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.

1990-Present Camp Nor'wester
Paul Henriksen and Christa Campbell
1990- Paul Henriksen and Christa Campbell were hired as directors, and the Nor'wester Advisory Board was established.

1991- A 15 passenger van and backhoe were purchased. The Troubador Unit moved to the Great Meadow.

1992- Peter Gray came on the staff as caretaker. Two 15 passenger vans were purchased. An equipment room was added to the Craft Center.

1993- New roofed stalls and tack room were built at the stables. A girls' unit, Outbacks, was established for 10th grade girls, due to a high rate of return of older girls.

1994- There was a severe water shortage, and the whole camp was involved in conservation. "Free Willie II" was filmed on the property before the season opened. After camp the "bait shack" from the movie was recycled as the bicycle maintenance shed and the "guard booth" was recycled as a latrine near the little girls' shower house.

1995- The Camp Garden, with raised beds, was resurrected. A new water line was laid from Trader Horn to the stables. Plans were drawn up for an addition to the office matching the existing structure. There are now 6 Boys' units, 7 Girls' units, 195 campers, 90 staff members, 7 Lightnings, 6 C-Larks, 13 canoes, 5 rowboats, 2 Boston Whalers, and 28 horses! Nor'wester celebrated its sixtieth camp season with a reunion in September.

1996- Sale of Sperry Peninsula finalized in March. Dedicated alumni form non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation in May, with the goal of establishing Nor'wester on a new and permanent site. Final summer on Lopez. Nor'wester leaves Sperry on September 15th, 1996.

1997- Efforts focused on securing a new site. Over 100 locations were assessed. With no suitable site available in the San Juan Islands, the decision was made to acquire 135 acres on Cortes Island, British Columbia.

1998- When 135 acres on Johns Island in the Washington State San Juans became available, the Nor'wester Board decided to shift its focus on the Canadian property and concentrate its efforts on acquiring the Johns Island property. Applications for the necessary permits were submitted in August.

1999- A very favorable ruling by the San Juan County Hearing Examiner resulted in the approval of Nor'wester's Conditional Use Permit and Shoreline Permit. Jones and Jones Architects of Seattle, developed plans for the lodge, shower houses and office/staff building. Jay Brant, General Contractors of Homer Alaska were hired for the project. Funding limitations necessitated that the office/staff building not be constructed.

2000- A modified program for the 2000 season was designed, which included a 4-week session for 17-18 year olds, a 3-week session for 13-16 year olds, and a 1-week session for 9-12 year olds. Construction of the shower houses, water and waste water system was complete before campers arrived. Army tents (circa Desert Storm) housed the office, health center, craft shop and lodge.

Total enrollment for the summer was 140 campers. A family weekend for alums was offered. Over 50 people attended and all requested it become a yearly offering.

The property was formally dedicated August 9th with many supporters and alumni in attendance. Bill Holm, his family and friends presented a sampling of traditional Northwest Coast Native Dances. The Lodge was essentially complete before summer's end and was used for dances and campfires.

2001- The permanent dock was put in place mid summer. 12 kayaks were added to the waterfront program, allowing intimate exploration of the shoreline from the water, and more options for overnight camping transportation. Hugh Armstrong and Bob Cram constructed a new Adobe Oven. Two welcome poles, carved by Calvin Hunt, were erected at Cottonwood Cove and dedicated. Calvin and members of his family from Vancouver Island participated in our Potlatch celebration, performing family dances and songs. Campers began using the Swindells property, Spirit Cove on San Juan Island, for an overnight site. Total enrollment for the summer was 164.

2002- A 12 day session for 9 and 10 year olds was implemented, giving both young campers and their families an opportunity to experience some of what Nor'wester has to offer before committing to a one-month stay. The Ropes course was completed in time for the summer season. The new course was an expansion of the original, first added to the program in 1988, with the addition of a high-ropes component. Construction of a new Bighouse was started, with an artist rendering of the proposed house. Plans were drawn up and reviewed by an engineer. A site was selected and the necessary permits submitted to the county. Cedar logs for the interior house posts, donated by Jack and Jan Helsell, were brought to Lopez and carving began. Mary Wondra joined the staff as the Director's Assistant. Explore Nor'wester, an introductory, 4-day session, was started. This mini camp for new families and alumni with camper aged children gives participants a chance to sleep in a tent or tipi, do some activities and get familiar with John Island. Calvin Hunt carved a log drum for the new Bighouse. Campers began using the Ragen property on Waldron Island for and overnight site. The Explorer tent platforms were completed. Total enrollment for the summer was 227.

2003- Permits for construction of the Bighouse were approved by San Juan County. Site work was done through the summer to prepare the area. Carving continued on the four house posts. New additions include a Lightning sailboat, a 17' Whaler, a convection oven and 2 propane hot water heaters to the kitchen. An additional Craft shop tent was erected to increase the space used for creative pursuits. The Archer unit tent platforms were completed, allowing the unit to move out of their army tent into more private housing. The position of Nurse's Assistant was added. Bill and Marty Holm's 50th Anniversary was celebrated. Calvin Hunt and his family returned for another Potlatch celebration and he carved a box drum for the Bighouse. Total enrollment for the summer was 273.

2004- Construction on the Bighouse continues. The corner posts were erected and the cross beams put in place. Two Nootka style dug out canoes, designed by Calvin Hunt, were donated and added to the waterfront program, another Whaler was purchased to help improve transportation to and from the property, a grill and oven were added to the kitchen and a backup generator was purchased, ensuring that power would not be interrupted during the peak season use. A 24' yurt was erected to provide staff with a much needed R&R location on property. A CD of camp songs, performed by a group of staff and campers was produced. Plans for a new Maintenance building were drawn up and a construction firm hired. Preliminary plans for a Craftshop were developed. Total enrollment for the summer was 287. Calvin Hunt and his family returned for another Potlatch and gave the Nor'wester Bighouse the name Nawalagwatsi, Receptacle of Magic.

2005- The Camp's 70 anniversary was celebrated in May at the Pickering Barn in Issaquah, Washington. The Maintenance building was completed, providing the first enclosed area for equipment repair and maintenance since camp moved to Johns. Rick Winings joined the staff as the Caretaker, moving into Nell Robinson's home on the western point. The "Get the Point" Campaign began to secure ownership of the 37 acres of Point Property, being leased from a camp alum. Camp 'broke even' this year for the first time since relocation, covering all operational expenses. The Camp received accreditation through the American Camp Association for the first time since moving to Johns. Calvin Hunt adzed the lumber for the Bighouse screen and gifted the Camp a beautiful carved oversized spoon. Total enrollment for the summer was 295.

2006- A Pico and a Laser sailboat were purchased and used throughout the summer to determine which was best suited to the Johns Island area. It was decided that Picos were the vessel of choice and 5 were purchased in the fall in preparation for the 2007 season. All the Lightning sailboats in use were overhauled, receiving new masts, riggings and fittings. The Board began a Strategic Planning process. Camp revenue from enrollment covered operational expenses and the long-term debt obligation on the 100 acres purchased in 1998. Calvin Hunt and his family came for another Potlatch and Calvin carved a Sisiulth to span the stairway entrance to the south beach. Total enrollment for the summer was 318