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!
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 can not wait to share this with you and your children.
For more info: summercamp@ovws.org
Summer Garden Camp
Ages 4–Rising Kindergarten (by June 1)
July 6th - July 31st, 2026
A Gentle Summer Rooted in Play, Nature, and Simplicity
Summer Garden Camp offers our youngest campers a slow, nurturing outdoor experience grounded in play, imagination, and connection to the land. Days are spent entirely outside—wandering meadows, digging in the soil, splashing in the brook, and making a home in the gardens and farmhouse at Grace Farm.
Through a balance of open-ended play and gentle daily rhythm, children explore the natural world through gardening, water play, singing, storytelling, simple crafts, and restful breaks in hammocks or shaded nooks. With no screens, no rush, and plenty of wonder, campers build friendships and feel truly at home outdoors.
Details:
• Fully outdoor program
• 9:00am–3:00pm (no aftercare)
• $425 per week
• Register by the week; discount for all four weeks
• Grace Farm Campus: 2290 VT Route 14 N, East Montpelier
Farm & Craft Camp
Rising First–Fourth Grade
Exploration, Creativity, and Hands-On Learning
Farm & Craft Camp invites older campers to explore our 55-acre farm campus through outdoor adventure, meaningful work, and creative handcrafts. Campers make basecamp at the forest’s edge and spend their days gardening, cooking, crafting, building, and playing across fields, woods, and farm spaces.
Each week features a unique theme blending farm-to-table cooking, traditional crafts, and immersive outdoor play. Daily rhythms include forest exploration, harvesting and cooking, group games, storytelling, hammock rest, and afternoon handwork projects using natural materials.
Dates:
• July 6–10
• July 13–17
• July 20–24
• July 27–31
Details:
• Fully outdoor program (rain or shine)
• 9:00am–3:00pm (no aftercare)
• $425 per week
• Register by the week; discount for all four weeks
• Campers grouped by age when possible
• Grace Farm Campus: 2290 VT Route 14 N, East Montpelier
Wild Woods Camp
Rising Fifth–Eighth Grade
Adventure, Connection, and Growing into the Wider World
Ready. Set. Off we go. In these adventures 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 doesn’t love the idea of trail building, 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 be full of adventure, exploration and relaxing times with friends-both new and old. Please refer to individual camp descriptions as listed.
Camp Sessions
July 20–22: Two Big Wheels Going Round (Age 11-14)
This three-day, two-night adventure invites campers to hit the trail for an unforgettable biking journey rooted in camaraderie, challenge, and outdoor living. Beginning and ending at Orchard Valley Waldorf School, this expedition is led by experienced educator Melanie Grubman.
In between, campers will ride through the beautiful landscapes of East Montpelier and Calais, Vermont, experiencing a wide range of gravel and mountain biking terrain. From longer days in the saddle covering miles to relaxed explorations of scenic roads and wooded trails, riders will build skills, confidence, and resilience along the way.
Off the bike, the adventure continues with instruction in basic bike maintenance and mechanics, group games and initiatives, campcraft skills, swimming, and classic campfire evenings. There may even be a special evening ride to a local creemee stand! Nights are spent under the stars, deepening connection to the natural world and to one another.
Camp begins at 9:00 AM on the first day and concludes at 10:00 AM on the final day, following a hearty pancake breakfast shared together.
Come ready to ride, explore, and adventure
Aftercare is not offered. The cost is $450.00 per session.
Please reach out to summercamp@ovws.org with any questions. See you at camp!
Mountain Thyme
Creative Endeavors for Rising Second through Rising Eighth Grade
Ready. Set. Off we go. In these adventures 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 doesn’t love the idea of trail building, 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 be full of adventure, exploration and relaxing times with friends-both new and old. Please refer to individual camp descriptions as listed.
July 6-10: Sun and Spoon Kitchen Camp (Ages 10–14)
Step into a summer of flavor, friendship, and fresh air at Sun and Spoon Kitchen Camp! Designed for curious and capable young people ages 10–14, this Waldorf-inspired camp blends hands-on cooking, vibrant gardening, and joyful outdoor adventure into one delicious experience.
Campers will harvest ingredients straight from the garden, learn to prepare wholesome meals from scratch, and discover the magic of transforming simple foods into something extraordinary. From baking bread to crafting seasonal dishes, every day brings new skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Beyond cooking, the days are filled with nature exploration, games, and time to roam and connect—because great food tastes even better after fresh air and adventure. Campers will develop teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world.
And of course—EATING! Sharing meals together is at the heart of camp life, where laughter, stories, and the joy of good food bring everyone to the table.
July 13-17: The Enchanted Hearth Kitchen Camp (Ages 10–14)
Gather around the flames for a bold and hands-on culinary adventure at The Enchanted Hearth Kitchen Camp! This sister program to Sun and Spoon invites campers ages 10–14 to explore the art of wood-fired and over-the-fire cooking, where ancient techniques meet the simple joy of making and sharing food outdoors.
Campers will learn to build and tend a fire, bake in a wood-fired oven, and cook directly over glowing coals. From kneading dough for rustic breads to crafting delicious, fire-kissed pizzas, each day offers a chance to work with elemental forces and transform basic ingredients into something warm, nourishing, and unforgettable.
Time in the garden and outdoors rounds out the experience, as campers gather fresh toppings, herbs, and inspiration from the natural world. Through teamwork, patience, and creativity, they’ll gain confidence both in the kitchen and around the fire.
And of course—EATING! There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal you’ve cooked over an open flame, enjoyed together under the sky.
Come ready to spark, bake, and savor.
July 27-31: Mountain Thyme Players Theater Camp (Ages 8-12)
Step into the world of imagination, expression, and storytelling at Mountain Thyme Players Theater Camp! Over the course of the week, campers will work together to bring a full theatrical production to life—culminating in a special performance for family and friends at 2:30 PM on the final day.
Guided by master educator Victoria Mansuri, campers will be immersed in the entire creative process, from ensemble-building and movement to character development, costume and set creation, and staging. In true Waldorf spirit, the focus is on collaboration, creativity, and the joy of the artistic journey, with each camper playing an important role both on and off the stage.
Throughout the week, participants will grow in confidence, presence, and self-expression while experiencing the magic of creating something meaningful together. Whether acting, helping with simple costumes or props, or supporting the flow of the play, every camper contributes to the final performance.
Join us for a week of creativity, connection, and celebration—where the curtain rises on imagination and ends in applause!
Aftercare is not offered. The cost is $450.00 per session.
Please reach out to summercamp@ovws.org with any questions. See you at camp!
Important information & Policies
(Last Updated April, 2026)
Registration/Payment Terms
Registration is ONLY confirmed upon completion of payment. You will receive an email receipt from an online payment system-please keep this email for your own records. You will receive a general camp email on June 1 with details of summer programming. You will also receive an email reminder the week prior to your child starting camp!
Location
Our Camps will be located at Grace Farm (2290 VT Route 14 N, East Montpelier) for all weeks and programs.
Financial Assistance
There are limited amounts of scholarship for Summer programs. Please contact summercamp@ovws.org to find out more information.
Refund Policy
Refunds requested by March 1 will be processed in full, less a $20 processing fee.
Refunds after this date, until June 1, will be refunded at 50%.
Refunds or cancellations requested on or after June 1 are not able to be refunded.
In cases of emergency, exceptions may be granted.
Cancellation Policy
Orchard Valley Waldorf School reserves the right to cancel any program for concerns that are out of our control or for under-enrollment. If this occurs, your payment will be refunded in full.
