We are different. You've likely landed here in part because of our differences. If you join us at Camp Sangamon, you will take your summer into your own hands. You will choose your path each and every day. Any activity you want, for as long as you want. Move on when you're ready, stay as long as you'd like.
Our activity periods are yours to enjoy. We don't tell you where to go, and we don't tell you what to do. Parents, the personal choices your son makes in a safe, supportive environment will create independence and initiative, and allow him to make good decisions as he moves through childhood and beyond.
Our activity periods are yours to enjoy. We don't tell you where to go, and we don't tell you what to do. Parents, the personal choices your son makes in a safe, supportive environment will create independence and initiative, and allow him to make good decisions as he moves through childhood and beyond.
Services
Our community is made up of 90 campers, 45 staff, and 30 counselors-in-training. We represent a diverse group of races, nationalities, religions, and economic backgrounds. In a typical year we come from at least twenty states and ten countries. Camper ages range from 9 to 15 years. We live in cabin groups of eight to ten campers, and three staff leaders.
Camp Sangamon was founded in 1922 by Leone and Eleanor Smith, in part as a response towards a cultural desire amongst an increasingly urban population to make sure that their boys connected with nature. Sangamon was founded as a Christian Science camp, with a religious emphasis that was prominent but still secondary to its back to nature, pioneer spirit, and manual education ethos.
Sangamon began as part of the progressive education movement of the Twenties, and we've been teaching life skills since 1922. We believe that independence, responsibility and decision-making are essential skills, and that children learn best by "doing". We put campers in charge of their own time, give them a wide range of activity options, and let them design their day themselves.
One of the most popular camp activities, our hiking and tripping program lets campers learn about, explore, and appreciate the great outdoors. Whether we're hiking Vermont's highest mountains or just heading a mile down the trail to a local watering hole to have fun and cool off, there is always something new and interesting for campers to experience.
Down at the waterfront we offer a range of activities, such as swimming, diving, tubing, and fishing. Help children, adolescents and staff members improve swimming and boating skills in a safe and happy environment. Ensure swimmers are comfortable in the water and respectful of the risks water presents without being fearful.
Reviews (9)
Zaq Schlanger
Aug 29, 2021
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Angus H.-K.
Jul 26, 2021
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Scott Z.
Jul 26, 2021
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Penguinbot
Jun 18, 2019
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Kevin
Jun 14, 2018
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Leo Raykher
Jul 04, 2017
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Francisco Toro
Jan 04, 2014
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My four summers at Sangamon from 1985 to 1989 were, quite simply, the best part of my childhood. Sangamon takes its Pioneer Spirit slogan seriously - this is a place for Free-Range Kids to get away from screens, explore, play, discover an amazing bit of New England and live much more intensely than is possible during the rest of the year. The intense camaraderie of life in those tiny, hand-made, off-the-grid wooden cabins, the togetherness around a camp-fire, the excitement of so many different activities you just never get to play at in normal city life, from tending real farm animals to early
Steven Schlaseman
Aug 16, 2013
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Dave C.
Nov 15, 2012
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