Enrollment is right around the corner, can you believe it? We’re so excited we could sing about it! Camp only ended a month and a half ago and not a day goes by that something from my day reminds me of this past summer. As campers enjoyed their final days of summer here at camp we were busy debriefing the past summer and have started to think about the summer of 2015. It always amazes me how fast the months fly leading up to camp. In no time we will be launching our reunion tour (visit http://norwester.org/reunions.html for details), mailing out calendars, and before you know it forms will be due (Erika’s new motto- “it’s never too early to submit forms!”).
There is so much that goes on during the off season of camp and we want to keep you informed of what we are doing to prepare for another amazing summer. It’s our intention to post once a month about the happenings of Camp Nor’wester’s winter office. Please continue to follow our blog leading up to the summer for helpful tips and ideas on how to prepare for camp.
By now you should all be familiar with our new database system, CampMinder. This new system brings us up to date with our database and allows us to offer more options for you and your family in terms of financial accounts and payment options, online form submission and an online application. Last year in the first month of our online application we enrolled over half of our campers for 2014. Years prior we would not reach that number until January. The summers of 2013 and 2014 were record years for enrollment. For the second year in a row our second session was enrolled to capacity with first session close behind. We are thrilled that we have reached these numbers and at the same time want to ensure that your camper has a spot at camp if they wish to return.
As in years past we will be holding priority enrollment for past campers and their siblings November 1st-14th. Starting November 15th new families will be eligible to enroll.
On November 1st the camper application will appear in your “forms and documents” section of your CampInTouch account. It is imperative to log onto your CampInTouch account BEFORE November 1st to make sure that you can access it. You will need your email and password to login. Access your account HERE. If you are unable to login please email norwester@rockisland.com for a password reset. Please be aware that November 1st is a Saturday and if you get locked out you won’t be able to reset your password until Monday.
Thank you for being part of our Nor’wester community and we look forward to another great summer!
A Few Notes about Upcoming Events:
It seems like every year I work at Camp Nor’wester we work on something new and exciting. This year we are celebrating our 80 Years Strong and moving our reunion tour to November. We’re reaching out to alumni, campers and their parents to join us for our big celebration on April 26th, 2015 in Seattle. As details finalize we will keep you updated. If you haven’t received your save the date postcard, please note the following dates:
- November 5th– 25th: Nor’wester Reunions. Connect with past campers, staff and alumni in your area, watch the movie and meet our directors! Please check our website for a reunion near you (http://norwester.org/reunions.html ).
- April 26th: 80 Years Strong celebration at the Zahn Event center in Everett
- September 4th-7th (Labor Day): 80 Years Strong Weekend Celebration at camp for all Alumni!
We are excited to celebrate 80 Years Strong with you!
Looking forward to staying in touch,
Erika