More than a camp: Camp Lucy 2025
Camp Lucy 2025: Finding Strength and Belonging at Mount Baker
When twelve-year-old Amara* first stepped onto the dock at Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, she froze. The water stretched endlessly before her, the oars felt impossibly heavy, and she’d never trusted her balance on anything that moved beneath her feet.
Two weeks later, that same girl was calling the stroke seat in a racing shell—her voice strong and sure as she set the rhythm for her team.
Amara’s transformation is one of many from Camp Lucy 2025 at Mount Baker, a partnership between the George Pocock Rowing Foundation and Seattle Parks and Recreation. From July 14–25, 2025, the boathouse pulsed with laughter, splashes, and shouts of encouragement as 15 middle- and high-school campers discovered both the sport of rowing—and their own confidence and community.
Opening Doors, One Stroke at a Time
Planning began in January of 2025, with coaches, staff, and volunteers working for months to create a safe, welcoming experience. The session filled almost instantly—so quickly that, for the first time, organizers didn’t need to recruit in nearby schools.
At its heart, Camp Lucy’s mission is simple yet transformative: to open the boathouse doors to youth who have been historically excluded from rowing—especially girls of color and youth facing financial barriers.
Last summer, that mission came to life:
80% of campers were youth of color
73% faced financial barriers
33% requested gear support
Campers represented a rich mix of cultural backgrounds—African American, Multiracial, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Latinx youth among them. Some lived nearby; others traveled up to 18 miles each day just to be part of the team.
The Team Behind the Transformation
Led by Sarah Dougherty, Mount Baker’s Rowing Supervisor, a dedicated crew of coaches, counselors, and volunteers ensured every camper felt seen and supported. Staff provided meals and snacks daily, fueling long mornings on the water.
Behind the scenes, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation supplied shirts, transportation, and equipment. HopSkipDrive rides helped seven campers travel safely to and from the boathouse—a key step toward equitable access. Local volunteers and restaurants chipped in to keep meals affordable, turning community generosity into energy for every stroke.
Growth Beyond the Boat
By the final day, nearly every camper had gone from learning to balance a shell to rowing confidently in quads and eights. But their real progress wasn’t just technical—it was personal.
Survey results told the story clearly:
97% of campers were satisfied with the program
100% felt supported by peers and adults
90% said they “often” or “very often” did something that gave them joy and energy
2025 also marked the first use of the Developmental Asset Profile (DAP) to measure social-emotional growth. Across all 2025 Camp Lucy sessions:
Youth rated as “Thriving” rose from 27% to 52% during camp
Youth rated as“Challenged” dropped to zero during camp
Notable gains were seen in positive identity (+7.3%), social competence (+6%), and empowerment (+5.3%) post camp
At Mount Baker specifically, youth reported exceptional results in:
Safety: 86%
Belonging: 93%
Feeling that they mattered: 88%
Each number tells the same story: Camp Lucy builds confidence, connection, and joy.
More Than a Camp
On the final day, as parents gathered along the dock, Amara’s crew glided past—blades catching the light in perfect rhythm. She smiled as her boat crossed the finish line: wet, tired, and beaming with pride.
Mount Baker’s 2025 session reflects everything Camp Lucy stands for—breaking barriers, building confidence, and fostering belonging.
With every new season, the George Pocock Rowing Foundation proves what’s possible when young people—especially those who’ve never had access to the water—are given the chance to discover their own strength, one stroke at a time.
*name changed to protect privacy
