WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Stories from Summer Camp: Camp Hochelaga

South Hero, Vermont - June 30, 2011

With birds chirping and the sound of a bugle, it's the beginning of another day at Camp Hochelaga. The girls arrived four days ago and they are beginning to settle in. Camp director Sandy Valine tells us the first couple of days are hard, but soon they are having fun.

"The first days are tough," she said. "Everything is new, they're not sure where they're going, they aren't sure they're going to like it. By Tuesday and Wednesday they've made some really good friends."

The days are filled with rituals and routines, like reveille, raising the flag in the morning and morning classes. Keeping the girls busy is the best way to ward off homesickness. Some kids are here for the whole summer, but most kids are here for a one or two week session.

It's still early, but the girls at breakfast start to perk up and sing some camp songs.

Girls have been coming to Hochelaga since 1919. Some things have changed, like butter beer making activities for Harry Potter fans, and other things have stayed the same, like canoeing, sailing, and archery.

Before you know it, the morning has flown by. And then it is time for lunch, camp style! More food and more Camp Hochelaga songs!

After lunch there is some scheduled quiet time back in the cabins; a chance to read and write letters, and get a little rest before the afternoon's activities. It's a chance to regroup for both campers and counselors!

While some campers are here for the first time, others have been coming for years. Robin Moody was a camper for years, before she became a counselor.

"I feel like camp is a place where they don't have to worry about putting on makeup and being pretty for somebody that they like, and it's a chance for them to unwind and explore," Moody said.

And some of the older campers agree the independence and skills they learn at camp are life-changing experiences. Some senior girls admit they are nicer to their parents when they get home and less "bratty."

It's a place for girls to be girls, to learn new skills and make new best friends.

Sharon Meyer - WCAX Weather