What ages does First Session accept?

First Session is open to children ages 9–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

How much does First Session cost?

First Session publishes $2,100/week for the standard session. Session Price: $8400. Includes all activities, meals, and lodging. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.

What are First Session's hours?

First Session runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Is First Session accredited?

Yes — First Session is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 96 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.

Does First Session provide lunch?

Yes — First Session includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 9–15

First Session

Orcas Island · $2,100/week · ★ 4.7 (43 reviews)

A co-ed summer camp on Orcas Island, Washington, with a focus on unplugging from technology and embracing camp...

▌ Editor's read Four Winds Camp is an ACA accredited overnight camp for girls, with accreditation valid through 2025, as confirmed on their website's 'About Us' and 'Safety' pages. The camp has a long history, operating for 96 years since its founding in 1927 by Laura and Marjorie Black. They maintain a favorable camper-to-staff ratio of 1:4, as stated on their 'Safety' page. The camp explicitly mentions conducting background checks for all staff members, including criminal history and sex offender registry checks, on their 'Safety' page. Social media presence includes an active Instagram (@fourwindscamp) and Facebook page (FourWindsCamp). The website loads successfully and provides comprehensive information about the camp's programs and safety protocols.

★

ACA-accredited~300 standards audited

⌬

Since 193096+ years operating

Who thrives here Ages 9–15

First Session is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Overnight camp
ACA accredited: Yes
Established: 1930 (96 years)
Operator: Not listed
Staff-to-camper ratio: Published by camp see camp site →

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
Ages: 9–15
Hours: 24-hour residential
Address: 286 Four Winds Rd, Deer Harbor, WA 98243, USA
Phone: (360) 376-2277
Email: [email protected]
Cost notes: Session Price: $8400. Includes all activities, meals, and lodging.

Runs 24-hour residential, 1 session (0 one-week, 1 multi-week block), from Jun 21 to Jul 18.

Sessions ⛓

Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.

Session 1 Jun 21 – Jul 18, 2026 · 4 weeks · $8,400

↗ What parents like

Located on Orcas Island
Focus on unplugging from technology
Offers financial aid

↘ Watch for

Expensive weekly cost
No shorter session options

Logistics

Lunch provided: Yes
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about First Session

What ages does First Session accept?: First Session is open to children ages 9–15. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does First Session cost?: First Session publishes $2,100/week for the standard session. Session Price: $8400. Includes all activities, meals, and lodging. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are First Session's hours?: First Session runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is First Session accredited?: Yes — First Session is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 96 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Does First Session provide lunch?: Yes — First Session includes lunch in the program. Confirm whether it's a hot lunch, cold lunch, or a snack-plus-bring-your-own setup, and ask about allergy accommodations if relevant.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare First Session with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside First Session.

Second Session · Orcas Island · Ages 9–15 · $2,100/week