About Us

At Wise Camps, we believe summer should be more than just a break from school—it should be a season of discovery, creativity, and endless possibilities.

From our modest beginnings in a high school chemistry lab to becoming one of the most sought-after Bellevue summer camps, we’ve been on a journey to prove that learning can be as fun as it is educational.

Read below to get an inside look at how our nonprofit got started, meet the inspiring team behind our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs, and find out why so many families keep coming back year after year.

Discover how we grew, what drives us, and how we’re committed to sparking lifelong passions in every camper.

A Spark For Chemistry

Bellevue Summer Camps and Wise Camps Executive Director Melissa with her hands on fire.

Melissa, a high school chemistry teacher, noticed a disheartening trend: many of her students walked into class convinced chemistry would be dull and overwhelming.

She also recognized the financial strain on most high school science departments—far too often, teachers were footing the bill for supplies themselves.

Determined to change both perspectives and budgets, Melissa launched a middle school camp called “Chemistry is a Blast!”

The program offered a challenging curriculum infused with electrifying experiments: lighting campers’ hands on fire (safely!), performing color-changing reactions to music, tie-dyeing T-shirts to explore chemical bonding, and more.

Proceeds from the camp went right back into local high schools, boosting science funding and sparking newfound excitement in future chemistry students.

The Birth of Wise Camps

Bellevue Summer Camps and Wise Camps Co-Executive Directors Jake and Melissa posing with the Wise Camps banner

Over the years, Melissa’s chemistry camps skyrocketed in popularity. Former campers couldn’t wait for high school chemistry, and both parents and students clamored for even more hands-on, engaging summer learning.

To meet this demand, Melissa partnered with her friend Jake Nonis—a dynamic math teacher and theater director—to broaden their offerings under a new name: Wise Camps.

As the camps continued to grow, the passionate staff and devoted volunteers became like family. Many of Melissa’s original campers even returned as high school volunteers, and later, as Wise teachers themselves!

Countless young people credit Wise Camps as the inspiration for their eventual career paths.

Family, Pandemic, and Pushing Forward

Despite raising young children of their own—while navigating the challenges of a pandemic—Melissa and Jake remain deeply committed to maintaining the safe, fun, and enriching environment that has become the hallmark of Wise Camps.

It’s the thrill in the campers’ voices and the heartfelt testimonials from parents that motivate them to keep improving year after year.

They strive to create the ultimate summer camp experience for every child—the same kind of transformative experience they want for their own families.