Brown Ledge is known as the "Different Camp" because of its ability to hold the interest of girls who are as old as 17 or 18, while simultaneously attracting those as young as 10. This difference is based in the camp's activity program and philosophy. For 82 years, Brown Ledge girls have been free to choose throughout each day among 17 activities in horsemanship, theatre arts, water and field sports, and having chosen are offered superior instruction usually on a one-to-one basis. There is no need to sign-up. Each girl may just go to the activity or activities of her choice when she wishes, and stay as long as she wishes. This system has consistently proven itself for over eight decades of continuous operation. We believe its success lies in its ability to effectively teach activity skills while developing a host of life and learning skills in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment.

Brown Ledge is located on Lake Champlain near Burlington, Vermont and looks upon the Green Mountains. Its combination of fields, woods and 1500 feet of frontage on Malletts Bay creates an outstanding camp environment. All activities have the necessary facilities to offer quality instruction in an atmosphere of safety and privacy. The cabins, most of which look 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.

Brown Ledge enrolls 180 campers each season, about half stay for the full 8 week session and half attend for the first 4 weeks and are replaced by a similar group during the second 4 weeks. Campers hail from all over the U.S., as well as from Canada, Europe and various parts of the world. These girls represent a variety of personalities, skills, interests and backgrounds. Brown Ledge employs approximately 80 staff who range in age from 19 to over 70 years of age and create a camper to staff ratio of better than 3 to 1. Like campers, staff hail from a variety of places and represent a range of personalities, interests, skills and backgrounds. Many staff have been at Brown Ledge for an extended time providing much experience and continuity.

Brown Ledge offers a depth of facilities and equipment including, in part, a complete theatre with arena and proscenium stage offering 3 plays per week, an extensive costume shop, 39 horses, arenas, clay tennis courts, archery range, riflery range, arts & crafts shop, ski and motor boats, touring kayaks and play boats, and canoes.

We are often asked about the culture of Brown Ledge. We feel that like many small college campuses it offers a relaxed, community environment in which much activity, achievement and personal growth takes place. The "free choice" activity program and family style meals where campers sit with different campers and staff each week create multi-age, multi-interest and multi-personality friendships. All of this helps campers feel comfortable being who they are, supporting each other, trying new things and risking failure.

Since 1924 welcoming boys and girls for week-long camp in the Vermont woods. Limited group size of 70 campers max, good food, medical coverage, showers, activities including swimming, horseback riding, farming & gardening, games, crafts, campfires, skits, music, etc. Campers who come once usually return, as do their siblings.

From 8:30 to 3:30 your child is immersed in the world of horses. Our Junior Riding Camp makes learning about, working with, and riding horses fun. Our program not only develops riding skills, but also enhances self-confidence, responsibility and horsemanship skills. Each rider learns to feed, groom, and care for his "own" horse safely and enjoys trail rides and lessons every day. Here at MVR we focus on developing a strong connection between horse and child. Most children already come with an innate love and interest in horses. We take that attraction and help them build a confident connection based on trust, respect, empathy and appreciation for the special horse they call their 'own'. By the end of camp, kids have bonded with their mounts and learned a lot more about teamwork and the wonderful world of horses.
Campers spend lots of time in the saddle learning to ride the fun way. Daily riding lessons involve obstacle courses and games such as egg-and-spoon, ride-a-buck, and Simon Says. Ranch philosophy teaches that doing your best, having fun, good sportsmanship and friendship is what riding is all about. Please review the above Riding Lesson description above, as lessons are a big part of camp.
Campers not only enjoy a daily lesson, but a trail ride as well. Every other day they take their horses out on a picnic and have lunch on the trail. There is something very special about being out in the nature on a special horse, surrounded by mountains and fresh air. For some kids, it's a world apart from where they daily live. For everyone, it is a calming and special experience, as they enjoy a beautiful nature ride astride an amazing 4-legged friend! All this riding and bonding lays the groundwork for Horse Show Day.

Horsewise is about teaching that special connection between horse and rider. Small intensives of no more than 10 students each week, and no more than 4 students in the morning lessons- for maximum individual attention, so that you can get the most out of your time riding.

Learn holistic horse care, herbs for nutrition and barn-care, natural formulas and remedies for horses and people. Spend time daily in the organic garden, learning medicinal plants, wildcrafting and healthy nutrition! Create your own horse stories and learn about horses in history, mythology and spiritual aspects of horses.

Spend time playing horse-games in the afternoon, simon-says, musical horses, obstacle courses, yoga on horseback and other Earth- oriented games that promote awareness and compassion for our community and environment.

Participate and create ceremonies around horses and your own personal growth.

Day camps are co-ed. Residential sessions will be girl-weeks and boy's weeks separate.