Hello Camp Community!


Here are some updates for the fall and notes from the season:

Camp may be over but we have still been hard at work! Spurred on by Chelsea’s visit to Washington this past June, we have been continuing our work connecting with elected officials.


Congresswoman Balint met with Chelsea to talk about how to make camp accessible to all!

Senator Bernie Sander’s outreach team came by camp to see how we integrate social justice into our program and to learn about our future year-round building plans.

State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale also visited Hochelaga, inspiring us with stories of the youth empowerment programs she was part of as a kid.



The YWCA’s work of eliminating racism and empowering women is just as vital as ever, and we are so glad that our elected officials are taking notice and supporting our mission as we promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all!

Welcome to the Year Round team Lyle!


"Lyle (they/them) is elated to join the Hochelaga year round team! There are many reasons Lyle fell in love with Camp Hochelaga. A big one being the community of campers and counselors. Lyle has a background in pediatric mental health and is excited to bring their skills and love of camp to Camp Hochelaga!"


Lyle Johnston, Assistant Camp Director

Update from Leaders on the Rise


We're so grateful for the young leaders who attended, and to guest speakers Hannah King (pictured here, from the Burlington District Council), and Melody Mackin (Abenaki Historian and Artist) for making this weekend so special!

We're reimagining our alumni network to include not only former campers and staff, but also all parents and community members interested and invested in helping support the continued improvements of camp

Help us envision an even brighter camp future


Contact Christine at [email protected] if you're interested in joining our once monthly meetings, and other updates



We're changing the look of our sessions:

Upcoming Events:

Our second annual Hike for Hochelaga will be held this year on October 21st!


Join us as we kick-off fundraising for our 2024 season, and don't forget to RSVP here:



Tickets HERE

New Camp Merchandise Available on our Store!:

Camp Store Online

Introducing our current Board of Directors of YWCA Vermont:

(All bios to be featured on our upcoming new and improved website!)




Meghan VanStry



ACTING PRESIDENT

Dr. Kris May


joined the YWCA Vermont board in March 2023. She is currently the Director of Public Sector Customer Success at Pluralsight where she leads a team of customer success managers who implement workforce transformation strategies, develop upskilling/learning strategies, and create retention strategies for their customers. Previous to her career in EdTech, Kris worked for the University of Utah for almost 10 years where she led marketing, recruiting, student services, career services, and alumni relations for 2 of the university’s largest MBA programs. She is wildly passionate about increasing representation in universities, and as a result she also created DEI-focused scholarships to increase representation of all types within the MBA programs she managed. She also developed a women’s networking and resource group called the Women’s MBA Association to provide womxn with resources, a community, networking, and mentorship opportunities.


Kris has a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Utah, an MBA from Utah State University, and a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah. She has served on the board of the Rape Recovery Center and also serves as a volunteer and fundraiser for GK Folks, a charity focused on uplifting the black community in Utah, particularly those individuals who are African refugees or immigrants.


In her free time, Kris enjoys baking and cooking, traveling, her three dogs (Daisy, Lilly, and Penny), a good glass of wine, reading, and attending live concerts/performances of all kinds.


VICE PRESIDENT, INCOMING PRESIDENT

Renee Rubin





SECRETARY




Senja King








Nicole Sener




MVP COMMITTEE CHAIR






Elianne Wijler Klinefelter