We’ve compiled a list of common questions and concerns.

• What are some of the non-circus related activities?
  Smirkus Camp has an afternoon group activity and an evening activity daily, that is not circus related. They vary each day. Some afternoon activity examples include “Capture the Flag,” Arts and Crafts, Tie Dye, Friendship bracelet making, Kickball, Frisbee, Board Games etc. Evening Activities include, movie night, camper (voluntary) and staff talent shows, special guest speakers, and dances.
• What is Dinner Dress-up?
  Campers and staff dress up to a theme every night for dinner. The themes are announced at lunch on the day of, and can vary drastically. Don’t worry about bringing costume clothing from home (although many do!), Smirkus provides four large wardrobe closets. Dressing up is not mandatory, but is encouraged and a lot of fun!
• Can I tell my camper that I will come pick them up or that they can stay with me at night if they are homesick?
  To best help your child prepare for and enjoy their experience at camp, we strongly advise parents to avoid setting up “pick-up” plans with their child. Doing so tends to set up the expectation that the child won’t enjoy their experience and implies that there is a reason to be concerned about staying overnight. You can prepare your camper for sleepover camp, by practicing sleepovers at friends/relatives’ houses etc. and by encouraging them to write letters.
• Can you send me photos of my child at camp during the week?
  Smirkus Camp has a wonderful camp blog which will give you a sense of the activities and spirit at camp. We also take pictures of kids during each session and provide access to those digital photo albums to parents.
• Can my camper bring their phone, kindle, ipad, etc to camp?
  Smirkus Camp is electronics free! We go unplugged so that your child may benefit from the rich social environment at camp.
• Drop Off: what should I expect when I drop off my camper?
  When you arrive to our facility during your designated time slot, you will immediately be greeted by a staff member while you park and receive an onsite registration checklist. You will be directed towards the dorms for onsite registration. After checking into the first station, you will be able to complete your checklist at your own pace. Once each station has stamped your list, hand it to your counselor and wish your camper a happy week!
• Pick Up: will I get to see my camper as soon as I arrive to pick them up?
  Since our sessions end with either a skills rotation showcase, performance, or Pie Day Celebration, you will not immediately be able to visit with campers as they will be preparing for these events. You will be greeted by camp staff and directed to where the activity is taking place.
• My camper LOVES aerials (or juggling, etc.), can they train their preferred circus skill exclusively?
  Circus performers are expected to be multi-skilled, and we train in this tradition. Morning tent time is devoted equally on learning and practicing the four major circus arts: juggling, aerials, acrobatics and clowning. Afternoons feature choice time – two hours of electives where campers can focus on improving skills in just one discipline, and/or get better at all of them. This is also when we teach activities such as unicycling, rolla bolla, stilting, and other things that will make your child even more amazing!
• How do I apply for camp?
  Smirkus Camp uses an online registration called CampDoc for all of your pre-camp paperwork. This portal allows the camper to register for their desired sessions, submit medical, personal, and contact information, make tuition payments, audition for our advanced sessions, and more. CampDoc requires an updated browser to function properly – either Mozilla Firefox, or Chrome.
• Can you accommodate my child’s dietary needs?
  Yes! One of our three camp chefs specializes in vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free cuisine. We provide these options at every meal, plus traditional fare. Circus training burns many calories, so we encourage seconds!

Circus Smirkus Camp takes place on 35 acres of hilltop pasture in beautiful Greensboro, Vermont. We have have separate girls and boys dormitories with campers staying two, three to four to a room. Each dorm has several common areas and is decorated with historical circus memorabilia and props from past Circus Smirkus shows.

Our kitchen and culinary team work around the clock to provide healthy meals using as many quality, locally sourced ingredients as we can find. Your kids will be very active and challenging their bodies daily so food fit to feed circus athletes is paramount to our mission!

Accessibility Services

The Smirkus Camp facility is ADA-compliant and our coaches, counselors, and support staff are ready to assist circus dreamers with accessibility concerns to make the most of their camp experience. For more information about accessibility at Smirkus Camp, please call (802) 533-7443 or email info@smirkus.org.