Did you know Westwind ran its first summer camp in 1937? That was almost 90 years ago. Over that time, plenty has changed while plenty more has remained the same. Since our first camps, Westwind has committed to connecting children with the outdoors and worked to create an environment where all people feel welcome. We were one of the first camps in the country to integrate our programs; we created the Family Camp-Out program for Queer families to build community; and we currently work with 9 non-profit organizations in Oregon to provide camp experiences to underrepresented families and children.
Our history and traditions are part of the Westwind legacy. Check out some incredible historical documents that represent where we have been.
Songbooks
Camp songs are an important tradition at Westwind. We sing songs to wake up in the morning, songs to celebrate community, and songs to reflect on important moments. We have songs that celebrate Westwind, songs about making friends, and songs about the sounds frogs do and don’t make.
These songbooks include songs still sung at Westwind. Still, some of the words have changed, and we have many new songs. Every year, new campers and new staff bring songs to share and add to our musical traditions. The ways you add, change, and adapt traditions are part of leaving a legacy. Learn more about how you can create your Westwind legacy.
Registration Pamphlets
Westwind is in the second year of instituting a registration lottery. The goal of our lottery is to reduce stress, make registration more manageable, and allow more new campers to access our programs. That being said, registration used to look a lot different. Westwind would publish print advertisements, newspaper inserts, and pamphlets to promote our programs. And to register? You would send back a letter with your reservation details. Check out some of these pamphlets:
These flyers date back as far as 1963. The programs we hold and the way they have changed and grown over time are all part of our legacy. Learn about your Westwind Legacy.