Camp Hochelaga is one of dozens of camps and schools that exhibited at the 16th annual Kids VT Camp & School Fair in February. Our “Spotlight” series offers a closer look at those participating programs.

When a camp has been in operation since 1919, its alumni are bound to run into each other.

“If you wear a Camp Hochelaga T-shirt down Church Street, people will come up to you and say, ‘I used to go Camp Hochelaga,’” says Vermont YWCA board director Katie Little.

Longevity and a strong sense of community aren’t the only things this YWCA girls-only camp has going for it. Situated on the shores of Malletts Bay in South Hero, its varied programs range from swimming and sailing to archery and drama. Girls attend banquets, stage musical performances and even contribute to the weekly camper-run newspaper, the SCAMP.

In addition to nurturing independence and friendships, the activities speak to the YWCA’s mission statement of empowering women.

“We truly believe camp is not just a place; it’s an incredible opportunity to learn and grow,” reads the camp’s website. An active scholarship program makes the camp accessible to girls of various socioeconomic backgrounds, and activities emphasize girls’ strengths while encouraging them to develop new talents.

Girl power, indeed.

YWCA Camp Hochelaga offers one-week, multi-week and four-day “mini camp” sessions for girls ages 6 to 17, in residential and day-camp formats. Visit the website for more information.

This post was written by Kids VT managing editor Carolyn Fox.