Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock 2024
This year, our camp will run from Sunday, August 18 through Saturday, August 24, 2024, at our home at the Hulbert Outdoor Center on Lake Morey in Fairlee, VT.
Campers and volunteers will be responsible for providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon acceptance into our program. We are unable to make any exceptions to this.
If you have any questions, please direct them to our Directors, Emily or Liz.
Most children with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases never meet or interact with peers who share these diagnoses. Created to fill this need, Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock is a one-week summer camp experience for children with rheumatic diseases.
Experienced counselors and volunteers staff the camp at the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vermont. Volunteers include physicians, allied health professionals, medical students, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, as well as adults with rheumatic diseases and past campers.
Parents and families who otherwise may be hesitant to involve their children in an overnight camp experience because of medical concerns are able to do so in a reassuring environment. In addition, our campers often maintain the relationships they forge at camp throughout the year.
Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock is an invaluable part of services we offer to children, primarily from the New England region, with rheumatic diseases.
Since its inception in 1983, the camp has been operating due to generous donations made by both organizations and individuals. In addition, a staff of committed professionals (including volunteers from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC), the VA, and local and national communities all around the country) donate a week of their personal vacation time each summer for the children.
Possible activities
Land sports
- Golf
- Frisbee
- Bocce ball
- Waterfront
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Canoeing
Ropes course
- Low zip line
- High zip line
- Climbing wall
- Challenge courses
Explorations
- Nature hiking
- Fire building
- Target Sports
- Archery
- Riflery
Arts and crafts
- Tie-dye
- Jewelry making
Other activities
- Acting
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Cooking
"Each activity teaches us something about ourselves and what we can do."
Transportation and communication
Unfortunately, Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock cannot be responsible for transportation of campers to or from camp. Please plan for your camper’s travel with this in mind.
While Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock does not require English to be your camper’s first language, basic English comprehension is necessary for communication and safety. If your camper is from a non-English speaking household, accommodations can be made for registering your camper. To ensure an enjoyable experience for all campers and staff, we do ask that your camper has mastered basic English comprehension.
Donate or volunteer
If you would like to make a donation to Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock or find out how to volunteer your time, please contact us at CampDH@hitchcock.org.
Volunteers to Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock should reach out to our Directors, Emily or Liz. Volunteers will be reviewed and screened for acceptance to support our program.
Arthritis Foundation offices in New England
Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock is fortunate to partner with the Arthritis Foundation, who has provided support and sponsorship of some of our campers that have needed it. Campership funding is limited, and recipients must first complete a campership application online
The link to the arthritis foundation campership form will be available once registration is live. Please make sure you register with Camp Dartmouth Hitchcock as a camper prior to applying for funding.
For a complete listing of local offices, please visit the Arthritis Foundation website.