Get the Point

The Point Project Capital Campaign
Camp Nor'wester

The Point Property

Camp Nor’wester is initiating the Point Project Capital Campaign to raise a total of $4,400,000 to secure the Camp’s future. The primary need is $3,650,000 to purchase the final 38 acres of the Camp’s property on John’s Island (the “Point”). In 1998, Nor’wester purchased the 135-acre Nell Robinson Ranch. It purchased 97 acres outright; it is using the remaining 38 acres under a lease-option which expires in September 2006. To exercise the option, the Camp must raise the purchase price of $3,650,000.

The Campaign also includes $100,000 to increase the Camp’s modest scholarship endowment (presently $42,000) and $150,000 to complete capital projects currently underway and make upgrades to the Camp’s aging fleet of C-Larks and rowboats. The complete Campaign Budget is included below.

 

The Primary Need
Nor'wester's Achievements
Nor'wester Legacy
Securing...
...the Future.
Johns Island Map
Camp Nor'wester

 

The Primary Need

Camp Nor’wester needs to acquire the Point to secure its future. The camp presently uses the entire 135 acre property for its programs. Without the Point, the Camp would be required to reduce camper enrollment and may not be economically viable. The Camp’s programs would also be significantly curtailed.

The Point includes 3,696 feet of spectacular shoreline, with coves, points and seven beaches. The Point is also the site of the Camp’s year-round dock, and the historic Nell Robinson house and barn. The house was recently remodeled as a caretaker’s residence and the barn will be restored for use by the Camp. Campers, under the guidance of Bill and Marty Holm, are in the process of constructing a traditional Kwakwaka’wakw Big House along the northeast boundary of the Parcel. The Point provides overnight camping sites for the younger campers and critical open space for many of the Camp’s daily activities. The astounding beauty of Camp Nor’wester is due in great part to the availability of the Point.

Nor’Wester’s Achievements

Camp Nor’wester purchased 97 acres of the Nell Robinson ranch in 1998 with private donations and mortgage financing. Over the next year the Camp constructed a lodge and kitchen, permanent dock and additional infrastructure. More recently, the Camp installed a ropes course and has started work on the Craft Center and the Big House.

The Camp opened on a limited basis in the summer of 2000 with 75 campers. Since then, the Camp has increased its enrollment every year, and expects to approach maximum capacity with 300 this summer. This year, revenue from the Camp’s operations, together with the proceeds of its annual fund, will be sufficient to cover operating expenses and monthly payments on its mortgage.

With these achievements behind it, Nor’wester’s Board of Directors has initiated the final phase of the Camp’s business plan—a Capital Campaign to raise funds to acquire the Point.

 

Nor’wester Legacy

Camp Nor’wester has proven its worth as campers, staff, family and friends return year after year and generation after generation. The Camp has contributed to the development of thousands of children by increasing their self-confidence and teaching life skills. Young people learn that taking risks is necessary for achievement and success, and they learn to become active participants in their communities.

Camp Nor’wester gives children and young adults a unique opportunity to grow as individuals and understand that they have a voice and can make a contribution.

 

Securing …

Item	Amount	Description
Purchase Point	$3,650,000	Exercise the purchase option by September 2006.
Retire Construction Debt	$ 397,000	Retire the line of credit used to complete the lodge and other improvements.
Increase Scholarship Endowment	$ 100,000	Increase diversity by providing 3-5 additional scholarships per year.
Fund Capital Projects	$ 153,000	Provide discretionary funds to complete ongoing projects and upgrade waterfront equipment.
Campaign Administration and Support	$ 100,000	Pay the direct expenses of the Campaign, including personnel.
Total Campaign Budget	$4,400,000

 

...the Future.

The Camp’s primary need is to raise the funds required to purchase the Point and retire the debt remaining from the construction of the lodge, kitchen and other improvements. The Camp will then add to its Scholarship Endowment. The balance of the Campaign will be used to complete construction of the Craft Center, reconstruct the health center and upgrade the Camp’s aging fleet of sailboats and rowboats. Over the past year, friends of the Camp have contributed substantial portion of the cost of the Craft Center as well as funds to construct the Big House and a climbing wall.

The funds raised through the Point Project will enable the Camp to continue indefinitely. The Camp will then own its property, and the funds generated by its summer program and its annual fund will be sufficient to cover the Camp’s annual expenses. In other words, if Nor’wester is able to raise the funds necessary to purchase the Point, it will have secured its future.

 

Johns Island

Camp Nor'wester

Point Project Capital Campaign Committee
Read Langenbach - Co-Chair         
Melissa Evans - Co-Chair
Elizabeth Bayley                
Andy Marcuse
Kim Berhow                     
Mike Poutiatine
David Black                     
George Swindells
Bill Horder

Camp Nor’wester Board of Directors
Kim Berhow        
Bill Horder
David Black       
Marty Holm
Christa Campbell  
Read Langenbach
Donn Charnley
Andy Marcuse
Art Chapman  
Mike Poutiatine
Melissa Evans
Barbara Schneider
Deb Gore     
George Swindells
Paul Henriksen    
Barbara Stanton
Lyle Summers

Camp Nor’wester Advisory Group
Roger Alfred 
Deb Armstrong
Dollie Armstrong
Elizabeth Bayley
Andy Berhow
Bruce Blume
Katie Bunn-Marcuse
Kevin Callaghan
C. Conrad Carter
Adrienne Caver-Hall
Claire Chapman
Janet Charnley
Dee Dee Curran
Jaina Davis
Hillary Day Erlich
Jean Enerson
Pete Flynn
Jack Helsell
Jan Helsell
Bill Holm
Karen Holm
Steve Johnson
Sam Lockwood
Ed Miesen
Mollie Montgomery
Bill Olson
Kelly Overly
Evy Packer
Ira Palmer
Dick Pattison
Sally Poutiatine
Bob Rogers
Thomas Shipley
Thomas Stack
Katherine Stelter Belisle
Robin Tatsuda
Katy Vanderpool
Alison Voinot
Heather Watkins
Dick Weatherford
Anna White

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Camp Nor’wester provides a unique outdoor living experience where
a diverse group of young people is challenged to develop skills that increase self-confidence and encourage respect, responsibility and compassion for themselves, their community and the environment.