School Is Out, Summer Camp Is In
(Almost)!
Summer Camp Season is Here!
One of the greatest privileges of working at MALT is watching children develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Whether they're catching frogs in a wetland, identifying animal tracks, building shelters in the woods, or simply exploring nature with friends, these experiences often become the foundation for a lasting appreciation of conservation and the natural world. That's why June is always one of the most exciting months of the year for our team.
On June 22, MALT's summer camp season officially begins. Over the following two months, hundreds of children will participate in outdoor adventures, environmental education programs, and hands-on learning experiences across our service area. For many campers, this will be their first opportunity to spend extended time exploring forests, fields, streams, and wetlands with experienced outdoor educators.
For others, MALT has become a summer tradition that grows with them year after year. This summer, we'll once again welcome several Counselors-in-Training (CITs) who began their journey as campers and are now developing leadership skills while helping guide younger participants. In fact, one of our camp counselors this year followed that very path—starting as a camper, advancing to the CIT program, and now joining MALT as a paid staff member.
Stories like these are a reminder that environmental education is about much more than a single week of camp. It's about creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and foster a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Whether you're five or fifteen, MALT strives to offer a place where you can learn, grow, and continue your journey in the natural world.
As our programs continue to grow, we remain committed to providing not only exceptional educational experiences but also the safest environment possible for every participant.
Over the past year, our staff has spent considerable time reviewing camp operations and identifying opportunities to strengthen health and safety practices. As many of you know, we have already implemented—or are in the process of rolling out—several important improvements for this summer season, including:
Enhanced lightning safety procedures and a dedicated storm shelter for severe weather events
Improved access to bathroom facilities while in the field
Parking and traffic safety improvements designed to make drop-off and pick-up safer and more efficient for families
Updated waivers, registration materials, and parent communication forms
All counselors with at least basic first aid and three staff with full Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training
Stronger procedures for identifying allergies, medications, and ensuring that prescription medications accompany campers when needed
New Partnership with MREMS to help strengthen and hone MALT emergency response in the field
One safety improvement that I'm particularly excited about is our new emergency storm shelter. Thanks to the generosity of Champlain Orchards, MALT received a "well-worn" retired school bus that has found a second life supporting our environmental education programs. Earlier this spring, we relocated the bus to Otter Creek Gorge, where it will now serve as a lightning and severe weather shelter for campers and staff when conditions require us to get everyone under cover quickly.
It's not the newest vehicle on the road, but it may be one of the most important additions to our camp program this year. We are incredibly grateful to Champlain Orchards for helping us enhance the safety of our outdoor education programs. As we've been joking around the office: "Get on the bus!"
The arrival of the school bus also brought back some memories from my own early experiences working at summer camps. Back in the early 1990s, while still in high school, I spent several summers working as a camp counselor at a day camp in Orlando, Florida. It was one of my first real jobs and a crash course in leadership, responsibility, problem-solving, and keeping large groups of energetic campers engaged throughout the day.
This was a job not unlike that of our current summer staff serving as MALT camp counselors. At the time, I never would have imagined that more than thirty years later I would be serving as Executive Director of a community conservation organization in Vermont with such an incredible youth education program. Yet many of the lessons I learned as a teenage counselor have stayed with me throughout my career.
One unexpected skill that has come in handy most recently is the commercial driver's license I earned to help transport campers around Florida. While I don't spend much time driving buses these days, that experience proved surprisingly useful this spring when it came time to help move our newly acquired school bus into place at the Gorge. Sometimes life has a funny way of bringing things full circle.
Environmental education has always been central to MALT's mission. While many people know us for our trails and conserved lands, connecting with our community members and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards is equally important to the future of conservation in our region.
I am incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, camp counselors, and partners who have helped prepare for what promises to be another memorable summer. Their dedication allows children to spend their days learning, exploring, building confidence, and creating friendships in the outdoors.
Thank you to the families who trust us with their children, the donors who support our educational programs, and the many volunteers who make this work possible. We look forward to welcoming campers back into the field and sharing another summer of discovery, adventure, and connection to the natural world.
See you outside and Get on the MALT Bus!
Kevin Fox
Executive Director
Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT)
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Here’s your guide to this month’s e-news:
Camp upgrades
Summer camp open spots!
This years summer camp staff
Thanks for an awesome afterschool season
Upcoming volunteer opportunities & events
New Staff / Interns
Upgrades at Camp!
Thunder Camp just got a major upgrade!
Thanks to Champlain Orchards, campers and staff will now have a safe, dry place to take shelter during thunderstorms. MALT’s summer camps are unique in offering a fully outdoor experience, but safety remains our top priority when severe weather rolls through.
Campers will have the chance to help paint the camp bus, adding a little more artwork each year and leaving their signatures behind as part of its story.
While campers will continue learning the valuable outdoor skill of using the camp’s “facili-trees,” this summer we’ll also be providing eco-friendly Wasted portable toilets to improve comfort and support conservation efforts. With so many campers using the site throughout the season, reducing impacts on the surrounding environment is important to us, and we’re excited to offer this more sustainable option.
A Few Spots Remain for Summer Camp!
Summer Camp is Just Around the Corner!
We're 90% full! Don't miss out on a summer packed with fun, learning, and adventure. Sign your kiddo up today, only a few spots remain!
Treasure Hunters A: June 22-26
1 spot left!
Coyote Camp: June 29 - July 2
1 spot left!
Town Hall Theater Week: July 13–17
19 spots left!
TAM Trekkers: August 3–7
6 spots left!
Questions? Reach out to youthprograms@maltvt.org.
Meet This Years Summer Camp Staff
Rachel Klatzker - Education Manager
Since 2023, Rachel has led MALT’s education and community engagement portfolio where she has built and grown a highly regarded suite of outdoor education programs. She leads MALT’s summer camps, afterschool and vacation programs, public speaker series, and a wide range of creative outdoor experiences that connect people of all ages to the natural world.
Rachel has cultivated strong partnerships with organizations such as VINS, the U.S. Forest Service, Foxglove Farm, Blueberry Hill, the Waybury Inn, Addison Central School District and others—expanding the reach and depth of MALT’s programming across Addison County. Her work emphasizes hands-on, place-based learning and creating meaningful connections between our community and the landscapes that define this region.
With a background in Parks and Recreation Management, entrepreneurship, and years of experience leading outdoor programming in National and State Parks, Rachel brings both creativity and professionalism to her role. She has a natural ability to meet participants where they are and design engaging, inclusive experiences that resonate with youth and adults alike.
Rachel continues to be inspired by the beauty and simplicity of the outdoors and is passionate about fostering curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong connection to nature within the MALT community.
Martine Limoge - Co-Lead Nature Educator & Inclusion Specialist
Martine, a born and raised Vermonter, is excited to join the MALT team this summer as a co-assistant director. She recently graduated from UVM where she studied elementary and special education, so–you guessed it, she loves spending time with kids! In her free time, she can be found skiing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and hammocking. Martine has worked at a couple summer camps in the past and can’t wait to get back in nature with awesome company!
Emma Patrissi - Co-Lead Nature Educator & CIT Coordinator
Hi everyone! My name is Emma, and I grew up just outside of Boston, but after graduating from Vermont State University’s Castleton Campus, I’ve been lucky to call Vermont home for the past four years. I studied Wildlife and Forestry Conservation with a minor in Outdoor Adventure Education, which really deepened my love for working and learning outside. During college, I was a varsity women’s soccer athlete and loved being part of the team. I also spent time in the community greenhouse and worked as a program coordinator for the Castleton Recreation Department, where I got to help create fun, active experiences for others. I’m especially excited to be part of MALT because I love helping others connect with the outdoors, and build confidence in nature. I’m looking forward to a summer full of adventure, and exploring together!
Danny Smith - Nature Education Intern from Middlebury College
Hey Y'all! My name is Danny, I'm a rising senior at Middlebury College. I am a Vermont native, originally growing up in Royalton, now living in Woodstock. I love being outside, and have spent the past 5 summers working at different camps around Vermont. I also enjoy singing, making music with various instruments, and running - I am a member of an acappella group, college choir, a number of bands, and the Run Club/Club Track. I'm super excited to spend more time around the TAM, connecting to the natural world around Middlebury!
Gretchen Fitzgerald - Nature Education Intern from Middlebury College
My name is Gretchen and I am a rising sophomore at Middlebury College, originally from Burlington, VT. There is nothing I love more than enjoying a VT summer in the outdoors, and I am looking forward to doing it with you at MALT. During my time so far at Middlebury, I have been looking for ways to combine my interests in science, politics, and spanish. I am a member of Student Government, Middlebury Democrats, and the traveling ultimate frisbee team. I have also played in the college orchestra. Outside of extracurriculars, I love making art, music, and adventuring. Excited to see everyone this summer!
Graeham Zeiger - Nature Educator
Graeham is a rising junior at MUHS. He was a CIT for several MALT camps last summer, and has maintained a portion of the North Country Trail in East Middlebury for MALT since the fall of 2023. Graeham enjoys hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, and he’s very excited to be a camp counselor this summer!
Nathan Conti - Nature Educator
Nathan is a lifelong lover of the outdoors. He spends much of his time camping, hiking, and kayaking, and hopes to share his appreciation for the environment with MALT. When Nathan’s not outside, he’s probably making art about being outside. He is graduating from Champlain College in May with a degree in Creative Media, and he is excited to start his career in outdoor education.
Thanks for an Awesome Afterschool Season!
As summer camp season approaches and the school year comes to an end, this year's afterschool programs are wrapping up. Thank you to all the students and families who joined us this year!
Stay tuned for our 2026/2027 afterschool schedule, which will be released in mid-August. If you'd like to be added to our email list and be the first to hear about upcoming afterschool offerings, please contact our Education Manager, Rachel. Rachel@maltvt.org
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities & Events
June 6th (TOMORROW!!) is National Trails Day!
Come celebrate with us on the Jackson Trail! Led by Trails AmeriCorps member Hailey Snider (me:)), I'll guide you along the trail, share some of the projects we've been working on, and give you a sneak peek at what's ahead this summer.
WHEN: Saturday, June 6th at 10:00a (TOMORROW)
WHERE: Meet at the trailhead on Rt 23 / Weybridge Rd
No sign up necessary!
Hope to see you there!
Friends of the TAM - Chipman Hill
WHAT: Sunset Bird Walk led by Ellyn Montgomery
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00 PM
WHO: This event is appropriate for families and people of all ages interested in birding.
WHERE: Meet at the Chipman Hill TAM trailhead on Washington Street Extension
Chipman Hill in the evening comes alive with birdsong. The earlier songs of birds such as Red-eyed Vireos and Ovenbirds are replaced by the flute-like songs of thrushes as the evening advances. We will stop at several view spots to take in the sunset. Plan on hiking ~2 miles with some steep parts. Attendees should wear good shoes for hiking and bring a flashlight or a headlamp along with a pair of binoculars. Attendance is limited to 20 people. Registering in advance is required.
Lets Go Birding
WHEN: Saturday, June 20th from 9:00-11:00AM
WHERE: Wright Park from Seymour Street Extension
WHO: This event is appropriate for families and people of all ages interested in birding.
COST: FREE!
WHAT: Let’s Go Birding with Otter Creek Audubon
Bird lovers, don’t miss this annual favorite! Join us for a peaceful and educational morning bird walk at Wright Park, exploring its diverse birdlife. This guided walk welcomes both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. Our expert guides will help you identify birds by sight and song, share tips to enhance your observation skills, and give you the chance to connect with nature and fellow bird enthusiasts. The event is family-friendly, with light snacks provided, and features hands-on table activities where you can explore bird nests and skulls up close.
Bring:
Binoculars or a field guide (optional)
Water
Weather-appropriate clothing
Notebook and pen for jotting down sightings
Trail Volunteer Day
WHEN: Saturday, June 20th at 12:00PM
WHERE: Battell Woods Trailhead on Seminary Street Extension
WHAT: Our project for the day will be improving drainage and strengthening the tread on the trail by adding gravel to wet and worn sections.
Bird Banding with VT Audubon Biologist Mark LaBarr
WHEN: Thursday, July 9th from 8:00-10:00 am, drop in style so come any time! FYI - birds are more frequently caught in the early hours of the day, so arriving at 8:00 will ensure you get to see more birds.
WHERE: Hurd Grassland, Weybridge VT - please park along the east side of Meadow Lane
COST: FREE!
WHO: Families, bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about birds and their migration who would like a hands-on learning experience in a fun, outdoor setting.
WHAT: Bird Banding with VT Audubon Biologist Mark LaBarr
We're excited to announce the return of this annual event! MALT welcomes folks for a morning of bird banding with Audubon Vermont Biologist Mark LaBarr. You’ll have the chance to get hands-on with birds while contributing to a better understanding of their life cycles and migration patterns.
While Mark teaches the art of banding, Otter Creek Audubon Society volunteers will lead engaging activities for families and youth. After the birding and banding wrap up, bring some snacks to enjoy a small, relaxed gathering celebrating birds and all things summer, where you can socialize, share your observations, and soak in the sights and sounds of the season.
New Staff & Intern!
Owen Maille - Seasonal Trails Specialist
Hi, I'm Owen! I'm working for MALT this summer as the Seasonal Trails Specialist. I come to MALT after spending the last two seasons working with the Green Mountain Club's professional backcountry trail crew, most recently as a Crew Leader for the southern crew. I have a passion for building sustainable and durable trails and I'm excited to bring that passion to the TAM. I was born in New Haven, VT and I'm thrilled to be working on a trail system so close to home. Hope to see you out there!
Alice Gipe - Land Stewardship UVM Intern
Alice is serving as MALT’s Land Stewardship Intern this summer through the University of Vermont’s Perennial Internship Program. She is a senior at UVM, majoring in Environmental Science with focused interests in conservation biology and plant sciences. She grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, where she became passionate about the outdoors from childhood through hiking, biking, and camping in the area. Alice has engaged in community conservation in numerous ways; fostering connections with kids as an environmental camp naturalist, collecting data on alpine ecology and hosting educational programs on New Hampshire’s Mt. Washington, and most recently spending a semester in Patagonia, Chile participating in conservation work with local organizations. In her free time, she loves skiing, running, or lounging in a hammock with a book.
She is excited to gain experience working directly with community members to conserve beautiful lands around Middlebury while also learning more about the area’s natural communities on the TAM.
Make sure to follow our instagram to keep up with events and updates. @middleburyarealandtrust (facebook coming soon). That's all for this month, thanks for reading! See you on the trails!
Hailey Snider
Trails Steward and Community Engagement Coordinator
E-News Author