best art-crafts programs in Thetford Center, 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.

Camp Hochelaga is an American Camp Association accredited camp that offers a variety of overnight, day camp, and leadership development programs. These activities are designed to help build character, self-esteem, self-confidence, empowerment, and leadership. We prioritize social, emotional, and physical safety to ensure that campers have the best experience possible. Our campers have the opportunity to explore a range of activities and make lasting friendships, while having fun and learning important values like collaboration, kindness, leadership, and empowerment. With an emphasis on these core values, Camp Hochelaga provides an unforgettable experience.

Covenant Hills is a perfect destination for your church or organization's next retreat. With its 20 years of history as a summer camp, Covenant Hills is a great place to bring your group together. With a variety of activities to choose from and plenty of space to spread out, your retreat will be one to remember. The United Methodist Church and United Congregational Church of Vermont partnered up to run a summer camp at Covenant Hills for more than 20 years. During that time, it was a place for week long overnight camps. Now it's a property available to rent for retreats, private camps, reunions, and sport events. The amenities are well-maintained and perfect for your next group retreat. With plenty of activities and space to spread out, Covenant Hills is a great spot for your church or organization's next event.

At Davis Studio, we believe that art is an essential part of life, and we strive to make it accessible to everyone. Our art classes and camps provide an outlet for creativity and exploration, allowing participants to explore their own unique talents and interests. Our experienced and passionate instructors are committed to helping our students find their own artistic voice. We offer a wide range of classes and camps for all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a preschool art class, a teen art class, adult painting classes, or a summer art camp, we have something for everyone. Our classes and camps are designed to help students build on their existing skills and knowledge, as well as gain new techniques and insights into the world of art. We also offer special workshops and events throughout the year, providing fun and educational opportunities for our students.

Parents, it’s time to rejoice! Future Einsteins has been approved by ACT 166 and is now enrolling for the preschool program. With six time and day positions available, you can easily find the perfect fit for your family. Whether you choose the full day option (8am-3.30pm) or the part-time option (8am-11am), you can pick 5, 4 or 3 day attendance. It’s never been easier to get your child involved in an enriching learning environment. So don’t delay, get your child enrolled at Future Einsteins today. Enrolling your child in an educational environment is a big decision, and Future Einsteins is here to make it easier for you. With ACT 166 approval, parents can rest assured that their child is in the best possible hands. The full day option offers 8am-3.30pm attendance with 5, 4 or 3 day options. The part-time option is 8am-11am with the same attendance options. Future Einsteins is committed to providing the best possible education for your child. Come join us and be part of the Future Einsteins family. With our approved program and flexible time and day options, your child is sure to gain the best start in life. Sign up today and be part of the future!

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.

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.

At Betsey Cox, campers from around the world come together to form a unique and inclusive community. Girls are encouraged to take responsibility for their decisions and create their own daily schedules from among the sixteen activities available. From outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, hiking and swimming, to creative pursuits such as art, music and drama, there’s something for every camper to enjoy. Rustic cabin living in the idyllic setting of central Vermont provides a safe and inspiring environment for campers to learn and grow. Betsey Cox is the perfect place for young women to make a positive difference in the global world while having fun and making lifelong friends!

At Camp Billings, our commitment to providing a safe, healthy, nurturing, and fun environment has been strong for over a century. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Fairlee in Central Vermont, Camp Billings is the perfect oasis for boys and girls to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For some campers, it even becomes a second home, with many spending generations of summers at our camp. At Camp Billings, we believe that the experiences children have here are foundational to their growth. We strive to create a safe, healthy, nurturing, and fun atmosphere where campers can build lasting friendships, discover their passions, and cultivate a love of nature. Through our activities, everything from canoeing to archery to rock climbing, campers can find joy in the simple pleasures of life while learning valuable skills and creating 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.

At Lanakila, we strive to create lasting memories and relationships for our campers and staff. Our rustic setting allows for campers to explore and create lifelong skills, relationships, and memories. We believe in the power of the camp experience and have seen generations of campers and staff come together to form a close-knit community. We invite you to join us in the adventure and magic of Lanakila. Our campers learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and independence while having fun and making memories. Through our activities and events, we create a safe and nurturing environment where campers build lasting relationships with each other and our experienced staff. We look forward to welcoming you to the Lanakila family!

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.

Our campers have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Farm & Wilderness summer camps offer a unique and secluded getaway in the beautiful woods of Vermont. With 4,800 acres of mountains, lakes, and forests, campers can explore activities such as hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, organic farming, carpentry and the arts. These activities provide campers with the chance to learn important life skills such as teamwork and problem solving, all while creating lasting memories. The camps provide a supportive environment for youth to explore a life that is simple, rugged and exciting.

Camp Abnaki has been giving boys the chance to experience the summer camp life for over a century! Our program is all about fostering positive character traits such as caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We even have our own motto: “Help the Other Fellow” to remind campers to always lend a hand. At Camp Abnaki, we’ve been providing boys with a traditional summer camp experience since 1901. Our program is dedicated to instilling important values and qualities such as kindness, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We also emphasize our camp motto “Help the Other Fellow”, encouraging campers to do acts of kindness for one another.

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.

Camp Akeela is a magical place designed specifically for “quirky” kids. Located in Vermont, Akeela is a traditional New England co-ed overnight camp that offers a well-rounded, traditional program with the added bonus of a small, supportive community. Boys and girls ages 9 – 17 who have difficulty connecting with their peers are all welcome, as well as older teens who have completed 10th – 12th grades. Akeela is a safe and accepting environment for children and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome, NVLD (or NLD) or a similar neurodiverse profile, as well as those who are undiagnosed but share similar characteristics. Campers can expect to be embraced and understood by a staff that is committed to helping them improve their social skills. The Akeela experience is truly transformative. Campers not only have the time of their lives, but leave with improved self-confidence and social skills that they can carry with them long after camp is over. Akeela is the perfect place for “quirky” kids to make friends and have fun, all while learning invaluable life skills.

Most of all, Ohana is a place where families come together to refresh and celebrate their ties and build new ones with others who share a love of nature and simple living.

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!

Parents looking for a unique way to help their children cultivate confidence, character and community need look no further than Shelburne Craft School. Established in 1945, the school offers hands-on learning in artisanal crafts. With its well-loved buildings and natural light classrooms, the school is a textbook example of “wabi-sabi.” The central courtyard is the heart of the campus, featuring small sculptures, Adirondack chairs, a fire circle, a sheltered pavilion and a handmade stone wall. At present, the school offers instruction in a variety of crafts, and plans to add more in the near future. Shelburne Craft School provides a unique opportunity for children to experience the joy of making and creating, while gaining essential life skills. With its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, the school is the perfect place for children to explore their passions and learn valuable skills. The school’s experienced instructors and well-stocked classrooms provide the perfect environment for children to experiment, create and collaborate. Whether children are interested in woodworking, pottery, weaving or any of the other crafts offered, Shelburne Craft School is the ideal place to foster creativity and imagination. The school’s focus on hands-on learning, combined with its relaxed atmosphere and supportive instructors, make it a great place for children to learn and grow.

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.

That's why at Brown Ledge we offer a Freedom of Choice program that allows campers to choose from our wide variety of activities. The campers at Brown Ledge are supported by an experienced and dedicated staff whose primary goal is to provide an environment that fosters personal growth and independent living. We offer a wide range of activities for campers to explore, including land sports, water sports, arts and crafts, and more. Our excellent instruction and guidance helps campers develop their skills in the activities they choose, giving them the confidence to take on new challenges. Brown Ledge is the perfect place for young girls to enjoy the summer while learning valuable skills and making lifelong memories. Our Freedom of Choice philosophy, excellent instruction, and vibrant community are the perfect combination for independent living and personal growth. We invite you to take a closer look at what Brown Ledge has to offer and see if it’s the right fit for your daughter.

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.

Our campers are encouraged to do their best in activities that they enjoy, and to participate in supervised group living. We ensure each camper has the opportunity to reach their individual potential. At Windridge, our campers can develop trust & respect for their peers, as well as a sense of self-confidence. Our counselors, sports professionals, and other staff members are caring and encourage a strong sense of camaraderie. Our goal is to help campers discover the joy of participating in sports while growing in their own unique way. We believe this experience will result in positive personality growth.