2024 Registration FAQ

Based on feedback from the Westwind community, we recognize that our current registration system is overly stressful and creates barriers to access. We are committed to reducing the barriers to accessing camp and outdoor experiences. We hope these changes will allow families to register on a schedule that works better for them and allow campers to attend with siblings and a friend.

We recognize the value of attending camp with a friend, and so our new system now provides an option to request a friend. Using the friend request form will mean that if one camper is selected, then both campers will be selected to register. Both your camper and the friend camper must request one another on the 2024 Lottery Registration Form with the name that appears on both children’s UltraCamp accounts. Failing to do so will nullify the request. 

If your camper is selected to register and they have additional friends in the session that they would like to be in a cabin with, you can indicate this on the Cabinmate Request Form. This form is only available once your camper has been selected to register. We will do our best to accommodate these requests, but we cannot guarantee cabin placement.

Please note we cannot put two campers together that are more than one grade apart (e.g., we will not put a 5th grader in a cabin with a 7th grader). If you have any questions or feel you have a special reason that we should make an exception, please email info@westwind.org.

If you are not selected for the lottery, you will automatically be placed on the waitlist and notified. Placement on the waitlist is determined by the lottery drawing. Once we have notified families in the initial draw, we will begin filling additional spots from the waitlist as availability allows. We will contact you with more details if a spot becomes available.

As long as one child is selected to register for a session, you may register all of your children at the same time. If selected to register, all children registered under the same UltraCamp account will be placed in the same session. If you do not want your children to attend the same session, please indicate this on the 2024 Lottery Registration Form.

Once you have registered for a session, you cannot hold a waitlist spot for another session. If you are selected for your second or third choice session, and would prefer to stay on the waitlist for your first choice session, you will need to waive your registration opportunity to stay on the waitlist.

At the bottom of the registration form, there will be a button to select that you have completed the form. Once that is selected and you have hit “Save,” you will receive a confirmation email that you have completed your lottery registration form. If you do not save the completed form, your registration will not be valid. You will receive a separate confirmation email for each form you complete.

The lottery system is being used for all Youth Camps (K-8), including Mini camp, and for Teen Adventure 1, Teen Adventure 2, Teen Lead 1, and Teen Trekkers. Due to the nature of the programs, Friends and Family Camp, Mother Child Camp, Teen Apprentice, and Teen Lead 2 will not use the lottery system. Registration for Summer Friends and Family Camp and Mother Child Camp opens on December 1st. Find more information about applications for Teen Apprentice and Teen Lead 2 on our Teen Camps page.

We understand that the expense of summer camp may be out of reach for some families. To help ease potential financial burdens, Camp Westwind provides confidential assistance (or “Camperships”) to campers seeking help affording our camp programs. Requesting financial assistance will not affect your odds of being selected in the lottery. The change to a lottery-based system does not change Camp Westwind’s commitment to providing financial support for camp. 

Our Teen Lead 2 and Teen Apprentice programs do not use the lottery. Both programs require an application and interview. Applications for both programs will open on December 15th.

If you are applying to Teen Lead 2, you may want to fill out the Lottery Registration form for other Teen Programs. If you are not accepted into the Teen 2 program, this will allow you the chance to attend a different Teen Program. The Lottery Registration Form is non-binding, and there will be no penalty if you are selected for a Teen Program and then are later accepted into the Teen Lead 2. 

To learn more, visit our Teen Camp page.

If you have a question not answered on this page or are having trouble with the registration process, please email info@westwind.org. (Email is much faster than a phone call.)