The Camp Nor’wester Trip Experience

Trips are an essential part of the Camp Nor’wester experience. Starting as Voyageurs and Foresters (13-year-old/7th-grade grads), campers spend four or five days of their session on trips. For many returning campers, these trips are highly anticipated, something they’ve been working toward since their first years at Nor’wester.

The Nor’wester trip experience begins with a trip planning meeting at the start of each session.

Navigators, Pathfinders, Troubadours, and Mountaineers go on Big Trips mid-session, followed by Little Big Trips for Voyageurs, Foresters, Wayfarers, and Islanders. These trips include sailing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and service learning. 

The Hunt Canoe Big Trip loading up on departure morning.

Every trip provides a unique and memorable experience; no two are identical. Because trips are made up of mixed units, they are an opportunity to build connections with peers from around Camp. While all trips are exciting, ampers share their preferences ahead of the summer, so they are placed on trips that match their interests. This summer, the Big Trips included mountaineering on Mt. Baker, backpacking in the North Cascades, bike touring around the major San Juan Islands, sailing in the outer islands, and canoeing in our 22’ “Hunt” Nuu-chah-nulth style canoes.

The Baker Big Trip preps gear.

Each trip requires learning some technical skills and navigating challenges. Trip leaders are carefully appointed based on their experiences and skills. Leaders are supported by several trip staff and, in some cases, professional contracted guides. This team of adults helps facilitate the trip experience, but campers are also given ownership of their experience. From the very first trip planning meeting, campers are involved in meal planning, writing and submitting an itinerary, packing, gear care, cooking, evening reflections, and more. Given the right tools, campers can also appropriately engage in risk management and on-the-go decision-making.

The Biking Big Trip made a stop at Deer Harbor on Orcas.

One of the best parts of Camp Nor’wester’s trips is seeing them return and hearing their stories. The energy is always high in the Lodge and the first dinner after a round of trips returns. Campers are eager to share their experiences with friends and sometimes one-up each other on the challenges they overcame and the feats they accomplished.