Registration opens for Hildene members at the household level and above on January 20th and for non-members on January 27th.

April 20-24, 2026
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grades
Camp Size: 12

$325 Hildene member
$375 non-member

Instructors: Kyle Turner & Lisa Maggio

Join us during this exciting time of year as the natural world springs back to life after a long winter. Campers will open their eyes, ears and even noses to investigate the signs of spring while exploring Hildene’s forests, farms and wetlands. At Hildene’s most important puddle, our vernal pool, we will catch and identify the creatures that depend on this unique wetland for survival. Not only will our boots get dirty as we explore, but our hands will too, as we help our farms prepare gardens and care for our animals. Along the way, we will play games and make crafts to dive further into spring.

June 22 - June 26
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 2nd, 3rd or 4th
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Lisa Maggio

Calling all nature explorers! How does a water scorpion breathe, a beaver eat under water without drowning or a Great Blue Heron catch fish? Come and learn the answers to these and other questions during our week exploring and comparing river, pond and wetland communities. We'll catch and identify aquatic insects, build a river food web, investigate a beaver pond and identify common wetland plants. We'll also play, do crafts, and read stories.

June 29 - July 3
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Lisa Maggio

Campers tend to the care of sheep, chickens, pigs and cows at Hildene Farm in the dene. They learn about the importance of composting, while getting their hands in the soil, cultivating and harvesting vegetables. They explore the operations of our greenhouse, including planting and harvesting micro-greens. At the goat dairy, campers learn about raising goats and the cheese making process. Farm-based crafts, stories and foods are also part of the mix, with the week ending in a mini farm-to-table
celebration.

Both farm camps are the same. Please register for only one session.

July 6 – 17
9:00am – 3:00pm

For youth entering 7th and 8th grade
$450 Hildene member, $525 non-member

Instructor: Kyle Turner

The 2026 youth corps team will complete an improved climbing structure for Hildene's baby goats. Goats have an instinct to climb, and a new structure will provide our goats with cognitive exercise as they traverse new heights. The youth corps team will also continue the legacy of earlier years by adding to and repairing previous projects. Throughout the two weeks, the Youth Corps team will develop basic carpentry skills, explore the ecology of Hildene, help with chores at Hildene Farm, research nonprofit organizations, and enjoy crafts and games.

This is a two-week summer program for 8 highly motivated young people. Visit the following link for more information on the Hildene Youth Corp.

July 6 - 10
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Ann Hausslein

Explore gardens, fields and forests of Hildene to discover and learn how the human and natural worlds are interconnected. We will be foragers of the field and forest! As naturalists, we will observe and identify plants through activities, games and projects including hunting and gathering for wild crafting and eating. From teas to dream pillows to terrariums and vine baskets, we will make crafts and foods to eat to become closer to the natural world around us.

July 13 - 17
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Trish Weill

Campers explore the beauty of Hildene through nature walks, time at the goat dairy, and visits to the gardens, gathering materials for their original projects. They create colorful drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, and fiber art, inspired by artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Anni Albers, Picasso, Seurat, Yayoi Kusama, and Monet. Campers work with a variety of materials and learn tactile techniques like weaving and felting.

The week ends with an art show for families, showcasing all the artwork created during this creative journey.

July 20 - 24
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Ann Hausslein

Come and discover how the forest is more than just trees! Campers explore the forests in and around Hildene and learn about the woodland ecology of the region from the ground up. Through the exploration and identification of the flora and fauna, habitat and life cycle studies, games and wild crafting, we’ll get to know the diverse forest communities of the Taconic and Green Mountains that surround us.

July 27 - 31
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 4th, 5th, or 6th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Rebecca Allen

Deep dive into exploring the ecosystems of Hildene. Campers learn about the plants that grow and the animals that roam the forests, wetlands and farms through hikes, field study, games, and crafts. How do these ecosystems stay balanced and what can we do to protect the beauty of Vermont’s Green Mountains are among the questions campers explore. Their curiosity and stewardship of nature are inspired during this fun-filled week of adventures!

August 2 - 7
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Lisa Maggio

Campers tend to the care of sheep, chickens, pigs and cows at Hildene Farm in the dene. They learn about the importance of composting, while getting their hands in the soil, cultivating and harvesting vegetables. They explore the operations of our greenhouse, including planting and harvesting micro-greens. At the goat dairy, campers learn about raising goats and the cheese making process. Farm-based crafts, stories and foods are also part of the mix, with the week ending in a mini farm-to-table
celebration.

Both farm camps are the same. Please register for only one session.

August 10 - 14
9:00am - 3:00pm

For children entering 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade
$325 Hildene member, $375 nonmember

Instructor: Kyle Turner

Explore the largest group of animals in the world - insects. These six-legged wonders abound in our fields, forests, ponds and rivers. We'll investigate their amazing adaptations, life cycles and ecology through field investigations, games, stories and art activities. Highlights include wading in a nearby stream in search of aquatic insects, setting up insect motels, creating pattern block insects and celebrating and exploring the vital role of insect pollinators.