Parent FAQ
General 🗺️
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Camp Wachusett is located in western Vermont on Lake Hortonia in Hubbardton. Our secluded waterfront property is just 1.5 hours from Burlington, 2 hours from Albany, 3.5 hours from Boston, and 5 hours from New York City.
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Camp Wachusett is a traditional overnight camp for boys ages 8–15. Our teen leadership program consists of Counselors-in-Training (completed 9th grade) and Junior Counselors (completed 10th grade), which bridges the gap between camper and counselor.
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Most of our campers come from Massachusetts, New York City, Vermont, and the Washington D.C. metro area, with additional boys joining us from across the country.
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Our motto, “unaliyi” is a Cherokee word that translates to “a place of friends.”
Camp Life ⛺
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Campers live in spacious, historic cabins that house six to eight boys of similar age and two counselors. These large 1920s cabins have electricity, an inviting porch, screened windows, wooden cubbies, a dressing room, and a private toilet with sinks. Showers are a short walk away in the main lodge.
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Meals are kid-friendly, nutritious, and served family-style in our dining hall by our lead chef of 14 years. We offer plenty of variety, a daily PB&J station, fresh fruit at every meal, and a dinner salad bar often including local farm-fresh vegetables. We also have dessert after every dinner. We can easily accommodate most dietary needs and food allergies.
Favorites include pancakes, french toast, and cinnamon rolls for breakfast, with tacos, fajitas, homemade pizza, roasted chicken, and shepherd's pie for lunch and dinner.
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Yes! Out-of-camp adventures are built directly into the weekly schedule for every camper. Throughout the summer, every boy embarks on an age-appropriate overnight hiking or canoe trip across New England. These outdoor excursions are balanced by fun day trips to local attractions like arcades, bowling, mini-golf, and theme parks.
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Thanks to our friendly camper culture and non-stop active days, we experience very little homesickness at Wachusett. In the rare instance that a boy feels homesick, our staff is trained to provide gentle support, structure, and encouragement to help campers adjust.
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Bedwetting is uncommon at Wachusett but if it occurs, it’s handled with the utmost discretion and sensitivity. We encourage parents to notify the camp director and nurse in advance if your boy frequently wets the bed. Our staff is trained to manage these situations quietly to avoid any embarrassment for the camper.
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With our small camp community, every new boy receives dedicated support from staff and returning campers from the moment he arrives. Our active daily schedule keeps boys engaged, helping them form natural friendships quickly and returning campers love making new boys feel at home.
Health & Safety 🩺
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Safety is our top priority, backed by a proven track record of care and supervision and low camper-to-staff ratio. We maintain a fully compliant camp environment, meeting all state health standards, safety laws, and strict insurance requirements.
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We provide 24/7 medical oversight right on camp, led by our long-time RN and former Army and ER nurse, Stefanie. In the event of a minor illness or injury, we provide immediate care. For more serious concerns, we will contact parents immediately and nearby EMS are only a few miles away.
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Our staff consists almost entirely of former campers who grew up through our CIT and Junior Counselor programs, proved their leadership, and were reviewed by senior staff prior to being hired. Every staff member undergoes intensive pre-camp training covering safety protocols, child development, conflict resolution, and emergency procedures.
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Camp Wachusett has welcomed many campers with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Families should discuss their son’s needs with our Camp Director before enrolling so we can plan appropriately and keep your boy safe.
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All medications (prescription and over-the-counter) are kept securely in the infirmary and administered by our camp nurse whenever needed, such as during meals or brought to the cabin before bed. Medications must be brought in their original packaging.
Registration 📋
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Tuition varies based on session length, with 2-, 3-, and 4-week options available. As an all-inclusive program, our rates are intentionally affordable to provide a high-value New England overnight camp experience with no hidden add-ons. Current rates can be found on our Dates & Rates page.
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Wachusett offers financial aid through the Camp Spirit Fund, a 501(c)(3) scholarship fund sustained by our alumni to support boys who might not otherwise be able to attend camp. Please contact our director to request an application and learn more.
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Full refunds are available up to one month before the session. No refunds are given for early departures or disciplinary dismissals.
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Yes! We do our best to honor mutual cabin requests for campers in the same age group. Both families should list each other on their enrollment forms during registration.
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Yes. Families are welcome to visit or tour camp during the off‑season or before camp starts. Please contact us to schedule your visit.
Packing & Prep 🧳
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For a full list of required and recommended items, please view our packing list here.
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No. Camp Wachusett is proudly an unplugged, tech-free camp. Phones, tablets, smartwatches, and gaming devices should stay at home so boys can fully engage in the experience.
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Drop-offs are between 9:00am and 6:00pm on specified arrival dates. Staff will be stationed to meet arriving families at our main office. All forms and medications will be exchanged at that location and families may proceed to the assigned cabin. Further specific instructions will be sent to parents by e-mail. Pick-up on designated dates is before 10:00am unless other arrangements are made with the director.
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Required forms include health forms, waiver, and photo release. All forms can be found on our Enrolled Families page.
During Camp 📸
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We love keeping families connected through good old-fashioned snail mail! Boys are required to write home at least once a week, and after their first week at camp, campers are welcome to make and receive phone calls. Because we are an unplugged environment, we do not offer camper email.
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Yes! Campers love receiving mail from home. Care packages are welcome, but if you send food or treats, please make sure there is enough to share with the entire cabin. Letters and packages can be mailed directly to our camp address: Camp Wachusett, 1430 Camp Road, Brandon, VT 05733
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