Camp Nor’wester’s Board of Directors
Join the Board of Camp Nor’wester
Big ideas, real impact.
Help steward a nearly 100-year-old camp—and shape what comes next.
Camp Nor’wester is a historic, values-driven overnight summer camp in the San Juan Islands, serving young people through outdoor, unplugged, group-centered experiences since 1935. We’re looking for thoughtful, engaged board members who want to help guide the camp into its next chapter—with care, curiosity, and a sense of community.
As the camp continues to grow, evolve, and deepen its commitment to belonging, access, and long-term sustainability, we’re intentionally broadening the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences represented on our Board.
We deeply value Nor’wester’s long community history—and we also believe its future depends on welcoming new people, new ideas, and new leadership into governance.
Current Board of Directors
What Board Members Do
The Board of Directors stewards the mission, long-term health, and future direction of Camp Nor’wester.
In practice, this means:
Guide Mission & Vision
Work with staff to clarify long-term vision and priorities, and help ensure the camp’s programs, decisions, and growth stay aligned with Nor’wester’s values and purpose.
Support & Evaluate the Executive Director
Serve as a thought partner and accountability body for the Executive Director, including participating in annual evaluation and long-term leadership support.
Steward Financial & Organizational Health
Review budgets and financial reports, help set policies, and make sure the camp is using its resources responsibly and sustainably.
Show Up as Ambassadors & Fundraising Partners
Help tell Nor’wester’s story, build relationships, thank donors, and participate in fundraising and community-building in ways that fit your style and capacity.
Participate Actively in Governance
Come prepared to meetings, serve on a committee, ask good questions, and engage thoughtfully in the shared work of stewarding the organization
Strengthen the Organization for the Long Term
Think beyond the next season—helping guide strategy, manage risk, and make decisions that support Nor’wester’s long-term stability and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Board members serve 3-year terms, and may renew up to a total of 9 years.
-
On average, 5-10 hours per month depending on number of committees and taskforces involved in.
This includes:
6 - 7 board meetings per year
Service on at least one committee
Time to read materials, prepare for meetings
-
Yes. Typically one in-person annual retreat in WA or OR in October. (~2days)*
The rest of meetings are held as hybrid (in-person and virtual) or entirely virtual to best accomodate our board members who live and travel across the country.
*Some travel or lodging support may be available.
-
While not required, it is highly recommended to visit camp at least once per year, either while in session in the summer, or for a volunteer work weekend in April, May, or June. See the magic you make possible!
-
Yes. Board members are expected to:
Make an annual financial contribution at a level that is meaningful for them
Participate in fundraising and donor stewardship in ways that fit their style and capacity
We believe in a culture of participation, not equal giving.
-
No. While many board members are tied to camp some way already, there are also those that have not had previous history with the organization.
We are actively seeking people beyond the traditional Nor’wester network.
-
Yes. Board members hold fiduciary responsibility and are asked to uphold the camp’s Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
Camp Nor’wester Board Culture Statement
We embrace our mission.
The mission first and foremost guides our leadership, decision making, and actions.
We value our traditions past, present, and future.
As we honor our history and culture. We respect and learn from the traditions of other cultures as well.
We respect the environment.
We love the land and strive to leave our camp site better than how we found it.
We create community.
We build, grow, and maintain honest and genuine relationships which are foundational to a sense of belonging. The creation of community requires trust, vulnerability, and forgiveness, and with these tenets in place individuals can flourish.
We practice inclusivity.
We accept people for who and what they are. Every person has a right to respect and dignity. Racism, bigotry, and prejudice have no place at Nor’wester. We embrace our diverse cultures, experiences, and backgrounds.
We support the Camp community with our hearts, our time, and our resources.
As members of the Board we value accountability and transparency in our commitment to the organization. We each have a responsibility to participate in the community and to contribute our energy, thoughts, opinions, and spirits.
We strive for an attitude of wonder, curiosity, and inquiry.
We listen to understand, not just to react. We seek new ideas and ask questions in the spirit of experiential learning and growth. We assume best intentions in our interactions. We strive to remain both humble and grateful in all we do.
We are pursuing a journey, not a destination.
We appreciate both process and progress. We enjoy the adventure and celebrate it together with dance and song.