Vacation Camps, School Holidays, Parent Conferences & Staff Inservice Days 2026-2027
The St. Albans Recreation Department's Vacation Camp provides a full day of adventure, creativity, and active play during school holiday breaks, parent conference days, staff in-service days, and other scheduled school closures throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
Our Vacation Camp is open to children in Kindergarten through 6th Grade and runs 7:30 AM–4:30 PM. Each day is packed with exciting activities designed to keep campers engaged, active, and making memories. Campers can look forward to sports and games, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, nature exploration, and daily swimming at the Hard'ack Pool.
We are an outdoor-focused program and spend as much time outside as possible, so campers should come prepared for any weather conditions. Whether it's sunshine, chilly temperatures, or a light drizzle, we believe outdoor play is an important part of every camp day. In the event of severe weather, we'll move the fun indoors using our many community spaces, including the Greg Brown Lodge, Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center, City Hall Auditorium, and the Welden Theatre.
Our experienced and enthusiastic counselors are what truly make Vacation Camp special. They are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and positive environment where every child can build confidence, make new friends, and have fun while school is out.
What to Pack - Please send your camper with everything they need for a full day of fun and adventure:
- Lunch
- Multiple snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Jacket
- Rain gear
- Boots (when appropriate)
- Hat and gloves (during colder months)
- Extra layers of clothing
Layers are always recommended, as Vermont weather can change throughout the day. Being prepared helps ensure your camper stays comfortable and ready for every activity we have planned!
Families may also qualify for financial assistance from the Chauncey B Warner Fund. The Warner Home provides scholarship and grant awards to residents of Franklin County, age 21 and under (who meet their financial guidelines), for education, summer camp, and extracurricular activities. The campership funds can be applied to day camps, vacation camps, sport camps etc. Fill out the application, send it into Warner Home at the address listed. You will receive an award letter back if your child qualifies for a scholarship. Please bring that award letter into the Recreation Office so we can sign your child up. We CANNOT sign your child up without the physical award letter
Vacation Camp drop off and pick up is at the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack.
*Drop Off-At or after 7:30am
*Pick Up-At or before 4:30pm
General Camp Rules
- Please label all items that come to camp so they can be returned to you if left behind.
- No peanut and tree nut products are allowed. Camp is “Nut Free”
- Send (and label) a swimsuit and towel for your camper.
- No toys or personal collections should be brought to camp. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. THIS INCLUDES POKEMON CARDS AND SQUISHIES!!
- No swearing or inappropriate language is allowed.
- No fighting, bullying, or disrespectful behavior.
- Respectful behavior toward oneself, each other, the staff, and all facilities are expected at all times.
- Hydration is very important so please provide a water bottle with your child’s name on it.
- No electronics including games, iPods, etc.
- No cell phone use allowed. Campers are allowed to have a cell phone – it stays in their backpack – they cannot make calls/text unless they ask permission and are supervised by camp staff.
- We’re pretty active! Make sure your camper is wearing proper/sturdy footwear for lots of outdoor play, hiking, and running. Sneakers are best. Sandals are not a good choice for running but are a great additional pair to have in your bag for the end of the day at the pool!
Important Camp Notes
- Day Camp is TREE NUT FREE - Please be sure your campers snacks & lunches are PEANUT & TREE NUT FREE.
- We're very active and outdoors most of the time. Scrapes and bumps are bound to happen. We do not call parents during the day for a routine bump or scrape. We apply ice, bandage, and some affection :) (as indicated) and inform parents at the time of pick up. If there is an injury beyond that or the camper becomes ill during the day, we immediately contact parents/guardian at the phone number the family has given us. Please be sure your day time number is up to date.
- Campers are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior toward staff, fellow campers and camp materials. Participation in all scheduled activities and adherence to safety protocols is required. Disruptive, harmful or disrespectful behavior - including repeated failure to follow instructions - will not be tolerated. Failure to follow these expectations may result in removal from the program.
- Need to reach camp? During camp hours call 802-393-0331. Otherwise contact the Rec office at 524-1559 or 524-1971