YMCA Officially Acquires 500 Acres at Mineral Lake

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The YMCA is one step closer to turning Mineral Lake property into an overnight youth camp. 

This week, the nonprofit announced its official acquisition of 500 acres. 

It plans on buying another 1,600 acres for the project. 

Mineral residents have offered an array of reactions to the proposed camp, including opposition and suspicion, while proponents say it will preserve the area’s natural feel while offering valuable outdoor education. 

“We are excited to announce the purchase of what we hope will become a new source of excitement, learning and positive memories for generations of Washington youth and families,” YMCA of Greater Seattle President and CEO Loria Yeadon said in a statement. The camp will “continue our legacy of developing future stewards of our environment at Mineral Lake as we work to protect and preserve these lands.”



The YMCA credited “philanthropic support” from the Nisqually Indian Tribe, donors and the Seattle-based Norcliffe Foundation. 

Nisqually Indian Tribal Council Chairman Willie Frank III also repeated his excitement in the YMCA’s news release, saying the camp is “a chance to educate youth about the history of the Nisqually Tribe.”

While not quoted in the YMCA’s release, Lewis Economic Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Richard DeBolt said the organization’s support for the project hasn’t changed, despite some criticism bubbling up in Mineral. 

“We know they’re going through this stakeholder process, we know there’s pros and cons of the project, and we’re just letting the process work,” he told The Chronicle, adding that the EDC hasn’t heard any direct feedback from locals.

Community meetings on the project will likely continue, according to the YMCA, prior to official county-level public hearings.