Our family just returned from a week at Camp Common Ground in Starksboro, Vermont. We have children aged 7 and 11. All four of us gave CCG "Two Thumbs Up!" Camp Common Ground is a Camp for the entire family with meals and programs for everyone.

The menu is vegetarian and I initially thought this might be a problem for my sometimes picky eaters, but the food was really good and at every meal my family always found something they liked (pizza, cheesy pasta, french toast, fresh bread, muffins). I, on the other hand, had the opportunity to try a variety of vegetarian dishes that I never get to have (tempeh, tofu etc..). My picky husband even gained weight!

Our family chose to stay in one of the many unique cabins on the property, but many families camped in tents. During our stay, there were people from an international organization called "Volunteers for Peace" who were building "tent platforms" that I imagine will benefit future tent campers. CCG also has a very comfortable and modern bathhouse with nice hot showers.

Having never been to a "Family Camp" before I didn't know what to expect. If you are considering the "family camp" experience, I would recommend a visit to the CCG website at [--] . It gives a very good overview of the types of programming available for both children and adults. There are also many pictures of accomodations and the property. During the week we were there, some of the activities we were able to try included..painted floor cloths, circus arts, wheel thrown pottery, origami, photography, swimming, basketry,...and there were others.

Our younger children really enjoyed themselves, but I noticed other families with older children, teenagers, and it seemed to me that it was a great opportunity for those families to connect as well.

This vacation was an experience my family will not soon forget. There was more to this place than its' physical attributes. The staff, volunteers and the other campers (from all walks of life) created an atmosphere of cooperation and inclusion that made us all feel like family. We will definitely return next year.