Camp Nor'wester

As we begin a new chapter of the history of Camp Nor'wester, it is remarkable to look back on the growth and changes of an organization whose traditions now span six decades and three islands.

1968-1980 Camp Nor'wester
Jan and Jack Helsell
1968- The camp was renamed Camp Nor'wester, with Jack and Jan Helsell hired as directors. Four C-Lark sailboats were purchased, and the 48-foot sloop Courageous was engaged for extended trips. Kweegwatse, a 35 foot Northern-style canoe, was carved. Mountain hiking and climbing trips were once again inaugurated. Some units were renamed: Cavemen>Explorers; Tarzans>Rangers; Archers>Mariners. The Troubadors (oldest girls') unit was added. The new Craft Shop was built, greatly expanding this program. Stainless steel kitchen counters were installed. Curt Cable joined the staff as caretaker. "NO FUSS" (Nor'wester Flexible Unit Scheduling System) was inaugurated.

1969- The Boston Whaler was purchased for a safety and working boat. The caretaker's house was expanded, and the water systems coalesced into a single system. The department staffs were expanded. The fleet of Willets canoes were retired and replaced with aluminum canoes. All the wooden tent platforms were replaced, and new underground water lines were laid from the lake to the tank, which was repaired. The kitchen oil stove was replaced with an electric stove.

1970- A new dock (ramp and float, 89' X 26', with power and water) was built from Cactus Rock, accessed by a hand built, stone trail. The sloop Katie Ford was engaged for two years for marine biological trips. A fire on Fortress Rock was fought by staff members and campers. The new Girls' Shower House was built above the Voyageur unit. The aquarium was established and the rifle range rebuilt with a covered firing point. A wood-fired heating system was built for the pool.

1971- An old wooden Lightning, Quick As, was retired and two new fibreglass Lightnings were added. The old Girls' and Boys' shower houses were remodeled. A garbage handling area was built behind the kitchen and an incinerator was installed.

1972- A girls' unit, Wayfarers (in age between Voyageurs and Troubadors), and a boys' unit, Pioneers (in age between Rangers and Indians) were established. New Troubadour tipi sites were "blasted" out of the hillside above the Voyageur unit. The dining hall of the lodge was enlarged and the basketball/volleyball court was built.

1973- A 23 foot Nootka-style canoe was carved. The adobe oven was built behind the Craft Shop.

1975- Draft horses were added and a driving program with cart and buggies was added at the stables.

1976- Nor'wester campers first participated in the Lopez 4th-of-July parade.

1977- The bicycle program was re-established. A boys' unit, Foresters (in age between Indians and Islanders), was started for just this year.

1978- Paul Henriksen came on staff as caretaker.

1979-80- "Save the Camp" was organized to raise funds to purchase the camp.

1980- The camp was purchased by Chuck Curran. This was the last summer of the Helsell directorship.

Continue