Camp Long's original purpose was to teach outdoor skills to young people. It started with a telephone call from Archie Phelps to Judge William G. Long in the year 1937. Archie was a member of the Seattle Board of Park Commissioners, acting as liaison representative of the City in the construction of the West Seattle Golf Course by the Works Progress Administration of the U. S. Government.

Judge Long thought it had great possibilities for a camp for the kids of the entire city. A committee of some 17 representatives of youth groups was formed, and together they planed for the camp project. Clark Schurman was famous for having developed a wilderness camp for his own Scout Troop 65. He was also recognized as an outstanding expert in camping and mountaineering. The Parks Department and the committee selected him to draw the plans for the project and to serve as its first director.

Today, Seattle Parks and Recreation's Outdoor Opportunities (O2) program continues this tradition at Camp Long and citywide. It is an outdoor recreation, environmental education, and conservation program for teens 14 - 19 years of age. The O2 program engages in weekly after school activities and monthly service projects and overnight events.

Overnight events include camping, biking, rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, snowboarding, and many other exciting outdoor adventures. O2 participants also have opportunities to engage in professional training programs and paid positions throughout the year. No experience is necessary to participate in our events. O2 participants also qualify for service learning credit with the Seattle School District. Participation in the program is free of charge and enrollment occurs throughout the year.

The O2 program is located at Camp Long in West Seattle and at Discovery Park in Magnolia. For more information, or to receive an application, please call Bob Warner at 206-890-2513, e-mail him at robert.warner@seattle.gov, or download an application from our website at www.seattle.gov/parks/teens/o2.

We encourage you to be a part of this fun and exciting program and we welcome your application and involvement!