Camp Waubanong is undergoing significant changes, and as a result it will not be operating this summer. Camp Waubanong is currently working with the Vermont Wilderness School (VWS) to craft a newer and better administrative structure, ensuring that the camp will thrive for many years into the future. The plan is to transfer stewardship of the camp and its facilities to VWS by the end of 2016.
The Vermont Wilderness School (VWS), based in West Brattleboro, has been providing nature-based mentoring programs for children and adults for fifteen years.
VWS’s approach is a natural fit with Camp Waubanong’s mission, and they share a dedication to keeping the camp’s tuition affordable.
In its 90 year history, Camp Waubanong has gone through many changes, including moving campuses four times. What has never changed is that its greatest strength is the dedication of its community of supporters. Any support in this next change in the natural evolution toward a stronger and long-lived camp is greatly encouraged.
Although this “summer without Waubanong” may cause sadness and/ or inconvenience, it is in the best interest for both the land and the children who love it. Among the other camp options that one might consider for this summer is VWS’s Otter Day Camp, which is now open for registration. For information about Otter Day Camp or VWS, go to their website vermontwildernessschool.org
Watch for more information about the exciting changes regarding Camp Waubanong.
Gwen Trumbull
Good changes
Seems like a a good fit and match. Taking a summer off to get it right will be worth the wait, I’m sure.
Glad to hear of the partnership, and the continuation of the camp into the future. 90 years is far too few… : )
Background check?
I found some background info on Camp Waubanong but I haven’t found the origin of the name or word “Waubanong.”
Waubanong name origin
I am working on this – I am a beginning student of the Western Abenaki language. This is what I have so far:
I have found that there is a pre-school program for indigenous children in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with a very similar name. http://oahsa.ca/ahs-sites/waabinong-ahs-sault-ste-marie/ . Their website states “Waabinong” means “Eastern Doorway – Where Life Begins.” They have a sister organization in Toronto with a slightly different spelling http://oahsa.ca/ahs-sites/waabanong-ahs-toronto/ .
I recognize this as representative of the Algonquian language family but of what dialect, I do not know. The prefix root “waban” or “woban” is the same as in Wabanaki or Abenaki, the “people of the east” (or the dawn). Thus, the Ontario organization’s derivation is heading in the right direction. Spelling, phraseology, and translations can be highly variable. I’ll keep puzzling away…
Family of Tribes
richholschuh – I thought was so great when I read this. I’ll lookout for an update. As part Cherokee on my mother’s side I have a lifelong interest in the ‘family of tribes.’