Life-Shaping Experiences for a Lifetime of Growth

Enrollment for Summer 2026 is open!

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Community Focus

Nor’wester’s Unit System provides a strong foundation for growth and success.

Outstanding Program

Time-tested activities and experiences that build skills and engage young people.

Rustic Living in Nature

Our outdoor, technology-free living promotes healthy connections and relationship-building in a safe environment.

A Place to Live Easy and Happy

Camp Nor’wester is located on a secluded outer island of the San Juans in Washington State.

Ready to come to camp?

Future Campers
Parents
Future Staff
Friends of Camp

  • "When I attended the camp over many summers, I realized this was the community of people I wanted to put myself in. The atmosphere of the camp always brings a smile to my face, and happy thoughts to my mind. Working long hours with people you love being around, laughing and singing isn’t work in my eyes, it’s an experience that you can’t find anywhere else."

    - 5-year Camper, 1st year Staff

  • "It’s an amazing experience that lets you really figure out who you are away from electronics and internet. It’s not just a regular summer camp, it’s completely magical. I don’t know if it’s the people or the island or a combination of both, but it’s just a very special place to everyone that goes."

    -3-year Camper, Age 15

  • "It was just what we hoped for. I trusted Nor’wester to offer our son an opportunity to engage socially, and learn about being a compassionate, engaged citizen, and to just be happy and feel included. And to realize that he didn’t need any electronic devices to be happy."

    -Parent

  • "Being a previous camper for two sessions, my experience at camp helped me to develop into who I am today and taught me the meaning of independence along with teamwork. After being away from home…I learned that I could thrive independently and I formed incredible relationships and bonds with people from all walks of life. I love the idea that I could be a part of a kid’s experience of growing up and becoming the person they want to be. Camp is the best place to do that and it would be an honor to become part of a team of amazing people who are passionate about working long hours for little pay in order to inspire, listen to and help kids."

    -1st year Staff, former Camper

Upcoming Alumni and Community Events

The Camp Nor’wester community doesn’t end when the summer does. We love to stay connected with campers, staff, and alumni throughout the year. Whether your were involved in Camp Nor’wester last summer or last decade, we look forward to connecting at an event soon.

If you are interested in hosting an alumni event in your area contact Kelsey McFadden at Kelsey@norwester.org.

The
Nor’wester Fund

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Camp Nor’wester relies on donors to support our mission and programming. Your gift makes a big difference in the lives of next summer’s campers! Please support the camper experience – your contribution helps cover new program supplies, facilities updates, staff perks, financial aid, and increases equity at Nor’wester through mental health support and equipment investments!

You can make a tax-deductible gift to Camp Nor’wester today by clicking the “Donate” button below. Thank you for your support!

Donate

Read the latest and greatest news from camp

Blog: Letters from Camp
Spotlight on Camp Activities
Spotlight on Camp Activities

At Camp Nor’wester, campers step into a world of hands-on discovery, outdoor skills, creativity, and shared traditions.

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A Day of Festivity
A Day of Festivity

This Nor’wester tradition is celebrated toward the beginning of the session. It’s the first all-camp event. After units have spent several days getting to know one another, Island Fair Day is an opportunity to connect with campers from across the island, engage in friendly competition, and shake up camp routine.

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The Magic of Camp
The Magic of Camp

First Session has come to a close. How did that happen?!? Part of the magic of camp is that it exists in its own time. The sessions fly by, yet it feels like you’ve been on island forever. Each moment, each interaction, and each event holds more meaning. Friendships you make might only be a few weeks old, but they can have the weight of a lifetime.

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