Camp Westwind in the City Day Camp

Camp Westwind:

Encouraging community

Embracing diversity

Exploring the world around us!

Information and Site Information:

Camp Westwind in the City is based out of the YWCA building in downtown Portland. The building is used as “home base” for day camp and we begin and end each day here. On the third floor we have a rooftop terrace garden and playhouse that campers help us plant, maintain, and eat from all summer long! Late June is perfect timing for fresh strawberries to be harvested and late summer has kids eating their fill of cherry tomatoes! The camp also uses the indoor pool and gym facilities located within our building. During the rest of the day we are all over Portland getting to know the city as our “Big Backyard”.

Camp Westwind in the City “Terrain”

During the course of our day at Camp Westwind in the City we are walking, playing and swimming. Campers go to parks, historic sites, visit the inside and outside of buildings, get on and off of the max, streetcar and bus. Some campers kayak the Willamette, bike the streets of Portland, go skateboarding, as well as playing sports in our gym. We use the city of Portland as our “backyard.” and make use of our rooftop garden as well as the gym in the YWCA building. Campers should wear shoes that they can walk well in. We prefer that if they chose to wear flip-flops or sandals that they bring a pair of tennis shoes or sturdy shoes that they can be more active in.

Staff

We recruit and hire a diverse staff experienced in a wide variety of programming areas. Many of our staff was once Camp Westwind campers themselves. Staff seeks 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 receives a minimum 100 hours of training on safety, child development, diversity, 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 in the City all staff hold current First Aid and CPR certifications. We are in the city of Portland with a 2 to 3 minute response time from emergency services at all times. All campers are under the supervision of trained staff while at Camp Westwind in the city.

Behavior

YWCA Camp programs promote positive interaction among campers and staff. Staff treats 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. Camp staff model, encourage, and reward appropriate behaviors. Inappropriate behaviors are redirected and handled on an individual basis.

Daily Living Responsibilities

Campers interact and play in a community environment that involves everyone caring for the health of the site and each other. While being in the city of Portland, at the YWCA building or taking part in activities with our community partners, all campers take part in environmental stewardship by utilizing public transportation via MAX, recycling, liter patrol, roof top gardening and composting. Campers look out for on another by following the buddy system, working cooperatively on projects and following the safety guidelines.

Meals

While campers bring their own lunches, we provide two healthy snacks per day and a BBQ lunch on Fridays.

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“Camp Westwind in the City was the best summer camp experience my kids have ever had (and we've done several, so we have a broad basis for comparison). Cost-wise, this was a tremendous value for the money. Thank you staff and counselors! We'll see you again next year.”