Four Winds offers activities in five areas: The Dock (Waterfront), Land Sports, The Barn (Equestrian), The Craft Courts (Arts and Crafts), and The Garden. Campers take three classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and another three on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Campers pre-register for three classes via online forms prior to their arrival at camp and then choose another three after finding out more about the areas and classes offered on the first day of camp.
Hundred-acre property of woods, fields, and waterfront on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, approximately two hours north of Seattle; own small inlet (Four Winds Bay)
Cabins
Female campers live in rustic cabins or canvas wall tents on Girls Side; male campers live in canvas wall tents on Boys Side; 4–6 campers of same gender and grade per cabin with 1–2 counselors; no electricity in cabins or tents; shower houses nearby with hot water and electricity
Ages
9–15
Enrollment
Coed
Accreditations stated by camp
American Camp Association
Activities
Waterfront
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Land Sports
Tennis
Basketball
Archery
Volleyball
Arts & Creative
Pottery
Dance
Music
Clues to fit
Cabin friend requests — first-year and returning campers
We do everything we can to place first year campers with one friend of the same grade and gender. After the first year, campers are welcome to make requests, but we do not make promises about fulfilling them. We fully embrace the adage, 'Make new friends, and keep the old.' We've found that when we place the same friend group in cabins and tents together year after year that the social fabric of camp becomes cliquish and stagnant, and so we mix the kids up from year to year.
"My experience at camp was far beyond my expectations. When I got onto the boat to Four Winds people were already talking to me and making friends." — Zoe, camper
Female campers live in simple rustic cabins or in canvas wall tents up on wooden platforms on Girls Side. Male campers live in canvas wall tents on Boys Side. In both the cabins and tents, campers sleep in bunk beds with comfortable mattresses. Typically, each cabin is comprised of between four and six campers of the same gender and grade and either one or two counselors. Each camper is provided with a 'sea chest' (a large wooden rectangular container stored under the bunk beds) in which to store their belongings.
Setting — Orcas Island and the hundred-acre property
Four Winds * Westward Ho exists in a truly stunning corner of Orcas Island. Our hundred-acre property of woods, fields, and waterfront is just two hours north of Seattle on Orcas Island, among the San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington State. From the rocky shores of Breakfast Beach, to the moss covered stones high up on Hill of the Moon, to the afternoon light spilling across our rolling horse pastures — generations of campers have fond memories of the places in Camp.
Traditions — songs, Evening Fire, and connection across generations
Since 1927, campers have gathered in front of the fire in the main lodge to sing songs, play music, share poetry and tell stories. Many of the songs we sing go back generations, and alumni from 60 years ago know many of the songs we still sing today. For so many generations, Four Winds campers have been riding the same trails, singing the same songs, gathering in the same places, sailing the same waters, enjoying the same sense of belonging, and sharing the same spirit of adventure.
"Every summer, she comes home SUPER happy, she absolutely cannot get enough of FWWH! She becomes more independent and self-confident, and loves being with like-minded friends who care so much for each other." — Cecelia, parent
We live in an age where kids are supervised and scheduled almost all the time. Even though the days of unsupervised play are over for most kids, we believe parents need to seek out independent experiences to fill that void in today's kids' lives, and sleepaway camp can be that thing.
Horseback riding is a popular activity at camp, and our well-equipped barn is the center of the activities. The staff consists of experienced teachers and riders, and many kids leave the summer with learning to ride a horse as one of their greatest accomplishments. We teach English and Western techniques to riders of all levels and ages both in the arena and out on the trails. Our Pony Cart Driving program is also always popular and is one of camp's oldest traditions.
We believe that no magic is possible at Camp if we're not taking care of our basic needs. Food gets rave reviews as we try to go a step beyond typical camp fare. Although one main course is always served, campers and staff may also go to the salad bar or make a sandwich as options. Vegetarian options are available at all meals. In addition to accommodating vegetarians, we are able to accommodate special diets that are medical in nature.
