Last Friday I sat staring at my computer waiting needing to write the Friday Camp news to tell about how amazing Camp Westwind is and of all the new and exciting camps especially for teens that we have for this coming summer and how registrations are filling quickly but I just sat like many of you seeing before me the horror unfold of the latest shootings.

I wanted to remind people that if they are struggling financially that we have financial assistance and this year we are excited to have an even greater amount to award thanks to grants and that they can apply now and not wait but how do I offer to alleviate financial burdens when there are parents with heavier burdens happening before my eyes.

Without the ability to even put thoughts together to write about camp I pushed it aside hoping it would get easier.  I don’t think it will get easier but what I do know is that camp is a safe place where staff and campers alike feel valued, gain confidence, build friendships and see the worth that they have in a greater community. See the outcomes table at the end of this email and you can read what people are saying Camp Westwind does for their camper and their families.

Why not take this time to reevaluate how we are invested in our children’s lives? Are we experiencing life first hand by going to camp and enjoying a session of Mother Child or Father Child with our children and building lasting memories, putting in precious time with them and gaining a stronger relationship or are we experiencing life second hand by reading about their lives on their Twitter feed or Facebook status or by texting with them? Why not step away from the technology and onto the sand where you can sing songs, laugh, kayak and enjoy life together-first hand?! Why not send your youth or teen to one of our amazing  six sessions of camp?

I was sitting with a camp applicant doing her interview on Sunday night and she was talking about the value of camp for a camper. She stated that after the shootings last week it left her longing for a week at camp where she knew she could be surrounded by loving and caring friends and young adults that would talk and process with her, where they could all laugh and play and be carefree. Camp Westwind is a place anyone can come and where the only expectation is to be whoever you are and to know that is more than enough.

So this holiday season consider giving the gift of camp to your camper, your family, your grandchild or your neighbor. Registration is now open for all camps!

Peace on earth.

Janette “Pickle” Kunkel and Sarah “Sassy” Keplinger

PS: Don’t forget, if you register before January 1 you get last year’s prices!! 

PSS: Please make sure you add westwind@ywcapdx.org to your safe email list as many of you keep missing out on the happenings at camp due to your filters.

Laura "Platy" & Norah "Bagira" get excited about Travel Camp!

The following is a beautiful reflection from the mother of Laura "Platy".  Laura has been on staff at Camp Westwind over the last 6 years.  She is a beautiful and passionate woman and we are blessed to have her be part of our camp family.  She recently helped in singing and playing her guitar for the amazing Camp Westwind CD that is for sale through our camp store and entertaining us at the 75 of years of Camp celebration.  We are thrilled to be welcoming Platy back this summer working on our Teen Specialty programs; Travel Camp, Wilderness Camp and Camp In Action!

Registration is now open for all camps and if you are inspired by Linda's story below, send the link on to others looking for a summer camp!

*Interested in being a guest blogger? Send your story to: janettek@ywcapdx.org 

A Mom’s Perspective: A Love Letter to Camp Westwind

When my daughter, Laura, was 8 years old, she learned about Camp Westwind from her friend, Rose, whose older brothers had attended for several years.  Laura and Rose made a plan to attend the same session that summer and applied together, excitedly looking forward to camp.  And Laura was thrilled that she had Rose to show her the ropes! 

Her father and I drove Laura to the parking lot where she boarded the bus, giving us a last hug.  I drove away waving at her little face smooshed up against the bus window.  We were puzzled that we hadn’t seen Rose yet, but we both had to leave and get back to work.

It was only when we saw Laura after her week at camp that we learned that not only was Rose not on the same bus, but Rose and Laura hadn’t been placed in the same cabin!  Horrors!  And Laura had cried half way to the coast after we drove away.  How to break a mom’s heart…

It turns out that Laura’s first experience at Camp Westwind was the beginning of a true love affair for the outdoors, kids, adventure—and Westwind.  Laura is now 22 years old and has been at the camp almost every summer as a camper and then on staff as a youth counselor.  She has an exuberance for life, is a natural leader, and loves kids.  Although she comes by these attributes naturally, I believe that Westwind was the safe and sacred place where she blossomed and realized her love for nature and kids—and where she knew she had much to offer in life as an inspired leader.

Camp Westwind is where Laura fondly known as “Platy” to campers has become adept at working with a diverse mix of children and where she has had to hone her diplomatic, creative and leadership skills to be effective in guiding, motivating and supporting kids toward a positive camp experience.  Camp Westwind is where Laura has been physically challenged to be strong and persevere in getting the job done through exhaustion—and in rain or shine. This is where she has developed her dedicated work ethic.

Camp Westwind is where Laura learned about true teamwork with her peers; she matured through the process of working hard with a wide array of personalities and viewpoints. And Camp Westwind is where Laura has made lifelong friendships with these kindred souls.  Camp Westwind is where Laura has shared her amazing gift of music and where she has been able to be her most complete self.  Camp Westwind is where Laura has felt the most fully alive.

Camp Westwind is the place Laura grieved her father’s death and the place where she’s found the most healing.

Many years ago, Rose’s brother, Will, wrote the now-beloved Camp Westwind anthem that is always sung at campfires by camp and staff.  The main lyric is “Westwind moves in me.”  I know Westwind moves in Laura—and certainly moves in her grateful mother.

--Linda

Summer Camp Registration opens in just two days!

Oh the weather outside is frightful but summer camp is so delightful, there's no other place to go...
Don't miss out on Camp Westwind this summer!
A great way to kick off the holidays-give the gift of camp and register for a session at Camp Westwind this summer-it's the gift that keeps on giving!

Register in the month of December and get last years prices! 

For the session dates and information go to: 
http://ywcapdx.org/what-we-do/camp-programs/camp-sessions/

Registration Dates are as follows:

• Century Partners (monthly donors) Monday 12/3 from 7am to 5pm PST
• General Public Tuesday 12/4 7am PST

The financial assistance forms are updated and posted on the website and are being accepted at any time.

Emails have gone out and and we are finding that many of your emails are blocking camp emails through your spam filters. We are working on getting this fixed.

Can't wait to see you at the beach!

Have you ever had a birthday party or any party for that matter and made all the preparations, sent out the invitations, ordered the food, planned the entertainment and then the day before feared no one was going to show up? That is how I was feeling last Thursday night.  When 6pm on Friday rolled around I was thankful to see many people showing up for the Camp Westwind Birthday Celebration. 

There were around 200 people gathered in the gym at the ywca building downtown.  200 people that love and care about Camp Westwind.  We sang camp songs, ate food, listened to campers share their stories, made s'mores in a fountain of chocolate, connected with old friends, made new ones, danced and some even stayed long enough for the karaoke!

What next? Wind Down at Camp Westwind weekend September 28-30. Come to Camp with your family, friends or just alone and enjoy fall on the beach, wine tasting,singing, campfire and make a real s'more with us! This is the last chance to get a little Camp Westwind in before the winter sets in-the last dose before summer! Register through the ywca website: www.ywcapdx.org

Come Wind Down with us as we gear up for planning your 2013 camp season!

Janette "Pickle"
janettek@ywcapdx.org

PS If you didn't get a chance to give a birthday gift to camp and still would like to email me-we have a list of items we need and we always appreciate donations towards our scholarship fund!

Session 5 Day 4

Another wonderful day here at the beach!  The sun has been shining and it has been pretty warm, with a bit of a breeze. 


As I'm writing this, I'm listening to the Alpine girls singing and watching the dance while they sweep.  Did you know that campers don't quite mind sweeping  when they have music to dance to? It makes sweeping a lot better for them! 


During this gorgeous day today, campers came back from their overnights and unpacked their stuff. Some cabins went to the beach, while others showered.  


Sherwood went down to the challenge course and had some really good cabin breakthroughs! 


Alpine did a photo scavenger hunt, and the boys are making dinner for themselves.  


Some cabins are going on ANOTHER overnight tonight (they loved their first one so much)!


Teen Lead 1's learned some improv this afternoon as well as planned campfire. While the Teen Lead 2's planned the all camp (tomorrow), hung out in the art palace, had a value session, and are getting ready to do a camp "practicum" - that is putting all the skills they've learned the last two days together to solve problems. 


Right now, campers are getting ready to play Capture the Flag in the dune grass, while the sun begins to go down. Other campers (Highlands are having a Spa Party, making pudgy pies, cookies, oatmeal masks and other fun). 


'Til tomorrow! Have a wonderful evening!

Session 5, Day 2

Wow, I can't believe that this is our last Youth session of the summer!  Summer has flown by so quickly, and this session seems to be doing that as well!

After campers arrived yesterday, they had loads of time to get to know each other, stop at the barn for activities, check in with the nurses, tour camp, play on the beach, take cabin photos, learn the rules of camp, take an all camp photo, attend  flag, eat dinner, dessert, campfire, and a blacklight party!

If that doesn't sound busy enough, let's talk about today!

Before breakfast this morning, the Teen 2's grabbed the kayaks and headed up river to Otis Café.  After their breakfast, they jumped in a couple cars to head to BB Camp in Lincoln City to do their high ropes course.  (Pictures will follow, but the camera is dead now...)

The rest of the units spent their morning participating in different interest groups.  This weeks interest groups include: creating bridges, dancing, nature outings, kayaking, and more! After lunch, Teen Lead 1's and Interns headed out to their overnights. Teen Leads will be back in 2 days.  Sherwood spent time with Toast! doing nature activities, then headed to the Estuary for some river aquatic fun.  Alpine had an afternoon of awesomeness! And Highlands had some beach time, cabin time, and fun around camp.

We just finished the Talent Show, which was amazing.  Everyone that participated received standing "O's!"  We had dancing, singing, and skits.

Right now, everyone is on the beach having an EPIC beach party while the sunsets. It s a complete party with elimination, music, dancing, pudgy pies, predator & prey, and more!

Session 4 Last day

Good Morning!  

I can't believe Session 4 is at a close!  Campers are downstairs packing up their belongings, putting them in the tractor, and getting their buffet breakfast, while enjoying the last bit of life on the beach.  

Yesterday was a fun filled busy day that ended with a very nice campfire. It was a great end to this wonderful week.  

As we say goodbye to Session 4, we are preparing for Session 5's campers tomorrow!   There are only 2 more sessions left!

Session 4 Day 4

Pudgy Pies on the Beach

Another great day here at the beach. I know we didn't write yesterday, got a little distracted with the overnight.  Which, IT DIDN'T RAIN!!!  That is really exciting, for us at least. 

As awesome as yesterday was, I'd like to focus on today.  Everyone (from what I heard) had a great overnight.  The kids really enjoyed it. One poor Sherwood camper lost their shoe while they were star stomping, but in the morning, their UC, UA & Intern FOUND IT! The camper was so excited! 

After coming back, some cabins took their showers while others headed to do a counselor hunt. 

The Teen 2's returned from their two night overnight and played an epic game of sardines, had solo time, got to shower, participated in a hot seat activity with Hoku, and practiced teaching and facilitating games to the other Teen 2's.  

This evening I think has been a big highlight.  Now, normally dinner is a quieter meal, but tonight we were invaded by dinosaurs!  In fact, because we were invaded by dinosaurs, we decided to try to blend in so that we weren't seen.  So everyone at dinner pretended to be a dinosaur, they ate with t-rex arms, sang dino songs and roared like dinosaurs.  After dinner, they did an all camp, making dino masks, playing games and having snow cones.  They are currently dancing the evening away at the black light dance party hosted by Alpine. 

Ti'l tomorrow. 

Dance Party

Too much fun, takin' a break

Sherwood Campers

Session 4 Day 2

Good Evening Friends & Family! 

Today was another wonderful day!  The weather was a bit windy again, but it was none-the-less fabulous.  Highlands packed a sack lunch and went to Cascade Head.  They were lucky today, because when they went to kayak over, they found that they could WALK all the way across, and on the way back, they were lucky enough to coordinate getting a barge to cross with. 

Sherwood enjoyed some afternoon time at the river, kayaking, river dipping, building sandcastles, soaking and chasing counselors. What more could you ask for? 

Alpine had an afternoon of awesomeness! 

And Teens, well they packed up to go on their overnight for two nights after enjoying time on the challenge course.  

After dinner, I think was the biggest highlight of the day.... After the Talent Show, they had a Dance Party on the beach! Campers could play elimination, make pudgy pies, dance, and other fun on the beach.  

The evening has quieted down as they are settling into bed. 

Beach Dance Party

Kayaking on the River

Chasing the Counselor 

Rock Paper Scissors

Session 4 Day 1

Good Evening Camp Westwind!

I hope yet again that you guys and gals have had a fabulous day. Today was fulfilled and busy for us here at the beach.  After crossing, campers split into cabins, did some bonding and moved in.  They had beach time, played elimination, took cabin photos, had some snack around the lodge and even visited the nurse.

Right before dinner we had our all camp photo (will post on blog tomorrow - the camera battery died!) camp rules and flag.  After dinner, some cabins played games and others prepared their cabin calls for campfire.

Have you ever met Mandy the Ort Knight, OR Steve the Ort Knight in Training?  Well, they met us tonight at dinner and invited us to do Ort Knight Training at campfire.  We learned how to sleep in a tent, creativity, bravery, courage, leadership and being one with nature.

Did I also mention that we had DINOSAURS visit us for dinner?!?! Yes, we watched one "hatch" from an egg, and saw many different breeds of them!  This week is going to be an epic Jurassic Park week!  I can't wait to see what unfolds!

'Til tomorrow.

Mother Child Camp B Day 2

Hello friends and families!

I know you've been anxiously awaiting to hear how things are going out here at the beach. Let me tell you, we are having a fabulous time! Today was a little drizzly, but that didn't stop us from kayaking, mudmucking, hiking, archery, and a great talent show!

Here are some pictures from the day:

Mother Child A, Last Day!

 I'm hoping this video blog worked!

Here I am sitting on the porch surrounded by families who have just put their belongings in the tractor to head to the river. Many of them are sad, while others are a bit excited to return back to the city, or at least away from as much sand.  They are blowing bubbles, playing parachute, enjoying the sun that trying really hard to come out and taking photos of each other to commemorate their week here at the beach.

They enjoyed the challenge course, just relaxing, bush whacking near Lost Lake and Fraser, they had awesome babysitters, hanging out with their mothers, sleeping on the beach, going on the Cascade Head hike, hanging out with other moms and doing LOTS AND LOTS of tie-dye.

Mother Child Camp A was a wonderful and exciting week! See you in 2 days for MoCho B!

Mother Child Camp A Day 1

Starting off our second family camp of the summer, here we are at Mother Child Camp A, with a full camp! And, we couldn't be more excited!

After hiking up the trail to the lodge, finding their name tags & checking in with the nurse, families went to the beach, hung around the lodge and took some family photos.  Once the tractor arrived, the chairs were set in the sand and with the help of babysitters and staff, everyone was moved in and back down for lunch.

The delicious stromboli lunch made fresh, was followed by an all camp photo and splitting into kids group and mom's meeting. The kids had fun in their respective groups getting painted, playing games, and enjoying the beach while the moms learned about massages, animals, hikes and more!

We wrapped up the afternoon with loads of activities!  Kayaking, elimination, ocean dipping, art palace, challenge course and archery.  It was great fun! Then off to a filling dinner of Alfredo, fresh made bread, veggies and salad bar.

In just 10 minutes, we are going to start our first night campfire, inside as we are experiencing a bit of a heavy mist.... You know, not quite rain or sprinkles, but enough that I wouldn't want to sit outside and watch campfire! :D

I hope everyone has had a marvelous day!

Session 3 Day 5

Good Evening! 

I hope everyone has had as wonderful a week as we have out here at the beach (and in the CITY).  We've packed it full of good activities, food, and friends! 

Today we we starting our last day by sleeping in and had chocolate chip pancakes, sausage, orange juice, cereal & breakfast bar. Following breakfast, each unit participated in doing a service project around camp, from creating cabin plaques to trail maintenance. Teen Ad returned from their two night overnight this morning, a bit dirty & a bit smelly, but took showers and felt much better. 

Sherwood was spending their afternoon having a pack out lunch on the beach, making cake in an orange, showering and having a spa party.

Part of Highlands spent their afternoon mudmucking They enjoyed a contest for getting the muddiest (wanting to match Polo) then were able to take showers.  The other part of Highlands went on a nature hike and did some outdoor cooking with Blinker. 

Alpine hiked to the gorgeous High Meadow and ate lunch up there. This wasn't an ordinary hike though, this was Lord of the Rings themed! 

Teen Leads worked on creating an amazing closing campfire, which was Olympic Themed! it included some events such as: slack-jaw dancing, rap battles, and weight-lifting. 

Teen Ad spent their afternoon unpacking from their overnight, and hanging out at the barn doing archery and soccer.  

Tonight's dinner was engulfed by campers!  Dinner was our end of session BBQ with burgers, fruit, salad, beans, water & juice.  These campers have really been enjoying their food, we've made SO much of it! Can you guess how much ort we've had this week? 9 pounds! Not to shabby for 5 days of camp! 

I hope you all have a great evening! See some of you tomorrow!

Session 3 Day 4

Hello!

Sorry friends & family for not posting yesterday!  I got a bit tied up with adventures here at camp. However, this morning, I put the pictures of Session 3 up in UltraCamp for you to view & purchase!

Camp is going really well this session, as it has been the whole summer. The kids are amazing, and the staff are great.  Right now in fact, we are wrapping up the all camp event, that was a mystery... They had to go find all the missing staff members and answer some riddles.  Once they solved all the riddles, they were able to find the treasure.  Tonight's treasure.... BROWNIE A LA MODE!!! Yummy!

Yesterday, Bagpipers & Tamoshanter led a flag ceremony that sent a big squeeze around the circle. Sherwood spent the morning on a treasure hunt looking for buried treasure near a cave on the beach, while Highlands did a wiggle walk.  Alpine spent time on the beach, at the art palace, and the boys went on a super secret hike while the girls made aluminum can telephones for their cabin. Teens all went out on their overnights!

After lunch, everyone in camp started packing up for their overnights and were headed out by 3 or 4pm.  They were spread all over camp, from Sherwood at Old Ranch, Highlands at Old Ropes, Alpine at Estuary, Teen Ad at Eagles Roost, Teen Lead at Elk Meadow. Speaking of elk, I saw the whole herd by the farm last night! Campers went their evening playing games like predator and prey, having value sessions and making their own dinner.

Today, was another gorgeous day.  After the 4th of July, I have to say that the weather has made a turn for the best! Not too hot, like those of you in Portland, but I think it's great! After cabins came back from their overnights, they unpacked and had a little bit of downtime before lunch.  Can you guess how much ort we had for lunch?  Maybe I should tell you what we had... DINO NUGGETS & TATER TOTS!  Now, can you guess how much ort we had?  If you said next to nothing, zero, or even up to 1/2 a pound, YOU ARE CORRECT!

After lunch, campers went to the barn for archery & soccer, to the river for aquatic activities, camp store, art palace, challenge course, and squeeze.  It was a busy afternoon!  Followed by a fancy dinner, where we had nothing but fancy pizza, applesauce & salad bar.

The evening is coming to a close, with a dance party in the sand! I can see and watch them from the window I'm typing this from.  They are having so much fun with glow bracelets, the music, congo line dancing and fist pumping.

Session 3 Day 2

Today was another gorgeous day here at camp.  We had a nice morning flag led by Robin Hood, who has us do our favorite animal sound.  It was awesome hearing all the various animal sounds.  After enjoying a great breakfast of french toast, sausage, juice, water, and cereal the campers headed to their cabin to prepare for the day.

After breakfast, we all met at the lodge to find out which Interest Groups we would be doing.  The choices were:  

• Wildlife Prevention with Ace and Bandit, 
• Westwind Nature Times: Environmental Newsletter with Blinker and Zig Zag 
• Commando Hike and Peep and Pi
• Make Your Own Band with Lost and Tuilp
• Breaking All The Rules with Alma and Mycelium 
• Kung Fu with Falcon and TK
• Llama Hunt with Red Cloud and Llama
• Poop Appreciation with Rohi and Goggles

Sherwood enjoyed time at the barn and also had quite the time at the Estuary this afternoon, kayaking and river dipping.  Highlands did team building on the challenge course in the morning, then spent the afternoon traveling between the art palace and the cove.  Alpine created corsages and boutonnieres for their Prom Dinner.  They also played soccer and shot archery at the barn.  Teen Leads left on their overnight, while Teen Ad learned outdoor skills. 

Today’s Menu:

 Breakfast: French Toast, Sausage, Juice, Water, Cereal Bar

Lunch:  Cheese Quesadillas, Tomato Soup, Water, Salad Bar 

Dinner:  Baked Chicken, Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Salad Bar and Banana Cream Pie for dessert.

Session 3 Day 1

We awoke to another sunny day for our last day of Father Child Camp.  It was a bit chilly, but homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast warmed us right up.  After a great breakfast some fathers went on the ever-popular Cascade Head Hike, while others chose to soak up more time on the beach before crossing.  This was a great father child session and we had a blast these past four days.

As we were crossing out the fathers and children, we were also crossing the campers for session three.  As soon as the campers arrived in main camp, so began the search for luggage, moving into cabin, touring camp and writing the cabin constitutions.  After flag we took a great all camp photo before dinner, which was lasagna and fresh baked French bread and Sundae Sundays.  For tonight’s campfire various family members and acquaintances of Uncle Bliss visited us.  We had his cat, step son, teacher, Siamese twins and his grandson just to name a few.

All in all this was a great start to session 3.  Tomorrow we will have interest groups and cabin activities.