PARENT INFO
With over 35 years under our belt, Windells has been on the forefront of innovation having coached freeskiing longer than any organization in the world and having developed the modern terrain park concept. Our mission is “Life improvement through people, place and passion” and we promise our campers, “The best 7 days of your life.”
Many parents ask, “What makes your camp different?” I know your time as a parent is precious and even though this list is long, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things about Windells.
100% real snow all-summer long – Since our founding in 1989, we have never, EVER had to cancel a session thanks to Mt. Hood’s unmatched snowfalls.
All abilities welcome – Whether you are an adult or a grom, spinning fives or perfecting your turns, we have the perfect coaching group for each camper’s needs.
All-Inclusive – Arrive at PDX airport and we take care of the rest.
Professional & Friendly Camp Staff – All staff are CPR and first aid certified and must pass stringent pre-employment background and drug screening.
Full-Time Medical Staff - Experienced nurses and medics who understand action sport & camp injuries & illnesses.
Choosing a summer camp is a big decision, so I encourage you to call or e-mail me, personally. I’m sure you have lots of questions, and I would love the opportunity to speak with you. I would also encourage you to explore our website, especially the parent-specific tabs, below.
If you would like to contact a parent who has sent their child to Windells, we have a list of parents from all over the country on our website; just click the “Parent References” tab, below.
The more information you gather about Windells, the more likely you’ll become enthused about sending your child to our camp. I hope to get the opportunity to tell you why I love this place.
Yours Truly,
Jimmy Rehman
Camp Director
P: 503.206.8520
E: office@wearecamp.com
WHY COME TO CAMP?
CAMP INFO
Staff
Windells Staff is hand-selected from hundred of applicants every year. We work hard to find the best of the best for every position. Employees are background checked and picked based on relevant work experience, educational back ground, and passion for working with youth. All employees are First Aid, CPR, and USOC Safe Sport Certified. Our staff members are more than just great skiers, snowboarders, skateboarders, and bikers—they're great people!
SuperVision™
Windells’ private, 28-acre campus is only open to campers, staff, and invited guests. This unique environment allows campers plenty of independence, while still allowing us to provide 24-hour SuperVision™. While on the mountain, campers are assigned to coaching groups, and are not permitted to leave our Private Park™ without a staff member. On Campus, all housing units a staffed with a live-in counselor who is there to help with any camper’s off-hill needs. Even when our staff members are not technically “on-duty,” they can typically be found hanging out around campus and spending time with the campers.
Safety
Safety is very important to us at Windells. We understand the risks associated with all action sports and do everything in our power to reduce those risks. All campers are required to wear helmets while skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing or biking. Our Coaches are well trained in Safe Progression, and know how to encourage campers without pushing them to try things too far outside of their current ability levels.
Our Camp Medical Staff is on call 24/7, we have Athletic Trainers from Providence Health Systems on site during athletics and we have a great relationship with Providence Hospitals.
Grom Campers (Ages 9-12)
We know that our youngest group at camp needs a little more structure and TLC than campers ages 13 and up. For these up and comers, we have one or more specifically designated cabin per session!
Our team of Grom Counselors are specially trained to understand the needs of our younger campers. Your Grom Counselor will make sure your camper’s lunch is packed every day with a variety of healthy and delicious foods, that they brush their teeth, and are having the time of their lives.
Grom Campers get to enjoy all the fun and activities on campus, but will have an earlier curfew and bed time to make sure they are getting all the rest they need! Cell phones are kept with Counselors at bedtime. We’ve found that “lights out” works best when Groms do not have their cell phones in bed with them. Texting and talking to parents during evening “down time” when campers are tired can feed feelings of homesickness. In addition, cell phone usage can be very disruptive to other campers trying to sleep.
Windells Camp is alcohol, drug, tobacco, violence, and bully free!
The Big 6
In order to be the amazing place that Windells is, we rely on a set of very basic, yet very important rules. We lovingly refer to these six rules as The Big 6™. These rules are imperative to the safety and well being of your child, as well as other campers at camp.
No Drugs, Alcohol, or Nicotine
No Theft or Vandalism
No Weapons or Violence
No Abusive Behavior
No Breaking Curfew or Leaving Camp Boundaries
No Explicit, Abusive or Illegal Images, Video, or Other Content
CAMPER PACKING LIST:
Summer in Oregon is usually very sunny, dry and warm, but there can be unexpected weather conditions at times. To be prepared, bring a variety of clothing for warm and cold weather. Packing lists are the same for both Day and Overnight campers (except for toiletries and bedding). Adult campers have separate packing list.
YOUTH CAMPERS
Skis (mandatory, though Demo equipment will be available at no extra charge)
Ski boots (mandatory, though Demo equipment will be available at no extra charge)
Helmets for skiing and skateboarding (mandatory)
Lightweight jacket
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
Face mask (neck tube, bandana, etc.)
Ski goggles, socks, and pants
Several pairs of socks
Sweatshirts, long and short sleeve shirts
Sweats, long pants, and shorts
Bathing suit
Skateboard (Demo boards are available at no extra charge)
Day pack to carry lunch, water and extra clothing
Water bottle
Sleeping bag, pillow and single fitted sheet
Toiletries and towel
Cell phone
ADULT CAMPERS
Skis (mandatory, though Demo equipment will be available at no extra charge)
Ski boots (mandatory, though Demo equipment will be available at no extra charge)
Helmets for skiing and skateboarding (mandatory)
Lightweight jacket
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
Face mask (neck rube, bandana, etc.)
Ski goggles, socks, and pants
Sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts
Sweats, long pants, and shorts
Bathing suit
Skateboard (Demo boards are available at no extra charge)
Day pack to carry your lunch, water and extra clothing
Water bottle
Toiletries and towel
Cell phone
MEALS & FOOD
Windells’ Private Campus is complete with a full kitchen and dining area. Conveniently located at the heart of campus, a full breakfast and lunch buffet is set out every morning in the Heshin’ Delicatessen. Campers gather in the kitchen for morning announcements from Windells staff about weather conditions and the day’s events. After breakfast, campers pack a lunch to take with them to the mountain or on skate trips. Windells’ culinary staff prepares dinner nightly, catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions. Make a note of these restrictions in the designated area of your camper’s registration paperwork and we’ll work to accommodate the request.
Lodging
Windells cabins are fully furnished and renovated – full bathrooms, carpeted and wood floors, and bunk beds. Campers are supervised overnight by one or two counselors per cabin, according to age and the number of campers. Boys and girls are bunked separately. Campers step out of their cabins right into the best skatepark in the Northwest! If your camper would like to bunk with a friend or relative, make a note of the request in the designated area of your camper’s registration paperwork and we will accommodate the request.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE BY AIR
All campers must fly into Portland International Airport (PDX).
ARRIVAL DAY: All flights must arrive into PDX between 8am and 4pm on the first day of camp. Upon arrival, Windells employees will meet your child between Baggage Claims #2 and #3.
DEPARTURE DAY: All flights must depart from PDX between 8am and 4pm on the last day of camp. Departing campers will check in and pick up their boarding passes at PDX.
In the case of campers flying as Unaccompanied Minors, please make sure that all paperwork is complete and fees are paid with the airline prior to travel. Approved Windells employees will meet your child at their gate upon arrival, and escort them to their gate at departure.
Baggage Fees
All airlines have different baggage policies.
Skis- When bringing your skis to camp, you may find that certain airlines will charge extra due to the size and or weight of the bag. For those bringing their own gear, generally speaking, the best way to fit everything you need would be to put your skis, boots, helmet, outerwear, skateboard and sleeping bag or blanket in a ski bag, and then pack your remaining items in your suitcase and carry-on bag. Be sure to shift things around so that neither your board bag or suitcase will exceed the weight capacity (if you would like to avoid extra fees). If you need a good ski bag, check out Dakine.
In the Event of Last Minute Changes or Emergencies
If for some reason a flight is delayed, cancelled, or if you miss your scheduled departure flight to Camp please contact the office (503.206.8520) as soon as possible with the updated arrival information including the new time of landing and flight number, if applicable. If there are any changes to your child’s return flight information prior to take-off we will be contacting you directly with any updated information.
Campers Flying as Unaccompanied Minors (UM)
Each airline has different age requirements and additional fees for flying unaccompanied minors. Campers flying under the status of an UM will be met at their gate by a We Are Camp, LLC staff member upon their arrival at PDX.
Name of the Person Picking up UMs at PDX: If at all possible, when the airline asks for the name of the person picking up your UM, please give the airline ‘A We Are Camp Representative’ and our phone number 503.206.8520. If they will not accept this, please give them the following names, airline dependent:
Bryce Suman
One week before the start of your campers session we will be emailing you with the exact name of who will be meeting your child at the gate. After providing you with this information, it’s crucial that you update the information for the airline. If they need an address, it is 59550 US-26, Sandy, OR 97055.
Youth and Adult Campers NOT Flying as Unaccompanied Minors (UM)
All campers not flying as UMs will be met outside the security gate by a We Are Camp staff member and will be assisted with their baggage and checked in for their We Are Camp shuttle near baggage claim #2. If a camper cannot locate a We Are Camp representative they should go to an airport paging telephone and page “A WE ARE CAMP REPRESENTATIVE” to wherever the camper is standing. They can also call the We Are Camp office at 503.206.8520.
Purchasing Tickets
Please look further into the airline of your choice as you get ready to purchase your ticket. Before purchasing your ticket, please be sure to visit the airline’s respective website for up-to-date unaccompanied minor information. You may find that if your child requires an Unaccompanied Minor ticket, you may not be able to purchase your ticket via the internet. Because each airline has different policies on booking UMs flights with layovers, last legs of the day, etc, booking on the internet may not be the best route.
For more airline specific in-depth unaccompanied minor information, please click on the airline.
Airline UM Age Requirement
Air Canada - 11 and under
Alaska/Horizon Airlines - 12 and under
American Airlines - 14 and under
Delta Airlines - 14 and under
Frontier Airlines - Does not allow UMs (Under 15)
Hawaiian - 11 and under
JetBlue Airways - 14 and under
Southwest Airlines - 11 and under
Sun Country - Does not allow UMs (Under 14)
United - 14 and under
* Visit airline website for most up-to-date & accurate information
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE BY CAR
ARRIVAL DAY: Please arrive no earlier than 12pm noon on the first day of camp (No SuperVision™ is available before 12pm on Arrival Day.)
DEPARTURE DAY: Please pick up your camper no later than 12pm on the last day of camp (No SuperVision™ is available after 12pm on Departure Day.)
WHAT IF MY CAMPER WANTS TO STAY FOR MORE THAN ONE SUMMER SESSION?
No problem! A lot of Windells campers choose to stay for multiple Summer Sessions. Rest assured, we’ve got your camper covered! There is a short break from skiing between each summer session, but we don’t take a break from having FUN!
The Weekends are full of fun. During the weekends, campers get to go adventuring around Oregon, which can include: Skate tours at all the cool Northwest skate parks, hiking through gorgeous Oregon trails, exploring, trips to the coast, all the while still having time to do laundry (our weekend counselors can help) and purchase any additional personal items they may need from the store.
Multi Session campers are supervised on campus, off campus, and overnight, and a medic will be on call at all times.
For more information on Multiple Sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly via phone or email.
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED:
You can sign into your myWindells Account HERE
In your Account, you can upload all your Finishing Forms.
If you need to get registered for Windells Camp:
To sign up for camp, head over to the Windells Camp dates & prices page!
CANCELATION & REFUND POLICY
For information on cancelations & refunds, Please refer to our CANCELATION POLICY PAGE HERE.
TRAVEL
Insure your trip to Windells Camp!
We understand that registration fees and travel expenses can add up, and sometimes extenuating circumstances arise. Travel delay, cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and other possible interruptions can be covered by insurance!
Travel Insurance: Simple & Flexible
Windells Camp recommends purchasing camp travel insurance through World Nomads. They have a specific coverage for “active travelers”, so please visit World Nomads website for a complimentary quote and to read about the specific benefits, they recently started using the indexsy seo agency so their website has gotten so much better.
Payment and Paperwork Deadlines
Summer Registrations
All final payments and forms are due by May 15th. If you have registered past May 15th, all payments and camper paperwork is due 30 days prior to the start date of your session. If you have registered less than 30 days out from the start date of the session, payment is due in full at the time of registration and all registration forms are due as soon as possible!
Summer Camp Payment Plans
We are now able to offer payment plans* for summer camp sessions! Auto-payments make it very easy to start your payment in the Fall or Winter and have camp completely paid for by the time summer rolls around! If you would like to setup a customized payment plan with us please call 503.206.8520.
*Please note all final payments are due by May 15th and no payment plans can be made after this date.
Payments are deducted on the 1st of each month
Deposit is still due at the time of registration (25% of total purchase)
Easy automated deductions from your checking account
Open Registration
We have no registration deadline. If there is room in the session, registrations can be made up until the day before the start of the session!
best summer camp for teens:
If you are searching for the best summer camps for teens, you have probably already figured out one thing: there are a lot of options, and they are not all built the same.
Some camps are local.
Some are highly specialized.
Some are heavy on structure.
Some are more free-flowing.
Some look great in photos, but the real question is whether they are actually a good fit for your child.
At Windells, we have spent decades watching teenagers show up excited, nervous, confident, uncertain, and everything in between. The best camps are not just the ones with the flashiest brochure or the longest list of activities. They are the ones that create the right mix of challenge, belonging, independence, and support.
Here is what we think parents should really look for.
A camp that gives teens some ownership
Teenagers do not want the same camp experience a younger child does. They want room to grow, make decisions, meet new people, and come home feeling a little more capable than when they arrived. The best camps for teens create real opportunities for independence while still providing strong structure and supervision. That balance matters. Teens want freedom. Parents want confidence. Great camps build both.
A camp with a strong culture, not just a schedule
You can put a long activity list on any website. What matters more is the feel of the place.
Does the camp have a welcoming culture?
Do kids show up knowing no one and leave with real friendships?
Do staff members know how to connect with teenagers, not just manage them?
Does the place feel positive, organized, and genuinely fun?
The best teen camps create the kind of environment where campers can try hard, laugh hard, and feel like they belong.
A camp with staff your teen will actually respect
This one gets overlooked. Teenagers know immediately whether the adults around them are authentic. The best camps hire staff who are good with kids, good at their jobs, and capable of being role models without trying too hard. Teens respond well to adults who are confident, encouraging, and real. A strong camp staff can change the whole experience.
A camp that feels bigger than a screen
Teens today spend a lot of life online. One of the best things camp can offer is real life. Real conversations. Real confidence. Real friendships. Real memories. There is something powerful about a week where your teen is focused on doing, learning, laughing, and being present instead of staring at a phone.
A camp your teen is actually excited about
This is where fit matters. The best camp for one teen may not be the best camp for another.
Some teens want arts.
Some want academics.
Some want wilderness.
Some want sports.
Some want something that feels like an adventure.
What matters is choosing a camp that matches your teen’s personality and energy. A teen who is fired up before arrival is much more likely to have a great week.
What makes Windells different
We are obviously biased, but we know what kind of environment helps teenagers thrive. Windells is a place where campers come from all over the country, often without knowing anyone, and quickly become part of something bigger than themselves. It is a place with real energy, strong role models, clear structure, and a full camp experience that extends well beyond time on snow. For many campers, it is not just a fun week. It is a confidence-building week. A friendship-building week. A growing-up-a-little week.
That is what the best summer camps for teens should do.
If you are trying to find the right fit for your child, we would love to help. Explore our Parents Guide, reach out to our team, or connect with one of our parent references. We are happy to talk it through.
Want to see if Windells is the right fit for your teen?
Reach out to us to talk honestly about fit, age, experience, and what first-time families can expect.
Call: (503) 206-8520 or text
Email: office@wearecamp.com
How to Choose a Sleepaway Camp: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing a sleepaway camp is a big decision. You are not just picking a program. You are choosing the people, environment, structure, and experience your child will step into while away from home.
It is normal to have questions. In fact, we think it is smart.
At Windells, we talk with first-time camp parents every year, and many of the best questions are the same:
Will my child be safe?
Will they know anyone?
Will they be supported if they get homesick?
Will this be fun, or overwhelming?
How do I know this camp is well run?
Here are the things we think matter most when choosing a sleepaway camp.
Start with fit, not hype
Every camp says it is great. The better question is whether it is great for your child.
Think about your child honestly.
Are they independent or do they need a little extra support?
Do they thrive with structure or prefer more freedom?
Would they rather be in a small, quiet setting or a high-energy one?
Are they excited by challenge?
The best sleepaway camp is the one that matches who your child is right now, while also helping them grow.
Look closely at supervision and staff quality
A camp experience rises or falls with its people.
Ask:
What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
Who supervises campers during the day and at night?
What training do staff receive?
Are background checks required?
Is medical support available?
A well-run camp should make these answers easy to find and easy to understand.
Pay attention to how the camp communicates with parents
You can learn a lot from the way a camp answers questions.
Are they responsive?
Are they transparent?
Do they sound experienced and calm?
Do they make you feel rushed, or informed?
A strong camp team understands that parents are making a meaningful decision. They are not annoyed by good questions. They welcome them.
Read real parent feedback
One of the best shortcuts is hearing from families who have already done it. Look for real testimonials, parent references, and specific stories. Not vague praise. Actual details. What was the camper like before camp? What changed afterward? What surprised the family? That kind of feedback is often more useful than any marketing language on a website.
Think about the whole experience
Parents sometimes focus only on the main activity. That matters, but the full camp experience matters too.
Ask yourself:
What are mornings like?
What are evenings like?
What happens off the main activity?
How are cabin groups formed?
What is the social environment like?
What happens if my child is nervous or homesick?
A great sleepaway camp is not just good at the headline activity. It is good at taking care of kids for the whole week.
Choose a camp your child is excited to attend
This sounds obvious, but it matters. Sleepaway camp usually goes better when the camper feels some ownership in the decision. Talk through the options together. Let them ask questions. Let them imagine the experience. Excitement does not remove first-day nerves, but it helps them move through them. Snowboarding may exciting for you, but is it for them?
What we believe at Windells
We believe sleepaway camp should be fun, safe, positive, and memorable. It should challenge kids in the right ways and support them in the moments they need it.
We also believe parents should not have to guess. You should be able to learn how a camp works, who is running it, what the supervision looks like, and what kind of experience your child can expect.
If you are considering Windells, we encourage you to dig around. Read the Parents Guide. Explore our safety and supervision information. Reach out to us. Talk to other parents who have sent their kids here.
The right camp should feel exciting for your child and reassuring for you.
Wondering if Windells is the right fit for your child?
Reach out to us to talk honestly about fit, age, experience, and what first-time families can expect.
Call: (503) 206-8520 or text
Email: office@wearecamp.com
First Time Sleepaway Camp Tips for Parents and Campers
The first time your child goes to sleepaway camp is a big moment.
For kids, it is exciting. For parents, it is exciting and a little emotional. For most families, it is both. The good news is that first-time campers do really well when they arrive with the right expectations, the right preparation, and the right mindset. Here are a few tips we give families all the time.
Build confidence before camp
In the weeks before camp, talk about the experience in a confident, positive way.
Focus on:
the fun they are going to have
the friends they are going to make
the new things they are going to try
the independence they are going to build
Kids often take emotional cues from parents. If you sound calm and excited, that helps.
Practice a little independence at home
A few small things before camp can make a big difference.
Have your child:
pack with you
keep track of their own gear
manage a morning routine
sleep away from home if possible
practice speaking up when they need something
Sleepaway camp does not require total independence on day one, but a little preparation helps campers feel more capable when they arrive.
Pack thoughtfully, not wildly
Do not send everything your child owns. Send what they need, and make sure they know what is in their bag.
It helps to:
label gear
use simple organization
review the packing list together
make sure your camper knows where essentials are
Confidence goes up when a camper can find their socks, their hoodie, and their toothbrush without turning their bag upside down.
Talk about nerves like they are normal
Because they are.
A lot of first-time campers are nervous before camp. A lot of returning campers are too. Nerves do not mean your child is not ready. They usually mean the experience matters.
You can say something simple:
“It is normal to feel nervous before doing something new.”
“That feeling usually passes quickly once camp gets going.”
That message helps a lot.
Avoid creating an escape hatch
Parents sometimes say things like: “If you do not like it, we will come get you.”
It is well intentioned, but usually not helpful. It gives a nervous camper a quick way out before they have had time to settle in.
A stronger message is:
“The first day might feel new and a little uncomfortable, and that is okay. Give yourself some time. We believe you can do this.”
That encourages resilience instead of doubt.
Help your child understand what camp life feels like
For first-time campers, the unknown is often the biggest stressor.
Walk through the basics:
You will meet your cabin group.
You will have counselors there to help.
You will be busy.
You will make friends faster than you think.
You can always ask a staff member if you need something.
When the experience feels more familiar in advance, it feels less intimidating on arrival day.
A note for parents
This part is important too: first-time camp can be harder on parents than on kids.
Many campers adjust quickly. Meanwhile, parents are back home wondering how it is going. That is normal. Trust the process. Camp is designed to help kids grow, and growth usually includes a little discomfort at the beginning.
What we see at Windells
Every summer, we watch first-time campers arrive a little unsure and leave looking more confident, more connected, and more independent. Some come with a friend. Many come alone. Most are in the same boat more than they realize.
By the end of the week, they have stories, inside jokes, new friendships, and a stronger sense that they can handle more than they thought. That is one of the best parts of camp.
Want to see if your child is ready for sleepaway camp at Windells this summer?
Reach out to us to talk honestly about fit, age, experience, and what first-time families can expect.
Call: (503) 206-8520 or text
Email: office@wearecamp.com
Should My Child Go to Overnight Camp?
A lot of parents ask the same question: Is my child ready for overnight camp?
The honest answer is that there is no perfect formula. But there are a few useful things to think about, and in many cases, kids are more ready than parents expect. Overnight camp is not just about being away from home. It is about growth. It is about trying something new, building confidence, making friends, and realizing, I can do this.
Here are a few ways to think it through.
Your child does not have to be fearless
Some parents think their child needs to be completely confident before going away to camp. That is not really how it works. A child can feel excited and nervous at the same time and still be ready. In fact, learning to move through those feelings is part of what makes overnight camp valuable. The goal is not zero nerves. The goal is enough readiness, curiosity, and support to make the experience worthwhile.
A little independence goes a long way
If your child can manage some everyday responsibilities, that is a great sign.
Can they:
follow a routine
take care of basic hygiene
ask an adult for help
handle being away from home for shorter stretches
show interest in trying something new
They do not need to do everything perfectly. They just need enough foundation to step into camp life and learn.
Desire matters
If your child is genuinely interested in camp, that is a strong signal.
Maybe they love the activity.
Maybe they want adventure.
Maybe they like the idea of meeting new friends.
Maybe they are excited to go somewhere different.
That motivation helps them push through the initial adjustment and settle in more quickly.
Overnight camp can build the exact things parents hope for
Families often wonder whether camp is worth it. We have seen the answer play out again and again.
Kids come home more confident.
More independent.
More willing to try things.
More connected to peers.
More aware that they can function well away from home.
That kind of growth is hard to create in everyday routine life.
It is okay if your child needs support
Being ready for overnight camp does not mean your child will never miss home, never feel awkward, or never need reassurance. The question is not whether they will have a moment. Most kids do. The question is whether the camp is prepared to support them through it.
That is why supervision, staff quality, and culture matter so much.
What to ask yourself as a parent
Try these questions:
Does my child seem interested in the experience?
Would a week away help them grow?
Does this camp feel well run and supportive?
Can I picture my child succeeding here, even if the first day feels new?
If the answer is mostly yes, that is often enough.
What we believe at Windells
We believe overnight camp can be one of the most positive and memorable experiences in a young person’s life. We also know that sending your child away is a big step. That is why we care so much about safety, supervision, staff quality, and parent communication. We want campers to have a blast and parents to feel informed and confident.
A lot of our campers show up not knowing anyone. A lot of them are doing this for the first time. A lot of them leave already talking about coming back.
That tells you something.
Wondering if Windells is the right overnight camp for your child?
Reach out to us to talk honestly about fit, age, experience, and what first-time families can expect.
Call: (503) 206-8520 or text
Email: office@wearecamp.com