Aloha Hive Camp

★★★★★Erica Ruben Hadzic

My daughters represent the fourth generation in my family to attend the phenomenal Aloha Foundation camps. For all of us in my family, our Aloha experiences have been individual treasures, and for some of us, it has been the happiest part of our childhoods. Our family has attended Aloha Hive, Horizons, Ohana and Aloha camps, and there is a strong consistency amongst them all. They all have a love of the organic experience, are staffed with a diverse range of smart, caring, funny and very down-to-earth people, and have wonderful activities led by well-seasoned educators. The camps update themselves and evolve with the times. The Aloha Hive I experienced as a kid is even more fun for my older daughter. And while there are plenty of traditions of songs, ‘camp holidays’ and activities that last from generation to generation, what I also respect is that the camps always improve, invent new fun “surprise” experiences, and introduce new activities and traditions that resonate with today’s kids. Below I’ll focus on my older daughter’s experience at Hive, although both my daughters received similar “Aloha” experiences at Horizons day camp as well. Hive has a strong philosophy of nurturing the “best you” and sense of independent conflict resolution which are essential social tools that my daughter has brought home. As a sensitive kid that sometimes succumbs to the social pressures of competitive NYC girls and technology overload, she now craves the time when she can return to camp, be authentic friends with girls based solely on their characters, and immerse herself in nature. My daughter, like the rest of us in my family, really thrived in the structure and routines of the camp, while also finding time for individual experiences. There are plenty of fun spontaneous moments as well. After three and half weeks of Hive, my daughter returned to us calm and centered. Even six months later, she had a decreased interest in electronic media. I’m absolutely blown away by the impact that camp had on my daughter, not just because she had a blast, or unplugged from the pressures of the contemporary world, or loved her totally cool counselor, but simply because she returned to us as the self-composed human being I always knew was at her core. And I can say from first-hand experience, this impact lasts a life-time. I have no doubt that Aloha camps treat safety with the utmost priority too. They’re totally on top of all health and medical concerns. There’s never a doubt in my mind that a child’s problem or issue will go unnoticed or unaddressed. They are very respectful of everyone’s differences, and that has been part of the camps’ ethos for many generations. They also are mindful of manners and show the girls how helping out can be fun. The counselors are very tapped into their kids, and are such kind, joyous and loving guides for the girls. There’s no dogma at Aloha Hive and discipline is delivered with impact, but never heavy handed. Much of the tone is set by the camp’s Director Kathy Plunkett, who is absolutely the most passionate, insightful, creative and wise leader for the camp. You can tell she’s totally focused on the kids. I couldn’t be more grateful for Aloha Hive and how the team there provides the environment for my daughter to become a stronger individual and more importantly, truly happy. And while it is a financial stretch for my family, I also know that the Aloha camp experience will have a positively profound impact on my daughter’s life, as it did mine. It really is worth it. Indeed, the Aloha Hive experience, as with all the Aloha Foundation camps, is as much about having a blast, eating really good food, singing non-stop, silly moments, being stunned by Vermont beauty, as it is about creating bonds with one’s own natural sense of soul, character, good humor and kindness. Thank you, Aloha Foundation, for the gifts you have given me and the many generations of my family.

★★★★★Eloise Burrows

If you want your child to have the most amazing summer with the most amazing, supportive, kind people, then Aloha Hive is 100% the camp. To spend a whole summer of fun surrounded such a supportive community and friendship is something to be truly treasured and Hive provides this and more. As a counsellor, one of my favourite things to see or be a part of is a camper striving to challenge herself, whether that be working towards a rank in an activity or supporting those around her. To see the girls push on past failures with determination to succeed in their goals and to be a part of their journey of growth to be their best selves are some of my favourite things about this wonderful camp.

★★★★★Blakely Hamilton

This summer, my daughters will be spending their 3rd and 4th summers at Hive. When I dropped off my older daughter for her first summer as an Elfin, I was nervous. I kept telling everyone I'd cry all the way back to the airport. The funny thing is, neither one of us cried! As soon as I checked her in, met her counselors, the other parents, and campers, I knew she was in safe hands and was going to have a fantastic time. It just felt right. Both of my girls have enjoyed making friends from all over the world, rave about the camp food, sing camp songs all year long, and will forever share the bonds of camp traditions with each other. They love all the activities offered - lake activities, farm and garden, cooking, camping overnights, crafts, and many more. Getting real letters from camp friends throughout the year is a thrill for our whole family. Making these sweet connections with other girls is the best! Their Hive experience has been one of the most valuable gifts of their childhoods. Thank you and Aloha!

★★★★★Maggie Latz

I was a counselor at Hive for three summers and I hope I can return soon!! Last summer, I was able to visit Hive to reunite with counselors and campers. The best part of the trip was seeing my previous campers. They were sharing with me their excitement over their Tent counselors, their activities, and their new friends. The best part was hearing all of the new stories they were creating. Hive allows for these girls to learn and grow from their friends and counselors. They learn how hard it is to leave home and how amazing it is to return. They get to live in the moment with no technology, no stress, and great people!

★★★★★Kirsten Kunz

My three children are grown, and between them, attended all three residential camps. As I look back at all the activities and school experiences they had, I credit their camp summers as being the most important in terms of developing their early independence, confidence, and ability to make friends and allies anywhere in the world. Plus, it was an engaging and healthy way to spend the season. I worked at Hive and was always surprised at how other people’s children grew emotionally and socially in a matter of weeks right before my eyes! Our community of all ages had a ton of fun day after day. Camp was an amazing partner in the business of parenting.