Ways to Help Camp Nor’wester

Thank you for the many ways you support camp!

There are many ways you can support Camp Nor'wester and make a lasting impact on our campers. Donate essential items from our wishlist, volunteer your time and skills during work weekends or summer sessions, consider joining our Advisory Board, and more! Every contribution, big or small, enhances the Nor'wester experience for our campers.

Donate Items from our Wishlist

For those alumni and friends who want to contribute to our ongoing program needs, this list is for you! Below are items—not necessarily in order of priority—which we would like to add to the program as soon as we can.

To support these needs, please donate to our Nor’wester Fund, and contact us at kelsey@norwester.org to share your request for which items you’d like to cover with your donation. Thank you for considering making a donation to our program.

    • Plaque installations to share contextual & historical information on property for all art, carvings, totems, and at the Bighouse | All contributions welcome!

    • Putt Putt Whaler engine overhaul | $6,000

    • Small electric power washer | $200

    • Hose reel for steam cleaner | $350

    • Hardware storage trays (6) | $30 each

    • Firefighting tools | $500

    • TreeMaster rigging ropes (2) | $170 each

    • Battery-powered grounds maintenance equipment (chainsaw, leaf blower, trimmer, plus batteries) | $3000

    • Double-stack dryers for Laundry Room | $2800 each

    • Cups for kitchen | $10 each

    • Challenge Course equipment:

      • Access harness | $225

      • New ropes | $150 each

      • Belay device | $35

      • Protective rope storage (4 total) | $30 each

    • Hunt Canoe hull, seat, and paddle repairs | Varying costs

  • To support all campers and staff in having the right gear to be able to participate in our full program, we accept donations of GOOD QUALITY outdoor gear of many kinds: sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hiking boots, camping dishware, headlamps, backpacks, etc.

    Please contact Program Director Harper McFadden at harper@norwester.org, and include photos of the gear items if possible.

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    General camping items – please check with harper@norwester.org before sending anything to us.

    • Sunglasses (polarized preferred)

    • Synthetic Tops & Shorts (Women’s S-L / Men’s M-L)

    • Water shoes - Crocs, Keens, etc. (W 6-10 / M 9-12)

    • 50-70L backpacks (not too big)

    • SOCKS – wool/synthetic hiking/backpacking socks (All sizes)

  • We are happy to take unused craft shop supplies as well as sports equipment, instruments, scientific equipment (for the Nature program), and other program equipment in GOOD CONDITION off your hands. Look in the back of that hall closet or in that bottom drawer for crafty items you no longer have a need for and send them our way. Quality yarns, knitting needles, beads, sparkles, ribbons, pillow stuffing, felt markers—you name it, we’ll put it to good use. The more supplies we have, the more wonderful creations become a reality.

    If you’re purging items between September 1 and May 25, send them to:

    Camp Nor’wester
    PO Box 1055, 303 5th Ave. S, Suite 201
    Edmonds, WA 98020

    During the summer, items should be sent to:

    Camp Nor’wester
    112 Airport Circle
    Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Spread the word and refer a friend!

Want to guarantee Camp Nor’wester’s future? Help us connect with potential families and qualified staff members.

No other type of advertising will have the impact of your personal endorsement when it comes to introducing people to Camp Nor’wester. If you know families or potential staff members who are looking for the opportunities and experiences provided by Nor’wester please use this Refer a Friend form. Once we receive your referral we will correspond with the potential camper family or staff member, letting them know you asked us to send them a packet of information. If a reunion is scheduled for their area, we will also send them an invitation.

Vehicle Donations

Vehicle donations are a unique and impactful giving option that supports Camp.

We partner with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to assist our donors with vehicle donations. Your unwanted car, truck, boat, motorcycle, SUV or even plane can be accepted as a donation. Your generosity qualifies for a tax deduction, and we’ll do all the heavy lifting. The pick-up is free, and we’ll schedule it during a time that’s convenient for you.

Call 855-550-GIVE or visit CAR’s website to get started.

Donate your vehicle