Camp Common Ground
Camp Common Ground Family Camp
Tentative 2021 Dates :: July 24-30 :: July 31-August 6 :: August 7-13
*We are in the process of making decisions about our 2021 Program Season and will update this page when we know more
Camp Common Ground is our inter-generational family camp founded in 1994. We welcome people of all ages, ethnicities, lifestyles, abilities and economic backgrounds. This week long family vacation program focuses on creative expression, fun, great food and community. Campers have the opportunity to explore the many options available in one week or to immerse themselves more deeply in one particular activity.
Connect with Community
New and old friendships are cemented at Camp Common Ground. The extra time spent lingering over meals, on the wrap-around porch, or on the hill watching kids run and play allows for stimulating conversations. Come make connections with us.
A Unique Vermont Vacation
Family camp is an easy way to vacation with your extended family and friends. Grandparents to toddlers will have the time of their lives.
View Camp Common Ground photos
Whoever is family by you is family by us
Camp Activities
At Camp Common Ground we believe that a healthy family vacation should provide opportunities for shared family experiences as well as time for personal growth and revitalization. Our programs incorporate both of these elements, offering a balance of age specifc and multi-age programming.
In the morning, children have the opportunity to participate in activities with their peers, facilitated by experienced youth leaders. During this time, 2-3 adult classes are offered. In the afternoon and evening we offer multi-age activities that families are encouraged to participate in together.
Click here for a sampling of activities available at camp. Through participating in the wide array of activities offered at Camp Common Ground, families create shared family experiences and lasting memories.
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Adult Programs
Adults have the opportunity to explore their own creativity at Camp Common Ground. We strive to create balance by offering classes from a variety of categories including, but not limited to:
- Arts: glass bead and marble making, watercolors, pastels, pottery, print making, silk painting, blacksmithing
- Music: singing, chanting, chamber music, guitar, piano, drumming
- Movement: yoga, dance, hiking, tennis, sports, tai chi, improv, circus arts, theater games
- Reflection: meditation, writing, non-violent communication, nature exploration, relaxation
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Our staff are all professionals in their field who have experience teaching and practicing their craft. The adult classes are geared towards those who are trying an activity for the first time, as well as more experienced students. There’s no problem with being new at something at CCG. Yet the talent of our instructors is truly demonstrated by the ability of their students to make an enormous amount of progress in a short period of time. We’ve always been amazed with the quality of art on display and the music produced at CCG in a week.
Adults and kids are encouraged to share their talents with the community and are welcome to offer "camper samplers" (one-hour-long skill-sharing sessions) at camp.
Of course, its always ok to choose to relax in a hammock or read a good book!
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The Alpha Program (3-5 Years Old)
The Alpha Program incorporates movement, music, singing and creative projects led by experienced early childhood educators. Our leaders follow the direction of your child’s interests and character while offering games and projects to stimulate their imagination and play.
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Kidville (6-12 Years Old)
Kids start their day in “Kidville” – our renowned morning children's program. Children are divided by age or interest and participate in outdoor activities, crafts, cooperative games, and team sports. Our leaders are selected for their experience with children and their ability to develop a fun and creative weekly curriculum. Leaders provide the group with structured activities while also having the flexibility to follow the interests of their group. The Kidville building is equipped with an array of arts and crafts projects, books and games, and is fun central. Kids also have the choice to explore nature - catching salamanders in the wetland, floating handmade boats on the creek, chasing pollywogs in the pond, and building fairy houses in the woods.
Kids are introduced to the importance of community service during their years in Kidville, and each group is challenged to work as a group to give back to the community in some way.
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Our Teen Program
In the mornings, teens have the option to participate in one of the adult activities, help out with the kid program, or join a game of tennis or group hike with the exception of Thursday, when teens will go on a full-day excursion to paddleboard on Lake Champlain, go Zip Lining, or another activity that the teen group selects. Teens have free time for lunch and hanging out from noon to 3, then structured activities based on the interests of the group from 3 to 5:30 pm. In the past, activities have included self-defense, swimming, jewelry making, mural painting, and more. From 6:15 to 6:45, teens lead fun and games for younger kids who are fast eaters so that their parents can finish dinner at a leisurely pace! Depending on the night, teens may participate in a special teens-only activity, like a campfire or group outing, or they can opt into the camp-wide activity, such as Quidditch or the talent show. Teens are free to hang out at night, but curfew is 11:00 pm, and parents or guardians are responsible for enforcing this policy.
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Multi-Age Family Programs
The goal of Camp Common Ground's family programs is to provide fantastic multi-age activities which help families to create shared experiences and traditions that are fun for everyone! The afternoons and evenings are family time and we work hard to provide programs that appeal to all ages.
In general, afternoon programs include these basic types of activities:
• Nature exploration
• Water activities
• Music
• Arts and crafts
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Late in the week, there are often special afternoon events, such as concerts and kid-run carnivals.
After dinner, "Games for Fast Eaters" is offered by family camp staff. The activity is often a group game, for anyone who would like to get up and move while others are lingering over coffee and conversation. This is a time for cooperative and group sports, relay races, and treasure hunts.
Evening programs are also designed for the whole family. Typical activities include contra dance, sing-alongs, campfires, group games, concerts, board games, pizza night and, of course, the Big Show. Sometimes there is a second wind activity, either an evening class or discussion. And for those who prefer to wind down alone or with a group of friends, there are board games on the porch and a library for quiet reading. For a better idea of what a typical day looks like, click here.
Community Service
Community Service has always been an important part of the Camp Common Ground experience and will be a part of all programs this summer. Through working and playing together we build community at family camp. By sharing the work, we also make our program a more affordable experience for everyone.
All campers are required to sign up to help in the kitchen, clean up the site, or even sing a morning song to wake our electricity-free campers in the morning. More details on community service will be available in the camper packet.
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The Common Good Gift Shop
"The Common Good" is Common Ground Center's very own on-site gift shop. The proceeds directly support the creative programming at Common Ground Center. The Common Good is a great place to find a gift for your neighbor that's watching your dog or a souvenir to remind you of Vermont and Camp.
We also carry handy items that you may have forgotten at home like toothbrushes and batteries. Just ask!