October Event & Staff and Board Updates
Gather at Sou’Wester with Caz friends - Oct 16-18
Missing your Caz NW community and the fun we had at Soundview Camp during summer? We are trying to recreate some of that magic this fall with a weekend at Sou’Wester Lodge in Long Beach, Washington. Arriving Friday evening October 16th and leaving on Sunday, October 18th, the weekend will be full of workshops and light evening activities, with some performance spaces.
We plan to offer a retro resort-type experience with accommodations in caravans, buses, trailers and campsites, so we can enjoy nature, music and the arts. This is open to Caz Northwest folks using this booking link and please write Caz NW in the group field (link to photo for specifics). If you sign up, please also fill out this form so that we know you are coming and can begin coordinating logistics (food, activity spaces, etc.) Here is a map of the property as well.
We aim for the event to be less structured than camp, with participants booking their own accommodations, leading activities, and bringing their own food; with the option to take part in potluck meals. If you have any questions, please reach out to Gavin (gavin.edward.griswold@gmail.com) or Marie (mariezschumacher@gmail.com).
Our Camp Directors for Summer 2027!
Great news! Last summer’s Camp Directors will be returning next summer - the only change is that they are switching sessions!
Jeff Lee - Camp Co-Director, Session 1
Jessica Stanton - Camp Co-Director, Session 1
Avery Hill - Camp Director, Session 2
Announcing our new Caz Northwest Executive Director!
Suzanne Lindsay
I am thrilled to be able to support the Caz Northwest mission in the new Executive Director Role! I have been a camper and superfan of Caz for the last six years, a Board member for the last 4 years, and supported week 2 session in 2026 as assistant director. In that role I got to see first hand how the passion of our teachers and staff make Caz come to life for our campers. I look forward to supporting the infrastructure and teams that allow the Caz Northwest community to grow and thrive in the coming years.
As we start planning for the 2027 camp season, we want to send a heartfelt thanks to Board members Alissa Sobo and Ben Benoy who rolled off of the Board in 2026 but contributed so much during their tenure, and, we want to welcome our newest board members Erik Lawrence and Yael Tellez-Rodriguez. We also want to give a special thanks to Carin who had played such a critical role communicating with campers for the last 4 years. We are excited that she will stay involved as the Workshop Coordinator, and grateful that Amanda will take on camper communications going forward.
Two Additions to the Caz Northwest Board
Erik Lawrence, Board Treasurer
Erik has been a Caz NW camper since its inaugural year and can’t imagine a better place to exercise his love of music, art, theater, and...Star Trek? The forest, the Puget Sound, local flora and fauna, and amazing people form a safe, immersive environment where anything feels possible. Welcome to the Real World.
Yael Tellez-Rodriguez, Board Member
Yael (phonetically: “yah-EL”) and her family experienced the magic of Caz Northwest for the first time in the summer of 2026. She was amazed by how quickly and warmly they were welcomed into the community and is excited to continue contributing to CAZ while finding opportunities to express her creativity. She loves to dance, write, and spend time among the trees. She is especially looking forward to sharing some of her guitar skills next summer and perhaps even an original song!
Message from Carin:
After 4 years of supporting camper communication for Caz, I’m going to be stepping back a bit. I’ve loved connecting with campers and ensuring that we all have the best summer experiences, but for now I’m going to focus a bit more on my family. I’ll be staying on as the coordinator for the 4th period Community Workshops, so I look forward to connecting with all of you in Spring. Thank you to Jonathan, Suzanne and Amanda for facilitating this change with me and for working so closely, collaboratively, and with such care over the past few years.
2027 Camp Dates
Session 1: June 27-July 3
Session 2: July 4-July 10
