For those of you unfamiliar with this longstanding EMS/SES tradition, you are in for a treat if you choose to attend. The PTSA coordinates a cooperative family camp out at Camp Westwind on the Oregon coast. If you’ve never considered Westwind because of the costs, we are happy to announce the availability of partial scholarships this year (see below). All campers pitch in with cooking, cleaning, and creating cherished memories. See the camp website for more details at www.westwind.org.

We are set to camp the weekend of Friday, April 12th to Sunday, April 14th. Friday the 12th is a teacher planning day with no school for students. As Westwind is located on an isolated peninsula, access to the camp is provided via a ferry across the Salmon River. Ferry times are determined by the tides. This year, the Friday arrival crossing will be around 12:30 pm so plan on leaving Portland by 10:00 – 10:30 am. If you are unable to arrive by then, there are options. You can cross the river by canoe (provided by you or a friend) or walk in the approximately two miles via an unpaved road (this can take 30-60 minutes). The departure ferry on Sunday begins at 1:30 pm.

Registration forms are now available for download by clicking here (registration form) and here (health information form) and hard copies are available in the SES office. The cost is $55 per person (only co-sleeping infants are free) which covers lodging and food. In order to balance participation, we will be setting slots for both middle school and elementary school families.

Due to a surplus carried over from last year, we are able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships for families who are unable to pay the full amount. For those on scholarship, the cost will be $20 per person. In addition, we have a few working scholarships for people willing to take on significant work responsibilities during the weekend. We will only provide refunds if we can fill your spot. Please contact Cindy Ewers at hamiwers@comcast.net, 971-570-1616 or Courtney Lobo, lobogrrl@aol.com, 503-969-6336 with any questions.

NOTE: In the past, spots have filled quickly so if you’re interested but still not sure, contact us asap to have your questions answered. Don’t be discouraged if you are put on the waitlist, last year we pulled over 40 people from the list!