Kindred
Programs
TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER TOGETHER
We’ve spent years building a radically inclusive kindred community — a place where everyone comes together in reciprocity, creativity, and joy.
We run 15 camps per year, totaling 92 days, with an ever-growing number of participants. Our current camps center disability, addiction, and mental health challenges, as well as veterans, those who have cancer and traumatic brain injuries.
All our kindred programs share the same four pillars of Zeno philosophy. Kindred means more than just connection; here we take care of each other together and everyone belongs.
Program Calendar
Disability Camps
Throughout all four seasons Zeno hosts camps that center disability.
Zeno has thoroughly changed my life… it is a great humanizer that people with and without disabilities can participate in so much together while growing and having fun. And it is FUN!… Sure, it’s challenging, but the rewards are beyond description.
—Rob Delaney, Zeno community member and actor
Summer Camp
This is Zeno’s flagship camp. For 4 weeks in July, 80 people of all ages, with and without disabilities, eat, sleep, swim, create, dance, jive, and thrive together.
From local outdoor adventures like floating down the Winooski river, to marching in the Bristol parade, to the creation of an original musical, written, choreographed, and performed by our group.
Fall Camp
September is the perfect time to admire Vermont’s autumnal glory during our cozy, week long, camp for 40 people with and without disabilities.
From long walks, art projects, and apple picking; to creating dueling short films, and of course making Connor’s homemade, delicious apple butter.
Ski Camp
Week long adaptive ski camps, for forty people with and without disability, held in January and March with our friends at Vermont Adaptive.
We tear up the mountain together in all conditions. Off the slopes we sled, curl, cold plunge, and play barn soccer, all to get a chance at writing our names on the championship ski.
Sports Camp
At this week-long camp with our partner AccesSportAmerica, we head down to Florida for an adaptive sports competition with 35 people.
Four teams compete for the cup in windsurfing, outrigger canoeing, soccer, moneyball, and more! Everyone is a competitor, leaving everything they have on the field and in the water.
California Camp
For one week a year, 30 people with and without disabilities, camp out in RVs on the west coast. In collaboration with Corby Reese, we take swims on the beach, go hiking in the redwoods, and explore Santa Cruz!
School camps
During these high school-based education programs, up to 60 students with and without disabilities, visit Zeno’s campus for an immersive, week-long field trip experience.
Using Zeno’s model everyone contributes to help the camp run. From cooking meals and doing laundry, to rock climbing, creating skits, fashion shows, and more. Students get the opportunity to step up as leaders and create lasting friendships with peers.
Veterans Camp
In partnership with Guardian Revival, 30 Veterans from across the United States come to Zeno for a week of local outdoor adventures, arts, and storytelling.
Pickle Camp
People in recovery come together at Zeno throughout the year, typically with 15-20 participants at each long weekend. These groups hold meetings during the day, visit Zeno’s pond and sauna, hold bonfires, and work on service projects, all while having meaningful conversation and forming lasting connections.
Cancer Camp
Every September, a group of 30 people, at various stages in their cancer journeys, gather at Zeno for five full days to enjoy the beginning of fall. During this program, led by director Amber Davey, participants go on many outdoor adventures, from hiking and rock climbing, to swimming and cliff jumping; and of course camp wouldn’t be complete without several trips to Vermont’s famous creemee stands.
Brain Injury Camp
During the month of September 30 people with multiple concussions or traumatic brain injuries visit Zeno for a camp in partnership with Cait Ward and the Concussed organization. This camp features outdoor adventure, storytelling, and time to connect.