Our History

It started as an idea, a “wouldn’t it be fun if…?”

Peg Kamens and Jim Mendell wanted to spend their vacations in creative activities with their three young kids, where the kids could enjoy fun, interesting programs while they were pursuing adult interests. They wanted healthful food that respected alternative diets. And they wanted a place flexible enough in price so that a variety of people could afford to come.

They visited many family camps, improved on the best ideas, and called some people they thought would be fun to spend a week with who also happened to be great teachers. Everyone said yes.

They contacted all their friends in Brooklyn and Vermont and some of them came, and some brought friends. Other people heard about the camp through brochures at their food coops, Waldorf schools, childcare centers, or through Coop America, homeschooling circles, and local parenting newsletters…

The first summer of Camp Common Ground happened miraculously! It was great fun, and we all decided to keep it going.

Since our start in 1994, we've grown as an organization, with a volunteer Board of Directors and a growing number of wonderful traditions: our October annual meeting for campers and staff, and our spring work weekend.

We have grown into an extended family with some wonderful, devoted campers, a talented and diverse staff, and a dedicated year-round staff who works hard to put it all together.

Our Camp Common Ground programs have thrived filling a unique niche and serving hundreds of families from over 29 states and 11 countries. We have grown into an extended community with many wonderful, devoted campers, a talented, diverse staff and a dedicated year round staff who pull it all together.

"What we love most about Camp Common Ground is the opportunity for our family to break bread with other families of different cultures and economic backgrounds allowing us to form connections not possible in our everyday lives."

- Peg Kamens & Jim Mendell, CCG Co-Founders