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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Kindler · catches the spark
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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Kindler · catches the spark
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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Bearer · carries the flame
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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Bearer · carries the flame
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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Keeper · keeps the fire
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.
Keepers of the House
Builds toward Keeper · keeps the fire
The Honor Society of West End House Camp
Keepers of the House
For more than a hundred summers, the oldest boys here have looked after the youngest. We gave that handoff a name. A boy earns his way up over his summers with us, one tier at a time. Each tier asks more of him, and what he earns stacks rather than resets.
Kindler → Bearer → Keeper
TIER ONE
Kindler
The camper catching the spark
The first sign that a boy is more than a participant. He shows up fully and becomes a real member of the community.
How he earns it
- Includes others and welcomes younger or newer campers.
- Stays with hard or unfamiliar things instead of quitting.
- Tells the truth and follows the rhythms of camp.
SPIRIT goals that lead here
TIER TWO
Bearer
The camper who can carry real weight
Handed a job, he owns it. This is where a camper starts to look, quietly, like future staff.
How he earns it
- Manages himself without reminders, on time and prepared.
- Follows through on what he commits to and owns his mistakes.
- Pitches in on the unglamorous jobs and backs up staff.
SPIRIT goals that lead here
IndependenceResponsibility
TIER THREE
Keeper
The camper entrusted to hand the spirit down
He sets the standard and lifts others toward it. A boy the House would be proud to hold up to a first-year camper.
How he earns it
- Does the right thing when no adult is watching, even when it costs him.
- Settles conflicts and brings quieter campers in.
- Mentors younger boys the way he was mentored.
SPIRIT goals that lead here
“To be a Keeper of the House is to hold something that was handed to you, and to make sure it is handed on.”
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.