Celebrating our nd Season
On Malletts Bay, Lake Champlain – Just North of Burlington, Vermont
Horsemanship • Archery • Tennis • Riflery • Arts & Crafts • Teams Theater Arts • Swimming • Sailing • Windsurfing • Diving • Canoeing Kayaking • Waterskiing • Wakeboarding • Trips
The Complete and Different Camp for Girls ages 10-18 Established in 1926 Directors: William and Katharine Neilsen WINTER ADDRESS:
SUMMER ADDRESS:
Brown Ledge Camp 25 Wilson Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 (802) 862-2442 / (800) 246-1958 FAX: (802) 658-1614
Brown Ledge Camp 71 Brown Ledge Road Colchester, Vermont 05446 (802) 862-2442 / (800) 246-1958 FAX: (802) 658-1614
YEAR-ROUND: WEB – www.brownledge.org e-mail – BLC@brownledge.org
Photographs supplied by Alan Jakubek, Burlington, Vermont; Ben Lenzer, New York, New York; Bill Neilsen, Burlington, Vermont; Oliver Parini, Burlington, Vermont and Jonathan Winberg, Ontario, Canada.
3
Brown Ledge – The Different Camp ro rown ow Ledge has become known as thee “Different Camp”. The proof of this “diff ff “difference” lies in Brown Ledge’s unique ability to hold the interest of girls well abil abi beyond the average camper age, while simultaneously attracting younger campers. This uniqueness is the combination of many things described throughout this booklet, most focusing on the individual, the general program design, and the camp culture.
80 years of continuous operation at Brown Ledge. We believe that its success lies in its ability to effectively teach activity skills while developing a host of life-skills.
Brown Ledge girls are not bound by a rigid activity schedule. A girl’s participation, and the timing of her participation, in all activities is elective. Senior counselors are available in each activity to teach mornings, afternoons and sometimes evenings. A camper may therefore choose throughout each day what she will do, and by choosing for herself is sure to receive superior instruction. Riding is an exception. Those who wish to ride are given a scheduled class time so that efficient use of horses, and proper grouping of riders by ability, may be accomplished. This system of activity choice has consistently proven itself and remains unchanged during more than
Beetlecat sailing on Malletts Bay, circa 1962
“Guidance of ‘play-life’ by experts in education is one of the most important factors in the development of personality. Therefore, Brown Ledge deliberately chose a wide range of sports or “play” activities to use as a means to an end. They are offered, not merely for the amusement of the campers, but are used as vehicles by which to arrive at health, poise, self-confidence – in a phrase, increased personal power. To this end is offered not just a chance to go in swimming, or to go riding, but an opportunity of learning under expert instruction HOW to swim, HOW to ride and HOW to acquire the various skills that add up to one’s total personal ability.”
From the first Brown Ledge brochure – published 1927
1
Aerial Views of Brown Ledge
row rown w Ledge is a residential camp for ggirls aged 10 to 18 located on Malletts Bay of Lake Champlain in Mall Mal the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Quality instruction, on an elective basis, is offered in 18 activities with emphasis on horsemanship, theatre arts, water and field sports. The 180 campers at Brown Ledge represent all parts of the United States, Canada, Europe and other areas of the world. The combination of fields, woods and fifteen hundred feet of frontage on Malletts Bay creates an outstanding camp environment. All activities have the necessary facilities to offer a quality instructional program in an atmosphere of safety and privacy. The cabins, nearly every one of which looks out over the water, and the main buildings are hidden among the trees. Mount Mansfield and surrounding peaks provide a beautiful backdrop to the east.
2
Brown Ledge is fortunate in being only eight miles north of Burlington, Vermont’s largest city. The state’s finest hospitals, the University of Vermont Medical School, and an abundance of physicians in all specialties are within a 15 minute drive of the camp. Burlington also provides an unusually fine assortment of restaurants and shops. It is easily accessible via Interstate 89 and features an excellent airport connecting to major cities across the United States. Numerous daily flights, on a number of major carriers, place Boston and New York approximately an hour from Brown Ledge.
The Brown Ledge Program Unique and Flexible Plan of Activity U Participation Par r – Brown Ledge believes in d developing in each camper the ability to make her own choices. Since the camp’s inception in 1926, each camper has had the opportunity to decide her own program. The unusual equipment and number of qualified counselors allow Brown Ledge to keep its 18 activities in full operation both mornings and afternoons. This affords each camper choice and direction. Three levels of achievement within each activity help give a feeling of accomplishment and success, regardless of a girl’s level of skill. Because the emphasis is on individual growth, the atmosphere at Brown Ledge is cooperative and supportive, rather than competitive. (Please see page 40 for a detailed discussion.)
teaching expertise, as well as for their friendliness and maturity. Each department is given much autonomy thereby generating enthusiasm within all activities. A good proportion of staff members have remained at Brown Ledge over a period of years, thus providing necessary continuity. Exceptional Facilities and Equipment – Brown ledge is known as one of the most complete camps. It excels in the equipment and facilities required by its wide and varied activity program. In part it provides approximately 38 school and show horses, riding arenas, fine stabling, clay tennis courts, archery range with large selection of equipment, rifle range, arts &
An Enthusiastic and Limited Enrollment – Brown Ledge enrolls approximately 180 girls age 10 to 18 in each session. Representing a variety of personalities, skills, and backgrounds, these campers hail from all over the United States and various countries around the world. The common denominator is enthusiasm and spirit. Brown Ledge feels fortunate in holding the interest of those in their late teens as well as pre-teens. The limited enrollment and the manner, in which, the activity program, living arrangements, and dining room seating are arranged, create a closely-knit group. Choice of Camping Session – Brown Ledge operates on an eight-week season from late June to late August. Approximately 90 campers attend for the full eight weeks, with approximately an additional 90 in attendance for both the first and second four week halves. This provides an optimal balance of continuity and flexibility for all campers. A Superior Group of Highly Qualified Adult Counselors – Brown Ledge employs a co-ed counseling staff numbering approximately 80, with a minimum age of 19 and an average age in the midtwenties. The 20 percent or so, who hail from around the world, give Brown Ledge an international flavor. All counselors are selected for their performance skills and
crafts workshop, sailing fleet, windsurfing equipment, ski and motor boats, skis, wakeboards, canoes, kayaks (touring and play boats) and a complete theatre with arena and proscenium stage seating over 250 people. An All-Inclusive Tuition – All activities at Brown Ledge are covered under one tuition fee. There are no extra charges for riding, waterskiing, laundry, etc. Therefore, the cost of the season may be accurately determined at the onset. (Please see page 39 for details.)
3
4
Horsemanship ou won’t find many “push button” horses at Brown Ledge. That’s because we firmly b believe in order to ride you have to do much more than just sit there. From its beginning mo m over ovee 80 years ago, Brown Ledge set for itself the task of really teaching horsemanship, refusing to be satisfied with the ordinary policy of providing merely an opportunity to ride. It is for this reason that the stable’s string of approximately 32 horses includes both the safe type for beginners, and the challenging type of mount that requires the best efforts of more experienced riders. It is for this reason, too, that horsemanship instructors, during all this time, have been men and women skilled in teaching: thoroughgoing, avid advocates of the science and art of horsemanship. Those who look to Brown Ledge for leadership in riding may expect to have a high standard of horsemanship maintained.
environment. More advanced students may also learn how to set-up and run such shows and events. Twice during each summer the junior counselors in riding conduct a series of try-outs to select members for the famous Brown Ledge Mounted Drill. This
Since Brown Ledge girls ride each weekday of the camp season, they are bound to show more progress than in a year of casual or “one lesson a week” kind of riding. Brown Ledge girls make progress that is genuine and measurable. On the first day of the camp season every girl is given a brief, screening test to determine her relative ability. If she is a beginner, with no experience, she is placed in a beginners’ class, regardless of age, without a screening test. If she has ridden before, but has had no instruction worthy of note, she will find herself in the next highest group, and so on – up to the classes containing the most experienced campers. From then on each class is given instruction daily, Monday through Friday. The progress of each rider is followed and discussed by the riding staff. Periodically new class groupings are made to allow for changes in skill. Thus a girl who makes unusually rapid progress may move up quickly. Importantly, all riding classes are strictly limited in size. A series of inter-camp horse shows and a full in-camp horseshow provide the opportunity each summer for Brown Ledge riders to demonstrate newly acquired skills and gain experience riding in a competitive
marvelously coordinated horse drill, designed and led by campers or junior counselors, is performed without command and to music, with the riders in uniform (furnished). Parents may see it each year at our own horseshow. Every girl who has ever seen the drill perform would give almost anything to “make the team.” Due to the absence of special riding fees, the camp is able to control the entire policy of this department, thus making riding a solid part of the whole program – not a side issue – nor a special privilege for a chosen few. The camp owns enough of the extensive string of horses and equipment to insure continuity of quality. While we cannot guarantee there will be no changes in our instructional staff nor in the individual horses from year to year, we do guarantee the general quality of our program.
5
Riding: Two Distinct Lines of Interest
here are, in our experience, two very d distinct di lines of interest among girls who ride: those who eagerly absorb all of the instruction they can get; who want to show and event; who hope to someday be owners and trainers. And those, equally important, who think of riding as pure recreation, who want instruction aimed at giving them the skill necessary to enjoy – with safety – the pleasure of being able to handle a horse with confidence. The Brown Ledge horsemanship program answers the aims of both groups. We believe that no girl can learn to ride safely and well without proper riding clothes. Inexpensive breeches or jodhpurs with either full or jodhpur boots are required. Protective headgear must be worn at all times while riding. Our horsemanship staff decides when a girl is ready for jumping class.
6
Instruction in Stable Management
n addition to quality instruction for rri riders, Brown Ledge offers a solidly base course in Stable Management. based It is our belief that riders of all levels should have the opportunity to learn all aspects of caring for, and handling, horses – not just the actual riding portion. From the beginner level, Brown Ledge girls learn how to groom, tack, feed and water the horses. Intermediate and vanguard training includes lectures on confirmation, recognition of diseases, basic cures and when to call the vet, how and when to use various kinds of tack, the differences involved in conditioning for shows and events – in short, all the things a good rider needs to know.
7
8
The Waterfront ro rown o Ledge is fortunate in having a location so o conducive to the demands of a complete wate wat waterfront program. Situated on a point of land in Malletts Bay, the largest bay of Lake Champlain, Brown Ledge has an excellent instructional location for all water sports in terms of both performance and safety. Sailing, windsurfing, swimming, diving, waterskiing, aquaplaning, wakeboarding, kayaking and canoeing operate simultaneously within sight of the waterfront director. The open bay offers appropriate wind and area to the sailor, while our cove and island provide necessary protection for the other activities. A large “U-shaped” structure (pictured on page 2) is the swimming dock. Flanking it are the sailing and canoeing/ kayaking docks. Bounding the swimming area are the diving and skiing floats. The entire area is protected by a series of islands to the north and a peninsula to the west. THE WATERFRONT STAFF The waterfront site at Brown Ledge is enhanced by its quality equipment and well-trained staff. Each activity is provided with a depth of appropriate, well-maintained equipment including in part a diving tower, diving board, canoes, kayaks, a series of sailboats, windsurfing equipment, a ski boat, a sea skiff, wakeboards, trick and slalom skis.
continuity of experience assures the attention to detail required of such a program. In addition to daily waterfront activities, Brown Ledge offers Red Cross courses in basic rescue and lifeguard training, a variety of overnight trips, swim
and sailing teams, and an Aquacade/Ski show. No girl may participate in any of these activities until she has passed our water safety test. The swim test or “crib test” as it is known around camp is a simple, straight forward basic check of swimming skills. A camper needs to show basic comfort, and a minimum amount of strength, in the water. If a camper is unable to pass her crib test, the swim staff will work with the camper closely to have her succeed.
The key to the waterfront, however, is the staff. All are hired for their training, performance and teaching skills in water related activities. We are very fortunate to have a number of staff each summer who have years of Brown Ledge experience. This
9
SSailing/Windsurfing ailing/WindsSailing urfing
ailing – an art, a science, and p pure fun. Whether you’re skipper or crew, your skills are in immediate demand. deman At Brown Ledge it is always dema possible to “just go for a sail”, but for those who are – or wish to be – sailors, there is rigorous instruction available. You can learn to rig your own boat, plot your own course, respond to all weather, and race in regattas. We are fortunate to be on Malletts Bay which is about a mile and a half in diameter and provides an excellent location for racing and recreational sailing. Most of our sailing therefore is done within sight of our sailing dock. The Brown Ledge fleet includes race-equipped Vanguard Flying Juniors, Hobie Cats, a J-22, two Lasers with full and radial rigs, and a variety of windsurfing equipment for the beginner or advanced windsurfer. Before doing any sailing with us, you must pass our safety swimming test. Our boats are equipped with Coast Guard approved and required equipment. One of our own power boats is at hand for patrol purposes. With this kind of set-up plus a full-time teaching staff of dedicated sailors, Brown Ledge offers an excellent teaching venue.
10
Swimming he key to all waterfront aactivity is swimming. It is an ac t activity enjoyed by almost all at Bro Brown Ledge. Whether you are interested in swimming as recreation, or have a desire for competition, the swimming staff is there to assist. As in all activities, the three levels of competency in swimming – basic, intermediate and vanguard – are designed as a fun yet challenging way of progressing from beginner to accomplished swimmer. Instruction is available on all types of strokes, form, racing training and techniques, as well as in synchronized swimming. The camp swim team, which competes against area camps and clubs, provides an outlet for those interested in competition. Our annual Aquacade and Red Cross courses in Lifeguard Training add much to daily instruction. The Aquacade-Ski show is the waterfront’s big show during final events in August. All of the waterfront departments showcase the talents that campers have developed over the summer. It’s hard to describe Aquacade – one must see it to fully appreciate the performances.
11
Diving iving is taught as a separate and specific s activity under the direction of two t well qualified diving instructors. It is i an activity which truly provides a feeling of confidence and accomplishment.
Using dock, two high towers and spring board, divers may receive instruction in all facets of diving, including a wide variety of dives, concentration, form and safety. Those wishing to pursue the sport in greater depth may learn how to organize competitions and teach others.
Diving off the high dive, 1950s
12
Canoeing/Kayaking lthough our bent is not white water or eendurance canoeing, campers get solid insst instruction in strokes, nomenclature, care and repair i of equipment, small boat safety, and the pure pleasure of canoeing. Half-day canoe trips are frequently taken on Malletts Bay for enjoyment and practice of newly learned skills. Similarly, overnight trips add an enjoyable dimension.
In recent years, kayaks have been added enthusiastically to our canoeing department. After a girl earns her canoeing basic, she is able to learn how to kayak in both touring and play boats. While most of our kayaking is focused on at water, girls who wish to experience white water kayaking have a number of opportunities to take trips to nearby rapids during the summer. Girls learn all of the necessary safety skills before being allowed to go on the whitewater kayaking trips.
13
Waterskiing/Wakeboarding
aterskiing and wakeboarding are two of the most eagerly learned sports at mo mos Brown Ledge. The thrill of first “getting up” is something never forgotten. Once up, the desire to master the next step seems always present. Brown Ledge offers the necessary equipment and instruction for those wishing to progress from beginner to trick and slalom skiing. In addition to on-ski instruction, lectures are given on such topics as history, form, technique, and competition. Our annual Ski Show provides an opportunity to demonstrate newly acquired skills. Above all, our insistence on the everyday use of skiing safety practices is rigorous and consistent.
14
Trips
hroughout the summer, ccampers may go on sailing, can canoeing, and whitewater kayaking overnights to various parts of Lake Champlain and neighboring rivers. We also have overnight hikes to Mount MansďŹ eld, the highest of the Green Mountains.
15
16
Theatre Arts
ne of the strongest and most n po popular departments at Brown Ledge is Theatre Arts. Three one-act plays are cast at the beginning of almost every week and produced that Saturday night. The excitement is high as all in camp eagerly look forward to attending each performance. In addition to one-acts, the eight week season features a wellknown three-act play at the end of ďŹ rst session, a Brown Ledge Stock Company performance, and a musical the last week of camp.
17
The Brown Ledge Players
ach week the BROWN LEDGE PLAYERS achieve a degree of finesse and realism raa rarely found in camp dramatics. Brown Ledge offers a theatre facility seating over 250, complete with proscenium stage and arena. It is equipped with a make-up room, a wide assortment of props, a complete lighting booth and a well inventoried costume shop. Brown Ledge recognizes that all involved in producing a play “actors and those
18
off-stage” play important roles. Every girl in camp is welcome to try out for a variety of roles each week. As interest is so high, acting parts cannot be guaranteed, yet there is a place for all interested campers each week. Campers may participate in acting classes and in stage managing, lighting, directing, costuming, and set construction, of plays. It is our belief that live theatre is a vital art demanding commitment from both sides of the curtain.
Theatre—A Total Approach
he theatre arts senior sstaff typically includes thrre or four directors, a three chore choreographer, a technical director and a musical director. All continue their theatre interest, often professionally, year-round. They demand and get good theatre. The staff views play production as a team effort, and encourages campers to learn all aspects of theatre. Classes are held on a wide-range of topics. Here campers may learn acting techniques as well as how to design and construct sets, create lighting and sound effects, run props, costume, stage and house manage, etc. Each week’s productions provide practical applications for these skills. The Brown Ledge Theatre is a teaching and Summer Theatre in every respect.
19
20
Arts & Crafts rts & Crafts is a busy place f for fo all ages, rain or shine. Insttr Instruction is oered by two or three h ffull-time senior counselors in a wide variety of skill areas from drawing and painting to pottery, puppeteering, and tie-dying. Campers have the opportunity to work with, and learn, a variety of media. Only raw materials, not kits, are used. Most instruction is on an individual basis allowing girls to accomplish at their own rate. Twice a summer, campers’ works are displayed in the Brown Ledge Art Gallery.
21
Archery
eegardless of skill level, archery is a po popular activity with all ages. Man M an girls have found an important Many place for themselves here. The concentration and focus needed on the range, in all spects of the sport, often creates a calm spot for campers. Solid instruction and a well equipped range allow rapid progress from beginner to advanced archer. Above all, safety considerations are stressed. For those with a competitive bent, the archery team successfully competes against other Vermont camps throughout the summer.
22
Riflery
s with archery, interest in rriflery is found among campers off all a ages and skill levels at Brown Ledge. L d Competent instruction and a safe, well equipped range provide campers with the necessary ingredients to enjoy a sport based on concentration. Instruction is provided on all details of proper shooting whether it be prone, kneeling or standing. As with other field sports, the riflery team competes successfully against area camps.
23
Tennis
nterest in tennis runs high at Brown LLedge. The five clay courts and practice baac backboard are in constant use each season. The five Th fi full-time senior instructors are available to work with players of all levels. On court instruction is provided six days each week, mostly on an individual basis. Courts are free evenings and Sundays for campers to apply newly obtained skills.
24
In addition to working on skill development, the staff offers lectures on strategy, conditioning, and technique. Here campers may learn all facets of tennis. The Brown Ledge Tennis Team competes against area clubs and camps. Team members receive special instruction on the competitive aspects of play.
Teams e eam play adds much to tthe h enthusiasm and spirit of Bro o Brown Ledge. Each month teams in riding, swimming, sailing, tennis, riery, archery and soccer are formed. These teams compete against other camps and clubs in Vermont, thus oering an enjoyable way to test and improve skills. All campers are welcome to try out and share the excitement.
25
26
Cabins rown Ledge girls live in attractively designed log-type cabins, each housing four or five llo ca m campers. The cabin belongs belon b l to the girls to take care of, to decorate, to entertain their friends in, to enjoy. A mature counselor is responsible for each cabin. She lives close enough to provide adequate supervision. This gives campers the much needed and appreciated privacy upon which to build a genuine sense of responsibility. This senior counselor suggests ways of managing the important business of getting along together and listens to confidences. She visits each night at bedtime and truly
gets to know each camper well. In addition, each cabin is assigned a Junior Counselor, who is approximately 16 or 17 years old. She visits during rest hour, and provides the campers support, encouragement and advice. The camper – junior counselor relationship is very special.
Camper Cabin, circa 1930
Girls who require hotel accommodations will not care for Brown Ledge. The cabins are in no way elaborate. Each has electric lights, is equipped with the essentials for restful sleep and cleanliness, and is screened. There is a main bath house containing showers with plenty of warm water, wash basins, and modern flush toilets.
27
28
Fun and Accomplishment
rown ro ow Ledge holds foremost fun n and a lasting sense of accomplishment. We believe the acco two must go together, for neither will last long alone. To achieve this, Brown Ledge provides the necessary tools – proper equipment, appropriate facilities, and above all quality instruction. But it is the trust and responsibility which Brown Ledge oers each camper that makes the link between fun and accomplishment indelible, while creating a relaxed and friendly yet active atmosphere.
29
Candids
30
31
Candids
32
33
Candids
34 34
35
Junior Counselors
rown Ledge is proud of the appeal it holds for older girls. Each year approximately 30-35 girls enroll in the ap two year junior counselor leadership training program. These girls pay full tuition, have graduated from the tenth grade, and are a minimum of 15 ½ years old. The JC program is a vital part of Brown Ledge. It combines increased responsibility around camp, weekly classroom meetings, and teaching practice two hours a day, with the traditional camping program. Through this JCs become an important link between senior sta and campers. They willingly carry on many of the traditions and generate much of the spirit within camp.
36 36
Senior Counselors
O
ne of the major assets of Brown Ledge is its senior staff. As with the campers, they represent a variety of skills, personalities and backgrounds. A group of approximately 80, they range in age from 19 to 70+ with an average in the mid-twenties. Many have been at Brown Ledge for a number of years, and are likely to continue. All are hired for their expertise in a specific area of instruction, as well as their enthusiasm and friendliness. The philosophy of Brown Ledge, centering on the individual, applies to staff as well as campers. Activity heads and their staffs are given much autonomy and responsibility in the running of their departments. We have found that this provides an unusually high standard of individual achievement.
37
The Directors
OLLOWING THE PATTERN W William and Katharine Neilsen, called Bill and Kathy by all at camp, have been h full-time, f l the year-round directors of Brown Ledge since 1983. They share a long association with, and enthusiastic commitment, to Brown Ledge. Bill was, for a number of summers, the trip boat pilot and ski boat driver. He graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Business Administration. Bill previously worked as an Advance Program Planner and Contract Administrator for General Electric. He was, prior to employment at GE, a Project Supervisor for a development corporation. Kathy was a Brown Ledge camper, junior counselor
38 38
and then counselor, working as head of waterskiing during the early to mid-1970s. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of EducationCounseling from the University of Vermont. For the past thirty years she has been a school counselor working with students ages 5 to 18 in Vermont and New Mexico. Bill and Kathy have two children, Emily and Benjamin, who grew up at Brown Ledge. Emily was a camper, junior counselor and senior counselor. She holds a BA in Religion and an MA in American Cultural Studies. Now she teaches at a private boarding school in Massachusetts. Ben is a senior in college majoring in psychology with a minor in philosophy. In addition to his time at Brown Ledge, Ben was a camper and counselor at a Vermont boys camp.
Information For Parents
UTION AND CAMP CALENDAR B Brown Ledge has one all-inclusive rate. With Wit th the exception of spending money, there are no extra charges. To be specific: there is no extra charge for any phase of the riding program; no charge for waterskiing; all laundry is paid for by the camp; and there is no fee for transportation to and from doctors’ and dentists’ offices, as well as, the bus station and Burlington Airport. We venture to suggest sixty dollars per month for spending money, but leave the matter to parents’ discretion. Camp opens the later part of June and continues for eight weeks. Campers have choice of the full eight week season, or either four week half. Specific details on tuition rates and session dates are discussed on an accompanying sheet.
CLOTHING – Brown Ledge has no uniform. Campers generally wear typical summer clothing of their choice. To help with packing, campers are sent a list of suggested items prior to camp. For those who ride, appropriate riding pants, boots and a safety helmet are required. Drill team members are loaned drill coats and stock ties for their performances. DUTIES – Campers make their own beds and keep their cabins clean. The incentive for good work is the daily inspection. Ratings are kept, and awards given each week for the neatest cabin. Campers take turns waiting on tables. All kitchen work is done by our employed kitchen staff. FOOD – Meals at Brown Ledge are served family style, in generous portions. Experienced food service personnel plan all menus with an eye toward balanced meals and appetizing fare. Fresh fruits, vegetables and quality ingredients are utilized in meal preparation. Meals are designed to provide some choice and to meet a variety of preferences and needs. HEALTH – Two RNs or paramedics, who are in frequent touch with local physicians, are in charge of the health center. They have daily “office hours” at which time any girl who does not feel well may see her. In addition to office hours, a nurse is on call at all times. Burlington, a fifteen minute drive from camp, is home to the University of Vermont Medical School and its excellent affiliated hospital, which offers specialists in all disciplines and a Level I Trauma Center. PARENTS’ VISITS – Brown Ledge welcomes parents’ visits at any time during the camp season. There is no specific visiting day. We do request that such visits do not begin until campers have been in camp for at least ten days and are not at a frequency that erodes a camper’s sense of independence.
39
The Brown Ledge Program
REEDOM OF CHOICE AND HOW IT WORKS A Thiss page is intended to give a more Thi complete l understanding of our philosophy, which since its inception more than eighty years ago, has remained unique and unchanged. Its basic tenet, freedom of choice, permits a program which is challenging, educational and fun, yet flexible. We are often asked, “Do campers, given freedom of choice, successfully take the responsibility for all-around participation and good behavior?” The answer is yes. The Th habit haabi bitt of ““doing” doin ng” g and of achieving skills is a hallmark hallm mark of Br Brow Brown own ow n Le Ledge. Our program is designed specially speeciallyy forr th tthee fu fullest kind of goal not merely provide participation. Its goa al iss no ot me m rely ly tto o pr p ovide an opportunity for campers camp perss to elect eleect activities, act ctivities, but but also to cre create reat re atee an environment at env nvir iron ir onme on meent nt in in which whic wh ich ic h campers camp ca mper mp e s are are excite excited ed to pursue their h inte interests ere r sts and d ffeel eell confid confident fident in tryingg n ew things. new Creation on n of such ch h an an en environment nviiro ronm nmen nm nt re requires equ quir i es aattention ir t en tt entiion o to all com mponentts of o the h camp program. In add dition components addition to providi diing talented staff, popular activities and providing quality facili liliti liti ties aand ties nd d eequipment, quiip qu ipmeentt, we find ipme find it it im impo port po rtan rt antt an facilities important to establish an atmosphere off trust tru usst and u d fun. fun. We offer offe ff r campers a degree of autonomyy while while hile allowing hi alllowingg them to develop a sense of ownership in in camp. cam a p. p. Within With Wi thin this th framework, campers willingly accept acccep pt responsibility reesp spon onsi on sibi si bilililtyy bi for achievement and their own behavior. behaavi v or. orr. Byy focusing focu usi sing ng on the positive, campers respond positively. posit itivel it ely. el y Translating this into daily practice means that tha hat each ha eaach c of open the eighteen activities with its own instructors, is is ope pen pe en for instructional purposes throughout each morni ning ni n morning and afternoon, Monday through Saturday. (Sundays offer a somewhat abbreviated schedule.) schedule ) Campers may attend activities when they wish and stay as long as they wish. The riding portion of horsemanship is an exception. Campers are assigned to a scheduled class with girls of similar ability, which meet at the same time Monday through Friday. Perhaps a girl wishes to ride and is placed in a ten o’clock class.
40 40
On her way to riding she may stop off at the archery range. After her ride she may decide to take a lesson in the craft shop or at tennis before going to the waterfront. The point is, that whatever she may feel like doing, she knows there will always be someone there to instruct and assist her – and she will absorb that instruction because she is there of her own volition, in the mood to learn. We have found that girls of camp age are pretty se ens n ible people people and seem to sort themselves out, sensible to their to the heir ir oown wn adv d an nta tage gee, in iinto to small workable groups. advantage, We see the girls att tten tt tendi en ndi d ng activ ivvities with a variety of attending activities friends, and enc cou ura ragi g ng ea ach other. Should a wait encouraging each deve de velo ve lo op for a particular particcular activity, activvityy, y, girls generally return develop later, and and n avail ava vail themselves the h ms mselves of of an an alternate activity in th he m ean an ttime. ime. The Ther re aare re th hreee levels of achievement the mean There three sett fo se fort rth rt h in eeach ach ac h of tthe he aactivities: cttiv ctiv ivitie i s: b ie asic as ic, in ic inte term te rmed rm e iate forth basic, intermediate and vanguard. The requirements of each lev eveel are ev level post ted e ccentrally entr en trally and aare tr re available at the ac cti tivities. posted activities. These se levels levvel e s provide p ov pr ovid de some so ome direction, dirreccti tio on, yet are arre not a ri igiid structure. sttruct ctur ure. ur e. Thr Throu ou ugh them, the hem m, girls gir irls l gain focus fo ocus on rigid Through ac chi hievem hie mentt in in a non-competitive non-ccom omp mpetiti tiive manner.r. achievement Brow Br own ow n Le Ledg dgee do dg does es n ot undertake und nder der erta takke ta ke to to be be all things Brown Ledge not to all peopl p e, nor nor does does it expect to supply instant, people, magic so olu lutions to to tthe he variety of difficulties one solutions encou unte ters rs iin n th he pr rocess of growing up. The Brown encounters the process Ledg Le dgee ph dg p ililos osop os op phy, we we feel, does offer nearly unlimited Ledge philosophy, op ppo p rttun uniityy for fo self-discovery fo self-discovery and self realization. opportunity “Fre “F reed re edom ed om of om of Choice” then is not a matter of “Freedom undi isscciplliined “do as you please” actions. It is rather undisciplined experience an n exp xxp perience in democratic living, under optimal co ond n itions, where freedom and responsibility are conditions, carefully linked and guided. It is truly wonderful to watch the enthusiasm that goes with the feeling of freedom. Outside observers have remarked on the exceptionally high morale and spontaneity that characterizes Brown Ledge.
History and Continuity r rown Ledge was established in 1926 by Harry aand Marjorie Brown. The Browns, who had be ee Head Counselors at another Vermont been camp, cam felt girls of camper age had the ability to choose for themselves, to a large degree, that which would provide the most rewarding and beneficial program. This philosophy has remained unique and unchanged since its inception. Directorship of Brown Ledge was handed over to the Brown’s daughter, Barbara Winslow, in the early 1960s. The patterns and quality established in Brown Ledge’s first thirty years were carried forth and expanded by Barbara. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Barbara recognized the need to institute a mechanism for the perpetuation of Brown Ledge. With her encouragement, a group of then current and former staff members founded BL Perpetuators, Inc., for the express purpose of purchasing and continuing operation of camp. In 1997, Brown Ledge became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation named the Brown Ledge Foundation, Inc., The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Directors. Importantly, the Brown Ledge program continues to operate just as it has for more than 80 years.
Barbara Brown Winslow and Marjorie P. Brown
Harry E. Brown
Camper Cabin 1950s
Famous for Instruction in Horsemanship, Theatre, Water & Field Sports