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For more than 30 years, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has nurtured children's interest in the natural world through our fun and educational summer camp program.

This year, VINS brings its acclaimed Nature Day Camps to the Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, VT. At the Homestead, your child will enjoy the beautiful forested trails, inviting gardens, and cool relief of the river, all while discovering the magic and mystery of the creatures that make this place home.

VINS Campers progress from one level to the next, adding excitement and anticipation to the learning. VINS Nature Day Camps at the Ethan Allen Homestead are running concurrently so that children in different grades within the same family can attend camp in one location at the same time. VINS provides this service to parents looking for opportunities that are safe and fun and meet the scheduling needs of busy families.

Fledglings:For children entering grades 1-3
Camps for Fledglings help children to make connections and understand overarching concepts in the natural world. Through a variety of adventures, children explore familiar places in new ways.

Animal Superheros
Across the animal kingdom, creatures use incredible feats of strength, endurance and speed. Explore the amazing adaptations these animals possess to detect prey, attract mates and fend off evil foes.
June 16th - 20th
July 7th - 11th
July 21st - 25th
Aug. 4th - 8th

Earth Explorers
Search to find what flies, crawls, sings, swims and grows here at camp! Each day will bring a new adventure filled with activities, crafts and games.
June 30th - July 3rd (4/day camp due to holiday)*
July 14th - 18th
July 28th - Aug. 1st
Aug. 18th - 22nd

Winged Wonders
Experience the ins and outs of flight from the birds, bats, and bugs that soar and swoop through our world. Meet the feathered experts and search for critters that keep our yards buzzing.
June 23rd - 27th
Aug. 11th - 15th

FLEDGLING CAMP FEE: $295; $240(JULY 4TH WEEK)*

Falcons: For children entering grades 4-6
Falcon camps celebrate the adventurer in every child! Using a rich combination of observation, investigation, and play, campers learn about local places and put into practice blossoming stewardship skills.

Ecosystem Explorers
Search to find what flies, crawls, sings, swims and grows here at camp! Each day will bring a new adventure filled with activities, crafts and games.
June 16th - 20th
July 7th - 11th
July 28th - Aug. 1st
Aug. 18th - 22nd

Eco-Adventurers
Do you have what it takes to be an Eco-Adventurer? Take the challenge and learn how to enjoy the natural world while protecting it.
June 30th - July 3rd (4/day camp due to holiday)*
July 21st - 25th
Aug. 11th - 15th

River Time
Learn about the watery world of the river and its shores. Wade along the shore and peer under rocks to look for signs of animals that call our rivers home.
June 23rd - 27th
July 14th - 18th
Aug. 4th - 8th

FALCONS CAMP FEE: $305; $245 (JULY 4TH WEEK)*

Eagles:For teens entering grades 9-12
In our quest to foster a citizenry of ecological stewards, VINS will offer teenagers an opportunity to hone their skills as environmental leaders through our Junior Counselor Program.

Junior Counselors
Looking for a meaningful summer experience especially designed for teenagers? Consider applying for a Junior Counselor position. Participants learn important skills that teach responsibility, caring for others and fostering positive attitudes towards the natural world. Applications accepted from February 1, 2008 through April 15, 2008.
Dates: - All summer beginning the week of June 16th through the week of August 18th.

Position Description and application available here:
Junior Counselor - VINS Nature Camp Program (Summer 2008)

Summer camps are offered weekly:

VINS Nature Center; Quechee, Vermont

VINS Manchester; Manchester, Vermont

VINS Nature Camp at Storrs Pond; Hanover, New Hampshire

VINS Nature Camp at the Ethan Allen Homestead; Burlington, VT

VINS Community Nature Camp at Treasure Island, Thetford, VT

Download summer camp registration materials here.
On line registration is available above as well.


Please feel free to contact the camp registrar at
802-359-5000 if you have questions or would like to register over the phone.

Return to the VINS Camp Homepage for further details about camperships and camp policies.