Eagles
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Camp Hours
Please note, times are different for Peeps, Overnight and Winter Vacation camps.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRIDAY
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
AFTER-CAMP*
After-Camp extends the camp day to 5:30 PM for additional fee.
*Not available all weeks or at all locations.
Registration opens January 21, 2026 at 6:30 AM
2026 Dates and Rates will be available in December
Get ready for camp registration!
Log in to our registration portal now to ensure your household information is up-to-date.
If you are new to VINS Nature Camp, email us at camps@vinsweb.org so we can send you an account activation link. Please allow one business day for a response. Note: Once registration is open, new users will be able to make an account without emailing for account activation.
Early Registration for VINS Members
January 14, 2026 - Registration Opens to VINS Members for 2026 Summer Camp season
Memberships must be purchased or renewed by January 12, 2026, to get early access to registration.
EAGLES
Children Entering Grades 6-8
VINS Nature Camp is ready to go the distance with your camper. Whether your child is an avian enthusiast, survivalist in the making, or aspiring archer, we are excited to share an unforgettable summer with them.
Our day and overnight camp programs for Eagles offer the unique and specialized experiences that their inquisitive minds seek. VINS Nature Camp creates opportunities for in-depth investigations, hands-on learning, as well as challenge-by-choice and teambuilding scenarios that can lead to tremendous personal growth and lasting friendships. Your camper will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
For a unique overnight experience, join VINS Nature Camps at Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve. Camps range from a single overnight trip to a week-long adventure in the wilderness. Make this summer a truly special one.
2026 Camp Prices:
Rates will be available in December.
EAGLES Camp Hours:
All VINS Nature Camp's EAGLES camps run from 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday through Thursday and 9 AM - 3:30 PM on Friday unless otherwise specified.
After-Camp:
VINS Nature Camp offers After-Camp care for sessions held at the VINS Nature Center and Storrs Pond Recreation Area locations. This program is an extension of the camp day – campers must be registered on a weekly basis.
Details
- Available for Fledglings, Falcons and Eagles camps
- After-Camp hours are from the end of the camp day until 5:30 PM
- Rate is $75 per camper per week unless otherwise specified
- Not available all weeks at all camp locations
VINS Member Discounts*:
Two-Person, Four-Person and Six-Person Membership levels receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Use code MEM10 at checkout.
Supporter, Sustainer and Patron Membership levels receive a 15% discount on camp tuition. Use code MEM15 at checkout.
Memberships must be current to be eligible for these discounts. Questions about your membership? Log in to your membership profile to check your membership level, status, and expiration date, or email members@vinsweb.org.
*Please note: Individual Membership level not eligible for discounts on camp tuition. See member benefits summary for more information.
EAGLES CAMP DESCRIPTIONS
Dates and Rates will be available in December
EAGLES Day Camps at VINS Nature Center
Advanced Science of Amazing Raptors
Advanced SOAR Camp gives campers the opportunity to delve deep into the world of raptors. Campers will work with professional trainers, wildlife keepers, and specialized educators to learn about avian anatomy, current raptor research, and the inner workings of VINS’ Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation. With diversified interactions and up-close raptor encounters, including an opportunity to handle trained falconry birds from New England Falconry, campers will be on the road to becoming wildlife rehabilitators, environmental educators, or VINS volunteers.
Conservation Crew in the Field
What does it take to manage a forest, protect a species, or conserve a watershed? Find out by working hand in hand with professionals in this weeklong deep dive into the field of environmental conservation. Partner with land managers, field researchers, environmental scientists, and conservationists to practice the real-life skills needed to collect and analyze data and implement solutions to promote positive outcomes for plants, wildlife, and their habitats. As we explore the natural systems of our local landscape, campers will go into the field with VINS’ research team to monitor American kestrels, promote forest diversity through tree planting, and even study the health of the Ottauquechee River itself. Join VINS this summer to get involved in the conservation of our region’s unique and beautiful ecosystems.
Eagles On Target
This camp is dedicated to learning the art of archery. Learning to safely use a bow and arrow is a great way for campers to enjoy an active hobby outdoors. Our USA Archery-trained instructors will teach proper shooting form and introduce this activity in a safe and comfortable environment. Each day, campers will participate in a session on shooting technique as well as other activities, including themed crafts, hikes, additional practice on the range, and even equipment maintenance. Campers will also enjoy archery games and a mini-tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
Keepers of the Animals
Join VINS for a truly unique camp experience that gets campers involved in animal care and wildlife keeping. This camp will examine the difference between wild and domestic animals and will delve into the management and husbandry of each. Campers will be immersed in the animal care life as they go behind the scenes to help wildlife keepers care for the resident animals at the VINS Nature Center, spend a day at a working farm tackling daily barnyard tasks, and visit a local animal shelter to complete a group service project. Get ready to work hard, get dirty, and have fun while learning what it takes to care for animals of all kinds, whether they be from the wild, on the farm, or in our own homes.
Sport of Kings
Open to Falcons and Eagles (Grades 4 - 8)
History will come alive in this exciting, one-of-a-kind camp from VINS. Travel back in time and learn about two ancient sporting traditions: falconry, the practice of hunting alongside a trained raptor, and archery. Go behind the scenes with our raptor handlers for an experience few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Then, test your concentration and aim with a bow and arrow on the VINS Nature Camp archery range and see if you can hit the bullseye. Sport of Kings blends two of VINS Nature Camp's most popular programs into this highly specialized camp.
EAGLES Overnight Camps at Old Pepper Place
Field Expedition (Weeklong overnight camp)
Ready for a one-of-a-kind camp experience? Want to participate in real-world research and help birds at the same time? VINS’ Field Expedition camp offers an opportunity for campers to engage in a week of field-based, collaborative learning while making their home in the wilderness. Working in the woods of VINS’ Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, participants will become familiar with forest habitats and the native birds of Vermont that rely on them. Campers will learn and practice hands-on research methods with expert instruction provided by VINS’ Center for Field Research and work together to present their findings at the end of the week to an audience of VINS staff and camper families. This beautiful and remote camp location is the perfect setting for this field-based camp. Sleep out under the stars, sit with friends around the campfire, contribute to bird conservation, and join VINS for an amazing adventure this summer.
Note: This is a weeklong overnight camp running Monday through Friday.
Survival Adventures II (Weeklong overnight camp)
So you think you’d survive on your own in the woods? Come find out. Survival Adventures II is designed for young campers who are looking for a true adventure challenge. With daily survival scenarios and lessons in backcountry living skills, this week-long overnight camp will give campers the opportunity to put their wilderness skills to the test. This beautiful and remote location is the perfect setting for a wilderness camp. Surviving in the backcountry requires a lot of hard work, fun, and being open to new experiences, and there will be plenty of that in store during this week-long adventure. Sleep out under the stars, sit with friends around the campfire, become a fire-building master, and make your home in the wilderness. This is an overnight experience campers will never forget.
Note: This is a weeklong overnight camp running Monday through Friday.