westminster woods
a sanctuary for transformational experiences
S UMMER C AMP 2017
westminsterwoods.org
westminster woods
S UMMER C AMP 2017
Dear Friends, Families and Churches,
Each summer, Westminster Woods provides an opportunity for
children and youth to encounter the love and grace of God within
a Christ-centered community
of faith. Campers are
welcomed into a sanctuary for
transformational experience.
Distractions, busyness, and
pressures of daily life are set
aside in order to explore big
questions while experiencing
accepting and supportive
relationships, personal
challenge and growth, and big summer camp fun.
In eager anticipation, we look forward
to seeing the many ways that the Spirit
of God will work in the lives of those
who cross the bridge to experience
Summer 2017 at The Woods.
Please feel free to contact us anytime
if you have questions or concerns.
Grace and Peace,
The Ministry Team
this year’s theme
The Water of Life
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
~ Isaiah 43:2
Water is something that we come in contact with every day, yet we
often take it for granted. We all need water to live our physical life
and through this theme campers will discover that water is connected
to our Christian spiritual life.
We will dive into Bible stories that
shower them with a new
awareness of how water and life are
gifts from God. Jesus says,
“Whoever believes in me, as
Scripture has said, rivers of living
water will flow from within them.”
our summer staff
Our Summer Staff is an energetic and caring team of college students
and other young adults who are committed to facilitating a safe and
accepting atmosphere for campers to explore and thrive. Many are
pursuing careers in education or youth ministry, and each of them
completes a lengthy application and interview process.
All employees and volunteers receive extensive training and ongoing
supervision. We conduct a full week of training before camp begins,
covering topics of safety, effective and compassionate leadership,
program facilitation, and
cabin counseling. We
perform background
checks on all of our staff,
and all have current CPR
and First Aid certification.
At least one licensed nurse
is on duty at all times
during Summer Camp.
our wonderful camp facility
Westminster Woods was established in 1946 and has been providing
outstanding summer camp programs for nearly 50 years. Nestled in
the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County, our facilities include cabins,
tents & yurts, retreat housing, picturesque amphitheaters and campfire
circles, high and low challenge course elements, heated swimming
pool, one-of-a-kind playground, volleyball and basketball courts,
archery range, stone labyrinth, and miles of great hiking trails.
Adventure Hill Yurts
Big Green Field and Dining Hall
The Labyrinth
Camper Cabins
Cabin Interior
summer camp programs
Westminster Woods offers several summer camp options to choose
from. Each one has a different theme, cabin area, and activities that
are age-appropriate for each. Some examples of camp activities for
all programs include swimming, playground activities, themed skits,
worship and speaker times, campfires and S’mores, group hikes and
nature exploration, challenge course elements, crafts, big field games,
and afternoon free time with many guided activity options.
Adventure Camp ~ Grades 2-4
June 25-28/June 28-July 1; July 16-19/July 19-22
Our youngest campers benefit from lots of care,
guidance, and contact with counselors and creation.
For those who are new to camping or being away
from home, we offer the option of staying for either
3 nights (split into A or B date
options) or the whole week.
Adventure Camp is led by trained
Jungle Guides (staff and
counselors), who lead campers
in discovering the beauty of nature and surprise
adventures. Campers sleep in tents and yurts to
experience nature in a unique and special way.
Forest ~ Grades 4-6
June 25-July 1; July 16-22; July 23-29
A joyous, activity-filled camp for kids
entering 4th-6th grades. The shouts and
cheers of boys and girls echo through The
Forest during this Robin Hood-themed
camp. New discoveries
are under the next rock
or high in a redwood
tree, if you know where
to look! Swimming, crafts, Bible studies,
archery, games,
2016 Forest Camper: “Camp was fun,
hiking, and much
and the counselors were awesome.
more fill these
I had the best time ever!”
campers’ days.
Elevation ~ Grades 6-8
June 25-July 1; July 16-22
An upbeat week of meaningful fun for young
people entering 6-8th grades. Friendships grow
as campers share their common connection with
Christ. This program provides energy-filled fun
with activities such as the challenge course and
elaborate camp-wide
games. Elevation
campers stay in
cabins but also have
the unique opportunity to hike up to our
campsite on the ridge for a fun and
memorable night under the stars.
2016 Elevation Camper: “Every year I come to The Woods
I always get a different perspective that I bring back home.”
High School ~ Grades 9-12
July 9-15; July 23-29
As well as being one of our most
FUN programs, this camp provides a
safe place for teens to be themselves
and to wrestle with questions about
life, faith, friendships, and the world.
Our counselors, leaders and speakers
engage young people in reflecting
how a relationship with Christ can
shape their perspectives, decisions and
values. Campers participate in unique
events such as a hoe down (bring your
flannel and straw hats!) and a special
banquet on Friday night (bring
something nice to wear).
2016 High School Camper: “This is the most amazing
community — everyone is really open and loving.”
Buccaneer ~ Grades 6-8
July 9-15; July 23-29
Buccaneer is our second program
option for 6th-8th grade youth
and is for those who thrive on
adventurous voyages. Our team
of Pirates (staff and counselors)
will be leading them through one
of our most loved and unique programs. On the challenge course,
campers hook into safety harnesses, climb high into the trees, and
take fun leaps of faith. Exploring nature, pirate-y adventures, treasure
hunts, sleeping under the stars,
singing loudly around the
campfire, and sharing God’s
love make this camp a favorite!
2016 Buccaneer Camper:
“Buccaneer is the best — it
really allows you to unplug
and make new friends.”
Rock and Row ~ Grades 10-12
July 16-22; July 23-29
Due to limited space and lots of interest in this
incredible program, we are now offering two
weeks of Rock and Row! Each week, 12 teens
experience different outdoor adventures that take
them into the beautiful landscapes that surround
Westminster Woods. Each day a new adventure
awaits: learning belay techniques, rock climbing,
kayaking, and hiking from The Woods to the
coast! Enjoy God’s creation in a small camp
atmosphere where good conversations and
friendships are made. Sign up early
to save your spot!
2016 Rock and Row Camper:
“I think that anytime I am in nature,
I grow closer to God because of
God’s beautiful creation”
Bridge ~ Grades 11-12
registration details
June 25-July 1; July 2-8; July 9-15
Our Leadership Program for High School Juniors and Seniors! Bridge
strengthens young leaders by inviting them to experience the joy
and creativity of serving in camping ministry—through hands-on
program opportunities and living in intentional community.
Bridge participants engage in Bible
Study, CPR & First Aid training,
mentoring by staff, interactive
counselor training, and enjoy
some relaxing activities. After
completion, participants aged 16
and over may be placed in
2016 Bridge Camper: “Bridge taught me
cabins as volunteer counselors
so much and I bonded so much with
for a week or two.
others. It was a great experience that
Online: Go to westminsterwoods.org and click on “Summer Camps” and
then “Register Here”. Follow the links through the registration process.
The 2017 Health Form/Waiver is required for each camper, even if
they attended camp in 2016 or a fall/winter retreat. A physical or doctor’s
signature is NOT necessary; to complete the Health Form, however, camper
needs to have been for a check-up within the past two (2) years.
By mail, email, or fax: Paper Registration Form/Health Waiver can be
printed from our website or mailed upon request, and then emailed, faxed,
or mailed (instructions on the form).
All registrations require a $100 non-refundable deposit.
I feel others should enjoy as well.”
Friendship Camp ~ For Adults
camp costs - tiered rate program
July 3-8
Recognizing that families have different abilities to pay for camp,
Westminster Woods has a voluntary three-tier fee program.
It is a free-will system — you choose the level that is comfortable
and affordable for your family. All campers receive the same
amazing experience regardless of the amount paid.
Friendship Camp is a 5-day program for
adults with developmental disabilities to
have the opportunity to get away to the
redwoods, be loved and appreciated by
our staff, play games, activities, make
crafts, listen to music & dance, and much
more. For more information, visit our
website or contact us to receive a
Friendship Camp brochure.
Tier 1 is our subsidized rate and does not reflect
the full cost of operating summer camp programs:
$450 for a full week of camp; $225 for a half week (Adventure Camp)
Tier 2 is our partially subsidized fee for those
who choose to pay a little more to cover camp costs:
$500 full week; $250 Adventure Camp
Tier 3 more closely reflects the actual cost of camp,
including the cost of maintaining our wonderful facility:
$550 full week; $275 Adventure Camp
2016 Friendship Camper:
“I love camp!
I am so happy
at The Woods!”
Tiered Rate Program does not apply to Bridge, Rock and Row, or Friendship Camp:
Bridge: High School Volunteer and Leadership Program — cost is $250*
Rock & Row: Outdoor adventure experience for 10th-12th graders — cost is $595
Friendship Camp: For Adults With Developmental Disabilities — cost is $595*
* Bridge & Friendship Camp require separate applications.
Print one from our website or call for more information.
general camp information
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Roommates
If you only pay the deposit, please
be aware that the balance
is due in full 30 days
prior to arrival at camp.
Your card will be charged
for the remaining balance
unless prior arrangements
are made with the registrar.
Deposit is non-refundable 30 days
prior to camp, and late notifications,
no shows and/or early departures
are not eligible for refund.
Some campers may wish to have
a specific roommate in their cabin or
tent during camp, and we do our
best to honor one such request per
camper. You may indicate this on
the online or paper registration
form. Multiple roommate requests
are not guaranteed.
Mail & Care Packages
During camp, families have the
opportunity to send or drop off
letters or care packages for their
Grade Levels
campers which will be delivered
Grade levels listed for Summer Camp at set times during the week. Please
programs indicate the grade campers see the FAQ section on our website
will be entering in the fall of 2017.
for a complete list of instructions.
Photos!
Staff photographers post pictures of
campers in our password-protected
online photo albums throughout the
summer. Parents and other relatives
can view photos and, if desired,
purchase prints or other photo gifts.
When you drop off your camper,
you will receive the photo password
for that camp week in compliance
with our camper privacy guidelines.
Medications
At registration, all medications and
pertinent information are collected
by the camp nurse. All prescription
medications must be in their original
container with the current doctor’s
prescription label attached. All
medications are stored in our health
center and administered by the camp
nurse as directed.
Scholarships
Many local churches provide financial help to youth from their
congregations and communities who wish to attend camp. If you need
financial aid, we ask that you first contact your local church. If the
church is unable to provide support, you can complete a Campership
Request Form on our website, and we will respond as soon as possible.
The Woods has a limited Campership Fund provided through generous
donations to assist families in sending their kids and teens to camp.
summer camp schedule
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
June 25-July 1
July 2-July 8
July 9-15
July 16-22
July 23-29
Adventure
Camp
Friendship
Camp
(Grades 6-8)
Buccaneer
Adventure
Camp
(Grades 6-8)
(Grades 2-4)
A: June 25-28
B: June 28-July 1
July 3-8
(Grades 2-4)
A: July 17-20
B: July 20-23
Forest
Forest
(Grades 4-6)
Elevation
High School
(Grades 6-8)
Bridge
(Grades 11-12)
(Grades 9-12)
Bridge
(Grades 11-12)
Buccaneer
Bridge
(Grades 11-12)
Forest
(Grades 4-6)
(Grades 4-6)
Elevation
High School
Rock & Row
Rock & Row
(Grades 6-8)
(Grades 9-12)
(Grades 10-12) (Grades 10-12)
youth weekend retreats
We know from experience that when campers leave The Woods, they
often talk non-stop about the fun they had at summer camp, the new
friends they made, and how much they can’t wait to come back! That
is why we have our Fall/Winter Youth Retreats — the awesomeness
of Summer Camp in a fun, memorable weekend! Reconnect with
friends, make new ones, and experience the joy and love of camp.
NovemberBash (Grades 6-8) November 3-5, 2017
DecemberFest (Grades 9-12) December 1-3, 2017
Forest Adventure (Grades 4-6) February 9-11, 2018
Find more information about weekend retreats on our website.
Save the date so your camper doesn’t miss out!
westminster woods
a sanctuary for transformational experiences
6510 bohemian highway, occidental, ca 95465
westminsterwoods.org ~ 707.874.2426
Save $25!
Register
for Summer Camp
by April 1st
and enter the code
“EARLYBIRD”