❊ About Us

Clara Shealy,

Camp Director

Clara (she/her) earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University in 2022. She has worked as an OT in acute care at the University of Vermont Medical Center and as a pediatric therapist in the public schools in Saint Albans Vermont. Clara is certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from Brown University and has pursued opportunities for continuing education in herbalism and nature based therapy for youth and adolescents. Last summer, Clara worked as a lead mentor for youth aged 4 - 10 in an outdoor summer camp based in Vermont.

After witnessing the growing dependence on technology and virtual learning within public school settings, Clara was inspired to create meaningful spaces where children can reconnect with the natural world. She is passionate about nurturing a sense of wonder, belonging, and respect for nature in young learners. This summer, Clara is excited to share her enthusiasm for imaginative play, creativity and nature-based education at fairy camp.

Laura Sundstrom,

Assistant

Laura (she/her) graduated from Saint Michael's College in 2020 with her degree in Environmental Science. Teaching skiing, rock climbing, and dance to young kids has become a passion of hers over the last five years. She believes that when children learn and move outdoors, it promotes wonder, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Originally from Vermont, Laura has also lived and taught in Colorado and New Mexico. She has now returned to Vermont to teach at Poker Hill School in Underhill. She has been teaching there for two years now and loves how the school allows the kids to explore the outdoors every day, rain or shine!  In her free time, Laura enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and traveling with friends and family.

Baker Baker,

Assistant

Baker (they/them) is so grateful to be here. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2021 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies, Baker jumped right into a wonderful independent school community in VT. They have worked as a 2nd/3rd grade mixed classroom Lead Teacher for the last 5 years, as a K-8 Art Teacher for the last 2 years, and as a Preschool Lead Teacher during the last 3 summers. They are currently getting their Masters of Arts in Teaching as they continue to teach this school year.

Baker leads with their full heart and loves to learn alongside their amazing kiddos and colleagues. Baker is absolutely thrilled to continue growing, playing, creating, imagining, and exploring at camp this summer! In their free time, Baker likes to jump in puddles, eat frozen mangos, run, rock climb, and be outside as much as possible.

Elizabeth Shealy,

Support Staff

Elizabeth (she/her) and her husband, Eric, moved to Swan Farm 6 years ago. Since then they have worked on creating and nurturing a natural home/habitat for 2 and 4 footed friends as well as a rich variety of native plants and trees.

In addition to rearing her 3 children, Elizabeth has had a long career working with children as a physical therapist in the Massachusetts public school system. This summer, she is excited to support campers connect with nature and incorporate its wonders into magical play at Fairy Camp!

Horris

Is a local Kingfisher who likes to stop by along with many bird friends to fish in our pond.

❊ Meet the Animals

Cows

Swan Farm is surrounded by cow neighbors, they like to be sung to! All cows are protected by fencing.

Kansas

Kansas lives at a barn with other horses locally but comes to visit Swan Farm occasionally over the summer.

Yogi & Boo Boo

Yogi (10) and Boo (6) are friendly stewards of Swan Farm property.