Setting Your Child Up for Success at Camp Downer: Essential Information and Eligibility Criteria

Please help us set your child(ren) up for success by reviewing the following information before submitting a camper registration application. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about whether Camp Downer is the right experience for your child(ren) this summer. We are here to help!

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Participation in Camp Downer

Campers are expected to:

  • Contribute to a safe camp environment, using respectful language and appropriate physical behavior.

  • Function in a group setting in a positive and cooperative manner that displays tolerance and respect for self and others.

  • Follow instructions from counselors and refrain from behaviors that pose a risk to themselves or others.

  • Strive towards maintaining a positive attitude.

  • Navigate daily on foot over natural and uneven terrain.

Skills Required to be Successful at Camp Downer

Behavioral Skills: Campers should have the ability to:

  • Independently function in a community where the staff-to-camper ratio generally fluctuates between 1:5 and 1:10.

  • Practice independent personal health routines, including showering, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, dietary management, etc.

  • Self-regulate during and after an event that causes frustration, sadness, or anger.

  • Communicate how they are feeling.

  • Advocate for personal needs by talking to a staff member.

  • Manage the sleep-away aspects of camp in an age-appropriate manner.

  • Complete the duration of the camp session without in-person visits or outside phone calls.

  • Participate in a group living environment.

  • Sleep in a cabin with other campers and staff without sleep aids.

  • Live in a rustic outdoor environment with no personal electronic devices.

  • Follow verbal instructions and rules.

  • Communicate conversationally in English.

  • Remain in supervised areas as defined and communicated by staff.

  • Resolve conflicts without physical contact or verbal abuse.

  • Live successfully in an active social community that includes constant interaction with other children.

  • Understand camp rules regarding safety and respect.

  • Remain in their assigned cabin after lights out.

  • Not possess or use alcohol, tobacco, nicotine-based products, illegal drugs, recreational drugs, or weapons.

Activity Skills: Campers should have the ability to:

  • Participate in outdoor activities, including walking up and downhill on uneven ground and varied terrain; remain outside for extended periods at a time; learn to stay warm, dry, and safe from exposure to the sun and forest weather, manage levels of physical stress and challenge.

  • Move independently from activity to activity.

  • Follow safety instructions given verbally by staff.

For Discussions Prior to Registration: Please contact the director at director@campdowner.com or 802-276-0222 if you have any questions or concerns about Camp Downer’s fit for your child, prior to submitting your registration application.

For more information, please read the Camp Downer Parent/Guardian Handbook.