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 camp for your camper!
The mission of Seek NW Skate Camp (formerly Windells) 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 also doing what they love.
We operate on the 28-acre Wy’east Mountain Academy campus, which is located at the base of Mt. Hood, 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 Seek staff members complete a rigorous training program before the start of camp where we learn everything from trampoline safety to bully prevention and emergency response. All Seek staff are certified in first aid and CPR. We have a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day. Our staff members are hand-picked from hundreds of applicants every year based on relevant experience, educational background, personality, and a shared passion for Seek’s goals and objectives.
Our facilities are second to none! Campers stay in cabins with common areas, kitchenettes, and full bathrooms. Our amazing kitchen staff serves up three delicious meals a day. The outdoor Concrete Jungle skatepark wraps throughout the campus and never gets old. Our trampolines, airbag, indoor skatepark in B.O.B. (Building Out Back), foam pits and creative activities will keep campers busy all session. There is always something fun to do at Seek Skate Camp!
We are here at Seek because we truly love skateboarding and believe our camp is an amazing place to be. 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: 503.622.3736
Email: office@wearecamp.com
Why COME TO CAMP?
Camp Info
Staff
Seek’s 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 and CPR Certified. Our staff members are more than just great skateboarders—they're great people!
SuperVision™
Seek’s 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 skate trips, campers are assigned to coaching groups and are not permitted to leave the immediate park in which we are skating. On campus, all housing units are staffed with a live-in counselor who is there to help with each 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 Seek. 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 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.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are kept with counselors at bedtime. We’ve found that “lights out” works best when campers do not have their cell phones in bed with them. Texting and talking to parents during evening downtime, when campers are tired, can feed feelings of homesickness. In addition, cell phone usage is very disruptive to other campers trying to sleep.
Parents are expected to help foster a positive camp environment by enabling parental content and safety controls in their camper’s phone settings. Viewing, creating, and/or distributing content of a vulgar, violent, or sexual nature is not allowed and may be cause for expulsion from camp, with no refunds or credits given. Please help us out by contacting our office immediately if you become aware that your camper sent, received, or viewed any inappropriate digital content.
Grom Campers (ages 9-12)
We know that our youngest group at camp needs a little more structure and TLC than their older peers. For these up-and-comers, we have one (or more, depending on number of campers) 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 every night, and that they 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 bedtime to make sure they are getting all the rest they need!
Seek NW Skate Camp (formerly Windells) is alcohol, drug, tobacco, violence, and bully free!
The Big 6
In order to be the amazing place that Seek is, we rely on a set of very basic, yet very important rules. We lovingly refer to these six rules as The Big Six™. 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 both warm and cold weather. Packing lists are the same for both Day and Overnight campers (except for toiletries and bedding). Adult campers have a separate packing list.
YOUTH CAMPERS
Helmet for skateboarding (mandatory)
Lightweight jacket
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
Several pairs of socks
Sweatshirts, long and short sleeve shirts
Sweats, long pants, and shorts
Bathing suit
Skateboard
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
Helmet for skateboarding (mandatory)
Lightweight jacket
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
Several pairs of socks
Sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts
Sweats, long pants, and shorts
Bathing suit
Skateboard
Backpack to carry your lunch, water, and extra clothing
Water bottle
Toiletries and towel
Cell phone
Meals & Food
Seek’s private campus is complete with a full kitchen and dining area. Campers gather in the kitchen for morning announcements from Seek’s staff about weather conditions and the day’s events. After breakfast, campers pack a lunch to take with them on skate trips. Seek’s culinary staff prepares dinner nightly, catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and 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
Seek’s 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. Camp sponsors like Vans, adidas, DC, and Element have the cabins kitted out with all the comfort and amenities campers want after a fun day skating. Campers step out of their cabins right into one of the best skateparks in the Northwest, the Concrete Jungle! 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, Seek employees will meet your child at Baggage Claim #2.
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.
Shuttles to and from camp are included in the camp cost. We run shuttles from the Portland, OR International Airport (PDX) from 8am-4pm PST on arrival and departure day. Please book all flights to land and depart within the 8am-4pm window. Any flights that are not in this time frame will be charged $100-$175 per camper, per trip, depending on the time of the flight. There is a 30 minute grace period for flights that fall within 30 minutes of 8am-4pm and you will not be charged anything extra. **If you cannot book a flight within the travel window, please contact the office immediately to discuss your travel options and any associated fees.
SUMMER 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 SUMMER 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.
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 Seek campers choose to stay for multiple summer sessions. Rest assured, we’ve got your camper covered! There is a short break between each summer session, but we don’t take a break from having FUN!
The In-Betweens (what we call the two days in between sessions) are PACKED full of fun. During the In-Between, campers get to go adventuring around Oregon, which can include: skate tours at all the cool Portland skate parks, hiking through gorgeous Oregon trails, exploring a lot, trips to the coast, all the while still having time to do laundry (our In-Between counselors can help) and purchase any additional personal items they may need from the store.
In-Between campers are supervised on campus, off campus, and overnight, and a medic will be with them at all times.
For more information on In-Betweens, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly via phone or email.
If you have already Registered:
You can sign into your mySeek account HERE.
In your account, you can upload all your Finishing Forms.
If you need to get registered for Seek Skate Camp:
To sign up for camp, head over to the Seek Camp dates and prices page!
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Policies:
Summer Camps: Cancellations made 30 days or more from the start date of the session will receive a refund less the 50% of the deposit (per session) OR choose a full camp credit*, which can be used for another summer or winter session within two calendar years. *Non-transferable
Cancellations made within 30 days of the start date of the session will receive a refund less the full deposit up to $500 (per session) OR choose a camp credit* less 50% of the deposit (per session), which can be used for another summer or winter session within two calendar years. *Non-transferable
Cancellations made within ten days of the start date of the session will receive a camp credit* less the full deposit up to $500 (per session), which can be used for another summer or winter session within two calendar years. *Non-transferable
Cancellation Procedure
In order to qualify for a refund or a camp credit based on the terms outlined above, you must send an email to info@windells.com with the following information: Camper’s Name, Session(s) to cancel, and the choice of either camp credit OR refund (if applicable). The date the email is sent will be the date used to determine the official date of the cancellation.
*We understand that injuries are part of the sports we participate in, however, there are NO Exceptions to the policies noted above (even in the most extreme cases of emergency, injury or sickness). Therefore, Seek Camp highly recommends that you purchase camp travel insurance through World Nomads (more info below).
*Your registration constitutes acceptance of our Cancellation Policy.
Please note that we do not prorate sessions for campers who arrive late/depart early.
Insure your trip to Seek 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
Seek 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.
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!
Winter Registrations: All final payments and forms are due December 15th. If you have registered after that date, payment is due in full at the time of registration and 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 set up a customized payment plan with us, please call 503-622-3736.
*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 15th 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!
GENERAL SUMMER CAMP SELECTION & FIT
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 seek skate camp, 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 seek skate camp different
We are obviously biased, but we know what kind of environment helps teenagers thrive. seek skate camp 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 Seek Skate Camp 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 seek skate camp, 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 Seek Skate Camp
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 Seek Skate Camp, 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 Seek Skate Camp 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 & 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 Seek Skate Camp
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 Seek Skate Camp 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 Seek Skate Camp
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 Seek Skate Camp 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