Camp Sangamon is a unique "unplugged" overnight summer camp for boys ages 9–16, located in the heart of Vermont.
Here, campers choose their own daily activities—including pottery, woodworking, blacksmithing, photography, theater, and much more. There’s no rigid schedule—just freedom, creativity, and hands-on exploration. It’s a place where boys build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills through self-directed learning in a safe, supportive environment.
Blacksmithing
The newest addition to Camp Sangamon's activity offerings is also a return to our historical past. The Sangaforge was cold from the late 70s until 2011. We aim to teach campers the ancient art of forging decorative and useful creations. Working in a building built by our staff from materials largely harvested from Camp Sangamon's woods, our passionate, skilled staff members put an emphasis on safety, creativity, and learning while helping the campers to create some truly remarkable projects.
Photography
From ghost-hunting paranormal activity to stealth paparazzi missions targeting our on-camp celebrities, our balck and white film photography program balances fun with learning. We have a fully equipped dark-room, expert staff and a range of cameras, old and new. This is not the digital photography your son might learn in school- we teach how to shoot, develop, and print pictures the way they've been doing it since camp began.
Woodshop
Set in the oldest building on camp, our beautifully-restored antique barn, the Woodshop bursts at the seams with campers keen to get building. From tables and chairs to music equipment and cabin modifications, there’s no limit to the projects campers dream up and create.
Our team of skilled and responsible woodshop leaders are always there to provide help, guidance and fun, as well as ensuring a high standard of safety.
Weavery
Weavery is a place to explore a range of fiber arts. In addition to the ubiquitous friendship bracelets and potholders, Camp Sangamon is one of a very few boys' camps in the country to offer full floor-loom weaving. We have a number of antique looms that enthusiastic campers and staff use to create any number of pieces throughout the summer. Our weavery is not just for weaving, though. On any given day, kids might be sewing or crocheting, making bags or patching clothes, or any number of fiber-driven activities. We love hearing later from parents that their son requested a sewing machine for his birthday!
Pottery
Our pottery program lets campers get their hands dirty, as they learn to create from clay whatever their imagination can conjure. From useful household items to whacky hand made animals to downright weird monsters, creations spring from our kiln weekly. Our knowledgable and enthusiastic pottery instructors really get the creative juices flowing while passing on practical skills and techniques to each camper.
Drama
The Camp Sangamon Drama program contributes to nearly all aspects of camp life. Whether it is creating a play of its own, bringing to life the skit inside a camper's mind, working together on their cabin one act plays, or simply creating fun costume for one of our many special activities, Drama courses through our lives at Sangamon. There are numerous opportunities for skits each session, and the campers work to adapt and produce a full play for the camp in both the first and third sessions each summer.
Arts & Crafts
On a rainy day, Arts and Crafts is arguably Camp Sangamon's most popular activity. In 20212, our staff and trainees built this building with a covered porch right in our main yard, making it a great space to create, no matter the weather. Whether it is painting, modeling, silkscreening, or crafting any number of exciting and fun projects, our Arts and Crafts instructors guide each camper's creations with true enthusiasm. Camp Sangamon offers the best of the arts and crafts world to our campers, and it is truly one of our most important programs. And, as you can see in the photo, on Wednesday, we paint the pig!
