A Day in the Life at Camp Nor’wester

Every day is the best day at camp

While each day in the four week session brings something new, there's a steady rhythm that helps guide us throughout. We follow a routine for most days, with a predictable schedule that keeps everyone engaged and connected. The structure of camp life is something that many grow to love and miss once the session ends, but there are also plenty of days that break from the routine and offer unique experiences.

Take a look below to see what a typical day looks like, giving you a feel for the rhythm of life at camp.

  • Camp Nor'wester A Day at Camp Campers in a Tent

    Wake-up Bell

    Wake-Up Bell at 7:20am. For the next half hour, we all get out of bed, get dressed and get ready for the day.

  • Breakfast

    At 7:40am, the Jumper Bell rings to let those campers who are assigned to set the table that day know they should head to the lodge to get started. The rest of the unit travels to the Lodge in time for 8:00am breakfast. Breakfasts consist of daily hot dishes, such as french toast or scrambled eggs and hashbrowns, as well as other options like ceral and fruit.

  • Tidy Time

    After breakfast, campers return to their units for 30-45 minutes of tidying and getting ready for the day. After visiting the showerhouse and tidying, there might be time to write a letter or play a game with your unitmates. Staff will remind campers about upcoming activities so everyone can be prepared. You wouldn’t want to get to the Waterfront without your swimsuit! Learn more about: camper accommodations

  • Morning Activities

    From 10:00am-12:00pm are morning activities. Depending on the unit’s schedule, campers will travel to a location on property – the Ropes Course, Craftshop, Madrona Theater or the Archery range maybe – to dive into the activity as a group. Learn more about: our camp property

  • Lunch

    The next Jumper Bell will ring at 12:10pm, and lunch begins at 12:30pm. After the meal is finished, the whole lodge comes together to sing a few songs from our camp songbook. We eat all of our meals ‘family style,’ sitting around an eight-person table with your unitmates and staff, passing food and sharing conversation.

  • Rest Hour

    After lunch wraps up, everyone heads back to their units for some downtime. It’s a great time to take a nap, write letters home, or play cards with friends. Learn more about: camper units

  • Afternoon Activities

    At 2:30pm afternoon activities begin – this time maybe you’ll be Sailing, explore the ponds at Nature, or roping up to climb on the Climbing Wall. Whatever your unit schedule – there is plenty of fun to be had. Learn more about: activity departments

  • Dinner

    Then, the Jumper Bell rings again for dinner at 5:40pm ahead of our 6:00pm dinner! We’ll sing again after dinner and then have announcements about evening activities or what’s going on the next day.

  • Evening Activities

    Post dinner, units will split up to head to their activity for the evening – playing Capture the Flag, Soccer or Frisbee, or doing a special craft project like Watercolors or Nature Journaling. Or maybe it’s a Campfire Night, where units perform skits on the Campfire Stage to entertain the whole community.

  • Time for Bed!

    The Curfew Bell rings at 9:30pm, as a reminder that all camper should be in their units or heading there shortly to get ready for bed. Better rest up for another fun and active day tomorrow!

While the typical day described above is a big part of camp life, each four-week session is full of other exciting events that make every session unique! Special event days like Island Fair Day and full camp games at the end of each session bring everyone together for extra fun. Weekly traditions like Anchor Day—a more restful day that bring the camp community together—and unit overnights offer opportunities to connect and experience camp in new ways.

Community Building