As part of the Orcas Island Historical Society collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute, Four Winds*Westward Ho is presenting a talk as part of the Journeys Stories exhibit.

On Sunday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m., there will be a presentation: Four Winds*Westward Ho – Childrens’ Journeys to Orcas since 1927, at the Odd Fellows Hall.

In the 1920s, a young educator turned an unkempt parcel in Deer Harbor into a camp for girls. Based on her experience at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, Ruth Brown opened Four Winds Camp for girls in 1927. A few years later, Westward Ho Camp was opened for boys. For generations, Miss Ruth encouraged all her campers to explore and discover new friendships, to sing and write about the day’s great capers, to share stories and laughter with others, and to show diligence in learning responsibility and stewardship. Those values continue today.

Journeys have been an important component in the history of Four Winds Camp. Since the day it opened, the journey to camp has included every mode of transportation: trains, planes, automobiles, and boats. From Miss Ruth’s days until this summer, getting to camp has been part of the adventure.

Journeys from camp have also been a tradition. Children have been venturing out from Four Winds as part of their summer camp experience. Over the years, these excursions have taken campers as far away as Europe and as close as Jones island. Most notably, big boat sailing has been part of the camp experience since Four Winds opened.

Finally, at camp, children journey through imagination, song, art, and physical activity. In a time when a child’s life often seems as though it’s on fast-forward, Four Winds offers children the chance to engage with their environment, and other campers, free from the distractions of technology.

Camp Director Paul Sheridan, camp administrative assistant Abby Rueb, and some of this year’s summer staff will talk about the history, lore, and journeys of Four Winds*Westward Ho camp.