The philosophy of the Hazen's Notch Summer Camp is to nurture each child as part of an inclusive and supportive group. The HNA Summer Camp has gained a reputation for excellence in developing an awareness and respect for the environment, outdoor skills, self-confidence, cooperation and leadership.

   Experienced outdoor educators guide campers through a creative program of learning that matches the children's own curiosity and wonder of the natural world with special places and themes that fit each age group's different perspective - their "scale of comprehension."

   We get to know each child as an individual and encourage all campers to respect each other's uniqueness. Campers make new friends in an atmosphere of good will, sharing and common outdoor interests.



Our History

   Before founding the HNA, Rolf and Sharon Anderson worked with teenagers and adults for over 15 years, teaching wilderness skills programs. Together they lead guided backpacking, canoeing, rockclimbing, ski touring and winter mountaineering trips in Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Wyoming.

   These education programs made an important contribution to promoting a minimum impact approach to backcountry travel. However, Rolf and Sharon wanted their work to make a positive effect closer to their home in northern Vermont. They also became convinced that in order for communities to be able to cope with the difficult issues surrounding the protection of natural resources, people would need to have a greater knowledge of natural science. The Andersons felt that teaching children would be the most effective way to achieve this goal.

    Rolf and Sharon decided to create an environmental education center in the traditional setting of a conservation land trust. They immersed themselves in working for established conservation groups including the Green Mountain Club, the Catamount Trail Association and other environmental organizations. At the same time they began to purchase and improve land on the Hazen’s Notch Road that would serve as the center for their education programs.

   By 1994 the Hazen’s Notch Association was formed. That Summer the HNA welcomed its first campers and began education programs in the Fall. Instrumental to our founding were Susan Shea of Brookfield and Deborah Benjamin of Eden. Together with Rolf and Sharon, they developed the organizational documents and the vision that would guide the Hazen’s Notch Association in the future.

   In addition to their work as environmental educators, Rolf Anderson is a nature photographer and enjoys teaching French to children in several northern Vermont communities while Sharon Anderson is a reenactor of 17th Century Abenaki culture. Together Rolf and Sharon enjoy supporting the conservation of natural resources, historic preservation, children's literacy, music education in schools, fine arts and the performing arts, and sustainable living.

   For more information and photos see the page History of the HNA.