Join Our Board of Trustees
Help shape the future of Camp Downer and create life-changing experiences for young people in Vermont's beautiful outdoors.
About Camp Downer
Since 1945, Camp Downer has been providing transformational camping experiences on 400 beautiful acres in Sharon, Vermont's Charles Downer State Forest.
Being a Camp Downer trustee means you're part of something bigger than yourself – creating magical experiences and stewarding a Vermont treasure.
❤️ Make a Real Impact
Your decisions directly affect the lives of hundreds of young people each summer. Help create memories that last a lifetime and skills that shape character.
🏔️ Preserve Vermont Heritage
Steward 400 acres of pristine forest land and nearly 80 years of camping tradition while ensuring camp evolves to meet modern needs.
🤝 Join Amazing People
Connect with passionate community leaders who share your commitment to youth development and outdoor education.
📈 Develop New Skills
Gain nonprofit governance experience, financial oversight knowledge, and strategic planning expertise while serving a cause you believe in.
🌟 Experience the Magic
Visit camp during the summer, watch archery tournaments, explore Downer Wild trails, and see firsthand why kids call this place magical.
🎪 Flexible Involvement
Contribute about 1 hour per week through board meetings, committee work, and special events – meaningful service that fits your schedule.
Why Join Our Board? 🎯
⏰ Your Time Commitment
Spring Meeting (May)
- Final prep for upcoming summer
- Staff hiring updates
- Program planning and logistics
Summer Meeting (July)
- Visit camp and see programs in action!
- Mid-summer check-in with staff
- Review any immediate needs
- Experience the camp magic firsthand
Fall Meeting (September)
- Post-camp debrief and celebration
- Review summer reports from staff
- Assess what went well and areas for improvement
- Plan for next year's improvements
Annual Meeting (November)
- Trustee and officer elections
- Budget review and approval
- Strategic planning discussions
- Committee appointments for next year
Your Annual Commitment
We respect your time while ensuring camp gets the governance it needs to thrive.
That's about 1 hour per week – less time than you spend watching your favorite Netflix series!
🏕️ Committee Opportunities
Every trustee serves on one committee where the real work gets done. Find your perfect fit!
🔨 Buildings & Grounds
"The Fixers and Builders"
- Maintain our 400-acre property
- Plan facility improvements
- Oversee equipment purchases
- Develop long-range facility plans
Perfect for: Contractors, engineers, hands-on folks
💰 Finance
"The Number Crunchers"
- Budgeting and financial oversight
- Fundraising coordination
- Audit management
- Financial compliance
Perfect for: Business owners, accountants, financial professionals
🎯 Operations
"The Program Pros"
- Staff policies and procedures
- Program development
- Marketing and promotion
- Website and registration
Perfect for: Educators, HR professionals, program enthusiasts
🌱 Board Development
"The People People"
- Recruit new board members
- Board training and development
- Alumni relations
- Volunteer coordination
Perfect for: Networkers, mentors, people developers
🌟 Who We're Looking For
We welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. Here's what makes a great Camp Downer trustee:
🎓 Professional Expertise
- Construction & Engineering
- Business & Finance
- Human Resources
- Education
- Marketing & Communications
- Legal
- Healthcare
- Nonprofit Experience
❤️ Personal Qualities
- Passion for youth development
- Love of the outdoors
- Collaborative spirit
- Strategic thinking
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to service
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership experience
🌍 Community Connections
- Vermont residents preferred
- Professional networks
- Fundraising connections
- Camp alumni welcome!
- Camp parent experience valued
- Diverse perspectives needed
- Community involvement
- Youth organization experience
🚀 Ready to Get Involved?
Every child deserves the transformational experience of Camp Downer. Help us ensure that magic continues for generations to come.
📞 Questions?
We'd love to hear from you! Reach out with any questions about board service.
👥 Board Development
Our Board Development Committee is here to answer questions and guide interested candidates through the process.
Email: jbean@campdowner.com Phone: 802-763-7007
🏕️ Camp Director
Learn more about camp operations and our mission directly from our leadership team.
Email: director@campdowner.com Phone: 802-763-7007
📧 General Inquiries
For general questions about Camp Downer or board service opportunities.
Website: campdowner.com
Phone: 802-763-7007