2026 summer Registration

Based on feedback from the Westwind community, we recognize that our old registration system was overly stressful and created barriers to accessing Westwind. 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.

For the 2024 Lottery, we attempted a friend request system. This proved to be challenging for our lottery system to handle and left many families confused. To streamline the lottery we have removed the friend request system. 

If you are interested in attending with friends, we recommend selecting the same sessions on your 2026 Lottery Registration Form. If friends are selected for the same session, you will still have the ability to make cabinmate requests. 

We recognize that some campers may be nervous to attend without a friend. However, our staff are trained to encourage friendship and cabin bonding from the moment campers cross our shores. In addition, we will be hosting summer camp meet and greets before the summer so campers can make friends before they even arrive at camp. 

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. 

If you did not enter the lottery, don't hesitate to get in touch with info@westwind.org to be placed on our waitlist. 

As long as one child is selected to register for a session, you may register all of your children at the same time. You must complete a 2026 Lottery Registration Form for each child you want to attend camp. 

You may select one of three options when registering siblings: Same Session, Different Sessions, or No Preference. Same Session means siblings will be placed in the same session. Different Sessions means siblings will be placed in different sessions. No preference means siblings will be placed where space is available. We will honor the selection you make on your Lottery Registration Form. Please make sure your lottery registration form is accurate.

Please do not complete a 2026 Lottery Registration Form for children who you are in your care. Our registration process requires filling out sensitive information like health history forms that must be completed by someone with direct care of the child.   

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 (1-8), including Mini Camp, and for Teen Adventure 1, Teen Adventure 2, Teen Arts, and Teen Lead 1. Due to the nature of the programs, Friends and Family Camp, Mother Child Camp, Teen Stewards, and Teen Lead 2 will not use the lottery system.

Registration for Spring Family Camp, Friends and Family Camp, and Mother Child Camp opens on November 3rd at 7 am. Find more information about applications for Teen Stewards 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.

Even if you need financial assistance, you must complete a 2026 Lottery Registration Form for each camper you hope to register. If you are selected in the lottery and cannot pay the deposit at that time, contact sarah@westwind.org and you will still be able to register. 

Requesting financial assistance will not affect your odds of being selected in the lottery.

Please email sarah@westwind.org with any questions about financial aid.

Our Teen Lead 2 and Teen Stewards 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.)