Pioneer Village (PV) was founded in 1964 to enrich the experience of older campers coming to Incarnation. Campers aged 14 and 15 can move across the lake to participate in an extensive trip program, a higher level of personal choice in activities, and smaller tent sizes while still enjoying community living. The Pioneer Village program is made up of three main components which structure campers time with us.
Our daily activity periods are know as ‘Festivals’ here at Pioneer Village. They are an integral part of the PV experience. Campers will still have access to classic camp activities like archery, swimming, and boating, however, they can also participate in festivals that have been created by counselors, their peers, or themselves!
Every day the staff offer all sorts of different activities. We have seen hair salons pop up in the amphitheater, rubber duck race tracks at the loading dock, and even boat making using only recycled materials. The possibilities are unlimited! Campers choose their festivals after breakfast and lunch every day, so they never have to repeat the same festival twice if they don’t want to, and they are given the freedom to pick what interests them. Creativity is the key, and that is encouraged daily!
Cook site is one of most unique parts of the Pioneer Village program. Campers cook breakfast and dinner every day, over an open fire (lunch is provided by our PV kitchen staff). With the supervision of staff, campers learn food prep, knife safety, cooking skills, how to properly clean dishes and how to sanitize the cook site at the end of the meal. All cook site meals are served family style, and groups are co-ed.
Some examples of food we cook over fire are: french toast, eggs, sausages, oatmeal, chicken wings, pasta and meatballs, pork chops, and a variety of stir-fry dishes. There are also options for special dietary needs.
Many campers say that cooksite was one of the most important parts of their summer. They’re given opportunities to learn real life skills that they can bring home, and to bond with other campers in a way that is largely impossible during the school year. Former campers have also noted that this often puts them way ahead of their peers when it is time to go to college, when most people are learning to cook for themselves for the first time.
Hiking trips at PV are a great introduction to the world of backpacking. We provide everything but the shoes! We are in a great location within driving distance to some of the most beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the blue blazed Connecticut trail system.
The PV canoe trip is a five day journey down the Connecticut River. The river serves as the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, and we camp out at both established and rustic sites in both states throughout the trip.
Highlights include camping at Wilgus State Park, a portage over Bellows Falls, and the chance to visit the riverside shops in Brattleboro, VT. While paddling campers can expect to see river wildlife, but especially a variety of birds, including osprey and bald eagles. The trip wraps up in Massachusetts, with campers having paddled about 50 miles!
The bike trip is extremely popular at PV! Campers learn road safety and basic bike maintenance before packing up and riding their bikes right out the front gate and into coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island.
