About NWWS

Northwest Wilderness Society of the Unitarian church

The Northwest Wilderness Society of the Unitarian Church was founded in 1965 by a small group of Unitarians as an undeveloped camp and retreat. The affiliation with the Unitarian Church continues and many Unitarians camp here, but there is no religious affiliation necessary for campers. All are welcome.

The mission of the Wilderness Society remains the same, to protect this special place in its natural state and to make it accessible and safe for the camp months of July and August. It is not necessary to be a Unitarian member to experience the Wilderness. People of all faiths, or no faith, are very welcome in camp.

The NWWS Property

Wilderness Camp is a 160 acre delta of natural forest along the shores of Kootenay Lake at the mouth of Fry Creek. The camping area is flat and thinly forested – a steep canyon containing the stream leads back into the mountains behind. There is about a mile of shoreline along the lake with a beach consisting mostly of round, wave-washed rock interspersed with areas of sand.

Our Vision

We are stewards of the land. We facilitate enjoyment of this land and are committed to preserving the peace, beauty and essential wildness while protecting it from development so that future generations may continue to draw nourishment from it.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote the principles and values of Unitarianism, and to strengthen the bonds among Unitarians, their families and friends, by experiencing community in a wilderness setting.

Unitarian Principles

We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part