The Highline Heritage Museum has unveiled a new exhibit in its main gallery dedicated to Camp Waskowitz, Highline Public Schools’ historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp turned outdoor education center in the Cascade foothills.
Since the inception of the district’s Outdoor Education program in 1947, thousands of students have experienced this school in the woods. Waskowitz serves the students of Highline Public Schools, as well as students from surrounding schools and districts, through nature and student-centered programs. When not in use by student groups, the facilities are available to outside groups for rent.
Museum officials are inviting visitors to “share your memories of Camp Waskowitz” and encourage the submission of photographs at the front desk for possible inclusion in the exhibit.
The display offers a chance for the community to reflect on the camp’s legacy and educational impact.
Originally constructed in 1935 as Camp North Bend by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it operated as a base camp for forest conservation work. Renamed in honor of World War II pilot Fritz Waskowitz, it has served the district’s outdoor school program since the late 1940s (read more about its history here).
Today Waskowitz remains one of the few intact CCC camps in the nation and continues to host thousands of students annually for immersive environmental learning.
