Camp Farwell

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Located on Halls Lake in central Vermont, Camp Farwell has been a summer destination for girls ages 6-16 for more than 100 years. Founded in 1906, Camp Farwell is the oldest continually operating summer camp for girls in the United States.

Camp Farwell focuses each girl’s summer experience on a foundation of friendship, community spirit, and a warm family environment. The camp is known for having a wide variety of activities, an exceptional horseback riding program, and a non-competitive environment that fosters friendship and personal growth. In addition, the camp takes particular pride in their sailing, kayaking, and waterskiing programs, all held on the camp’s gorgeous waterfront.

Program Description

Camp Farwell’s program is elective-based. There are five instructional periods each day and campers select a new block of activities each week. Because Farwell is located on a lake and features many water-based activities, swimming is required for beginners.

In addition to a diverse offering of land and water activities, Camp Farwell is known for an outstanding horseback riding program. The program can accommodate each camper’s personal skill, interest, and comfort levels. With four main skill levels, campers spend time mastering different techniques before advancing to the next level. The camp specifically hires riding specialists for this program and requires campers to wear safety helmets and boots at all times. In addition to horseback riding, Farwell is one of the few camps in the nation to offer vaulting, which is gymnastics on horseback.

For campers interested in a particular activity, Farwell offers a Clinic Week before regular camp sessions start. Campers can come early and begin riding, performing arts, tennis, soccer, or water sport activities. The session is a great option for campers who want a quick taste of a particular Farwell program.

Staff Overview

With a robust CIT program, many of the counselors at Farwell have been involved at camp for many years. The average staff age is 21.

Directors Charyl and Bob Hanson have run the camp since 1978. As former teachers, the Hansons have transformed the camp into a non-competitive environment where campers are encouraged to focus inward and become the best person they can be.

Setting & Accommodations

Camp Farwell is located on 100 lake-front acres in central Vermont’s Connecticut River Valley. With the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the east and the Green Mountains of Vermont to the west, Camp Farwell is surrounded by stunning New England beauty in every direction. The camp is located just three hours from Montreal, Boston, and Albany and about six hours from New York City.

Campers live in rustic yet comfortable log cabins with screened windows, doors, and electricity. There are typically 5-6 campers in each cabin. The bathroom and shower facilities are in an adjacent building which is only a few steps away from the cabin area.

Meals are served cafeteria style in the dining hall overlooking the camp’s waterfront. Campers can expect favorites such as tacos, subs, chicken, and pizza. In addition, the camp always provides fresh fruit and an abundant salad bar. Former campers consistently rate Farwell’s food “excellent.”

Safety Standards

Camp Farwell employs a full-time resident nurse. In addition, the camp has a pediatrician on-call 24 hours a day just a few minutes away from camp.

All waterfront staff members are certified lifeguards. On land, all high ropes instructors have first aid training.

Camp Farwell is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.

Camp Farwell Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition
Two Week Session	7/25/10-8/7/10	6-16	$2,955
Two Week Session	7/11/10-7/24/10	6-16	$2,955
Two Week Session	6/27/10-7/10/10	6-16	$2,955
Three Week Session	7/25/10-8/14/10	6-16	$3,840
Four Week Session	6/27/10-7/24/10	6-16	$5,215
Seven Week Session	6/27/10-8/14/10	6-16	$7,865