After almost 70 years of ownership, Seattle Pacific University is selling its Camp Casey Conference Center and the Fort Casey Inn on Whidbey Island to the YMCA of Snohomish County. On September 30, 2024, SPU and the YMCA signed a purchase and sale agreement for both properties. The YMCA will take over the effective operations of Camp Casey and the Fort Casey Inn starting January 1, 2025.
Since purchasing the property in 1956, Camp Casey served as an extension of Seattle Pacific’s educational mission and character formation through hosting classes and retreats as well as serving external groups like sport camps, churches, educational groups (e.g. outdoor education). Several facilities have also served the Whidbey Island community. SPU faculty, staff, students, and alumni have cherished spending time at Camp Casey.
SPU is grateful to know that Camp Casey will now be cared for by another great Northwest organization, the YMCA of Snohomish County.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the transition to new ownership.
Camp Casey Conference Center, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did SPU sell Camp Casey?
The SPU Board of Trustees has been evaluating the best use of Camp Casey since the 1980s. Camp Casey is a unique property of natural beauty and historical significance. It requires very specific care to preserve and enhance its historical tradition and allow it to be enjoyed by as many individuals and groups as possible.
Given the requirements to properly care for the property and SPU’s focused efforts on its main campus in Seattle, the university has been open to seeking the next organization to carry on the stewardship of Casey. The ideal new owner would be a not-for-profit organization with a mission of education, youth development, or community service and a strong desire to continue to invest and steward this historical place. SPU is thankful to find that partner and ideal steward in the YMCA of Snohomish County.
Why did SPU sell to the YMCA of Snohomish County?
While SPU was not actively marketing the property when officials at the YMCA made an inquiry, the University has been evaluating the possibility of selling Camp Casey for many years. It is a complex property to sell because of land use restrictions and building improvement requirements due to its environmental and historical significance. For example, the wide parade ground vista and open spaces cannot be changed, a number of buildings are on the National Historical Registry, the waterfront is environmentally sensitive, and there are other development restrictions. This means that Camp Casey requires an owner who can maintain its best and highest use as a camp and conference center.
SPU brought a high level of diligence to the decision and considers the YMCA of Snohomish County an organization that will honor the beauty of the property, invest in improvements,and carry forward a nonprofit retreat and camp that serves youth and the community.
What about my current reservation?
The YMCA will continue to run Camp Casey as a camp and retreat venue and all reservations and bookings will be honored through January 1, 2026. If you have questions, contact Camp Casey.
Will my group still be able to make a reservation for our upcoming event?
The YMCA will continue to run Camp Casey as a camp and retreat venue and are hoping to retain as many of its valued clients as possible. This transition will bring about a more enhanced experience for user groups, but there may be some impact to camps, retreats, and gatherings. The goal is to continue to serve as many groups without interruption to their programs as possible. To make a reservation, fill out the online inquiry form.
What happens to the Camp Casey staff?
The YMCA will be retaining all Camp Casey staff, who will soon transition to become employees of the YMCA. We are grateful for our staff’s dedication to the University in their various roles throughout the years. We also know that they will continue to steward the space and story of Camp Casey well, including the rich tradition of Seattle Pacific at that place.
What about the Fort Casey Inn?
Fort Casey Inn is included with the sale of Camp Casey and will be managed by the YMCA of Snohomish County. You can still make a reservation online.
Did the university have to sell because of financial constraints?
While the sale of Camp Casey is not directly related to the changing demographics and repositioning efforts facing our university, it comes in a season that will help move the University forward. Proceeds from the sale will be used for reinvestment on SPU’s main campus and its core student services and operations in Seattle.
What was the sale price for Camp Casey and the Fort Casey Inn?
Details of the sale price are private at this time, but both the University and the YMCA of Snohomish County are confident that through a thorough appraisal process and negotiations, a fair selling price was reached.
When did SPU purchase Camp Casey and the Fort Casey Inn?
The former military fort was decommissioned by the government in 1956, and SPU bought the northern portion of the property, which included a large parade field, auditorium, military bunk houses, and Victorian-style homes for the officers. Over the years, the military buildings and homes have been updated and renovated to house school groups, churches, nonprofit organizations, and outdoor education classes, as well as the personal use of SPU faculty and staff. Learn more about the history of Camp Casey.
Seattle Pacific purchased the Fort Casey Inn, a row of cottages built in 1909 and formerly used as officers' housing just before World War 1, in 2000. The inn is open year-round and available to the public.
What will the future of Camp Casey look like?
The YMCA of Snohomish County will continue to run Camp Casey as a conference center and retreat venue. Their ongoing collaboration with Seattle Pacific University will ensure existing users continue to enjoy the space as the Y prepares to launch new program opportunities ranging from overnight camp to wellness and youth activities.