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July 23, 2026
A sign and fence at the Green Hill School for juvenile offenders, in Chehalis, Washington. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

Youth prison system woes detailed

Nearly half of front-line staff at Washington’s overcrowded juvenile detention facilities leave within a year. Many report feeling unsafe, unprepared and unsupported.

July 16, 2026
Members of the Utterly Unstoppable Lactose Legends sprint to victory in the Bathtub Races during Camas Days in downtown Camas on July 26, 2025. The annual festival will mark its 50th anniversary this year. The two-day event attracts roughly 15,000 people. (Photos by Tim Martinez/The Columbian files)

Camas Days, the city’s massive, two-day festival, set to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Camas Days will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year on July 24 and 25. But perhaps the most remarkable thing is that this massive, two-day festival — which attracts roughly 15,000 people — is entirely organized by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce’s only two employees: Samantha Horner, who works part time; and the chamber’s executive director, Camas City Council member Jennifer Senescu. The two of them plan the festival over six months while fulfilling all their regular job duties, Horner said. It’s hard work but worthwhile when the festival is finally underway.