History of the Hans Jensen Group Camp

Blog written by Rich Benson. Rich Benson served Washington State Parks for 38 years retiring in 2017 as the Area Manager for Lake Sammamish State Park. Rich continues to serve state parks through his active participation in Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park.

On the evening of August 5th FLSSP will host our annual Camp S’more event welcoming community members to experience a first-time camping experience under the stars at Lake Sammamish State Park. This year we are excited to be hosting Camp Smore in a more traditional camp environment at the Hans Jensen Group Youth Camp. For that reason, we want to share a little history about this wonderful, but little known, location and welcome you to come join us this August at Camp S’more. Read on to learn more about the Hans Jensen Group Youth Camp.          

Washington State Parks acquired the first parcel of land that would become Lake Sammamish State Park back in 1950 from one of the original Issaquah valley farmers, John Anderson.  Since that purchase, Parks has purchased additional parcels from other long-time residents of the valley.  One of the more significant additions was when Hans Jensen willed his 65 acre dairy farm to the state in 1957.

Hans Jensen had lived in Issaquah for much of his adult life after being born in Denmark and living for a few short years in the Seattle area. Hans purchased his farm from Albert Giese in 1942 and he raised dairy cows and stud horses of which he was prominently known.   Hans was a lifelong bachelor, but he was a very popular figure in the community.  He welcomed locals to swim at the waterfront beach of his farm.  He loved to go to the local dances where he was a regular partner with the single ladies.  Though he had no children of his own, Hans was very dedicated to the youth of Issaquah and his will demonstrated that by indicating that providing a place for children to play was a prime reason he gave his farm to the park.

Shortly after Parks acquired his farm, a portion of the property was dedicated to a youth group camp and the remainder became the present boat launch.  Parks was fortunate for such a gift as thousands of local residents have benefited from the vision and generosity of Hans Jensen.

We will be opening registration for Camp S’more in just over a week and we look forward to introducing you to the Hans Jensen Group Camp for a fun family camp experience.