Simplicity. Magic. Adventure.
Summer Camp at Grace Farm
- the way a summer should be -
Join us this summer as we set off to find the next adventure! Encompassing over 55 rolling acres of farm, garden, forest, meadow, and an elbow of the Kingsbury Branch of the Winooski River, our base camp, at Grace Farm not only serves as the headquarters for our school year programs at Orchard Valley Waldorf School, but also as the hub of summertime magic!
2024 Dates: JUNE 24-AUGUST 9
Pre-K through Rising Eighth Grade
Our days will be led by highly-qualified teachers who embody warmth, humor, and an innate ability to find the magic around them. Our greatest hope is that when the summertime ends, you and your child are already thinking about next summer with us! We know that there is untapped magic and adventure that lie in wait in these hills and we cannot wait to share this with you and your children.
For more info: summercamp@ovws.org
Summer Garden
4 years old through Rising Kindergarten
$400/week with commitment of 4, 5 or 6 consecutive weeks
The youngest campers will make their home in our Kindergarten yards and playspaces, which are full of shady apple trees and apple seeds. During their days they will have plenty of time to play with old and new friends, visit with our goats and sheep, and enjoy the slower pace of daily gardening, forest walks, a long restful break and water play in the brook or sprinkler. Teachers will be bringing special activity to each day in craft, song and exploration.
As the days are long, we are asking that the attending children have already had some school or care experience. This program is meant to provide consistent, rhythmical care for the youngest of children who thrive in predictable rhythm, repetition and relationship.
This Summer, families are asked to sign up for 4, 5 or six week blocks of care. Why this shift? The youngest of children rely on rhythm and repetition to feel safe and secure with themselves. This summer we have chosen to shift to this program length to allow the Faculty to develop deep, nourishing relationships with each camper while creating the highest-quality programming for the children. A summer "camp" experience that will allow the youngest of children to be nourished and have their needs met at an unhurried pace.
Enrollment will be open for the following sessions:
Session I: June 24-June 28 and July 8- August 9 (Six weeks)
Session II: June 24-June 28 and July 8-August 2 (Five weeks)
Session III: July 8-August 9 (Five weeks)
Session IV: July 15-August 9 (Four weeks)
Wandering Violets Farm and Craft
Rising First Grade through Rising Fourth Grade
$400/session
Our youngest Grades School campers will make their basecamp on the Farm where the wild violets (and gardens!) grow. They too will have plenty of time for play and exploration with friends, but this will be balanced with extra time for adventures and explorations in the meadows, fields and streams. They can look forward to harvesting and working daily in our gardens, cooking with harvested vegetables, seeking treasures during scavenger hunts, building forts and fairy houses, daily singing, stories, hammock siestas, and afternoon handiwork craft.
Enrollment will be open for the following sessions:
Session I: June 24- June 28
Session II: July 8-12
Session III: July 15-19
Session IV: July 22-26
Session V: July 29-August 2
Session VI: August 5-August 9
Wild Woods Adventure Camp
Rising Fifth through Rising Sixth Grade
$425/session
Although this camp will follow a similar daily rhythm from week to week, with each week there will be new adventures and experiences. Who doesn’t love the idea of baking over a fire, caring for, exploring and experiencing nature in its deepest forms, and connecting with friends–creating memories and friendships that are everlasting? These weeks of camp will all include an overnight campout sure to be remembered for time to come. These camps all end on Friday morning at 9am.
Enrollment will be open for the following sessions:
Session II: July 8-12
Session III: July 15-19
Session IV: July 22-26
Session V: July 29-August 2
Mountain Thyme Adventure Camp
Rising Seventh and Eighth Grade
$425
Ready. Set. Off we go. In this camp we will begin to seek out bigger adventures- expanding our circle of certainty and our understanding of ourselves within the wider world. All camps acknowledge and practice Leave No Trace Ethics and Challenge by Choice while encouraging the individual and group to try things that may be hard but can lead to great reward. Led by experienced and inspiring camp staff who hold Lifeguard, Wilderness First Aid and applicable certifications at minimum. Campers provide their own mountain bikes, helmets, sleeping bag and sleeping pad--all else is included!
Camp will have enrollment capped at 10 children in total (1:5 Faculty/Student Ratio + 1 Faculty/group on overnights).
The camp day will start at 9am on the first day and end at 3pm on the final day. The cost is $425.00 per session. Please note camp start and end location when registering!
August 5-7
Two Big Wheels Going Round: Mountain Biking Expedition
This three day, two night expedition will begin at Orchard Valley Waldorf School and end with camper pick up at Kettle Pond in Groton, VT. In between campers will ride and experience a multitude of mountain biking experiences from having a long day in the saddle pushing miles to leisurely exploring the variety of trails and forests within Groton State Park. Of course everyone should be prepared for group games and initiatives, camp craft, swimming, campfires and nights under the stars!
Refund & Cancellation Policy (last updated Jan 2024)
Refunds requested by April 1 will be processed in full, less a $20 processing fee
Refunds after April 1, until June 1, will be refunded at 50%
Refund/cancellation requests on or after June 1 will not be granted
In cases of emergency, exceptions may be granted
We strive to make all of our programs accessible to all. If you find yourself in need of financial support, please email summercamp@ovws.org
