Camp Westwind at the Beach – Resident Camp

Camp Westwind:

Encouraging community

Embracing diversity

Exploring the world around us!

Location and Site Information:

YWCA Camp Westwind is located 90 miles southwest of Portland, just north of Lincoln City at the mouth of the Salmon River Estuary. Camp Westwind encompasses a 500-acre site of pristine and scenic coastal ecosystems on the Salmon River Estuary. The YWCA of Greater Portland has been actively responsible for the stewardship of this land since 1937, and has preserved Camp Westwind in an unspoiled and mostly undeveloped state. Buildings are clustered on 20 acres, leaving 480 acres for exploration and wildlife. While facilities have been recently updated, they remain rustic by design. Most cabins are simple wooden buildings with built-in bunks and mattresses, heat and light. It is a short walk to the centrally located shower house or the outhouse in each unit of cabins. The general camp terrain is sandy and hilly.

Campers begin their camp adventure by crossing the Salmon River on barges driven by site staff. As they leave “civilization” behind, they enter a world of sun, sand and new experiences. Campers become a part of this unique habitat and community. Campers play a vital role as caretakers by conserving water, composting, recycling, and preserving the fragile habitat.

Camp Westwind Terrain

The cabins at Camp Westwind are built on the side of an impressive hill. The main lodge, restrooms, and first unit of cabins are located at the bottom of the incline. The youngest campers are generally assigned to these cabins. A few steep steps and a little labored breathing later is the location of the second and third cluster of cabin units. And finally, after a bit of a hike and some tired muscles, it the uppermost unit of cabins where the oldest campers sleep and the best views are found. There are no guarantees as to cabins assignments, as it all depends on the number and ages of registered participants. Our teen campers all live in the dune area of camp in platform tents. The highlight of this unit is it has it’s very own campfire so teens can relax in the evening by the campfire and stay up a bit later then the younger campers in camp! One of the many adventures at Camp Westwind is traversing the hills and clumsily shuffling through deep sand. No pavement or boardwalk at this beach, just pure gorgeous nature.

Staff

We recruit and hire a diverse staff experienced in a wide variety of programming areas. Each year we hire several international staff that offer new perspectives and experiences. Many of our staff were once Camp Westwind campers themselves. Staff seek positions at the YWCA because they understand the powerful impact they have on a camper’s experience. They are chosen for their ability to work with youth and to serve as positive role models. Our staff receive a minimum 100 hours of training on safety, child development, diversity, risk management, and programs before working with campers.

Health & Safety

The health and safety of campers is the primary concern of the camp staff. At Camp Westwind an onsite registered nurse provides daily health care. All staff hold current First Aid and CPR certifications. All campers are under the supervision of trained staff 24 hours a day.

Behavior

YWCA Camp programs promote positive interaction among campers and staff. Staff treat each camper individually, with attention to each child’s needs and interests. Activities are planned by staff and chosen by campers to challenge, excite, and involve. Happy and busy campers are less homesick and have fewer conflicts. Camp staff model, encourage, and reward appropriate behaviors. Inappropriate behaviors are redirected and handled on an individual basis.

Daily Living Responsibilities

Campers live and play in a community environment that involves everyone caring for the health of the site and each other. While hiking, tide pooling or camping outside, all campers take part in environmental stewardship by practicing water conservation, recycling, liter patrol, and simple living. Campers look out for one another by following the buddy system, working cooperatively on projects and following the safety guidelines. Campers do have rotating daily tasks, which we refer to as “Kapers” examples of these are sweeping, setting tables, picking up litter, cleaning their cabin, composting, and assisting staff in maintaining the cleanliness of the camper restroom areas.

Meals

We offer wholesome, nutritious meals in all of our programs working hard to support local organic farms.  Resident campers enjoy family style meals with the motto of “take all you want but eat all you take”. We want campers to become more aware of the energy that is placed into growing and preparing food. We encourage kids to think about portions prior to filling their plates and eating only half of what they have served themselves. Vegetarian options are available at all meals, as well as a salad bar at lunch and dinner. If your child has special diet restriction we encourage you to call the YWCA camp office to discuss these and determine how to best meet your camper’s needs while at camp.

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