Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Post Mills, Vermont, Camp Lochearn stands as a beacon of adventure and personal growth for young girls. Located in the serene New England region, the camp is beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Fairlee, offering breathtaking views and a perfect setting for memorable summers.

Founded with a profound commitment to fostering leadership and empowering young women, Camp Lochearn has been a home away from home for campers since its inception. The camp’s philosophy is deeply rooted in building confidence, nurturing talents, and encouraging a strong sense of community among its campers.

As an all-girls camp, Lochearn offers a supportive environment where girls aged 7 to 15 can explore a wide range of activities tailored to their interests and developmental stages. The camp prides itself on its ability to provide a space where girls are free to be themselves, make lifelong friendships, and grow into confident and capable individuals. With its rich history and dedication to positive youth development, Camp Lochearn remains a cherished summer destination, where every camper is valued and empowered to achieve her best.

Programs Offered by Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental needs of young girls. The camp’s sessions are thoughtfully structured, allowing families to choose from different lengths that best suit their summer plans.

Description of Programs:

Camp Lochearn provides a holistic summer experience, integrating a variety of activities that promote physical health, creative expression, and intellectual engagement. The programs are designed to help campers develop new skills, foster a sense of accomplishment, and build lasting friendships in a supportive community environment.

Length of Sessions:

Two-Week Sessions: These shorter sessions are perfect for new campers who want to experience camp life for the first time or for families looking for a brief but impactful summer activity.
Four-Week Sessions: Offering a more immersive experience, these sessions allow campers to delve deeper into activities, participate in special camp events, and strengthen relationships with peers and staff.
Full Summer (Eight-Week) Option: Campers can choose to stay for the entire summer, experiencing everything Lochearn has to offer while enjoying a continuous journey of growth and discovery.

Specialty Programs:

Arts: Includes fine arts, crafts, theater, and music, allowing campers to explore their creativity under the guidance of skilled instructors.
Sports: Features a variety of sports, including swimming, soccer, tennis, and horseback riding, tailored to develop skills, sportsmanship, and personal fitness.
Science and Nature: Engages campers with the natural world through hands-on activities, environmental studies, and exploration, fostering a love and respect for nature.

Typical Daily Schedule:

A typical day at Camp Lochearn is structured to provide a balance of activities, personal time, and community interaction:

Morning:
- Wake-up and breakfast
- Morning assembly
- First activity period (e.g., swimming or tennis)
- Second activity period (e.g., arts and crafts or nature walk)
Afternoon:
- Lunch and rest period
- Third activity period (specialty program focus)
- Free time for personal interests or relaxation
Evening:
- Dinner
- Evening activities (campfires, talent shows, or group games)
- Bedtime routine

This schedule is designed to keep campers engaged and excited throughout the day while providing ample opportunities for both learning and leisure. Camp Lochearn ensures that every camper’s summer is not only fun but also enriching, fostering growth in every aspect of their lives.

Accommodations in Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn provides a comfortable and safe living environment that enhances the overall camp experience for each camper. Here’s an overview of the accommodations:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Cabins: Campers reside in cozy, well-maintained cabins designed to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among cabin mates. Each cabin houses a specific age group, ensuring that activities and interactions are age-appropriate. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds, storage space for personal belongings, and easy access to bathroom facilities.

Dining Options:

Meal Plans: Camp Lochearn offers a comprehensive meal plan that includes three well-balanced meals per day, served in a communal dining hall. The meals are designed to be nutritious, providing the energy campers need for an active day. Snacks are also provided between activities to keep the campers energized.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Camp Lochearn is committed to accommodating special dietary requirements. Whether a camper is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or has allergies, the camp kitchen is equipped to provide suitable and delicious alternatives.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities:

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities that are shared among a small number of campers. These facilities are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure hygiene and comfort. The showers offer privacy, with individual stalls, and there is ample space for personal hygiene routines.

Additional Amenities:

Laundry Services: Weekly laundry services are provided to ensure that campers have clean clothes throughout their stay.
Common Areas: Each cabin area has a common space where campers can socialize, play games, and hold meetings for evening activities or cabin discussions.

The combination of these thoughtful accommodations at Camp Lochearn ensures that every camper not only enjoys their summer activities but also feels comfortable and at home throughout their stay.

Activities in Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn offers a rich and varied activity program designed to cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper finds something they enjoy and can grow in.

List of Activities Offered:

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing on the pristine waters of Lake Fairlee.
Land Sports: Tennis, soccer, volleyball, archery, and horseback riding.
Creative Arts: Pottery, painting, crafts, and photography provide creative outlets for campers.
Performing Arts: Drama, dance, and music activities allow campers to express themselves and showcase their talents in camp performances.
Adventure and Nature: Hiking, camping trips, and nature exploration teach survival skills and deepen appreciation for the outdoors.
Fitness and Wellness: Yoga and fitness classes are available to promote health and well-being.

Special Events or Traditions:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These are significant events that bookend the camp experience, featuring traditions that celebrate the community and the memories made during the session.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and warmth.
Color Wars: A camp-wide event that divides campers into teams for various friendly competitions, promoting teamwork and spirited fun.
Talent Shows: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents, whether they are in performing arts, music, or other creative endeavors.
Special Theme Days: These might include retro days, superhero days, or international celebration days, adding a fun and educational twist to the camp routine.

Skill Development Opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to develop leadership skills through specific programs designed to prepare them for potential future roles as counselors or in other leadership positions.
Certification Programs: For activities like swimming and sailing, campers can earn certifications that recognize their skill levels and achievements.
Personal Growth Workshops: Workshops on topics such as teamwork, confidence, and effective communication are part of the curriculum to enhance personal development.

Camp Lochearn is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment where every camper can engage in fun activities, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships, all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of Vermont. This comprehensive program ensures that summers spent at Lochearn are both enjoyable and enriching, leaving campers with skills and memories to cherish.

The staff of Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn is committed to maintaining a high standard of safety, care, and instruction for all campers. This commitment is reflected in the careful selection and training of its staff, who play a crucial role in creating a supportive and enriching environment for the campers.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio:

General Ratio: Camp Lochearn maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member for every four to six campers.
Specific Activities: For activities that require more intensive instruction or safety measures, such as swimming or horseback riding, the ratio is even lower to ensure that each camper receives the necessary guidance and oversight.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications:

Selection Process: Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure they are well-suited for the responsibilities of camp life.
Qualifications: Staff members are typically required to have significant experience in their specific activity areas. Many are educators or professionals in their fields, or they are college students pursuing degrees in education, recreation, or similar fields.
Diversity and Inclusion: The camp prioritizes hiring staff from diverse backgrounds to foster an inclusive environment where all campers can see themselves represented and feel valued.

Training and Certifications:

Mandatory Certifications: All staff members are required to have current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, those involved in specific activities like water sports or horseback riding might have specialized certifications (e.g., lifeguard certification, riding instructor certification).
Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season starts, all staff undergo an extensive training program that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and specific training for their assigned activities.
Ongoing Professional Development: Throughout the camp season, staff participate in ongoing training sessions to refine their skills and adapt to any emerging needs or changes in camp dynamics.

Camp Lochearn’s focus on staff excellence ensures that all campers not only have fun but are also in a safe, supportive, and professional environment. The dedication and expertise of the staff are central to the camp’s philosophy of empowering young girls through positive summer experiences.

Safety and Health in Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn prioritizes the safety and health of its campers and staff, implementing robust protocols and maintaining well-equipped facilities to handle any medical needs or emergencies.

Safety Protocols and Procedures:

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures in various scenarios.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at Camp Lochearn has specific safety rules and protocols, which are rigorously taught to and enforced among campers. Staff overseeing these activities are well-trained to handle any situation that may arise.
Equipment and Facility Checks: Regular inspections and maintenance of all equipment and facilities ensure that everything is in safe working order. This includes sporting equipment, boats, and any machinery used at the camp.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff:

Health Center: Camp Lochearn operates a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians. The center is prepared to handle routine health issues and minor injuries.
24-Hour Availability: Health staff are available 24 hours a day to ensure that any medical needs that arise can be promptly addressed, regardless of the time.
Health Checks: Upon arrival at camp, all campers undergo health screenings to identify any existing conditions or special requirements, ensuring that individual health needs are known and can be accommodated throughout their stay.

Policies on Handling Emergencies:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in various types of emergencies, from health crises to natural disasters.
Communication with Parents: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a clear communication protocol for notifying parents or guardians, including timely updates as the situation evolves.
Partnerships with Local Authorities: Camp Lochearn collaborates closely with local emergency services, such as fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure a coordinated response when necessary. This partnership also facilitates regular training sessions with these services to keep the camp staff updated on the latest safety procedures.
Evacuation Procedures: The camp has predefined evacuation routes and rendezvous points, which are communicated to all camp staff and campers. Regular drills ensure that everyone knows how to evacuate quickly and safely if needed.

Through these comprehensive safety measures and health protocols, Camp Lochearn ensures a secure environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, knowing that their well-being is a top priority.

Cost and Registration in Camp Lochearn

Camp Lochearn aims to provide a transparent and accessible registration process, offering several financial options to accommodate different family needs.

Cost of Attendance:

Fees: The cost of attending Camp Lochearn varies depending on the length of the session chosen. Prices typically include all lodging, meals, activities, and equipment use. Additional costs might include uniforms (if required), transportation to and from camp, and spending money for the camp store.
What’s Included: The fees cover comprehensive care, including all activities, 24-hour supervision, three meals per day, snacks, and access to all camp facilities and health services.

Registration Process and Deadlines:

Online Registration: Families can register their campers through an online. This system allows families to fill out necessary forms, choose sessions, and submit payments securely.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months before the summer season begins and remains open until all spots are filled. Early registration is encouraged as some sessions may fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies:

Payment Plans: Understanding that the cost of camp can be significant, Camp Lochearn offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost over several months leading up to the summer.
Refunds: The camp has a structured refund policy. Families can receive a full or partial refund if cancellation occurs by a specified date, which is usually a few months before the session begins. After this date, refunds may be reduced or only offered for medical reasons.
Cancellation Policy: In the event of a cancellation by the camp (e.g., due to unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather events), families are typically offered either a full refund or the option to apply registration fees to a future session.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Scholarships: Camp Lochearn offers scholarships to help make camp more affordable for families facing financial hardship. These scholarships are often merit-based or need-based.
Financial Aid: The camp also provides various forms of financial aid, which can cover a significant portion of the camp fees. Families are encouraged to apply early for financial aid, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

By providing a range of financial options and a straightforward registration process, Camp Lochearn strives to make its enriching summer experiences available to as many young girls as possible. This approach ensures that more families can benefit from the valuable opportunities the camp offers for personal growth and development.

Cost:

Two-week session: $3,800
Four-week session: $7,200
Full summer (7 weeks): $11,500

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Lochearn

Preparing for camp is an exciting process for both campers and their families. Camp Lochearn provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure that both parents and campers are well-prepared for the camp experience.

Packing List:

Clothing: Pack enough comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the session, including swimwear, activewear, and a few warmer layers for cool evenings. Don’t forget rain gear and durable footwear for outdoor activities.
Bedding and Toiletries: Include bedding such as sheets, blankets, and a pillow, as well as personal toiletries and a towel.
Special Equipment: Depending on the camper’s chosen activities, specific items like musical instruments or sports gear might be needed.
Label Everything: Ensure all items are clearly labeled with the camper’s name to prevent loss or confusion.

Rules and Policies:

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, Camp Lochearn generally discourages or restricts the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. If allowed, usage is typically limited to certain times of the day.
Visitation: Parents are usually welcome to visit on designated days, which are communicated before the camp session begins. These visitation policies are designed to ensure the safety and structure of the camp program.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusivity, and cooperation. Specific rules about bullying, respect for property, and personal interactions help maintain a safe and positive environment.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents:

Familiarize with the Camp: Review the camp’s website and materials together. Discuss what the daily schedule looks like and explore photos or videos if available, to help the camper visualize the experience.
Communication: Discuss how you will communicate during the camp. If letters or emails are the main form of communication, consider sending a pre-written note for the camper to read on their first day.
Emotional Preparation: Talk about feelings of homesickness and strategies to cope with them. It’s normal to miss home, and it’s okay to talk about these feelings with camp counselors.
Practical Skills: Encourage your camper to practice relevant skills at home, like making the bed, organizing belongings, or managing a simple daily schedule.

By providing these preparations and guidelines, Camp Lochearn aims to ensure that both parents and campers feel confident and excited about their upcoming summer adventure. These efforts help build a foundation for a successful and enjoyable camp experience.

Camp Lochearn offers a vibrant and enriching summer experience that goes beyond just fun and games. It’s a place where young girls can thrive, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and beautiful environment. With its diverse range of activities, committed staff, and a strong focus on personal growth and community, Camp Lochearn embodies a philosophy that nurtures confidence, leadership, and a deep respect for nature.

Whether a camper returns year after year or experiences the magic of Lochearn for the first time, the memories and lessons learned here will last a lifetime. Camp Lochearn is not just a summer camp—it’s a transformative journey that empowers young girls to become the best versions of themselves, all while having the time of their lives.