News:

Spring programs are under way! 

Call now to schedule a fall program.           433-5400

Mission

Lotus Lake Discovery Center builds caring communities through outdoor experiential and environmental education. Our programs foster and encourage personal growth, communication, cooperation, problem solving, care and respect for others, and discovery of the natural world.

Philosophy

Caring is at the heart of LLDC's philosophy.  During the welcoming meeting all participants are invited to care, emotionally and physically, about themselves, others, and the environment. It is with this agreement to care that the whole group can then proceed to play, communicate, and face the challenges throughout the program.  In our programs, participants are grouped as small "communities" of learners (approximately 8-12 per group), where they have an opportunity to take appropriate risks in a safe and supportive environment. Through a sequence of group adventure-based activities and group processing, participants can learn about TRUST, OPENESS, HONESTY, and being VALUED for who they are. When working cooperatively within a peer group solving complex problems, participants can develop more self-confidence to push themselves beyond what they ever believed they could do.  In this group context participants can better understand the importance of positive effective communication, addressing individual and group needs, respecting differences, and working together towards a common goal. Our program can set the tone and create the cooperative framework to continually build on back in the classroom or workplace.

History

With more than 300 acres of diverse habitat surrounding an 18 acre lake, "Lotus Lake" (called Cutter Pond on Vermont maps) is one of the headwaters of the Lake Champlain watershed. The land supports hiking trails, playing fields, a low-ropes course, lean-to's, a recreation barn, and a winterized meeting room.

This 7th generation property was purchased as a dairy farm in the 1830's by the Martin family. Lotus Lake Day Camp opened in 1952, and continues to serve families each summer. Lotus Lake Discovery Center was established in 1994 and became a non-profit organization in 2003. Programs are offered during the fall, winter, and spring at Lotus Lake Discovery Center.