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.

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

• 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.

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

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

• Study 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.

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.

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.