Camp Varsity

Camp Varsity is a rustic, overnight summer camp where campers play games and sing in the rain, watch sunsets over the mountains, and jump into a large cool spring-fed lake. The camp includes a beautiful Camp Garden that uses earth-friendly growing methods, and horses roam on the property. Most of the day is spent fully outdoors in an unplugged setting with no screens such as cell phones, laptops, or tablets, with an emphasis on authentic connections among camp friends and time in the fresh mountain air.

• Ages: 8–15 years old
• Schedule: One-week sessions with options for campers to attend up to three weeks

Camp Varsity first formally opened as a small athletic summer program in 1966 and has grown into a full, well-rounded traditional summer camp that averages around 135 campers per week and approximately 700–800 campers each summer. The camp operates on the premise that everyone who comes to Gaar Mountain is part of the camp family and has been described as a second home to many campers, staff, and alumni. Its core values focus on providing a safe space to help kids gain a stronger sense of self and to foster a strong connection with nature, others, and the camp community. Caring for the Earth is part of the camp’s mission and is reflected in practices such as composting kitchen scraps, partnering with local farmers to collect food waste after meals, recycling, and growing kitchen herbs. Camp Varsity is not open to the public and continues to be a place for exploration, play, and friendly competition where kids gain self-esteem, forge new friendships, and create lasting memories.

Last updated January 19, 2026.