Camp Nor'wester

Where will I live?

Campers are grouped by the grade they have completed just before summer begins. We call these living groups Units. So all 8th grade girls will be together, and 6th grade girls will be in a separate unit. Our youngest units are a combination of 3rd and 4th grade campers and our oldest units combine 9th and 10th grade campers. The youngest campers, who come for 12 days, will live in platform tents, 4 campers to a tent. Full session campers will live in tipis, 3 campers to a tipi. Each unit has at least two staff tipis where your Unit Leaders and some department staff will live.

What can I do at camp?

Everyone will participate in arts/crafts, archery, drama, sailing, nature, swimming, adobe oven, gardening and the overnights. Plus we have lots of special days, when different activities are offered and you can sign up for them on your own rather than with your unit. At the ropes course, campers in 3-5th grade will have access to challenge activities and the lower course. Older campers will use both the high and low courses. Kayaking is available to campers who are in 7th grade or higher. Younger campers may have an opportunity to go whale watching on San Juan Island as part of a Nature activity.

Everyone camps away from the main camp every week with their own unit. Campers in the 3-5th grade unit generally stay on the property, while older campers will go off island to a variety of sites. Campers in 7th-10th grade units will go on 4-5 days camping trips, either sailing, canoeing, kayaking, biking or hiking during the 3rd and 4th weeks of the session. These trips are not by unit and are coed.

How are activities chosen?

You will go to activities with your Unit. Before you come to camp your Unit Leaders will schedule your first week of activities. The rest of the weeks you spend at camp will be scheduled on Sunday and you will plan with your Unit and Unit Leaders which activities you would all like to go to. Every Sunday afternoon and a couple of other times during your stay you will be able to sign up individually for your own favorite activity and the rest of your unit mates will do the same.

Do all the campers come with a friend?

No, most campers coming to camp for the first time do not come with a friend. But you leave camp with lots of new ones. You will meet everyone in your Unit during the boat ride to camp, so by the time you arrive on Johns Island you'll have already started to get know each other.

Will I be able to room with my friend?

If your friend is in the same grade as you then there is a good chance you can room together. Because of our Unit system, even if you don't live in the same tent or tipi, you would be in the same Unit and would be together all day.

Will I be able to see my brother or sister?

Definitely. You can eat together during our Scramble-Amble (see "Where do we eat?"). In addition, units do activities together in the evening - stuff like soccer, campfires, dances, etc. That's another time you might get together with your sib.

How to I get in touch with my parents?

We are all about writing letters at camp! Mail goes out and comes in once a day, except Sundays, and Mail Call is always an exciting time. Emails and phone calls are only available on an emergency basis - being at camp is our chance to 'unplug' from all those technological things. Our camp store has stamps, paper and envelopes in case you run out.

Where do we eat?

Everyone eats together in our lodge three times a day. Each unit is assigned 2-3 tables and that is where your unit will sit. At least twice a week we have 'Scramble-Amble'. At that meal you can seat at any table in the lodge! It's a great time to visit with friends or siblings in other units.

How is the food?

We're very proud of the food our kitchen provides to us. We have a lot of variety, including vegetarian options and most everything we eat is made from scratch. In case you can't find anything to eat at a particular meal we always have PB and Jelly available. But we're confident you'll find something you like. Favorites include 'Killer Mac', hoagie sandwiches and vegetarian chili. If you get hungry between meals the kitchen always puts out a variety of fruit that you can swing by and grab on your way to an activity.

Can I bring my ipod?

While you're on your way to and from camp you're welcome to enjoy things like ipods, cell phones and Gameboys. Once you arrive at camp we collect all those things and keep them safe until the day before you go home. One of the best things about camp is putting those things away so we can enjoy the camp activities and each others company. It's an adjustment we all make but it only takes a day or so!

How do I get clean clothes?

Camper laundry is sent out every week. Typically it leaves on Monday and returns on Wednesday. The important thing is to have a laundry bag with a draw string so your clothes don't fall out during their ride to and from the laundry.

Do I need special equipment?

You will get a clothing list that will help you decide on what clothes to bring. Older campers, generally 7th grade and up, will also get an equipment list that will tell them what things they will need for their 4-5 day trips. Everyone will need a sleeping bag, cook kit, flashlight and some other basic things for living outdoors. Camp is a great time to wear out your old clothes. Clothes that need special care and attention (like dry cleaning or hand washing) are not a good idea.

What's the weather like?

The days are generally warm (mid 60's to mid 70's) and the nights our cool (low 50's). Our lodge is open to the south so it's best to come with a warm jacket and a couple of sweatshirts for layering in the morning and evening. If we're lucky we get rain at least a couple of times a session and activities don't generally stop when it does. So you should have rain gear.