Horizons
program for kindergarten-7th grade graduates
Camp Overview
Horizons Day Camp is located on Lake Fairlee with 150 acres of inviting fields, woodlands, and trails. Horizons campers explore a rich array of activities, run by our high-caliber staff—then go home to bed at night—tired and happy. From archery and boating to swimming and drama, campers spend time in each of our 11 departments throughout their session. Participants also enjoy special whole camp activities and unique events that take place throughout the session. Campers spend time in assigned groups which are scheduled to rotate through all departments. They have free choice of activities for the majority of afternoons. Group placements are made with great care, considering factors such as prior camp experience, school, age, and developmental needs.
Horizons welcomes children who have graduated from grades Kindergarten – 7th grade. Campers are placed in groups based on their grade. When filling out the application, please be sure to list your child’s grade for the current school year (2024/2025).
- Learn more about our Apprentice Program for 8th and 9th grade graduates.
- Our youngest campers are Kindergarten graduates. We do not have a Pre-K program.
- Early registration for returners (and their siblings) opens on December 2.
- Regular registration for new campers (including those who were on the waitlist in 2024) opens on January 2.
2025 Dates & Rates
Welcome to Horizons!
Horizons is a very special place and unique to the region. Operating in a similar fashion to our residential camps, but in a day camp setting, campers experience a huge breadth of programming through our diverse activity departments and frequent special events. There is a strong focus on the lessons learned through challenging ourselves in different ways. We see the experiences we facilitate as opportunities to help campers learn about themselves, building resilience, self-awareness, independence, and personal growth. Horizons Day Camp values relationship-building and chooses to keep technology away from our experience so we can focus on each other while becoming immersed in the program on a beautiful campus. And, we have a bucket full of fun at the same time!
– Stuart Fairbairn, Horizons Program Director
Archery
Archery is set on a range with a three-mile valley view. Quality instruction focusing on safety and proper form is combined with fun activities like dinosaur shoots, aiming games that involve teamwork, and archery tournaments in a variety of formats.
Arts & Crafts
The Arts & Crafts barn is filled with the creativity, imagination, inspiration, and materials needed to create individual and group projects out of cloth, wood, clay, paint, beads, leather, metal, yarn, and more. The possibilities are endless!
Boating
The Boating department offers campers the opportunity to learn paddling skills. In canoes or kayaks, children exploring the open waters of Lake Fairlee and the small tributary that runs under the Horizons foot bridge.
Drama & Music
In the Lodge, home of our Drama & Music department, campers try out whacky improv and crazy costumes. They create puppet shows and imaginative skits. Those looking for even more theatre might choose to act or work behind the scenes on set and costumes for our end-of-session performances.
Field Games & Court Sports
Horizons’ large field, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts see lots of action between our two sports departments. Alongside some unique Horizons games, campers revel in activities such as Quidditch, dodgeball, tag games, soccer, frisbee, and kickball. We enjoy friendly competition with an emphasis on cooperation and sportsmanship.
Gymnastics
Another popular sport at Horizons is gymnastics in a large, airy studio with a variety of equipment including beams, floor mats, low bars, and spring boards. Campers develop greater coordination and body awareness through a range of skills practice, challenging games and some additional voluntary extras such as dance, stretching and mindfulness.
Nature
Exploring the natural world is an important part of the Horizons experience. Campers take advantage of our forests, wetlands and meadow, building links between the diversity of organisms (including human), and their respective roles in the overall wellbeing of our ecosystems.
Sailing
Horizons’ fleet of sailboats is used by novice sailors under the supervision and instruction of counselors or soloed by campers who have passed their skipper's test. Campers interested in racing enjoy sailing regattas with other camps.
Swimming
At our welcoming waterfront, campers play in the sand and swim in Lake Fairlee. Through small group swimming lessons with our experienced staff and fun free swim games, campers see improvements in skill and comfort.
Tripping
The Tripping department takes campers into the beautiful hills and mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire for wilderness hiking adventures. Older campers also learn camping skills on an overnight trip and venture to our other camps on Lake Morey to challenge themselves and support each other on a high ropes course or climbing tower.
Daily Schedule
Horizons campers are assigned to a camper group of 10-12 children and 2-3 counselors. During Unit Time, two groups combine to form a unit. Each unit has a specific intentional space and additional support staff. Younger groups have two full time counselors to guide and support them during transitions and activity periods. Older groups transition themselves and have assigned staff all other times.
Morning
- 8:30 – 8:40 am – Campers arrive by bus or car
- 8:45 am – Camp begins!
- 8:45 – 9:15 am – Unit Time (Campers learn about the day, connect with friends and counselors, and enjoy down-time activities.)
- 9:15 – 9:40 am – Assembly (singing, stories, sharing, performances, announcements)
- 9:40 – 10:35 am – First activity period (camper groups assigned to 1 of 11 activity departments)
- 10:35 – 11:40 am – Second activity period and Snack – (camper groups assigned to 1 of 11 activity departments)
- 11:40 – 12:30 pm – Third activity period (camper groups assigned to 1 of 11 activity departments)
Afternoon
- 12:30 – 1:00 pm – Unit Time (free time in Units, wash up and table setting)
- 1:00 – 1:45 pm – Lunch
- 1:45 – 2.15 pm – Unit Time (quiet focused activities after lunch)
- 2:20 – 3:05 pm – Fourth activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
- 3:05 – 3:55 pm – Fifth activity period (campers choose from a wide variety of activities)
- 3:55 – 4:30 pm – Unit Time (free time in Units, prepare for departure)
- 4:30 pm – Time to go home!
Lunch
We believe that eating together is essential to creating community and encouraging authentic interactions. Campers are involved 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.
Arrival and Departure
Bus Transportation
- Campion Rink: bus leaves 8:00 am, returns approximately 5:10 pm
- Marion Cross School: bus leaves at 8:10 am, returns approximately 5:00 pm
- Lyme Elementary School: bus leaves at 8:20 am, returns approximately 4:50 pm
- Thetford Elementary School: bus leaves at 8:25 am, returns approximately 4:45 pm
An adult must remain present at the bus stop until the chaperone releases them. Campers must be signed in and out each day. Campers are expected to follow the bus rules. If the bus is running late, you will be notified by email and/or phone.
Dropoff and Pickup at Camp
Authorized Pickup Person(s)
Changes in Transportation
Special Events
Final Friday Open Houses On the last day of our two-week sessions, we invite camper families to join us at 3:30 pm for a chance to meet Horizons counselors and enjoy a taste of Horizons. More details will be shared at the start of your camper’s session.
Second Tuesday Overnight On the second Tuesday of each two-week session, Horizons offers older campers the opportunity to join us for an overnight. This optional campout is offered to 3rd – 7th graders. More information and a permission slip will be sent home at the start of each session.
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.
Health & Safety
All of 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
Vaccination Policy
Health History Form
Health House Communication
- When the camp nurse feels it is in the best interest of the camper to return home.
- When the camp nurse deems your camper needs the care of a provider.
- If your camper requires emergency care and/or transport to DHMC.
- When the camp nurse has questions about a campers’ health history.
- When there is a condition that might impact the family at home.
- When the Camp Director, Nursing Supervisor, camp physician, or camp nurse feels a phone call is in order.
Horizons Day Camp Sick Policy
The Aloha Foundation continues to follow the guidance provided by the CDC for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, which can be found here. The CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that if your camper develops symptoms of respiratory illness, stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours after their symptoms are getting better overall AND they have not had a fever (and haven’t been using fever reducing medications). Here are some guidelines on what we suggest for return to camp after other various symptoms.
- Temperature of 100.4 or greater: No fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.)
Sore Throat: If diagnosed as strep throat and given antibiotics, can return to camp the day after antibiotic treatment has started. No fever without the use of fever reducing medications. - Cough: must be minor and non-productive.
- Difficulty breathing: breathing is normal and without discomfort.
- Fatigue: minimal to none, and your camper is able to participate in a normal camp day including outdoor activities that may be physical.
- Body aches: minimal to none without use of medication.
- Nausea/vomiting: minimal nausea and no vomiting for 24 hours, able to tolerate eating food without increased symptoms.
- Diarrhea: No diarrhea for 24 hours, able to tolerate eating food without increased symptoms.
- Pink eye: Eyes can be red and weepy for many reasons, some of which are not contagious. If your child has weepy eyes that the camp nurse is worried is contagious in nature, we request that your child is assessed by their medical provider; if treated with antibiotics for contagious pink eye, your camper may return to camp the day after antibiotic treatment has started.
- Significant, unexplained new rash, or itchy rash with discharge or fever: Up to camper’s healthcare provider’s guidance, or minimal to no rash with no discharge or fever.
For any questions about your camper’s return to camp, please call the Head Nurse at Horizons (802-333-3455), or email Gretchen Cyros, Nursing Supervisor.
Packing List
Campers should dress for the weather as they will spend lots of time outdoors. Please label all belongings and refer to our Lost & Found policy if an item turns up missing during your child’s session. T-shirts, shorts, hard-soled shoes (sneakers), and a warm layer are essential. In addition, please be sure your camper packs the following each day:
In backpack or tote bag:
- bathing suit & beach towel
- small bottle of sunscreen
- water bottle
And if weather requires…
- raincoat
- extra sweater or sweatshirt
- sweatpants
Please be sure the following items are not brought to Horizons:
- electronic games, iPods, cell phones
- food, (unless arranged with the camp nurse in advance)
- money
- sports equipment (we will provide everything your camper
needs) - drugs, alcohol, vapes, weapons
Lost and Found Policy
- Any excessively dirty or wet items, single socks, or undergarments will be discarded.
- We’ll store lost and found items at the camp for a maximum of 10 days after each session except for the last session when items will only be kept until the last day of camp.
- If we do not receive a request for the item within 10 days, it will be discarded, used for camp, or donated.
How do I get my stuff back?
If you’ve left something at camp, here’s how to get it back: Contact camp as soon as you notice the item missing. Give us a call (802) 333-3450 or send an email to: camphorizonsoffice@alohafoundation.org. Give a description of the lost item and your camper’s name.
To avoid losing items, we highly recommend labeling all of your camper’s personal belongings.
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!