Hive
girls' program for 3rd-6th grade graduates
Camp Overview
Since 1915, Hive has offered campers a summer experience full of fun and friendship. At camp, we intentionally leave behind some of the distractions of our daily worlds. We talk to each other face to face and make our own music. We explore the creek and woods. We laugh together, choose our own adventures, and have fun in a simple setting, tucked between the lake and the hills.
Hivers learn the true value each and every camper brings to the community. With the help of outstanding mentors, Hivers have joyful, activity-filled days while gaining independence, strengthening their problem-solving skills, and living harmoniously with others.
Hive welcomes 3rd-6th grade girls and gender nonbinary youth. We invite families to learn more about us and discover if our camps are a good fit for you and your child.
2023 Dates & Rates
Welcome to Hive!
Sailing, swimming, archery, tennis, hiking, and more against the backdrop of Vermont’s green mountains set the scene for a playful and fun summer adventure. What sets Hive apart is its dynamic community where there’s a deep sense of belonging and lifelong friendships are made. Around the campfire, under the stars, in the lake, atop the hills, and through the tunnel (it’s a Hive thing), children can be their truest selves while becoming their best selves. Contact me to learn more about what a summer at Hive has to offer; I’m looking forward to talking with you.
– Ellie Thompson Pennell, Hive Director
Archery
Archery is set in a beautiful spot in the woods. Campers learn and practice skills on both beginning targets and regulation distance targets. Experienced counselors provide individual and group instruction, including all safety procedures. Campers quickly progress to enjoy informal tournaments with each other and fun activities. Hivers can choose to shoot for fun or work on ranks.
Arts & Crafts
The Arts and Crafts building provides campers with a wide variety of activities. From sitting on the dock weaving a basket to painting on the back porch, campers develop skills they already know as well as learn new ones. Each summer the talented arts counselors bring enthusiasm and new ideas. With jewelry making, weaving, beading, painting and sketching, pottery and so much more, a camper’s imagination is the only limitation in this very creative department!
Canoeing
In Canoeing, beginners learn basic strokes while paddling around Lake Fairlee. Intermediate and advanced canoers learn and practice skills like portaging boats solo, distance paddling, and trip planning with an emphasis on safety and fun. These skills are practiced at Hive and out on trips. There are many different day trips for campers of all skill levels to choose from and two-day canoe trips that go out to local lakes and the Connecticut River. Campers and their counselors also take advantage of cool camp mornings to have breakfast in a canoe out on the lake.
Camper's Kitchen
The Camper’s Kitchen is a favorite spot for many campers who get great joy out of trying their hand at cooking and baking yummy treats. Talented counselors set up ingredients for a different recipe each day and guide small groups of campers through the cooking process. Whenever possible, ingredients are sourced from our own farm and garden. A sampling of past dishes have included pesto, bread, cookies, salsa, brownies, and animal crackers.
Exploring
At Exploring, campers learn to stop, look, and listen to the world around them. Learning the names of trees and ferns, birds, and bugs, they begin to see the environment around Hive differently. Whether going on an exploration of the woods, making tea with edible plants, or creating art with natural materials, campers gain knowledge that can foster curiosity for, excitement about, and understanding of the natural world.
Farm & Garden
Farm and Garden offers Hivers the opportunity to practice caregiving and problem solving in a safe and structured environment. For many campers, visits to the barn or to the garden are their first introductions to being responsible for plants and farm animals, and we work to create a loving environment with guidelines that reinforce thoughtful treatment of all living organisms, including each other. Through handling animals, learning to use a range of hand tools to perform chores, growing vegetables and herbs, campers have the opportunity to practice these skills.
Gymnastics
Hive has a beautiful building called the Green House which houses our Gymnastics Department. The variety of equipment (high and low beams, vaults, mini tramps, floor mats and more) meet the needs of campers at many different skill levels. Hivers can work toward individual goals as well as work together to do a performance for the entire camp. The thrill of soaring over a vault for the first time can be just the confidence booster some children need to take other measured risks in and outside the gymnastics realm.
Kayaking
The Kayaking department offers campers the chance to learn beginner to advanced kayaking skills. There are lake kayaks that provide the stability needed for beginner kayakers to learn paddle strokes and other skills needed to have fun around the Lake Fairlee. After mastering skills such as how to roll an overturned kayak, campers may venture out on flat and white water trips throughout New England.
Landsports
Our large playfield and basketball courts offer the perfect spot for campers to get involved in many different Landsports. From Ultimate Frisbee to Yoga to Dodgeball, campers head to the activity of their choice for maximum fun! Soccer, Softball, Lacrosse, Basketball and Rugby are just a few of the sports talented counselors come to camp ready to teach Hivers. Landsports strikes the perfect balance for campers with goofy group games and spirited athletic competition with each other and other camps.
Music
Music and singing are at the heart of the Hive experience for every camper and counselor. We sing in the dining room, during morning assembly and you never know when you might be serenaded by a group of canoers. From loud, big times to quiet reflective times, music and song find their way into all our hearts at Hive.
Performing Arts
The Comb is home to Performing Arts. Each summer during the first half of camp, all campers have the opportunity to try out for and be a part of a full scale musical performance. From being on stage to helping with sets and stage management, there is something for everyone if they want to be a part of the show. During both sessions, Performing Arts offers music and acting activities as well as opportunities to learn new dance moves and American Sign Language.
Ropes
Set deep in the woods at the top of camp property, Hive has a low ropes course that emphasizes physical and emotional safety, positive support, and decision-making. Our trained staff helps campers learn all the skills necessary to take on the individual and group challenges a ropes course can provide. Older campers can journey to our high ropes course at Lanakila or the climb tower at Aloha for even more adventure and challenge!
Sailing
In Sailing, Hivers enjoy navigating Lake Fairlee’s waters in Hive’s fleet of sailboats including sunfish, JYs, and a Hobie. These boats are used by novice sailors under the supervision of counselors and soloed by experienced camper skippers. Campers acquire basic to advanced skills and confidence with each new voyage from the Hive boathouse. Whether out for an afternoon free-sail or competing in a regatta, sailing is a great way to spend time on our beautiful lakes.
Swimming
From the beginner to the advanced swimmer, counselors are trained to help campers develop and advance their swimming skills during regular swim lessons. Campers have many opportunities to put their skills to work by training for long distance swims, like the "Rainbow Trout", and to participate in swim meets with other local camps. On the weekends, Swimming offers fun water games, free swim, and water polo!
Tennis
Tennis is played on two beautiful hard surfaced tennis courts. Through fun games and 1:1 to small group instruction, campers have the chance to learn beginning to advanced skills in Tennis. Each summer campers participate in a fun Camper / Counselor tennis tournament! There are also opportunities for campers to compete in a tennis tournament with one of our other camps.
Tripping
Hive is tucked in the middle of New Hampshire and Vermont and our Tripping department takes campers out of camp to explore the beautiful mountains of our region. On camping, hiking, and backpacking trips, campers learn to cook over a fire, set up tents, read maps, and enjoy the natural world around us. In camp, Tripping offers activities to practice fire building, knot tying, and first aid so that campers have all the skills they need to feel confident and comfortable when they go out on trips.
Daily Schedule
Days at Hive are packed with fun activities – and also time for rest and relaxation. Our daily schedule is based on choice. Within this choice is a mixture of structure and freedom. Campers look at the schedule/activities for the day and decide how they want to spend their day.
Morning
- Time to get up! (7:15 am – Hivers are ready for the day!)
- “KP” (kitchen patrol – when an assigned group of campers and counselors help set tables for breakfast)
- Down the hill (campers and counselors leave their tents and shacks on the hillside to go “down the hill” to breakfast)
- Breakfast
- Tent clean-up
- Assembly (singing, stories, sharing, performances, announcements)
- First activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
- Second activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
Afternoon
- Hiver free time on the hillside
- Lunch (1:00 pm)
- Rest hour (campers read, write letters, rest, nap in their tents or shacks )
- Third activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
- Fourth activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
- Hiver free time on the hillside before dinner
Evening
- Dinner (6:00 pm)
- Camp capers (camp clean-up)
- Evening program (Monday is always Rainbow’s End)
- Friendship circle
- On the hillside (“flush and brush” time)
- Tattoo bugle (time to settle in to tents/shacks)
- TAPS – Goodnight all! (8:40 pm)
Meals
We believe that eating together is essential to creating community and encouraging authentic interactions. Our dining program not only feeds campers but also involves them as table helpers, recyclers, and composters. We take pride in the supplier relationships we have established with local growers and farm stands nearby in Vermont and New Hampshire. Our kitchen is nut-free and we can accommodate many medically-dictated dietary requirements but are not equipped to handle all dietary restrictions. We offer vegetarian options, gluten-free options, and dairy-free options, but are not able to guarantee a vegan option. We cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination from food ingredients from facilities that also process nuts, dairy, or gluten products.
Accommodations
Campers live in spacious tents on wooden platforms or rustic cabins, with three to five campmates and one or two counselors. The Director and senior counselors devote great care to arranging campers in groups that will enjoy great times together. Camp “units” composed of ten tents and cabins, on average, share a washhouse with hot water showers and flush toilets.
Equity and Inclusion
We strive to ensure that each person who participates in our programs feels valued for who they are and what they bring to the community. We aim to create environments where everyone is included, considered, and celebrated. The diverse identities and perspectives people bring to our programs enrich our learning experiences together, and we strive to create a sense of belonging for everyone during their time at the Alohas. We invite you to learn more on our equity and inclusion page.
Registration is open!
We encourage families to read through the details in the tabs below before applying.
Creating an Account
Returner or New Campers
Waiting List
Campership Aid Applicants (returning or new)
Hive welcomes 3rd-6th grade girls and gender nonbinary youth. Our youngest campers are 8 years and 10 months old by July 1, 2023.
We encourage families to review the information available on our website, in our FAQ, and on our blog regarding camp readiness before applying. We are happy to talk with you anytime! You may also wish to talk with your child’s doctor, teacher, or therapist to help you assess your child’s readiness for overnight camp.
All families should read and understand the Terms & Conditions before applying. This applies to returning camper families as well.
Camp Readiness and Enrollment Paperwork
Camp Readiness: Participants must be prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally to participate fully in camp. Families should read these terms & conditions thoroughly and review the information on our website, in our FAQ, and on our blog regarding camp readiness prior to enrolling their child. You may also want to talk with your child’s doctor, teacher, or therapist to help you assess their readiness for overnight camp.
Enrollment Paperwork: You agree to complete all camp paperwork accurately, thoroughly, and on time. You agree to inform us if your child is enrolled in an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan, receives other special social-emotional or behavioral support, or has any physical, mental, or behavioral condition that may impact their camp experience and/or the camp community. You consent to The Foundation contacting you and your child’s service provider(s) and/or medical professional(s) to develop a plan to help your child succeed at camp. You understand that clear and timely communication is essential to setting your child up for success.
Tuition and Refund Policies
Tuition is due February 1. If your tuition is not received by the deadline, your child’s spot and deposit will be forfeited. (Exceptions are made for campership recipients on a pre-approved payment plan.)
Late Payments: A finance charge of 1% per month, and any collection fees incurred, may be added to all payments. Delinquent accounts may result in forfeiture of your child’s spot at camp and any payments made to date.
Withdrawal Policy: Deposits and tuition are non-refundable after the deadlines. No reduction or refund of tuition is made for late arrival, early departure, missed days, withdrawal for emotional or medical reasons, or any other cause.
Tuition Protection Plans: The Aloha Foundation does not offer a tuition protection plan. We strongly encourage families to purchase a tuition protection plan. Please be sure you understand the limits, coverage, and benefits offered prior to purchasing coverage through an insurance company. Plan options vary and exclusions may apply. Tuition protection may be limited to certain emergency situations or expenses and may not cover cancellations for any reason or in a non-emergency.
Assumption of Financial Responsibility: The individual submitting the camp application agrees to assume responsibility for the full tuition and fees. Assumption of financial responsibility extends to third-party (ex-spouse, grandparent, etc.) payment arrangements.
Camp Dismissal: There are occasions when a child must be dismissed from camp due to ill health, disciplinary issues, or because they are not adjusting physically, psychologically, or emotionally. We will notify the parents/guardians to evaluate the situation and plan the best course of action. We reserve the right to dismiss any participant if, in our opinion, it is in the best interest of the camp.
Medical Information
Medical Expenses and Treatment: You understand that you are responsible for your child’s medical expenses, including deductibles, and co-pays. You consent to emergency medical treatment for the camper if the Foundation, in its sole discretion determines it to be necessary. In the event of a medical emergency, you consent to The Foundation contacting you and other emergency contacts whom you have provided.
Immunizations: You understand that your child is required to be vaccinated according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization guidelines AND the Vermont Department of Health immunization schedules. This includes COVID-19 vaccination (primary series and boosters, as recommended by the CDC). Religious or philosophical exemptions are not accepted. Medical exemptions are only granted for conditions established by the CDC or the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and only when a Medical Exemption Form has been submitted and approved by our medical team.
Insurance: All participants are required to be covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Dietary Restrictions: You understand that while we provide guidance to children when it comes to allergies, preferences, and food restrictions, they must be able to manage their snacks and meals independently. Our camp kitchens are nut-free and we can accommodate many medically-dictated dietary requirements but are not equipped to handle all dietary restrictions. We offer vegetarian options, dairy-free options, and gluten-free options at every meal, but are not able to guarantee a vegan option. We cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination from food ingredients from facilities that process nuts, dairy, or gluten products. Should your child have dietary restrictions, we request that you reach out as early as possible to discuss their needs with our medical team.
Health Forms: You agree to complete the Health History Form accurately, thoroughly, and on time. You understand that the Aloha Foundation may request additional information regarding your child’s physical and mental health.
Other Terms & Conditions
You consent to your child participating in all regular Camp activities, both on and off camp grounds, and accept the fact that some of these involve inherent risks. By permitting your child to attend and participate in Camp activities, The Aloha Foundation and its agents, employees, and volunteers are released from any and all claims for damage arising out of injury to your child while participating in any and all activities including, but not limited to: horseback riding, gymnastics, biking, hiking, rock climbing, all waterfront activities, all land-sports activities – including archery, riflery, climb tower, ropes course, team and individual sports, crafts activities and fine arts programs. Such activities may occur on-site or off-site in Vermont or other states.
You consent to the use of photographs or videos of your child to be used in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications related to the mission of The Aloha Foundation.
Applying for financial aid is very simple! See our Campership Aid Process Chart for more information. Support is extended to families who demonstrate a wide range of financial needs. When awarding aid, priority is given to returning campers, then their siblings, then new families. Our goal is to make it sustainable for a family to send their children to camp for multiple years. We encourage families to apply early as funding is limited. Email our Associate Director of Enrollment at karen_danforth@alohafoundation.org with any questions.
Health & Safety
The safety of our campers, counselors, participants, and staff is our top priority. Our practices have been developed to meet or exceed guidelines put forth by the American Camp Association (ACA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Vermont’s Department of Health.
Staff Training
Health Staff
Health House Communication
Our Health Staff will contact parents and guardians in the following situations:
- If your child goes to Upper Valley Pediatrics, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, urgent care, dentist, orthodontist, or any other medical visit.
- When an illness or injury necessitates a stay in the health house of more than 24 hours.
- When prescription medication is prescribed.
- When an at-home prescription medication supply is running low.
- When there is a condition that might impact the family at home.
- If your child misses scheduled doses of medication or refuses a dose of prescription medication.
- When the camp director, nursing supervisor, camp physician, or camp nurse feels a phone call is in order.
Vaccination Policy
Health Forms
COVID-19 FAQs
The Aloha Foundation continues to monitor the threat that COVID-19 presents to our camp communities and has taken necessary, reasonable steps to mitigate these concerns. The following Frequently Asked Questions were last updated on 6/9/2022. The FAQS and 2023 COVID-19 vaccination policy may change as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
What are the COVID-19 vaccination and pre-camp testing requirements for campers?
- All campers must adhere to the Aloha Foundation’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. Campers do not need a PCR test prior to arrival at camp this year. We will conduct rapid tests on all campers during check-in. (See the Travel Section below for more details about drop-off.)
Will campers be in pods this year? Are there restrictions on activities?
- Campers will not be in pods this summer. We anticipate a return to normal camp activities, with plenty of choices every day!
When will campers need masks?
- We ask that all campers bring masks with them (cloth, surgical, or KN95s are fine). If you send cloth ones, please send at least 10 so they can be laundered. Most of our camp program takes place in an outdoor, open-air setting and we do not anticipate campers wearing masks on a daily basis. However, there may be some situations in which campers are asked to mask (for example, if they are in close proximity indoors for an extended period of time).
What if our camper displays symptoms of COVID-19 in the days leading up to camp?
- Campers displaying symptoms should get PCR tested and isolate away from other people until they receive their test results. In this instance, please only travel to Fairlee once the camper has received a negative PCR test (bring the test results with you). Campers with symptoms of COVID-19 who cannot be tested should follow CDC isolation guidance.
- Symptoms include, but are not limited to: sore throat, headache, cough, congestion, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, runny nose.
What if our camper tests positive within 14 days of camp?
- If your camper tests positive in the 14 days before camp, please email kdanforth@alohafoundation.org so we can update your child’s medical records and discuss their transition to camp. We will follow the CDC’s guidance for isolation.
- If your camper has tested positive in the last 90 days, or since filling out their health forms, please let us know so we can update their health form.
What if our camper has close contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of camp?
- If your camper has close contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19, we ask that you follow the CDC’s guidance for close contacts. This includes getting tested, watching for symptoms, and taking precautions like wearing a mask for 10 full days after exposure.
- Please email kdanforth@alohafoundation.org if your camper is identified as a close contact so we can discuss your camper’s arrival and transition to camp.
What if our camper displays symptoms or tests positive on a rapid antigen test on Opening Day?
- Campers displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 should not arrive at camp until they’ve received a negative PCR test.
- Campers providing a positive rapid antigen test on Opening Day will be invited to the Aloha Manor Small Barn where the camp doctor (or member of her team) will administer a PCR test. The camper will need to isolate offsite until it’s confirmed the PCR test is negative (we anticipate results will be back between 24-48 hours).
- Should the PCR test be positive, the camper will need to isolate, and families should contact us to discuss the camper’s arrival date.
Will campers be tested regularly during the summer session?
- At this time, we do not plan to test the entire camp during the summer. However, on day 4 of each session, a member of our Health Staff will conduct a wellness check on each camper to assess for possible symptoms.
What happens if a camper becomes symptomatic or tests positive while at camp?
- Symptomatic campers will receive a rapid test. If the result is positive, a PCR test will be conducted and the camper will isolate until the results are received (typically 24-48 hours). If the PCR test is positive, the camper will remain in isolation for at least 5 days. When they are well enough to be released from isolation, they will return to regular camp activities but will need to be masked. They will continue to have a separate space in which to eat and sleep for an additional 5 days.
Let’s Connect
We offer camps and programs for people of all ages. Let’s talk about you, your child, your family – and discover together which experience you would value most. There are many options and possibilities!