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“Get the Point”—The Point Project Capital Campaign

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The Point Property

We are proud to announce that on June 29, 2009 the Camp purchased the Point Property for $3.7 million. In 2005 Camp Nor’wester initiated a Capital Campaign to raise a total of $4,400,000 to secure the Camp’s future. The primary need was $3,650,000 to purchase the final 38 acres of the Camp’s property on John’s Island (the “Point”). In 1998, when Nor’wester purchased the 135-acre Nell Robinson Ranch it purchased 97 acres outright, which the camp is currently paying off. The remaining 38 acres were being used under a lease-option.

The recent purchase includes a $1.9 million seller finance mortgage. Recognizing that additional mortgage payments would be a strain on finances, a long time supporter offered the Camp a generous Matching Challenge Gift of $500,000 to be used to reduce the Point debt. Thanks to many of our alumni, we matched that amount in December of 2009. Any further donations will continue to go toward paying down the mortgage.

Thank you Nor'wester community, for all your support through the years. We have come from re-organizing as a nonprofit in 1996, through site selection, fundraising, property purchase, designing/engineering, permitting, construction and reopening in 2000, to our tenth summer on the site with a new point parcel to call our own.

 

A Historical Perspective -

The Capital Campaign of 2006 - The Primary Need

Camp Nor’wester must 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. All of the girls units are located on the Point. It 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, staff and volunteers, under the guidance of Bill and Marty Holm, have completed a traditional Kwakwaka’wakw style Bighouse 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 - 1997 - 2006

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 completed work on the Craft Center and the Bighouse.

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 340 this summer. Revenue from the Camp’s operations, together with the proceeds of its annual fund, is sufficient to cover operating expenses and monthly payments on its mortgage on the 97 acres.

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

Nor’wester’s Legacy - 1935 - present

Camp Nor’wester has proven its worth as campers, staff, family and friends return year after year and generation after generation for over 75 years. 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 the Future

The Camp’s primary need is to raise the funds required to purchase the Point. The Camp will then add to its Scholarship Endowment. The balance of the Campaign will be used to 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 funds to cover the cost of the Craft Center as well as funds to construct the Bighouse 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 and the legacy of Frank and Lucile Henderson.

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Camp Nor’wester Advisory Group

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