Mini Camp
Mini Camp is a 4-day overnight camp open to rising 1st-6th graders. Mini Camp builds a unique and specialized experience for younger kids and first-time campers. This is a great opportunity for kids who might not be ready for six days away from home, but are excited to build confidence and independence.
Mini Camp is not only for first-time campers. Campers are welcome to try Mini Camp more than once or try it after attending a 6-day session in a previous summer. No matter why a 4-day session is better for your camper, we are excited to welcome them to Westwind!
Even with two fewer days, Mini Camp still packs in the fun and exploration of a standard youth camp. Kids will participate in the challenge course, campfires, arts and crafts, nature play, archery, kayaking, singing songs, and much more. Mini Camp does not include an outdoor overnight trip.
Mini Camp Dates:
July 16-19
The Youth Camp Lottery is closed. Please email info@westwind.org with any questions.
How To prepare you camper for Mini camp
Bathroom Independence
Children attending Mini Camp must be potty trained and fully independent in the bathroom. Our staff cannot assist children in the bathroom. If your child still uses pull-ups at night or as needed, they must be able to handle this independently and know when to use a pull-up. If your child has nighttime accidents, please consider packing them pull-ups. Nighttime accidents are common and our staff are trained to handle them discreetly. Please let your child know that they can always tell their counselor if something happens. They will make sure their bedding and clothes are properly washed. Our staff regularly check bunks for sleeping bags that need to be cleaned.
Pack with Your Camper
Labeling your child’s belongings helps in knowing what items belong to who. It is also helpful to pack with your child. Make sure they are familiar with the items they are bringing so they don’t leave things behind or pack someone else’s items. Our counselors manage cabins of 6-8 kids and cannot keep track of campers' belongings. Please make sure you help your camper manage how to repack at the end of their visit.
Your Camper Might Be Homesick
And that’s okay! We work with homesick campers all the time. Our staff are trained to support your child through those big feelings. The best thing you can do for your child is to be honest. Please avoid telling your child that they can call home at any time or that they can go home if they want. We discourage homesick campers from calling home as it often makes things harder for them. We are building resilience at camp. Part of that is working through these hard feelings rather than going home. We will always involve parents if we believe that is in the best interest of the child.
Please also be conscious of what you send with mail. Notes like “We miss you so much,” delivering tough news, or even photos of family members often result in homesickness. Mail can absolutely be positive for campers' experiences; love, support, and encouragement are always the best things for them to hear when they are trying something new!