A therapeutic day camp for boys in grades K-8 at the Brookhaven Treatment & Learning Center

Camp Haven is The Brookhaven Learning Center's extended year program. Camp runs for six weeks: June 28th- August 6th.

Over the six-week camp, the teachers and clinical staff strive to create a host of activities to teach academic and therapeutic concepts. Each week builds into the following week. As students build their skills and knowledge, their confidence grows. We encourage positive social interactions through drama, art, role play and cooperative activities. While emphasizing academic learning, we plan a host of hands-on activities around a central theme. For the six weeks of camp, our students will use on our 180 acre property, to learn about a variety of educational topics. This program helps to decrease potential regression that may occur during the summer break and allows the students an easier transition to the new school year, while making the learning fun.

The Camp Haven program features a structured behavior modification system and a therapeutic cooperative environment. Our qualified staff provides support to build academic achievement and self esteem in children with a history of failure and conflict at school.

On campus activities may include daily circle meetings, daily therapeutic group, educational activities, hands-on learning, swimming, games, arts/ crafts, sports, hiking, and nature activities.

Weekly Plan Examples:

In past years, the staff has supported learning about a variety of activities, including:

building raised garden beds

planting a school garden

building a fence to protect the garden

guest teachers (herbalist, arborist, game warden)

tree/ plant identification

animal tracking skills

building an outdoor classroom

making paper

identifying native birds and their habitats

building bird houses and feeder boxes

reducing paper waste

building compost and recycling bins

raising chickens from egg to chick

building a chicken coop

caring for young birds (chickens, ducklings)

environmental stewardship

constellations and space

"adopt a planet"

Native American Storytelling

Pinewood derby cars (race!)

making worm farms

building a weather station

water safety

building a campfire, finding water--- survival skills

community service

basket weaving, paper mache, gloop, etc.

and MUCH MORE

Off Campus outings

Over the six week program, we use off campus trips to extend the learning and peak campers' interests. In past years we have  visited Treasure Island in Thetford, hiked trails at a VT state park, learned about custom motorcycles at the Shelburne Museum, saw native birds at the VT Institute of Natural Science (VINS) went to the Rochester Fish hatchery and had a blast at the Alpine slide at PICO!

Therapeutic Groups:

Therapeutically, the children will work on their personal behavior goals in our supportive group environment. Each group functions as a therapeutic community and supports students' learning about self awareness, coping skills, anger management, cooperative learning, positive peer interactions, personal space, healthy boundaries and limits, taking ownership, manners and more.

Behavior Expectations:

We have high expectations for the students in our program. We expect the students to achieve academically & socially to their fullest potential. We support students to contribute in a positive manner to the group. Information about your child's behavior is available daily. One of the criteria for participating in off campus trips is positive
behavior on campus.

For more information about Camp Haven,
contact Angie Ryan.