Big Big Trip
A Nor’wester Trip Experience for Adults
Big Big Trip
Little Big Trips and Big Trips are a central part of the Camp Nor’wester program. Now you can live the Big Trip experience through an adventure for adults!
Designed to mirror Big Trip experience, participants will spend four days paddling the San Juan Islands with fellow Camp Nor’wester community members.
Trips are often the highlight of the summer for campers in the oldest units. On trips, campers learn new skills, face challenges, and build lasting relationships with others. Whether you’re an alum who thinks longingly on your own trip experiences, a parent who has heard tales of trips from their campers, or a former staff member who never got a chance to accompany campers on a trip, this is your chance!
With a group of ten participants and two staff, you will explore the San Juan Islands via kayak. Each night the group will camp on a different island and have the opportunity to explore local trails, beaches, and tide pools. While on the water, you might encounter seals, porpoises, jelly fish, sea lions, and whales. You’ll visit kelp beds, catch sight of bald eagles, and travel alongside other adventurers.
Participants should expect Big Trip-style participation in all aspects of the trip including packing, meal prep, and setting up camp each day. The trip will be led by trained and qualified recent staff members. Participants will brush up on their outdoor and kayaking skills - or learn new ones! Trip leaders will teach you how to read currents, tide charts, and other navigational resources. Expect at least one early morning on the water, bonding with fellow Nor’wester community members, plenty of opportunities to take a deep breath in nature.
In 2026, the Big Big Trip will run August 21 - August 25.
Enrollment Opens February 2, 2026
2026 Cost
Ages
2026 Dates
$600
18+
August 21-25
Enrollment Process:
We are accepting applications on a first-come first-served basis.
Enrollment costs include transportation to and from camp from Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, meals, staffing, and relevant gear. We want anyone interested in participating to be able to do so.
Financial Aid and payment plans are available.To request Financial Aid, complete this form. Financial Aid requests will not affect your you ability to enroll. Contact kelsey@norwester.org for more details.
No cancellation fee from February to May. May 1st-July 31st, the cancellation fee is $200 per participant. Cancellations after August 1st will result in no refund.
Big Big Trip Information
After reviewing the details, are you ready to join?
Registration is open!
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Anyone 18 or older is invited to join us! For 2026, because it is the first trip, we ask that participants have a prior connection to Camp Nor’wester whether that’s as an alumni, parent, partner, or previous volunteer.
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The exact trip route will depend on tides, currents, and the weather forecast. We will begin and end on Johns Island. Expect at least one early morning!
A sample itinerary might be Johns Island → Sucia Island → Jones Island → Stuart Island → Johns Island
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August 21 - meet an afternoon barge in Roche Harbor, arrive on Johns Island, pack, kayak orientation and skills practice, dinner.
August 22 - depart Johns Island in kayaks, paddle to first destination. Explore and camp for the night.
August 23 - Paddle to second destination.
August 24 - Paddle to third destination.
August 25 - Return to Johns Island in the morning, unpack, and take camp’s boats back to Roche Harbor in the afternoon.
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One of the benefits of kayak-camping is that unlike backpacking, you can carry heavier and fresher ingredients!
The final menu will be based on participant preferences and restrictions.
A sample menu might include:
Breakfast: oatmeal, bagels, pancakes
Lunch: wraps, quesadillas, tuna melts
Dinner: curry, fajitas, peanut noodles
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Participants are asked to pack their own personal gear including the following:
Cook kits (bowl/cup, utensils)
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Rain Top & Bottom
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Warm Base Layer Top & Bottom
Non-Cotton Shirt & Shorts
Fleece Top
Toiletries
Wool Socks
Sturdy Water Shoes
2 Waterbottles
Sunglasses
Nor’wester will supply the following (please ask before bringing your own):
Dry Bag
PFD
Spray Skirt
Paddle
Note: Alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, and drugs are prohibited on all Camp Nor’wester programs.
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Kayaking is a generally low impact sport but it can be physically challenging to paddle for several hours at a time. There will be optional opportunities for walks or light hikes when on land.
Participants will paddle in tandem kayaks and must be able to paddle for up to 5 hours at a time (efficient paddling is more of a core exercise than an arm workout). This also looks like sitting in the same position for up to 5 hours at a time.
We will be sleeping on the ground under the stars or tarp shelters.
Ideally participants will be able to lift up to 50 lbs but accommodations can be made.
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We run several similar trips in the summer and have well-established practices and procedures.
All staff will be first-aid and CPR certified. At least one staff member will be a lifeguard and at least one staff member will have a higher level first-aid certification.
Staff will pack emergency response equipment such as VHF radios, flares, and tow ropes.
Before departure we will review emergency response protocols and all participants will do a wet exit (self-rescue drill).
Should the need arise, we will be in contact with the camp office and they will be able to pick participants up from the trip.
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Yes! We want Nor’wester programs to be accessible. If you would like to request Financial Aid, complete this form.
**Financial Aid Requests will not affect your standing in the enrollment lottery.
