Animal Groups 

Camp Downer’s animal groups are who campers eat most meals with and participate in most Evening Activities with. Animal groups are made up of around 18 campers of all ages and genders, two counselors, and sometimes a Staff Aide. There are eight animal groups: Bear, Bobcat, Catamount, Coyote, Dear, Eagle, Owl, and Wolf. During the Two-Week Session, the animal groups compete against each other in the Downer Olympics!

Meals & the Dining Hall

At Camp Downer, meals are a time for community and nourishment. Campers enjoy the majority of their meals with their Animal Group in the Dining Hall. Counselors supervise meal times closely, helping campers enjoy safe and efficient dining experiences. Monday and Wednesday dinners are Cook-Outs with their cabin-mates. Every camper has the opportunity to contribute to the meals in the Dining Hall by taking turns setting up, serving, and cleaning up after a meal, fostering responsibility and teamwork. For campers with dietary restrictions, alternative meals are provided in a separate serving window of the kitchen. We have a lot of experience with accommodating specific diets such as vegetarians, vegans, dairy-free, as well as those of picky eaters. Our dining service is part of an organization that works with public schools that provide meals to schools in the area. Our menu is akin to what you may find at a public school. For example, our dinner and lunch menus include meals such as pizza, pasta, Thanksgiving dinner, tacos, corn dogs, hot dogs, burgers, with the inclusion of fresh vegetables and/or salads at every meal. Our breakfast menu includes meals such as pancakes, waffles, eggs, bagels, etc. In addition, if the main meal does not appeal to a camper, they always have the option of having a peanut butter (or sunbutter) and jelly sandwich during lunches and dinners and they always have the option of cereal during breakfast. If your child has food allergies, the online Medical Form has a section to list all camper allergies, which you will complete during the registration application process. This data will be shared with the food service and healthcare staff. Please note that Camp Downer is not a nut-free environment. 

Programs

At Camp Downer, programs are an exciting part of the daily schedule, offering campers the chance to learn new skills, explore their interests, try something new, and have fun! Each day, campers participate in four hour-long programs led by trained counselors who facilitate safe and engaging activities. On the Sunday of their session, campers learn about all the available programs during the All-Camp Meeting. Campers sign up for their programs with their cabin counselors, selecting a first and second choice for each program period. Campers are encouraged to choose at least one program from each category—Arts, Nature & Aquatics, and Sports—for a well-rounded camp experience. You can learn more about Camp Downer’s Programs Here!

Free Times

There are two Free Times daily. Campers begin Free Time in their animal groups on Animal Hill, where the activities are introduced to the campers. Free Time allows campers a chance to choose activities that interest them separate from their four daily programs. Some of the activities are only available during Free Time and not offered as regular programs, giving campers the opportunity to experience something that they might not have signed up for at the beginning of the week. Campers can choose one activity from a wide variety of options, from sports to arts and crafts to simply relaxing with friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Village Time

There are scheduled periods throughout the camp day when campers spend time in their cabins and villages to regroup and prepare for the next scheduled event. After breakfast, campers head back to their cabins to get ready for the day and tidy up their cabins to work towards winning the coveted “Cabin of the Day” award. When ready for the day and finished cleaning their cabin, campers have a little time to spend in their village playing with friends. Before lunch and dinner each day, campers have 15 to 30 minutes after their activities to spend time in their village and wash up before meals. This time is less structured and up to the camper how they would like to spend their time, whether it be playing a game with friends, reading a book, writing a letter home, or quietly resting in the cabin. 

Rest Hour & Store

Rest Hour is just that, a time for campers to rest in their cabins. It is also a great time for campers to write a letter home, take a power nap, or play a quiet game with their cabinmates. During Rest Hour, camper store is delivered for campers to enjoy. Our camp "store" is something that all campers have access to. Each camper gets two items from our camp store each day. The items consist of things like snacks, candy, stickers, postcards, and drinks. Camper store funds are automatically built into every camper’s tuition.

Evening Activity (EAC) 

This is the favorite part of the day for many campers. Each night features a unique activity that brings the entire camp together for a fun event. Every Tuesday night is the Camp Dance–themes changing weekly! On the last night of camp, a large bonfire is constructed near the pond for a truly unforgettable evening where fond memories are formed that will last a lifetime.

Skits & Songs in the Recreation Hall

The recreation hall, or rec hall, is a lively gathering space where campers enjoy skits, songs, and special evening activities. After every EAC, everyone gathers in the rec hall to watch the staff perform hilarious skits and sing camp songs. Whether cheering on a performance or participating in group activities, the rec hall is a place for shared laughter and memorable camp moments.

Friendship Circle

Everyone gathers in main camp, crosses arms, and forms a circle as the last light of day gives way to night. It is a wonderful way for the whole camp to get together one last time before they go to sleep.

Taps & Flashlight Time

After Friendship Circle, campers head back to their villages, put on their pajamas, brush their teeth, and settle down for the evening. At 9:00 pm, Taps plays across camp signaling that it’s time for lights out. After lights out, campers get 15 to 20 minutes of flashlight time before it’s time to go to sleep.

The Downer Olympics

The Downer Olympics take place during the weekend of the Two-Week Session (Session 3). The eight Animal Groups compete against each other through various events, competitions, and meets in hopes of winning the Downer Cup! It is a competitive and fun-filled weekend for everyone involved!