Summer Camp Activities

Each week of camp has a theme. The All Camp is the final celebration of the week's theme and an opportunity for all of camp to participate together in a planned activity block. This might include a carnival, a scavenger hunt, Capture the Flag, a beach party, or a combination! This ends in a cookout meal for our final dinner together. All Camp happens each Thursday afternoon.

Campers participate in guided archery at our archery range. Located at the Tillicum Barn, campers can aim for a variety of targets using bows for every age. 

Our dedicated Art Lead plans art-based activities for each unit. These activities are tailored to the abilities and interests of each age group and often incorporate nature and outdoor exploration. Activities can include leaf print making, kites, tye-dye and natural dyes, journal making, painting, and drawing.   

Campers gather on the beach. With the scenic Pacific Ocean as a background, we play music, dance, play games, and celebrate community. Space is created for those who want to play games, those who want to explore, and those who need a moment to sit and connect with their peers. 

Every week, each group of campers participates in guided activities at our challenge course. They will work with their cabin to solve a number of challenges built from rope, wire, and wood. This is team team-building exercise that builds creative problem-solving and communication skills while moving through various elements.   

On the first and last night of each session, the entire camp gathers for campfire. Campfire is divided into a fast and a slow section, where campers can showcase songs, cabin skits, magic tricks, and other special talents. It is a magical opportunity to come together to start and end the week.

Our hammock forest is a place where cabin groups can take a moment to rest and relax. Our hammocks provide a chill space where campers can connect with their cabin mates and have some structured down time while listening to the sound of the waves. 

Throughout the week, campers will explore a variety of hiking trails. We tailor hikes to each age group, selecting trails that will challenge campers to succeed. Our trails feature a section of estuary, salt marsh, dune forest, old-growth forest, and meadow. 

With a selection of tools and their bare hands, campers dig the largest hole they can with the help of staff. Hole digging is done away from water and no tunnels are permitted. It is a highly supervised activity and truly is entertainment that can last for hours. 

At low tide, the estuary reveals large plains of mud. Camper will run, jump, and "muck" their way through the mud. The only challenge is who can be the muddiest at the end. Sometimes cabin groups can have the option to rinse off in the cold Salmon River afterwards - or they want wait for the nice hot shower! Mudmucking is done with staff and under the supervision of certified lifeguards.

Campers spend a dedicated block with our Naturalist, who designs outdoor activities for each age group. Activities are wide-ranging but focus on outdoor education and building a lasting connection to nature. 

Using a campfire or small portable outdoor stove, campers learn how to prepare a variety of tasty snacks. Younger campers may learn to make cornbread or brownies in a Dutch Oven, while Teen Campers will prepare their entire meal on their overnight. This is done with staff members so everyone learns how to cook outside safely.

At night, the shores of the estuary reveal fields of bioluminescent phytoplankton. When you walk close by, these little creatures light up creating a truly magical experience. We do this with a lifeguard and extra staff so that campers can stomp safely near the estuary at night.

At low tide, the Westwind beach reveals a thriving tidepool ecosystem. Led by our Naturalist and supervised by certified lifeguards, campers explore the world of inter-tidal plants and animals, getting hands-on opportunities to learn about some of the hardiest creatures in the world. 

At our Tilicum Barn, campers can climb our Tree Climb tree. Harnessed into an auto-belay system, campers have the chance to grow their sense of individual accomplishment and see Westwind from a new angle under the supervision and mentorship of staff.

Under the watch of our certified lifeguards and our dedicated Waterfront Coordinator, campers can explore the Salmon River estuary. Our Waterfront Coordinator will design a variety of activities that include canoe and kayak expeditions, fun with corcls, and sometimes river-dipping or wading. All campers and staff are required to wear PFDs at all times.