The "Mission" of Camp for Girls

“I have never been anywhere that makes me so happy and feel so comfortable about who I am and who my friends are.” – Sydney, Vega camper, age 15.   This is a powerful statement and one we hear year after year from our campers, especially those completing their final summers as campers. But, why is it that girls from all over the country and the world feel that they are most comfortable being “real” at camp, and not in the “real world”? There are so many answers to this question, and we feel that one way is our mission at Camp Vega. Summer camp allows girls to develop strong friendships, discover that they can accomplish anything, and truly be themselves. It is Vega’s mission to provide our campers and staff with a summer experience in which they:

• Are safe emotionally and physically.
• Have fun and develop skills.
• Build strong relationships and friendships with peers and other members of the camp community.
• Connect with the camp community, traditions and values.  Everyone at camp is included, welcomed and feels a part of something greater than themselves.
• Live and play in the best facilities and most pristine natural environment.
• Are supported and encouraged by peers, counselors, campers and administration. Camp allows girls to free themselves from the pressures of the real world and discover who they are and who they want to be. The Vega motto is: The most exciting thing a girl will find at Vega is herself; and we live for those magical moments when we see this happen. Young girls are constantly bombarded with media that normalize mean girl behavior and bullying. We defy this notion at camp and hold all campers and staff to a higher standard where respect and support replace gossip and exclusion. We keep girls safe physically through staff training, a high camper to staff ratio, and a caring and efficient health center. This atmosphere of respect for the individual allows girls to be themselves in a safe environment. Camp is all about FUN!  Girls learn new skills – both athletic and artistic – while having a great time. They also get to choose their own schedules within a structured framework. This allows girls to do what interests them, which leads to independence, challenge and self-discovery. The ultimate magic of camp is the amazing friendships that develop there through weeks and years of shared experience. These genuine friendships help girls feel comfortable to be themselves.