Unbound Grace is a non-profit organization that supports Sentinel Farms Arts , Ag and Equine Camp.

Sentinel Farms programming will have a direct impact on the future of Starksboro youth by fostering opportunities for healthy outdoor activities, where camp participants are actively engaged in learning through:

  • Classical horsemanship – focuses on a respectful and enjoyable relationship between horse and rider.
  • Farm stewardship – learning about pasture rotation and animal health; tending the community garden.
  • Outdoor activities – gardening, nature hikes, farm animal care.
  • Community-building – through interaction with peers, animals & many different Starksboro residents/mentors.
  • Skill-building – Problem-solving, communication, cooperative teamwork. (Robinson School motto: “This is what persistence looks like.”)
  • Woodworking, art, music, dance, sports –  as community members seek to share their gifts & talents.

Summer camps like this one keep kids learning year round and improve their chances for a bright, educated future. Participation in camp activities results in a sense of pride and accomplishment.  Each week campers progress and develop their own leadership style as they encourage and support each other with their responsibilities. Campers recognize an increased sense of belonging to their greater community as they forge meaningful relationships and grow into future camp counselors.

We also offer internship positions as camp counselors to youth interested in working in the community with youth and animals. The camp counselor position offers the opportunity to build their own leadership skills as they add experience to their resumes.

Program Details

Pictures from Previous Camps

2011 Camp Pictures

Summer 2011 Schedule

Camp runs five days /week and begins on Monday at 9:00 – 3:30. Friday has an early pick up at 11:30 am. Weather allowing – Thursday begins at 9:00am and includes an optional overnight camp out on the hill (smores, dinner and breakfast Friday morning included). Early drop off or late pick up to help out with parent work schedules can be arranged as needed.

Registration Form available here:  PDF

Informational flyer:  PDF

Camp weeks: June 20 – June 24, June 27 – July 1st, July 11th – July 15th, July 18th – July 22nd
Camp may also be available  August 22nd – August 26th,  August 29th – September 2nd.
Early drop off and late pickup available by arrangement.

Tuition: $300/wk with partial/full scholarships available.
Additional $50/wk for meals includes all lunch, snacks & drinks.

Leadership

Programming takes place on Sentinel Farms, owned by Kerry Kurt and Sonny Provetto.  Kerry Kurt is a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Divinity and Sonny Provetto is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a retired State Trooper.

Safety

Our goal is to maintain a 1:4 ratio of counselors to campers.
The camp is fully insured.  We perform background checks on our staff and volunteers.

Expectations

Part of the camp focuses on teaching youth responsible farm behavior and farm safety which includes working with horses and other farm animals.

Because the expectations and rules are very clearly communicated both to and from the campers, thoughtful decision-making and personal accountability becomes instinctual; this includes moving between the buildings and how we conduct  ourselves around the farm.  Safety is our priority.

Our policy is non-discriminatory and respectful of each other, which includes different learning and communication styles.

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition for a week at camp is $300.00 + and additional $50/week for meals which includes all lunches, snacks and drinks.  Scholarships were granted last year through community donations and direct in-kind donations by Kerry Kurt and Sonny Provetto. The procedure for applying for a scholarship is to get in touch with Kerry at 377-1066.   Scholarships are awarded based upon individual camper’s need.

Typical First Day at Camp

9:00 – 9:15  Arrival and welcome
9:15 – 10:00  Farm chores: campers will work with counselors to feed animals and clean the barn; learning responsibility, building relationships and team work skills
10:00-11:00   Animal handling: Campers will learn safe handling of horses, introduction to animal sciences, anatomy and physiology of the horse.
11:00-12:00   Riding Skills: Work on safe mounting and dismounting skills
12:00 -1:00   Lunch with time for journaling
1:00-3:30    Campers will work with local artists and craftsman in a wide range of activities. Weekly choices vary to include arts, crafts, gardening, sports, building a stone wall, music, drumming , dance, yoga, wood-working.