509 SE. 150th St., North Bend, Washington |
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| Area | 9.5 acres (3.8 ha) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) |
| Architectural style | Vernacular, Rustic Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000372 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1993 |
Camp North Bend, also known as Camp Waskowitz, is a special place with many wooden buildings covering about 9.5 acres. It was built in 1935 by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This camp was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 because it's a great example of how CCC work camps were designed and built in King County, Washington. Today, Highline School District uses the camp for an outdoor learning program focused on nature and the environment.
Contents
Discovering Camp North Bend's Past
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What Was the Civilian Conservation Corps?
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a special program created by the United States government in the 1930s. This was during a tough time called the Great Depression, when many young men couldn't find jobs. The CCC helped these young men by giving them work. They focused on projects that helped protect America's natural places.
Building the Camp and Helping Nature
The United States Army helped manage the CCC camps. Each camp had specific projects guided by other agencies. At Camp North Bend, the National Forest Service guided the work.
This camp was built very quickly, in just four months! It was made to house 200 young men. These men worked hard on many important projects. They built roads, cleared away overgrown brush, and helped control forest fires. They also planted many trees to help forests grow. The men from this camp even built the North Bend Ranger Station.
How the Camp Was Designed
Camp North Bend was built using a standard design for CCC camps. It originally had four barracks, which are like dorms, where the men slept. These barracks were connected by shared bathrooms. There were also separate buildings for officers, a kitchen and dining hall, and a recreation building for fun. The camp also had an infirmary (a small hospital), an education building, and other support buildings like a garage and workshops. The camp is located right next to the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, east of North Bend, Washington.
Changes Over Time
Camp North Bend closed down in 1942. Later, the King County Sheriff's Department used it as a recreation camp for young people. That's when the camp was renamed Camp Waskowitz. It was named after a former University of Washington football player who sadly died in World War II. In 1958, the camp was given to the Highline School District.
Camp Waskowitz Today
Learning Outdoors with Highline Schools
Today, Highline Public Schools runs Camp Waskowitz. They use it for their Environmental Learning Program. This program helps students learn about nature and the environment in a hands-on way. It's a great place for kids to connect with the outdoors.
Other Activities at the Camp
For many years, a group called the National Association of CCC Alumni held their yearly meetings at the camp. This allowed former CCC members to gather and share memories.
Camp Waskowitz has also hosted other activities. These include summer camps for young people with certain health conditions. It has also offered workshops for women to learn outdoor skills like fishing and hunting.
