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 11-13, 2025
May 16-18, 2025
June 6-8, 2025
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 or help support a program area. 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 four days – that means arriving on Day 1 and departing sometime on Day 4. We have lodging available starting one week after each session begins. 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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Nor’wester is fortunate to have an active Board of Directors and an Advisory Board. As an Advisory Board member, you will be expected to support the camp leadership as much as possible when asked – from a quick poll by email, to brainstorming ideas for program or where to hold our next event, all kinds of topics arise that we could use additional perspective on. You may also choose to join an existing Board Committee. Please contact Board Member Hillary Day, Advisory Liaison, at hillarydaypdx@gmail.com.
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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.
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.
