Started in 2005, the Friends of Camp Downer are dedicated to supporting the camp through volunteerism as well as financial support. The camp was formed as a non-profit organization (501(c)) in 1945 and has been entirely dependent on fees for it's income.
Recognizing that the camp is in need of long range planning and improvement, the Friends are interested in seeing that the camp is taken care of physically and that it will be here for campers well into the future. Though the camp originally received some help from the 4-H (see the history) that participation has been lessening over the years and in 2004 the 4-H severed all connection with Camp Downer.
Camp Downer is located in the Downer State Forest and is subject to supervision by the State of Vermont. The State provides no direct support of the camp and the camp is financially responsible for the upkeep of the facilities. Though the facilities were originally provided for us, we must now look to the maintenance of the buildings as well as possible upgrades to aging facilities.
Camp can use help in many forms. Board members are needed from representative families attending camp. Projects such as roofing the dining hall are kept cost-effective by using volunteer labor. Now, with some large projects coming in the relatively near future, financial help is welcome as well.
If you'd like to learn more about FOCD and participate in discussions you can visit the archives and sign up at the FOCD home.