Camp Nor’wester Dates and Rates

Camp Nor’wester’s Four-Week Sessions

We offer 2 four week sessions for campers 9-16.

Our four-week session is the cornerstone of our program. All campers will have access to all programs, with the curriculum being progressive, referred to as a “graduated program.” For example, overnights for younger campers will be on the camp property. As campers advance in age their overnight trips will involve travel away from Johns Island, to near-by marine parks or other San Juan Island properties. Only campers 13 years of age and older (7th – 10th grade) will participate in the extended trips of 4-5 days. Other in camp activities are age-restricted as well, to reflect age-appropriate challenges and to allow for a varied camper experience over several years at Nor’wester.

2025 Dates

First Session

June 22 – July 19, 2025

Second Session

July 23– August 19, 2025

Tuition Philosophy and Vision

Tuition

Over the last several years, we have worked to build a tuition system that aims to increase access to a variety of families through a scaled fee structure. We are committed to prioritizing access to Camp for a diverse community of campers, which is outlined in our mission statement and reinforced by our commitment to equity and inclusion in the camp experience. This structure helps maintain the quality of our program, broadens our community, and lets you choose the level that best fits with your family situation.

In full transparency, our operating costs per camper set the foundation for the different options of tuition levels we offer, and each year, we base our budget on tuition and enrollment predictions made in the fall and work to meet that budget as enrollment shapes up over the next five to six months. A note on the supported level, this level reflects an intentional effort to increase access for more families by offering a below-cost option. Choosing this level is separate from the Financial Aid process, but does rely on donations and revenue from other sources to cover operating, maintenance, improvement, and other costs of our program and property.  To continue to provide broader access to our community, we need families who can contribute a little more to consider choosing a higher tuition level.

This year, we are asking families to consider choosing to contribute an extra $500 through the Sustaining Level tuition options. This level is set intentionally to be attainable by some families in our community. We also recognize the possible benefits of a tax-deductible donation to some families interested in contributing more. We hope you will consider showing support for increased access to the Nor’wester program by choosing either our Sustaining Level tuition option this year or by selecting the Operating Level and making a tax-deductible donation separately through our donation portal.

2025 Tuition

The cost of camp programming today can be a stretch for many, so it is our aim to continue to offer multiple Financial Assistance opportunities, through Financial Aid awards as well as through individualized payment plans as needed. We are always interested in hearing from you to learn about what support your family could benefit from – please contact us.

We recognize that families have different abilities to pay. When enrolling your camper for this summer, please select the tuition level appropriate for your family’s budget. Tuition level choices are kept confidential and don’t impact any child’s camp experience in any way.

$7,300

Sustaining

This level reflects you support for increased access to the Nor’wester program, and your commitment to the full costs of operating Camp. 

Thank you for your contribution to our community! 

If possible for your family, please consider making a tax-deductible donation separately through our donation portal. 

$6,800

Operating

This level reflects your support of the value of the Nor’wester experience, and your commitment to the basic operating costs of Camp this summer. 

Thank you for your support!

If possible for your family, please consider making a tax-deductible donation separately through our donation portal. 

$6,300

Supported

The cost of camp programming today can be a stretch for many. This level reflects an intentional effort to increase access for more families by offering a below-cost option. 

Please select this level if it would be meaningful for your family this year. 

Choosing this level is separate from the Financial Aid process, but does rely on donations and revenue from other sources to cover operating, maintenance, improvements, and sustaining costs of our program and property. 

$0-6,300

Financial Aid

This level reflects a long-staining, intentional effort to increase access for more families. 

We encourage any family needing more financial assistance than the Supported Level offers to apply for Financial Aid. 

While we aim to accommodate as many applicants as possible, we have limited amount of aid each year. Please apply on time to ensure full consideration. 

Payment & Cancellation Fee Schedule

An additional $150 Camp Store deposit is required with your final tuition payment and will be reconciled with your final bill after the camp session.

  • Deposit: $1250 due upon registration

  • March 1st: Second payment due

  • May 1st: Final tuition payment plus $150 Camp Store deposit due

The cost of camp programming today can be a stretch for many, so it is our aim to continue to offer multiple Financial Assistance opportunities, through Financial Aid awards as well as through individualized payment plans as needed. We are always interested in hearing from you to learn about what support your family could benefit from – please contact us.

Click here for the PDF Payment & Cancellation Fee Schedule.

If you are able to offer additional support, please visit our donation portal