Different Homes, One Community: Meet Some of Camp Nor'wester's International Staff
Since Camp Nor'wester began as San Juan International Camp for Boys in 1935, welcoming people from different backgrounds and cultures has been part of who we are. Over 90 years later, that commitment continues. Each summer, international staff members travel from around the world to live, work, and grow alongside campers and staff on Johns Island.
At Nor'wester, camp has always been about more than activities – it's about people. Nor’wester aims to be a place where young people from around the world continue to learn from one another.
The impact of international staff reaches far beyond teaching an activity or leading a unit. They introduce campers to new perspectives, traditions, languages, and experiences simply by sharing everyday camp life. Whether it's talking about home over a meal, teaching a favorite game, celebrating a tradition, or laughing together in the dish pit, those moments become part of what makes the Nor'wester community so special.
For many campers, these relationships offer a first opportunity to learn about another culture through everyday conversation and shared experiences. And for our international staff, a summer on Johns Island becomes a chance to build lifelong friendships while sharing a piece of home with the Nor'wester community.
The international friendships built at Nor’wester, particularly those among staff, last well past the summer and provide lifelong opportunities for cross-cultural communication and connection. It’s always fun to hear about staff getting together in a foreign country, even years after they’ve worked at camp.
This summer, we're proud to have staff from countries around the world. Here are just a few of their stories—in their own words.
Keira (Scotland, 3rd year, Troubadour Unit Leader) with her 1st Session campers on Island Fair Day.
Ana Maria • Colombia
Photographer | Third Summer
Ana Maria first came to Camp Nor'wester after deciding it was time to pursue a dream she had put off for years. "Since I was younger I wanted to come to the U.S. I tried for several years but I couldn't, so I just postponed the dream. Then my father passed away, and I decided to do the things that I wanted. I knew about the opportunity to work at a camp. When I received an offer as a photographer, I didn't think twice."
What she found was more than a summer job. "I think coming to camp makes me connect more with home and find a sense of belonging in my own country. I didn't expect to find a Latin American community at camp that are now some of my closest friends."
She was also surprised to find herself combining her profession with the natural beauty of Johns Island. "I didn't expect to have an opportunity away from home to work in what I studied. I didn't expect to be surrounded by so much nature. I really love all the nature and having the opportunity to be part of it."
Her favorite moments happen at both the beginning and end of every session. "Being a foreign person in camp culture and getting to experience all the traditions has been so special. I love when campers arrive, and I love the celebrations during the last week of camp."
She hopes people recognize what international staff contribute to the Nor'wester community. "Differences also make a community. Especially in today's political situation, it's important to remember that we belong and have something to add. Camp is a place for everyone."
"On Visitors' Day during my first year, a family came to me because they didn't know there were international staff. They were also Latin American, and they were so excited."
Ana Maria (Colombia, 3rd year, Photographer) and Valentina (Argentina, 1st year, Dance Instructor)
Callum • Scotland
Mountaineer Unit Leader | First Summer
Callum came to Nor'wester looking for challenge, growth, and purpose. "I wanted to be involved in something bigger than myself, facilitate an amazing experience for young people, and push myself to learn more about myself."
Camp quickly became more meaningful than he expected. "I didn't expect how emotionally invested I would be in every aspect, or that I would be able to feel so at home."
He also learned one important lesson about island living. "Outhouses stink so bad. I thought they would be more bearable."
His favorite memory? "The Biking Big Trip. Going up Mt. Constitution was great, but going down was even better."
And if anyone has music recommendations, send them his way!
Keira and Callum (Scotland, 1st year, Mountaineer Unit Leader)
Kelby • United Kingdom
Pioneer Unit Leader (Session 1) & Scheduler (Session 2) | Third Summer
For Kelby, one meaningful summer turned into three. "I was looking for outdoor experience and something meaningful with my summer."
Why come back? "The people here, the community, the island, and the uniqueness of the island."
He admits he underestimated just how much camp would mean to him. "I didn't expect how invested I would be or how hard and draining working with kids is."
His favorite memory is one of those simple camp moments that sticks with you. "Playing around on the floating dock at the Hellsells (on Orcas) lake."
For Kelby, Nor'wester's international tradition is worth preserving. "International staff at Camp Nor'wester are so important. It used to be Henderson International Camp for Boys, and I think that needs to continue to be a core principle of Camp Nor'wester. The cultural exchange part of my visa is important."
Kelby (United Kingdom, 3rd year, Pioneer Unit Leader/Scheduler) as Purple Team Leader for Nell Day)
Inés • Spain
Vagabond Unit Leader | Third Summer
Inés came looking for the American camp experience. She found something that felt like home. "It just felt right. I was worried if this experience was really for me or if it had been the right choice, but as soon as I saw the island, I felt so peaceful. All my worries went away, and I knew this was where I was meant to be."
The people are what she never expected. "I didn't expect the connections I would make, all the special people I would find, and how this place now feels like home."
Her favorite moment happens after every T.O. "Coming back and having my whole unit run over for a huge group hug. I always look forward to that."
She believes international staff broaden campers' perspectives. "It gives campers more empathy and respect and shows them different cultures and traditions (like pooping logs)."
What should parents/campers/staff know about international staff? That "we're just as awesome and capable as the U.S. staff!"
Left to Right: Isa (Mexico, 1st year, Cook), Ines (Spain, 3rd year, Vagabond Unit Leader), Valentina, and Belen (Mexico, 3rd year, Outdoor Cooking Instructor).
Plus Eli (US, 3rd year Forester Unit Leader)
Valentina • Argentina
Dance Instructor | First Summer
Valentina came looking for nature and an immersive camp experience. "Camp Nor'wester had those things and more because it is also so inclusive of diversity and international staff. Now I'm feeling at home."
She already knows she'd like to come back. "It's my first year, but I want to return because of the people and the community that we have."
What surprised her most wasn't the scenery—it was the relationships. "I didn't expect making this many friends or meeting so many people. I didn't expect the view or learning so much about the nature and animals from this area."
One camper conversation has stayed with her. "At the end of first session, one of my campers was crying because she was going to miss her friends. She hugged me and we started talking. She said a lot of beautiful things but the one that mademe cry was that she fels her summer wouldn’t have been as good if I wasn’t here.”
For Valentina, cultural exchange goes both ways. "We help make camp more open to diversity. We share our cultures, and we're also here to learn yours. We really love when people share it with us."
Valentina and Belen with the First Session Mariners at Outdoor Cooking.
Belén • Mexico
Outdoor Cooking Instructor | Third Summer
Belén dreamed of working at summer camp long before she ever came to Nor'wester. "When I was a kid, I attended a camp in Mexico, and I really admired my counselors. I wanted to create that same experience for others when I grew up."
Three summers later, she still finds new reasons to return. "I fell in love with the island and the feeling of community. I made so many friends that I wanted to see again and get to try new things here."
Camp has changed her in ways she never anticipated. "I didn't expect it to be such a life-changing experience every time. I come to camp and end up feeling more connected and true to myself."
Her favorite memory isn't from a big event or major moment."I'll always remember the late-night dance sessions with the kitchen staff while we washed dishes. It was so fun, and we had such a great vibe."
And, like so many international staff, she sees the experience as something everyone shares. "We get to learn about U.S. culture and share a little bit of ours."
Alejandro (Mexico, 1st year, Kitchen Team) and Omar (Mexico, 1st year, Kitchen Team)
A Community That Spans the World
These six staff members represent only a small portion of the incredible international team that calls Camp Nor'wester home each summer. Together with staff from across the United States, they help create a community where differences are celebrated, friendships cross borders, and everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
As Ana Maria shared, "Camp is a place for all."
We agree.
Thank you to all of our international staff for bringing your traditions, talents, humor, compassion, and perspectives to Johns Island. You make Camp Nor'wester stronger, and our community is better because you're part of it.
Send Some Love to The International Staff
International staff are a long way from home and it’s hard to them to get mail from loved ones. Each year, we provide community members with the opportunity to send care packages to the international staff. If you would like to join the fun, visit this link and sign up! Email Kelsey@norwester.org for more information.
