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Welcome to Farm & Wilderness
Farm & Wilderness summer camps are nestled on 4,800 secluded acres in Vermont. These beautiful woods, mountains and lakes are our playground, classroom and home. Each one of our camps features a unique program but all share a common theme for all our youth; creating an environment where we live in community with one another as we explore a life that is simple, rugged and exciting!
Explore activities from hiking, canoeing, rock climbing to organic farming, carpentry, and the arts, where our campers learn important life skills such as teamwork and problem solving in a supportive environment. From cabins to canvas structures tucked into the woods and along the lakes, these diverse and amazing settings provide the backdrop where our campers and teens will spend an unforgettable summer close to nature.
BEYOND TUITION ASSISTANCE: AFFORDABLE FOR ALL
Starting now, we are changing the way we provide financial assistance to be more transparent and timely.
Click below to find out more and see our Financial Aid Estimator.
Experience Our Summer Camps in the Wilderness of Vermont
THE POWER OF YOUTH
LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS
COMMUNITY
SIMPLY
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Farm & Wilderness By The Numbers
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Upcoming Events
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What's New
It appears that Spring has finally arrived here in Vermont! As the flowers begin to open and bird activity picks up, you can feel that transformation and a fresh start is afoot. It’s fascinating to think about how humans, past and present, mark the changing of the seasons with cues from the natural world.
Because both our organizations are deeply rooted in immersing and connecting people of all ages with nature, we thought it would be interesting to ask our amazing staff at Farm & Wilderness and Farm & Wilderness Conservation about their favorite signs of spring. Follow the link to the full version of the blog to read the responses!
(Adapted from the Conservation Blog - Click here for the full version on fwcvt.org)
The Flood of 1973
This past summer F&W experienced a huge flash flood. On the day it happened I was at Flying Cloud finishing up at a staff mtg. When we hiked out and got in our cars it started to rain. We thought we were lucky to make it before we got a little rain. I learned quickly that Woodward was in bad shape. I headed home to Barre, made some not so smart decisions to get home but made it. Luckily I was in a big truck that may or may not have gone through moving water.
How many of you were around for the Flood of 1973? As I work on the archives, I would love to receive any photos from the Flood of that year. To expedite my organizing, please take a pic of the photo and send it to alumni@farmandwilderness.org. Below is some pictures of the flood and a historical account. The bridge at Brooks end has been through a lot lately!
1973 FLOOD
Date Location Event Details Extent of Damages 07/06/1973 Town of Plymouth, VT; Windsor County.
A west moving frontal system and a moist, southeasterly flow from the Atlantic Ocean joined to produce heavy precipitation in some parts of the state not seen since 1927.4 5-8” in Windsor County. Connecticut River at Wells River flowing at 57,100 cfs; Wells River flowing at 5970 cfs. Three people killed in Vermont. Damage estimated at $64 million— including extensive damage to crop land and $10 million in state highway damage.5 State declared disaster (DR397 VT)
A conversation with Jay, Director of Sustainable Resources, on building sustainably, thinking about the future, and the many, many structures at F&W. Season 2, Episode 3 of the Farm and Wilderness Podcast.
In a recent episode of the Farm and Wilderness podcast, Jay, the Sustainable Resources Director, offered profound insights into the camp's commitment to sustainability. His role, pivotal in intertwining sustainability with the camp's operations and ethos, highlights the innovative practices and thoughtful strategies aimed at fostering an eco-friendly environment. Below, we delve into the essence of sustainability at Farm and Wilderness, guided by Jay's expertise and vision.
The Role of a Sustainable Resources Director
Jay's responsibility encompasses a broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives, from managing the farm and conservation efforts to the building and maintenance of the infrastructure. "I do monitor all our buildings and how we operate them, thinking about their carbon footprint and how they best serve our community," Jay states, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his role. This approach ensures that sustainability is not just an afterthought but a foundational element of the camp's infrastructure and daily operations.
Implementing Sustainability in Camp Projects
F&W’s projects are governed by a triple bottom line approach, a sustainable business practice that seeks to consider environmental and community impact in additional to financial ones. Jay explains, "[the project] has to be financially sustainable, has to be sustainable for the users, and it has to not emit carbon," highlighting the holistic view in action. This methodology ensures that projects are beneficial on multiple fronts, contributing to a greener future while meeting the immediate needs of the camp community.
Challenges and Innovations
Adapting to a changing planet has been a testament to the camp's resilience and commitment to sustainability. Jay's leadership has been crucial in this regard, with initiatives like reducing propane usage and incorporating solar panels to meet the camp's energy needs. "We're down to almost 4000 gallons of propane a year. It used to be 10,000 gallons," he notes, showcasing the tangible achievements in reducing the camp's carbon footprint. Jay has also been thoughtful of increasing the resiliency of the F&W infrastructure long-term through renovating existing systems and thoughtfully planning future buildings.
The Impact of Sustainability on Community and Legacy
Sustainability at Farm and Wilderness goes beyond environmental conservation; it's about nurturing a community that values and practices sustainable living. Jay's vision extends to the campers, ensuring they are empowered to contribute to a sustainable future. "They not only entrust us to care for their children, but we also have to lead them in the right way towards a sustainable future," he reflects, emphasizing the dual responsibility of care and education. Jay and his team work directly with camps to create opportunities for campers to help build structures and see first-hand locally sourced wood, sustainable roofing materials, triple bottom line thinking, and more.
Final Thoughts
Jay's insights into the sustainability efforts at Farm and Wilderness paint a picture of a camp deeply committed to the principles of eco-friendly living and conservation. The strategies and innovations implemented under his guidance are not just about reducing carbon footprints or conserving energy but are integral to shaping a community that values and practices sustainability in every aspect of life. As Farm and Wilderness continues to navigate the path of sustainability, it stands a model for how communities can thrive while respecting and preserving the natural world.
Bee sure to check out the episode below, subscribe to our podcast, or listen to a related episode on Conservation!