Farm and Wilderness Camps

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The Farm and Wilderness Camps are a system of six Quaker camps and associated educational programs situated in and around Plymouth, Vermont. Farm & Wilderness’ mission statement is as follows: “Guided by the Quaker belief that the light of the spirit is present in every person and the belief that people working together can create a more just and humane society, the Farm & Wilderness Foundation sponsors year-round experiences for young people and adults that emphasize the building of community through the values of cooperation, simplicity, responsibility, empathy, spirituality and service.”

The first all-boys camp was founded in 1939 under the name Merlicht, meaning "More Light" in German. After its initial success, the name was changed to Timberlake, and a companion girls camp , Indian Brook was founded 1941. Later additions to the group were Tamarack Farm (a work camp for teenagers of all genders), Saltash Mountain (co-ed, focused on hiking trips), Flying Cloud (for boys, originally borrowing the traditions of the Lakota people but later creating their own system of wilderness living loosely borrowed from Native American practices), and Barn Day Camp (for younger children).

The camps were founded by Ken and Susan Webb. The Webbs were very much influenced by Vermont philosopher and educational reformer, John Dewey.

The camps have been noted for its stances on a number of social issues, including racial integration, gender equality, and environmentalism. All of the camps practice organic gardening and farming and are certified by the Northeast Organic Farming Association.

• Official website

Mentions on other websites:
http://www.mysummercamps.com/camps/vermont-wilderness-camps.html
http://www.tfguild.org/rendezvous/cowbarn2006/index.html
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/WebMkt/farmandwilderness.html
http://www.vermontcamps.org/page6.html