Spotlight on Camp Activities
At Camp Nor’wester, campers step into a world of hands-on discovery, outdoor skills, creativity, and shared traditions. In a recent post on social media, we mentioned that much of what we share during the summer is special activities or days. The goal of this post is to take a closer look at the heart of the Nor’wester experience—the day-to-day programming.
Each day, campers transition between a variety of activities.
Challenge Course and Climbing Wall– From “Whale-Watch” and “Wobbly Log” to “High Beam” and “Vertical Playpen,” campers tackle graduated elements that build teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Structures grow more advanced as campers return each season.
Archery – Equipped with both recurve and compound bows, campers practice precision, learn shooting techniques, and play engaging games including using imaginative or moving.
Camp Operations – Also called “Camp Ops” is an opportunity for campers to contribute to the greater camp community through trail maintenance, invasive species control, cleaning outhouses and showerhouses, stacking firewood, and much more.
Nature – Johns Island offers rich habitats—marshes, tidepools, meadows, ponds, forests—and frequent wildlife sightings like eagles, seals, orcas, and deer. Campers explore, observe, and learn from this dynamic ecosystem.
Drama –The Drama Shed and Madrona Theater host theater games, skit rehearsals, and creative performance prep
Music – Music isn't just an activity—it’s woven into daily life through folk singing after meals, campfire songs, and dances (folk, square, contra).
Dance – Nor’wester’s newest program, Dance is led by a staff member who comes to Camp with a background in dance. Campers are challenged to learn more about movement and different styles of dance, whether through salsa, pop, ballet, or modern.
Outdoor Cooking – At Outdoor Cooking, campers bake pizzas, pastries, and even roast veggies—often using ingredients from the camp garden.
Craftshop – Campers experiment in the craftshop with pottery, watercolors, batik, woodworking, weaving, and more.
Waterfront – Sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and beach time are staples of the afternoon program, offering fresh-air fun and new skills.
Cultural Connections – Camp Nor’wester is incredibly privileged to have longstanding relationships with local indigenous and First Nations families. As a result, indigenous education is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day. Cultural Connections, as an activity, allows campers to learn about Nor’wester’s history with indigenous relationships, native art, and the history of the land we’re on.
The weekly schedule is designed to allow for flexibility. Campers attend most activities with their units but Unit Leaders can build a schedule tailored to their units’ interests. There are generally five activity blocks in a day. Want to spend all morning in the Craftshop instead of scheduling two different morning activities? That’s possible. Interested in combining Rest Hour with the first afternoon block and paddling the canoes to a nearby island for a picnic lunch? Let’s make that happen!
A week at Camp Nor’wester is a journey through exploration, community, and creativity. Campers rotate through arts, theater, archery, nature, and waterfront adventures—as well as deep dive into unit overnights and multi-day outcamps. They sing, dance, perform, reflect, and recharge during unique Anchor Days, all while building life skills, relationships, and a rooted love for nature.
