Camp Nor'wester provides an outdoor living experience unique in today’s world—an experience which challenges a diverse group of young people to develop skills of self-confidence while fostering respect, responsibility, and compassion for themselves, their community, and the environment.

Camp Nor’wester’s extraordinary 135-acre property is located on the old Nell Robinson Ranch at the west end of Johns Island, in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Surrounded by over 10,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, this area encompasses wetlands, open meadows, and mature, richly varied forests.

Our focus is on being outside, on learning to live with simple comforts that rely less on technology and more on personal solutions. Here there are no computers or traditional academics. We do have such classic camp programs as arts and crafts, drama, archery, and a ropes course, with myriad activities like sailing, kayaking, hiking, and overnight camping trips. Nor’wester is also home to a traditional native Bighouse, which is the focus of our Native Cultural Activities program.

Established in 1935, Camp Nor’wester is a co-ed residential summer camp for girls and boys ages 9-16. The camp's activities, outlined in the Program section of this website, are designed to teach traditional camping and outdoor skills, waterfront skills including sailing, canoeing, and skiing, as well as biking, archery, arts and crafts, singing and drama. All aspects of the program are supported by a strong ethic of stewardship with an emphasis on community living.