Poem by Joyce Larson
A Lochearn Lassie I have been since nineteen sixty one
The influence it’s had has shaped the woman I’ve become
The smell of pine is all it takes, and I’m transported there
Back to Vermont, and memories of summers free from care
There really are no words to say what Lochearn’s meant to me
Eleven summers spent on “Rocky Shores of Lake Fairlee”
The motto – it still resonates – each phrase a work of art
Be honest, kind, and keep an open mind and caring heart
And when I see a fire lit – “Kneel Always” comes to mind
Each week atop Campfire Hill, where we would always find
A time to share with friends – “look up, and laugh and love and lift!”
In our own ”Green Cathedral” – Sunday nights were such a gift
Camp days brought new activities, with crafts and sports galore
I learned to do so many things I’d never done before
With counselors to guide me – so I’d learn to do things right
And help if I got homesick, saying ”Sweet dreams” every night
And – OH! – The Blue/Green rivalries! I’m Green – yes through and through
And though I am no athlete – There is one thing I can do
If you would like to know the words to every Lochearn song
Just call me up – I’ll fill you in – it won’t take very long!!
Yes, it’s been true each summer for a century – and more
That Lochearn Lassies gathered on Lake Fairlee’s grassy shore
Until this COVID 19 came and blew across the world
And blocked the road to Lochearn Camp, and broke the hearts of girls!
There’s NO ONE wants to miss one day of Lochearn’s summertime
A time with friends, to get away – it really is sublime!
To think a little germ so small could close our Lochearn’s gate
Well – this can’t last!! Camp WILL be back next year – Why you just wait….
And THEN – Oh yes – the singing will be heard ‘cross Lake Fairlee
Out to the hills and through the pines from campers filled with glee
That life on earth has normalized and camp – Won’t it be grand?!
Will open up – and Lassies can form circles joining hands
And as the “Council Fires burn” and “sun sets in the west”
These “hours spent at Lochearn – yes – the times we love the best”
Can once more ring with sounds of singing “Peace” and “Taps” each night
And life as we all know it will go back to being right!!!!
Lovingly written by Joyce Larson (Pictured on left in last photo, with sister Linda Larson)
When we think of Campfire Hill at Lochearn, we think of the serene, reflective space that allows us to look back on our experiences at camp and treasure the memories we make every day. Surrounded by hemlocks and white pines swaying in the wind amongst the breathtaking Vermont scenery, Campfire Hill is often referred to as a “natural wonder.” Past and present campers and staff are connected by the thousands of footsteps that have traveled the path to Campfire Hill, making it one of the most special places at camp. 
We want to build real relationships, incite genuine growth, build confidence, and, rather than force someone to find their passions, give everyone the time to fall in love with the camp experience in her own way. We at Camp Lochearn believe it’s much tougher to develop these connections – both with others and within yourself – in just two weeks, where the outside world continues to call you back, as do family and friends from home. For everyone on the shores of Lake Fairlee, it’s just you and camp, which is built around our core values: Leadership, Mentoring, Initiative and Passion.
A two-week experience gives girls an opportunity – an excuse, even – to stay in the background and be a seer rather than a doer. We often say “We don’t have invisible campers,” because it’s true. We know it’s tough to open yourself up to others. We’ve been there. It takes confidence, strength and time. We don’t want to rush that growth or inhibit it in any way. Some arrive at the gates ready to conquer those 27 days, and that’s wonderful. But others can’t. It’s not that they’re incapable – we’ve yet to meet anyone who arrives at Lochearn and is – but they often need someone to lead them there. That’s why the relationships built in the cabins on Lake Fairlee are key, and we often see campers emerge with life-long relationships.
Realizing you have more in common with others – things you often can’t see in the first few days of meeting someone – is an invaluable experience, and it’s one that can only develop naturally. There’s no time limit on it.
and we hope our campers and staff alike bring a kind and caring heart to give every girl the opportunity to grow together.
At Camp Lochearn, girls have the chance to learn all kinds of skills from sailing to sewing and everything in between. But they’ll also learn skills that extend far past their summer activity schedules. Abilities and opportunities gained as a camper are those that weave through all facets of life, making girls well-rounded, confident individuals that shine in school and, later on, in the workforce.
As writer Michael Thompson wrote in his book Homesick and Happy, “The only way children can grow into independence is to have their parents open the door and let them walk out. That’s what makes camp such a life-changing experience for children.” At Lochearn, girls can be completely themselves, whoever they may be. They have the opportunity to challenge themselves in many ways — from striving to earn a purple in Archery to practicing good teamwork and sportsmanship. Being able to complete these challenges while away from home boosts self-esteem, builds a sense of empowerment and strengthens independence.
Girls who go to summer camp, especially an all-girls program, are often better prepared for the future than other girls their ages. Because camp is all about making lasting connections with peers as well as staff members — and maintaining those connections year-round — the girls learn how to network at a young age. This puts our girls at an advantage when it comes to making connections in school or later when applying for a job. In fact, one of the greatest advantages of joining us at Lochearn is that our girls develop communication skills they’ll use throughout their entire lives. 
Campers are put into a situation that’s not typical for people their ages. Each summer, whether first-time or returning campers, they have the opportunity to meet new people and make connections that extend across the globe. This also adds to girls’ knowledge, interest in and acceptance of other cultures.
