PARENT INFO
Dear Parents,
First and foremost, THANK YOU for taking the time to visit our website! We know that your time is valuable and we understand how important it is to you to find the right summer camp for your children. We want you to know that we are here to answer any questions you may have in your quest to find the best summer experience for your camper!
Windells’ mission is to provide a fun, safe learning environment for all campers to unleash their full potential, regardless of age, gender, race, or ability. We aim to create a place where campers can feel comfortable being who they are while doing what they love.
Windells operates on the 28-acre Wy’east Mountain Academy campus, located at the base of Mt. Hood and just 45 minutes east of Portland, OR. Our private campus allows campers the freedom to enjoy the activities of their choice with 24-hour supervision. Campers are required to wear helmets while participating in skateboarding, snowboarding, skiing, and biking. All Youth Camp programs are alcohol, drug, tobacco, and violence free.
All staff members complete a rigorous training program before the start of camp that includes everything from trampoline safety, to bully prevention, to emergency response. All Windells Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR. We have a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Our staff members are handpicked from hundreds of applicants every year based on relevant experience, educational background, personality, and a shared passion for Windells’ goals and objectives.
Our amazing kitchen staff serves up three delicious meals a day. The outdoor Concrete Jungle skatepark wraps throughout the campus. Our trampolines, air bag, B.O.B (Building Out Back) indoor skatepark and training facility, and creative activities will keep campers busy all session. There is always something fun to do at Windells!
We are here at Windells because we truly love it and believe it is an amazing place to spend time. We want to share our passion with you! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hope to see you soon!
Gregg Janecky
Camp Director
Phone: 503.206.8520
Email: 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 Nurse is on call 24/7 and we have a great relationship with Dr. Grise, a local physician with an office five minutes away.
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.
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:
“Darcy Saint” - Alaska, Jet Blue, Frontier
“Luke Williams” - United, Southwest, Delta, Spirit.
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