Camp Thorpe
Overview of Organization
Since 1927, Camp Thorpe has provided a joyful and inclusive summer camp experience for teens and adults with developmental disabilities in the Green Mountains of Goshen, Vermont. Our vision is to create an intergenerational environment where campers experience the joy of summer camp and the security of a loving, supportive home away from home — while we preserve our historic campus and foster transformational experiences for campers, families, caregivers, and staff alike.
Each summer, Camp Thorpe welcomes campers and counselors from across the country and around the world, supported by a dedicated year-round staff and an active volunteer Board of Trustees. As we approach our Centennial season, Camp Thorpe is in the midst of a multi-year strategic plan (2025–2027) focused on program growth, facility improvements, financial sustainability, and preparation for a special anniversary campaign.
Mission Area: Recreation/Sports/Leisure
Size of Organization: $250K – $500K
Position Overview
Camp Thorpe is seeking community-minded volunteers to join our Board of Trustees as we build toward our 100th anniversary in 2027. This is a meaningful opportunity to guide a beloved Vermont institution through an important chapter of growth, strengthening our programs, our facilities, and our long-term financial future, while helping shape the campaign that will carry us into our second century
Why Now
Camp Thorpe’s current strategic priorities create a timely and meaningful entry point for new board members:
- Strengthening programs and staff culture, including new day-camp offerings and expanded activity programming.
- Investing in facilities, with a focus on ADA accessibility, housing improvements, and long-deferred capital projects.
- Building long-term financial sustainability through major gifts, planned giving, grants, and diversified earned income.
- Preparing for a Centennial 2027 campaign, including new campaign staffing, a start-up committee, and a modernized donor database.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome board candidates with a genuine passion for Camp Thorpe’s mission and a willingness to contribute their time, expertise, and networks. We are especially interested in candidates who bring one or more of the following:
- Community-minded individuals passionate about inclusion, disability services, and Camp Thorpe’s mission (no prior board experience required).
- Fundraising or major gifts experience, particularly valuable as we launch our Centennial campaign and grow planned giving and major donor programs.
- Experience in disability services, camping, recreation, or related human-services fields.
- Financial, facilities/construction, or nonprofit management expertise to support our financial sustainability and capital planning goals.
Board Responsibilities
- Provide strategic guidance and fiduciary oversight, including review of budgets, financial statements, and organizational performance.
- Actively support fundraising efforts through personal giving, donor introductions, and participation in campaigns and events.
- Serve on at least one board committee (e.g., Development, Finance, Facilities, or the Centennial Campaign Start-Up Committee).
- Attend board meetings and come prepared, having reviewed materials in advance.
- Act as an ambassador for Camp Thorpe in the community and help advance our mission, vision, and values.
Time Commitment
Board members are asked to attend regular board meetings throughout the year, serve on at least one committee, and participate in at least one Camp Thorpe event or campaign activity annually. We share specific meeting schedules and term details with prospective candidates during the conversation process.
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Legal, HR, Strategy/Business Planning, Technology
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 8
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: 5hrs
Meeting Frequency: Once a quarter
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 2, 3
Financial contribution required?: Yes
Service on committee required?: Yes