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.

80
Years of Excellence
400
Acres of Adventure
8-16
Ages We Serve
18
Max Board Size

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.

4
Board Meetings/Year
2-3
Hours per Meeting
2-4
Committee Hours/Month
40-60
Total Hours/Year

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.

Chair: James Bean
Email: jbean@campdowner.com Phone: 802-763-7007

🏕️ Camp Director

Learn more about camp operations and our mission directly from our leadership team.

Director: Alanna Gaylord
Email: director@campdowner.com Phone: 802-763-7007

📧 General Inquiries

For general questions about Camp Downer or board service opportunities.

Email: boarddev@campdowner.com
Website: campdowner.com
Phone: 802-763-7007