OUR PHILOSOPHY
Discover the SPIRIT of the House
Developing Young Men is the Goal
At West End House Camp, our all-boys setting offers a unique space where youth can express themselves freely and authentically. Here, they build confidence through healthy competition, develop leadership skills through peer interaction, and learn the importance of collaboration and teamwork in a supportive environment. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to fostering genuine connections within a diverse, inclusive community. We focus on building character through daily group living experiences, teaching empathy, respect, and understanding across differences, and creating opportunities for every boy to shine in his own way.
Our Guiding Principles:
S
ocial Goals
Communicating and creating meaningful relationships so our Campers will:
- Establish meaningful friendships with other campers.
- Find a positive role model amongst counselors and camp staff.
- Be encouraged to express their feelings constructively.
P
erseverance Goals
Continued effort toward achievement so our Campers will:
- Display a willingness to learn new skills and participate in new opportunities.
- Improve on several skills (ex. swimming, waterskiing, archery, fitness, athletics).
- Receive affirmation for skill area achievement(s) through both informal praise and formal awards.
I
ndependence Goals
Learning and applying life skills so our Campers will:
- Organize and take care of their personal space and belongings
- Participate in daily cabin clean-up.
- Achieve all daily hygiene goals including brushing teeth, changing clothing and showering.
- Participate in overall beautification of the camp. Examples include sweeping communal buildings, returning lost items, putting equipment away and other opportunities.
R
esponsibility Goals
Being accountable to yourself and others so our Campers will:
- Give respect to peers, camp staff, environment and personal belongings and receive the same respect in turn.
- Respect and receive appropriate privacy.
- Follow the daily schedule of camp events by arriving promptly with the appropriate attire.
I
ntegrity Goals
Honesty with sound moral character so our Campers will:
- Follow safety rules and follow the direction of staff.
- Own their actions/attitudes and apologize for any wrongdoing.
- Abide by the Platinum Rule, “Treat others as they wish to be treated.”
- Welcome the differences of others and embrace other(s) individuality.
T
eamwork Goals
Working for a common cause so our Campers will:
- Work together towards a common goal.
- Learn to effectively communicate with others.
- Learn positive techniques for problem solving.
Our Philosophy for Each Day
Play Together
Camp isn’t just about activities—it’s about fostering a strong sense of community.
With around 120 campers, ages 7-15, WEHC offers the ideal setting for forming close bonds with bunkmates while also connecting with peers across different age groups. The 40 dedicated staff members serve as positive role models, providing support and guidance every step of the way.
Play with SPIRIT
At WEHC, “The SPIRIT of the House,” which comes from its alma mater, refers to the thread that ties all West Enders together.
The Spirit of the House encompasses six character development areas: Social, Perseverance, Independence, Responsibility, Integrity, and Teamwork that give everything they do at camp purpose and meaning.
Play Forever
WEHC has a unique program that mixes team sports, waterfront adventures, and creative games (think strategy challenges and building awesome stuff!).
But there’s also plenty of free time for boys to just be boys – pick-up games, bunk activities, or even chilling with a book by the lake. It’s a wonderful balance between structure and independence.