Logo for Camp Nor'wester with an eagle emblem and text stating 'Camp Nor'wester, A Unique Camp Experience Since 1935'.

Life-Shaping Experiences for a Lifetime of Growth

Enroll for Summer 2026 Now!

Learn More

Community Focus

Nor’wester’s Unit System provides a strong foundation for growth and success.

Outstanding Program

Time-tested activities and experiences that build skills and engage young people.

Rustic Living in Nature

Our outdoor, technology-free living promotes healthy connections and relationship-building in a safe environment.

A Place to Live Easy and Happy

Camp Nor’wester is located on a secluded outer island of the San Juans in Washington State.

Ready to come to camp?

Group of children smiling and playing outdoors in a forest challenge course, wearing helmets, celebrating.
Future Campers
People on a boat, including a woman hugging a child, with several children and staff members nearby, during daytime with a body of water and trees in the background.
Parents
Group of young people singing and playing guitars at an indoor gathering, with a colorful sign in the background that says 'Camp Nor'wester'.
Future Staff
A group of children and a staff are gathered around a table, engaged in a baking activity in a rustic indoor setting with wooden walls and a canvas ceiling. The children are smiling and appear to be enjoying the activity.
Friends of Camp

  • "When I attended the camp over many summers, I realized this was the community of people I wanted to put myself in. The atmosphere of the camp always brings a smile to my face, and happy thoughts to my mind. Working long hours with people you love being around, laughing and singing isn’t work in my eyes, it’s an experience that you can’t find anywhere else."

    - 5-year Camper, 1st year Staff

  • "It’s an amazing experience that lets you really figure out who you are away from electronics and internet. It’s not just a regular summer camp, it’s completely magical. I don’t know if it’s the people or the island or a combination of both, but it’s just a very special place to everyone that goes."

    -3-year Camper, Age 15

  • "It was just what we hoped for. I trusted Nor’wester to offer our son an opportunity to engage socially, and learn about being a compassionate, engaged citizen, and to just be happy and feel included. And to realize that he didn’t need any electronic devices to be happy."

    -Parent

  • "Being a previous camper for two sessions, my experience at camp helped me to develop into who I am today and taught me the meaning of independence along with teamwork. After being away from home…I learned that I could thrive independently and I formed incredible relationships and bonds with people from all walks of life. I love the idea that I could be a part of a kid’s experience of growing up and becoming the person they want to be. Camp is the best place to do that and it would be an honor to become part of a team of amazing people who are passionate about working long hours for little pay in order to inspire, listen to and help kids."

    -1st year Staff, former Camper

Upcoming Alumni and Community Events

The Camp Nor’wester community doesn’t end when the summer does. We love to stay connected with campers, staff, and alumni throughout the year. Whether your were involved in Camp Nor’wester last summer or last decade, we look forward to connecting at an event soon.

If you are interested in hosting an alumni event in your area contact Kelsey McFadden at Kelsey@norwester.org.

People dancing in a large indoor venue with wooden flooring, surrounded by tables and musical performers.
Two people smiling and waling on a grassy hill wearing gardening clothes over overalls and khaki pants, with dirt on the knees.
A group of diverse smiling teenagers and young adults gathered together indoors, posing for a photo with some standing and others sitting in front, with a large window in the background.

The
Nor’wester Fund

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Camp Nor’wester relies on donors to support our mission and programming. Your gift makes a big difference in the lives of next summer’s campers! Please support the camper experience – your contribution helps cover new program supplies, facilities updates, staff perks, financial aid, and increases equity at Nor’wester through mental health support and equipment investments!

You can make a tax-deductible gift to Camp Nor’wester today by clicking the “Donate” button below. Thank you for your support!

Donate

Read the latest and greatest news from camp

Blog: Letters from Camp
Growing Up at Camp; What It Means to Be an Oldest Camper
Growing Up at Camp; What It Means to Be an Oldest Camper

One of the remarkable things about growing up at Camp Nor’wester is that leadership develops over the years. Campers return year after year, and as they grow, so do their skills, responsibilities, sense of self, and understanding of what it means to be part of a community.

Read more →
Behind the Adventure: How a Camp Trip Comes Together
Behind the Adventure: How a Camp Trip Comes Together

When campers set off on a Kayaking Little Big Trip, shoulder their backpacks for an overnight, or sail toward the outer islands, it can feel wonderfully spontaneous—with a little bit of the unknown. Packs are loaded, charts come out, bikes start rolling, and the adventure begins.

But behind every trip are hours, days, weeks, and months of thoughtful planning. Every route, meal, piece of gear, staffing assignment, and safety plan is considered long before campers lace up their hiking boots or buckle their lifejackets.

Read more →
The Special Days of Camp Nor'wester
The Special Days of Camp Nor'wester

Life at Camp Nor'wester has a specific rhythm.

Throughout each session, that routine is punctuated by a handful of Special Days. These traditions bring the entire community together to celebrate creativity, leadership, friendship, and the joy of camp. Each has its own traditions and history.

Read more →