Camp Downer is a residential summer camp nestled within the serene and picturesque Charles Downer State Forest in Sharon, Vermont. Catering to children aged 8 to 16, this camp offers a rich and affordable experience designed to foster personal growth, skill-building, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. With its focus on creating a safe, constructive, and welcoming environment, Camp Downer promises a summer filled with excitement, learning, and friendship.
The camp's namesake, Charles Downer, left a lasting legacy by donating 705 acres of forestland to the state, which eventually transformed into the state forest that now houses the camp. Camp Downer embraces its history and invites curious minds to explore its origins further.
营的活动丰富多彩，包括游泳、划船、工艺制作、足球、排球、戏剧、射击运动、Downer Wild等。在这里，营员们不仅能参与有趣的户外活动，还能在每天的营火、短剧、游戏和舞蹈中学习团队合作和自我表达。工作与娱乐并存，每天的日常任务让孩子们发现，团结协作能让任务变得充满乐趣。
Camp Downer的设施完备，拥有一个游泳池、一个供划船和垂钓的小湖、14间睡眠小屋、一个娱乐大厅、一个餐厅、一个工艺小屋、一个自然小屋、一个运动场、一个射箭场、一个步枪靶场，以及绵延数英里的远足小径等。这些设施为营员们提供了无尽的探索空间。
Dedicated and experienced staff members ensure a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. From the director to counselors, each member plays a crucial role in shaping the camp experience. Counselors reside in the cabins alongside the campers, providing guidance, supervision, and encouragement throughout their stay.
Camp Downer operates for eight weeks each summer, hosting six one-week sessions and one two-week session. While most campers opt for a single session, returning for multiple sessions is always welcomed. The camper age groups for one-week sessions are between 8 and 16 years old, while the two-week session is open to those aged 11 to 16.
Registration for Camp Downer typically opens with a tiered pricing structure, designed to make the camp accessible to a wide range of families while ensuring its financial stability. Families can choose to pay one of four tiers, with Tier A reflecting the actual cost of attending camp, Tier B covering the annual operating costs, Tier C maintaining the traditional low rate, and Tier D offering partial or full scholarships. Scholarship applications are available for families meeting specific income criteria, and the deadline for submission is typically in early January.
The Leadership Development Program at Camp Downer is specifically tailored for青少年 aged 14 to 16, aiming to nurture essential leadership skills through a combination of personal growth, team building, and practical experience. The program consists of three progressive stages: CIT I (Counselor in Training I), CIT II (CIT II), and Staff Aide. As participants progress through these stages, they develop the confidence, responsibility, and real-world readiness necessary for future success.
In conclusion, Camp Downer offers a transformative summer experience for young people, combining adventure, learning, and personal growth in the beautiful setting of Vermont's wilderness. With its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and environmental stewardship, Camp Downer truly embodies the spirit of summer camp and creates lasting memories for its campers.
