Boating program — pond, canoes, kayaks, Red Cross lifeguard
With seven three-person aluminum canoes and a dozen single-person kayaks, there is plenty of space in the program for beginners, seasoned boaters, and everyone in between. On day 1, under the direction of a certified Red Cross lifeguard and a trained instructor, campers learn about boating safety and basic canoeing and kayaking skills. Campers must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while in a boat on the water.
Located in Vermont's 705-acre Downer State Forest between Sharon and South Strafford.
Ages
8–16
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Fishing
Land Sports
Soccer
Basketball
Archery
Volleyball
Softball
Arts & Creative
Photography
Dance
Music
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
Clues to fit
Camp Downer values — inclusivity, belonging, community
Camp Downer is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children, fostering a sense of belonging and community where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced. Camp Downer promotes a positive communal environment by providing opportunities for campers to actively participate in group activities and communal responsibilities, as well as encouraging awareness and care for others and shared spaces.
Camp Downer's mission is to provide a positive and affordable camping experience for youth in a safe, constructive, and welcoming environment. Camp Downer is located in the natural beauty of Vermont's 705-acre Downer State Forest between Sharon and South Strafford.
In Ropes Adventure, you and your team will work your magic on our six low ropes elements: the 'Tension Traverse,' the 'Nitro Swing,' the 'Spider's Web,' the 'Whale Watch,' the 'Wild Woosey,' and the 'Full House.' Under the watchful eye of our trained instructors you and your team will need to figure out how to conquer each challenge, learning the importance of teamwork and trust.
Each night features a unique activity that brings the entire camp together for a fun event. Every Tuesday night is the Camp Dance — themes changing weekly! On the last night of camp, a large bonfire is constructed near the pond for a truly unforgettable evening where fond memories are formed that will last a lifetime.
Everyone gathers in main camp, crosses arms, and forms a circle as the last light of day gives way to night. It is a wonderful way for the whole camp to get together one last time before they go to sleep.
Camper responsibilities — community contribution at meals
Every camper has the opportunity to contribute to the meals in the Dining Hall by taking turns setting up, serving, and cleaning up after a meal, fostering responsibility and teamwork.
Leadership Development Program — CIT I, CIT II, Staff Aide pipeline
Camp Downer's Leadership Development Program is tailored for campers aged 14 to 16. CIT I participants plan one EAC (evening activity) for the entire camp. CIT II participants refine leadership skills during both Free Times daily and participate in a mock counselor day during the two-week session. Eighteen high-performing CIT IIs are invited to return the following summer as Staff Aides. Many of our counselors began their journey in our Leadership Development Program.
The facilities at Camp Downer include a swimming pool, a pond for boating and fishing, fourteen sleeping cabins, a recreation hall, a dining hall, a crafts cabin, a nature cabin, a recreation field, an archery range, a rifle range, miles of hiking trails and more. One or more counselors live in each cabin with the campers.
Each day at Camp Downer runs from Reveille at 7:30 am through Taps at 9:00 pm. Campers participate in four hour-long programs, two free-time periods, meals with their Animal Group in the Dining Hall, Rest Hour, and an Evening Activity (EAC) each night. The day closes with Songs and Skits in the rec hall and Friendship Circle — everyone crossing arms and forming a circle as the last light of day gives way to night.
