Mission
Kyle, Emily and the Vega Team strive for our mission every day of the year. It starts by hiring experienced, loving and committed staff, and continues into the summer by creating a supportive and fun environment where campers are set-up for success – to have fun, be safe, feel included, challenge themselves and grow.
Our mission is to live by the Vega Values and traditions to create an extraordinary experience that is fun, safe, inclusive and free from the pressures and distractions of the “ordinary world;” a place where every camper can develop friendships and skills, and have the opportunity to discover her strengths and experience the joy of being herself.
While our mission never “ends,” it culminates at the end of each season with campers leaving the Vega gates happy and healthy, with new/renewed friendships and skills, with an abundance of support from the Vega family.
Vega Values
In order to be successful in accomplishing our mission, it is important that everyone at camp live by the Vega Values and understand why they are important to making Vega the special place that it is.
BUILD UNITY – Inclusivity, Friendship, Cooperation, Teamwork, Sportsmanship
At Vega, it is of the utmost importance that everyone feels included, loved and accepted. There is nothing quite like “camp spirit,” and so many opportunities to be an inclusive teammate, cabin-mate, camp-mate and friend. From daily routines like cabin clean-up, to special events like Olympics (color war), campers practice critical skills like cooperation, collaboration and effective communication. By supporting each other, campers are rewarded with a strong sense of belonging, friendships, and a bond spanning generations through traditions and shared experience. Ultimately, Vega campers learn that cooperation > competition – we are stronger together.
LIVE WITH INTEGRITY – Respect, Honesty, Accountability, Responsibility, Growth Mindset
In order for campers and staff to be safe and have fun, we all need to treat each other and camp with respect and be honest with ourselves and others, especially when mistakes are made because everyone makes them. It is crucial to take ownership of, and be accountable for, our actions, and not blame others. Being able to apologize when we hurt others, and knowing when we are ready to accept an apology if we are hurt, is an important skill, one that many campers are still learning (and adults too), and which we help them navigate.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF – Resilience, Grit, Perseverance, Independence, Confidence
Vega is an incredibly supportive place where girls can try new things in a safe environment. By setting goals and embracing a variety of challenges – from choosing to face a fear of heights on the Ropes course to simply being away from home – campers discover that they are incredibly capable, and that failing at something is usually not the end, but the beginning to being successful. Through their Vega experience, girls learn independence, perseverance, grit, resilience, and ultimately a strong sense of self-belief.
CHOOSE GRATITUDE – Appreciation, Mindfulness
Gratitude is a choice and it takes practice. We believe that happiness leads to success (not the other way around) and the research is mounting that gratitude makes you happier. Gratitude has an important role at camp because we learn to make the most of our short time together and not take anything for granted. From appreciating the beauty of the lake and the smells of pine, to acknowledging how lucky we are to spend our days with friends doing fun and exciting activities, we encourage each other to be mindful of the positive and focus on the good in our lives.
HAVE EMPATHY – Kindness, Perspective, Validation, Understanding, Compassion
Empathy is a skill that allows us to understand (or try to understand) a situation from another person’s perspective or point of view. Empathy allows us to validate another person’s feelings, even when we don’t agree with them. The camp experience is rife with opportunities to practice having empathy, especially because living together means we are witness to the impact our actions have on those around us. With empathy, we can understand and respect each other, and is an important reason why the Vega community is a safe and loving one where special friendships can be made.
My most cherished childhood memories are from my 8 summers at Vega. I learned more skills in those 8 summers than the 64 years so far.
– Sally Spies, Vega Alumna