best nature programs in Craftsbury Common, VT

For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.

Neringa, a Lithuanian cultural camp founded by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1969, has been around for over half a century. During that time, the camp has proudly served thousands of children and families, with a mission of providing a nurturing experience and a strong Lithuanian heritage, as well as Catholic faith-based values. This dedication to character development has been extended to campers, counselors, staff, and families who come together to participate in the camp. Neringa has been helping to shape the lives of many children and families for over 50 years. The camp, established by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1969, has a mission to provide a nurturing environment where Lithuanian heritage and Catholic faith are embraced. This gives campers, counselors, staff, and families the opportunity to focus on positive character development. At Neringa, campers, counselors, staff, and families can partake in a cultural experience rooted in Lithuanian heritage and Catholic faith. Founded in 1969 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the camp has been actively promoting positive character development for over 50 years. Thousands of children and families have benefited from the camp's mission of providing a nurturing environment.

At Bethany Birches Camping Experience, we strive to give young people a chance to connect with God in a natural and nurturing environment. We offer a Christ-centered experience for children of all backgrounds, no matter their religious experience. We aim to provide a safe and secure place for everyone under our care, while keeping our fees as low as possible. We believe in creating a community of love in which God's reality is known and experienced. We strive to build a facility where relationships and communities can grow and thrive. Our programs are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, while always pointing to Christ.

Camp Dudley & Kiniya have been nurturing boys and girls for over 130 years. Located on the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in New York and the tranquil shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont, the camp provides a unique opportunity for children to develop their physical, spiritual, and leadership abilities. Our 146-acre property has grown from 6 campers in 1919 to 170 campers per session today. Through our balanced program of arts, athletics, outdoor exploration, and spirituality, we give children the chance to gain confidence and build character. We also provide a safe, electronics-free environment where children can make lifelong memories and form authentic friendships.

Round Robin Farm offers a unique and exciting experience for young riders with an interest in horses. Our overnight riding program is designed for children ages 8~18 and is supervised by upper-level rider Bekki Read. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in three-phase eventing lessons in the morning and go on a trail ride in the afternoon. At Round Robin Farm, your child will also have the chance to explore the stunning 200-acre farm overlooking the Green Mountains, swim in the White River, and take part in a variety of other activities, including a weekly campout and movie production. Our facility has an indoor and outdoor ring, a cross-country course, and plenty of wooded trails to explore. We also provide a safe, well-cared for selection of horses and teach campers about horse care and barn management. Come to Round Robin Farm in beautiful Vermont and share your love of horses with friends! Our family-run program will provide your child with healthy, home-cooked meals and snacks, as well as a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy their riding adventure.

Keewaydin Dunmore is a summer camp like no other, located on beautiful Lake Dunmore in the heart of the Green Mountains in Vermont. Boys ages 8-16 return year after year for the magic of a Keewaydin summer. Campers come from across the US and international locations, representing different religions, races, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic backgrounds. Each boy is valued for who they are. The camp is divided into four “wigwams” (i.e. age groups): Annwi for 8-10-year-olds, Waramaug for 10-12-year-olds, Wiantinaug for 12-14-year-olds and Moosalamoo for 14-16 year olds. Each wigwam has its own living area and waterfront as shown on the illustrated map. Activities and trips are done primarily by wigwam, but the camp also comes together to eat and participate in activities and events. Established in 1910, Keewaydin Dunmore is one of the most established camps in the country and has long been at the forefront of the American camping movement. Its rich in-camp activity program and extensive trip program provide a summer camp experience that cannot be found anywhere else!

Nestled in the heart of Vermont, Songadeewin, or “Songa” as it’s known to campers and staff, is a place where girls from 2nd to 9th grade can explore their independence. With its unique combination of in-camp program and overnight wilderness journeys, girls can make lifelong friendships and learn to be strong of heart. The Songadeewin experience is a near century old tradition of play and personal exploration and provides fun-filled days full of adventure. Campers can take part in activities like canoeing, hiking, and learning new skills that will leave a lasting impression on their lives. From the first hello to the last goodbye, Songa girls create memories that will stay with them forever. Whether they’re playing games, making crafts, or exploring the outdoors, everyone who comes to Songadeewin will take a piece of this special place with them when they go.

Summer is the time for families to make memories that will last a lifetime. At Coutts, we offer week-long summer camps that will provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children. Our experienced staff are dedicated to creating a unique experience tailored to children of all ages. From river trips to on-site camps, we are committed to helping your family create special memories that will last for years. Since 1929, Coutts has been providing families with unforgettable outdoor experiences. We are proud to continue this tradition and strive to create a positive and enriching atmosphere for children to learn, explore, and grow. Our camps provide the perfect opportunity for your family to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. At Coutts, we are passionate about helping families create lasting memories. Our week-long summer camps are designed to provide unique experiences for children of all ages. Our experienced staff are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment, so your family can explore, learn, and grow together. We take pride in our commitment to creating special memories, just as we have been doing since 1929.

Hosmer Point in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom offers campers a unique experience. Located lakeside, we provide enriching activities that boost self-confidence and empower young people to make positive changes in their communities. Each day is a jam-packed mix of fun, work, and exploration, with positive role models who encourage campers to challenge themselves and engage with others. Our camp values of Cooperation, Generosity, Kindness, Respect, Trust, and Unity are at the forefront of our community and serve as guiding principles. We are also part of a sustainable and non-profit foundation with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, and are dedicated to teaching environmental stewardship. At Hosmer Point, the campers are our top priority. We strive to create a positive atmosphere where individuals can form life-long relationships and gain the knowledge and skills to make a difference.

At Camp Daybreak, children ages 8-11 in Vermont with a range of social, emotional, and behavioral needs can experience the joys of summer camp. The camp is run by The Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery, the only direct service program of its kind in the state. Every summer, 40 campers come to the camp, each paired with a big sibling—a high school or college-age volunteer—for a strength-based experience. Camp Daybreak also provides unique training for the volunteers, as well as much-needed respite for the families of the campers. Since 1961, Camp Daybreak has been an unforgettable experience for all those who take part. Families looking to provide a life-changing summer experience for their child can turn to Camp Daybreak—a residential summer camp for kids in Vermont with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. The camp has been in operation since 1961, and is run by the Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery. Forty campers attend the camp each year, each paired with a high school or college-age volunteer. This summer program is more than just fun and games—it also provides valuable training for the volunteers, and much-needed respite for the families of the campers. Camp Daybreak offers a unique strength-based experience and has been a life-changing experience for all those who take part.

All campers and their families are surrounded by a warm and welcoming atmosphere and have access to a 24-hour medical team to ensure a safe and healthy experience. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta strives to create lasting memories for children and their families who have been affected by cancer. They provide an opportunity for these children to join together and feel normal, to have fun, and to develop life-long friendships. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta offers an extraordinary experience in a safe and loving environment, and is available to Vermont and Northern New York children and other out-of-state children treated in Vermont at no cost to their families.

For over a century, Aloha Foundation has provided campers with a unique experience filled with fun, friendship, and a chance to unplug from the distractions of everyday life. Through meaningful conversations, creative music-making, and plenty of outdoor exploration, campers enjoy a simple yet thrilling environment nestled between a lake and a beautiful hillside. Aloha Foundation offers several different camps which are the perfect way to create lasting memories. Day camps like Horizons and Hulbert are designed for kids in kindergarten through 7th grade, while Hive and Lanakila provide overnight programs for girls and boys in 3rd to 8th grades. Aloha is an overnight summer camp for 7th to 10th grade girls. For families, there’s Ohana, a summer program for people of all ages, and Hulbert, with either a New Year’s or summer program. At Aloha Foundation, campers discover a world of joy, laughter, and adventure. With an ever-growing range of programs and activities, Aloha Foundation is the perfect place to make lifelong friends and lasting memories.

Welcome to Camp Sangamon, the perfect place for boys ages 9-16 to spend their summer! This camp is different - we empower boys to take their summer into their own hands. Boys will be able to choose their own activities and how long they spend on each one. Our activity periods are designed to be flexible, so kids can move on when they're ready and stay as long as they would like. At Camp Sangamon, boys will be able to practice making their own decisions in a safe environment. This will help them develop independence and initiative, and they will learn important life skills that will serve them throughout childhood and adulthood. Parents can rest assured that their sons are in a supportive environment that encourages them to make good decisions. Camp Sangamon provides boys with the opportunity to make their own choices and to explore their interests. Boys will be able to find their own path each and every day and take ownership of their summer. They will get the chance to become more confident and independent, which will help them in their future.

At Flying Cloud Camp, every camper is welcomed and celebrated for who they are. There’s no need to conform to any norms or expectations; instead, campers are encouraged to explore the world around them. Through hands-on activities, campers learn to build a fire, carve their own utensils, and appreciate the beauty of the night sky. With so many acres of wilderness to explore, campers gain a sense of independence and self-confidence as they expand their horizons. At Flying Cloud Camp, every camper is seen and accepted for who they are. This off-the-grid experience in the Vermont wilderness provides a unique opportunity for boys and gender non-binary youth to explore the wonder of living in nature. Campers are encouraged to take risks and discover new things, learning to build a fire, carve utensils, and appreciate the beauty of the night sky. It's a chance for campers to gain a sense of independence and self-confidence while having an unforgettable experience.

At Horizons Day Camp, campers have the opportunity to explore learning and growth through a variety of activities in a safe and beautiful environment. Our campers experience a multitude of activities, such as swimming, athletics, performing arts, creative arts, nature studies, and special events. We focus on developing resilience, self-awareness, independence, and personal growth in a technology-free setting where campers can immerse themselves in the program and build relationships with each other. Horizons Day Camp is a place where campers can challenge themselves in a variety of ways and have a lot of fun along the way. We offer a unique experience to the region, focused on developing skills and self-growth. Our campers can look forward to a summer of fun, exploration, and personal growth, all in a safe and beautiful environment.

For more than 65 years, Lotus Lake Day Camp has been a beloved institution in Central Vermont, providing a tradition of day camping for children between the ages of 5 and 14. Situated in a rural setting, campers are able to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, from swimming and boating to arts and crafts and more. The camp has been voted “Best of the Best Camps” by the Times Argus for several years in a row, and it is often referred to as a “real Vermont camp.” The camp is situated on 300 acres of diverse habitat surrounding the 16-acre lake, Cutter Pond. The land is home to hiking trails, playing fields, a low-ropes course, lean-to’s, a recreation barn, multiple shelters, and one with bathhouses. A winterized meeting room is also available for campers to use during the colder months. Lotus Lake Day Camp provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn, grow, and have fun!

At our camp, we foster an environment of acceptance and celebration of individual differences. Our campers learn to collaborate and work together in our community. During their stay, they'll have the opportunity to hone their musical talents by playing guitar and piano, and singing. They'll also have the chance to take part in outdoor activities like swimming, learning outdoor living skills, and participating in work projects. Additionally, they can explore the wilderness and gain a greater appreciation of each other by going on rock climbing, hiking, and canoeing trips. Our campers will also have plenty of time to appreciate the natural world. All of these activities are guided to help build their confidence, from 3-day to 6-day trips.

Our campers have the chance to explore the beauty of nature and discover the joy of unstructured play, while also building a connection to the land and developing skills that will last a lifetime. Regardless of the activity, our campers will learn something new and have fun in the process. Campers get to take a break from technology and enjoy the wonders of the natural world. At Killington Ski area/resort in Vermont, the 600-acre wilderness provides a perfect playground for children to explore their wonder and imagination. Whether chasing crickets, milking goats, or playing at the waterfront, campers are encouraged to enjoy the simple delights the outdoors has to offer. Campers have the opportunity to take part in creative activities like splatter-paint art and pirate gold hunts, as well as hosting a farm stand for the local community. With unstructured play and learning the land, campers are guaranteed to come away with lifelong skills and a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature. Technology is put aside, allowing children to experience the wonders of the natural world.

Hulbert Outdoor Center’s School Programs offer unique educational experiences for children and teachers from public and private schools. Last year, over 2,000 children from over 60 schools participated in the center’s programs. Since 1978, HOC has been providing transformational programming to 7,000 people annually, helping them to build personal growth, self-reliance, confidence, cooperation, and a sense of community. The Program Director, Ross Cannon, has led many adventures for adults, teens, and children. The Hulbert Outdoor Center provides a top-notch educational experience to children and teachers from both public and private schools. Through a variety of programs, the Center has been able to serve over 2,000 children from more than 60 schools each year. For the past four decades, the Center’s programs have been designed to encourage personal growth, self-reliance, confidence, cooperation, and a sense of community. Under the direction of Program Director Ross Cannon, Hulbert Outdoor Center has offered a wide range of activities for adults, teens, and children, creating a safe and positive environment for learning and exploration.

At Camp Farwell, we believe that girls should be empowered to explore their own ideas, passions and interests. Through our Girls Empowerment Program, we provide an incredible opportunity for girls to take the lead and shine. Our unique program teaches campers the skills they need to become independent, confident, and strong leaders. Girls will learn the importance of self-advocacy, decision-making, communication, and collaboration. Camp Farwell has been providing a unique and empowering summer camp experience for over 130 years. Our campers have the opportunity to take part in activities ranging from traditional camp activities like swimming, sailing and outdoor exploration, to specialized programs such as our popular camp orchestra. With our Girls Empowerment Program, we strive to provide an environment where girls can reach their full potential and develop essential life skills. We love to see our campers take the lead and shine!

The Vermont Elks Association's Silver Towers Camp is a long-standing project providing unique overnight experiences to those with disabilities. Established in 1958, it is one of the first of its kind in the US, and still remains one of the few. The camp offers special attention and support, with a high ratio of counselors to campers to meet the needs of those attending. It is a great opportunity for those with physical or mental challenges to benefit from an unforgettable outdoor experience. The Silver Towers Camp is a shining example of the Vermont Elks Association's commitment to aiding those with disabilities. Since 1958, the camp has been providing a safe, fun, and accessible environment for campers with special requirements. With a higher ratio of counselors to campers, the camp is able to provide support and individual care to each camper. It's a great opportunity for those with disabilities to make lasting memories and foster a sense of community. The Vermont Elks Association's Silver Towers Camp is a beacon of hope and support for those with physical or mental disabilities. Started in 1958, it has been providing a unique outdoor experience for campers for over sixty years. With a high ratio of counselors to campers, the camp is able to give special attention to all those who attend. It is a great opportunity for campers to make lasting memories and gain a sense of independence.