Silver Towers, Ripton, VT

Introduction / Overview

As Vermonters, we deeply value our close-knit communities and the beautiful, accessible nature that defines our state. Within this spirit lies Silver Towers Camp, an extraordinary residential camp nestled in the picturesque town of Ripton, Vermont. This facility is more than just a campground; it is a vital, longstanding institution dedicated to providing enriching, adventurous, and supportive overnight retreat experiences for people with physical and mental disabilities, typically ranging in age from six to seventy-five. The camp is the chief charitable project of the Vermont Elks Association, which has owned and operated Silver Towers since 1958, making it one of the first and still one of the very few of its kind in the United States. Its long history is a testament to the dedication of the Vermont Elks and the community to offering a world of adventure and social skill-building for its campers, helping them return home happy and confident. The core mission is to provide an inclusive environment that fosters personal growth and social enrichment, ensuring that the special needs of every camper are met through focused attention and a high counselor-to-camper ratio. For families seeking a unique and supportive summer experience within the Green Mountain State, Silver Towers Camp is a cherished local resource that offers both recreation and developmental opportunities. It is a place where friendships blossom and where activities are tailored to ensure that every participant, regardless of their challenges, can fully engage with the joy of camp life.

Location and Accessibility

Silver Towers Camp is advantageously situated on 26 acres in Ripton, Vermont, a quiet, idyllic town famous for its natural beauty. The physical address is 56 Silver Towers Rd, Ripton, VT 05766, USA. The location is surrounded by the scenic expanse of the Green Mountain National Forest, offering a tranquil and inspiring backdrop for camp activities. This setting provides campers with a genuine Vermont wilderness experience, complete with fresh air, natural trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Ripton itself is a small community located just a short drive from the larger town of Middlebury, which provides necessary local services and amenities. While remote enough to offer an authentic retreat experience, the camp is accessible via well-maintained roads. The proximity to Route 125 and the broader Middlebury area ensures that while visitors are fully immersed in nature, the location remains manageable for drop-offs, pick-ups, and necessary travel. The camp’s established history in this location speaks to its successful integration into the Vermont landscape, providing both a sanctuary and an easily locatable destination for families across the state and beyond. It is important to note that the camp facilities themselves are designed to accommodate people with disabilities, reflecting an ongoing commitment to accessibility within the natural, rustic environment.

Services Offered

Residential Camp Programming: Offering extraordinary one or two-week overnight sessions specifically for individuals with physical and mental challenges. Sessions are often structured by age, such as a session for ages six to twenty-nine and another for ages thirty to seventy-five, though this can vary by season.
High Counselor-to-Camper Ratio: A key service component ensuring focused attention and comprehensive support to accommodate the special needs of the campers.
Activities Programming: A wide variety of traditional and specialized camp activities tailored for accessibility and engagement.
Campfire Activities: Including the classic and beloved tradition of making s'mores.
Nature and Outdoor Education: Guided activities focused on hiking, nature studies, and appreciation of the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest.
Social and Personal Enrichment: Programs designed to enhance social skills, confidence, and independence in a safe group setting.
Infirmary/Nurse Services: On-site health services to address medical needs during the camp season, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.
Wagon Rides: A relaxing and enjoyable way for campers to experience the camp's 26 acres and the surrounding natural area.
Affiliation and Support from the Vermont Elks Association: As the chief charitable project of the VT Elks, the camp benefits from ongoing support, fundraising, and a dedicated organizational structure.

Features / Highlights

Inclusion and Dedication: The camp is noted for its welcoming atmosphere, aiming to be a place where awesome friendships are made and councilors are generally described as great and friendly, doing anything to help the campers. It is a place committed to fostering kindness and caring.
Specialized Focus: Silver Towers is among the very few long-running residential camps in the U.S. explicitly for people with both mental and physical disabilities, demonstrating a unique and invaluable commitment to this population.
Outdoor Adventure Activities: Campers can partake in numerous activities that fully utilize the Vermont setting, including horse back riding, hiking, swimming, and various outdoor field games such as soccer, bocce, kickball, softball, and bean bag toss.
Arts and Entertainment: The program includes a rich variety of artistic and performance activities such as music, dancing, arts & crafts, theater, talent shows, karaoke, and occasionally magic shows, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all interests.
Indoor Recreation: The camp offers indoor sports and games, including bowling, basketball, ping pong, and billiards, providing fun alternatives regardless of the weather.
Long-Running Tradition: Established in 1958, the camp has a deep history and proven track record in serving the Vermont community, providing a consistent and reliable service for generations of families.
Scenic Location: Situated within the magnificent Green Mountain National Forest, the camp offers a beautiful and restorative environment far removed from the stresses of daily life.

Contact Information

For more information about Silver Towers Camp, or to inquire about programs, availability, and specific camper needs, please use the contact details below:

Address: 56 Silver Towers Rd, Ripton, VT 05766, USA

Phone (Camp Office during season): (802) 388-6446

Mobile Phone: +1 802-388-6446 (Note: This number may be a secondary or mobile contact, often for the camp director.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Silver Towers Camp is an irreplaceable cornerstone of the Vermont community, particularly for local families seeking specialized, supportive, and enriching summer opportunities for family members with disabilities. For Vermonters, the camp represents a trusted, accessible, and historically significant institution, championed by the Vermont Elks Association. Choosing a local resource like Silver Towers means supporting a local charitable project and ensuring that funds stay within the community to sustain this unique service. The camp's location in Ripton, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Green Mountain National Forest, offers a familiar, safe, and easily accessible setting for a true Vermont summer camp experience. The array of activities—from horseback riding, which is often a personal favorite among campers, to swimming, music, and the simple joy of campfire s’mores—ensures that every week is packed with fun, learning, and the invaluable opportunity to forge lasting friendships. While a few past concerns have been noted regarding maintenance and personnel in reviews, the overwhelming sentiment over decades points to a deeply cherished place where councilors strive to be helpful and where campers thrive, building confidence and social skills. For Vermont residents, Silver Towers Camp provides a convenient and meaningful option that combines the restorative power of nature with the critical support and focused attention that individuals with special needs deserve. It is a local gem that consistently delivers on its promise of an extraordinary camp experience, making it a highly suitable and recommended option for our community.