Volunteer with Camp Nor’wester
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Camp Nor’wester!
At Camp Nor'wester, alumni and friends have a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities to reconnect with the camp's vibrant community and contribute to its enduring legacy. From participating in Work Weekends to help prepare the property for the summer season to offering your skills and expertise in specific projects, there are numerous ways to get involved. These efforts not only support Camp's operations but also strengthen the bonds within the Nor'wester family, creating lasting memories and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and service.
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Volunteer work party weekends are held each year once a month in the spring, April through June, and are essential in helping to get our site ready for summer.
Join us this year:
April 17-19, 2026
May 15-17, 2026
June 5-7, 2026
In general, we gather Friday night on Johns Island, and discuss plans for the next day. Saturday will be spent working on whatever projects have been chosen for that weekend. Depending on everyone’s schedule, some work may also be done Friday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Housing is provided and meals are covered Friday night through Sunday lunch. Evenings are often spent touring the site or singing camp songs around the fire in the Lodge, reconnecting with past alumni all the while.
We have a blast during these events every year. We work on site and program projects, including skinning tipi poles, tipi pitching, clearing units, and generally getting our site ready for the summer.
If you are interested in volunteering at a Work Weekend please complete the Work Weekend Interest Form. We will follow up with confirmation.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey@norwester.org.
We can take up to roughly 24 volunteers per weekend.
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Summer Volunteering
Each summer, volunteers come to camp during our summer sessions to chip in with ongoing projects and needs around camp. We greatly appreciate the time and effort volunteers are willing to give, many projects at camp just wouldn’t happen without volunteer support!
In the summer, we can accommodate volunteers at camp for a minimum of three days – that means arriving on Day 1 and departing sometime on Day 3.
During each session we have a ‘volunteer window’ when we are set up to host volunteers. For 2026 those dates are: June 25th-July 13th and July 25th- August 14th. Please contact us for specific date options. Understand that we get several requests each summer and are not always able to accommodate everyone.
You must be willing to get your hands dirty! Volunteers are assigned to projects during the morning and afternoon activity sessions each day you’re at camp. You’re invited to meals in the lodge and to participate in any evening activity that might be happening – dances, skits, capture the flag – or just a walk around the property to enjoy the sunset. We also invite you to join us for Chapel or Musical if you’re at camp on an Anchor Day.
Contact Community Engagement Director Kelsey McFadden at kelsey@norwester.org to inquire about this summer!
IMPORTANT: All volunteers must be over 18 and must be able to pass a comprehensive background check.
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In 2023, Camp Nor’wester purchased a former Bed & Breakfast in Friday Harbor for staff to stay in when they are on time off. This purchase has been an incredible asset and redefined the staff experience.
In order to support staff use of Argyle House we arrange for “House Hosts” to be on-site for at least a week at a time across the summer season. The vision is similar to a “campground host” concept – we’re looking for reliable alumni or friends of Camp to sign-on to ensure staff lodging goes smoothly, and to maintain house standards in exchange for a free place to stay (one bedroom, private bathroom) in Friday Harbor.
Responsibilities include washing sheets and towels between groups of staff, light daily housekeeping, and communication with camp regarding house needs (cleaning supplies, etc.)
Hosting is a great way to get a free place to stay as you explore San Juan Island. The house has great wi-fi if you work from home!
Contact Kelsey@norwester.org if you are interested in volunteering as a House Host this summer!
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There are all kinds of projects and efforts that take place outside of the summer season. Nor’wester employs seven year-round staff, and they would love your help! Please contact us at Kathleen@norwester.org to find out which ongoing projects could benefit from your time and energy.
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The Nor’wester Network is an opportunity for Camp Nor’wester community members and stakeholders who are over 18 and interested in being actively engaged in camp through communication with the Nor'wester leadership and various forms of support. This is a chance to be involved that falls somewhere between being a general community member and the commitment of being on the Board of Directors.
Nor’wester Network members can choose to be involved through volunteering, community events, and/or participation on Board of Directors committees.
The Nor'wester Network will also be the first resource for the Year-Round Team when looking for help from the community or when searching for assistance with a specific skill-based task.
Contact Kelsey McFadden at kelsey@norwester.org for more information on how to join!
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Data Entry and Management: For a large portion of our 90 year history things were not digital. We have lots of historical data that we would love help updating.
Office Support: Whether it’s prepping mailings, organizing files, or building spreadsheets, we’d love your help with the various day-to-day tasks that keep camp running.
Preserving the Past: Many reels of 8mm film from the Henderson days have been donated to the camp. To preserve these we would like to transfer them to DVD format. We are looking for an alum who would donate time and expertise to this effort. Please contact the Camp office at (425) 670-1935 for details.
