SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH, Vt. ??“ As soon as the slopes close in mid-April, Smugglers’ Notch Resort will begin gearing up for the start of its summer programming for families, beginning this year on June 9. In addition to Smugglers’ ever-popular menu of daily camps for ages 3-17, family and adult entertainment, and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, swimming, and just plain lazing around, the Resort has added a few extra enticements for families looking for a good summer vacation value.

*New Trail Blazers camp created for five and six year olds – This year the five and six year olds will be joined together to form their own Trail Blazers program. Peter Ingvoldstad, Summer Fun University director explains: “We refine and change our summer camp age groupings and curriculums as we recognize shifts in children’s abilities and maturity. These changes reflect the education and level of sophistication youngsters achieve through their schooling and in their home settings and which they bring along with them in the summer. We have observed that the five year-olds have outgrown the Discovery Dynamos program, and the six year-olds are not ready for the older Adventure Rangers program. By creating the Trail Blazers program for them, they will receive more individual attention, involvement in age appropriate activities and fun with kids their own age.” With this change, the 2006 Summer Fun University camp lineup includes: Discovery Dynamos, ages 3 & 4; Trail Blazers, ages 5 & 6; Adventure Rangers, ages 7-10; Notch Squad, ages 11-14; and Mountain Explorers, ages 15-17.

*Sound & Stage ‘minor’ adds a drama component – For the 7-17 year olds participating in Smugglers’ various day camps, there are special interest categories called ‘minors’ that they may select: Nature & Hiking, Adventure & Games, Arts & Crafts or Sound & Stage. In summer 2005 Sound & Stage was introduced and was highly subscribed. For summer 2006 an acting component will be added to the dancing and singing programs. Participants will help to write a one-act play and develop their own characters. In front of a simple set design and in costumes they have fashioned themselves, the youngsters will perform at the Thursday evening Vermont Country Fair event for the Resort’s visiting families.

*Overnight Adventures get topped up – Smugglers’ popular and fun Overnight Adventures will have new elements added to the experience. Adventure Rangers, ages 7-10, will take a short hike to their overnight destination where they will enjoy a dinner of hamburgers, hot dogs, salad and drinks. Campers dance the night away with entertainer GoodTime Charlie, and share jokes, stories and songs around the camp fire while making s’mores. Counselors will tell not-too-spooky ghost stories before the youngsters cuddle into sleeping bags for the night in the upper mountain Base Lodge. After a morning continental breakfast, children are transported back to the Village for pick-up by their parents.

The Notch Squad Overnight is for 11-15 year olds. They meet in the Village and trek to their overnight destination before preparing their own dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs on a wood fire. In the summer evening light on an open meadow they play games and entertain each other with karaoke. They also tell ghost stories between roasting s’mores and finally nod off indoors in sleeping bags where bathroom facilities are available. A continental breakfast is provided before the new camp day begins.

Overnight Adventures cost $39 per child, $30 for each additional child. A minimum of one day’s attendance in the Adventure Rangers or Notch Squad Camp programs is required to participate in the optional Overnight Adventure.

*Smugglers’ develops a new skate park ??“ Skate park enthusiasts will delight in Smugglers’ new park with modular features to accommodate bikes, skates, and skateboards. Trick elements will have broad appeal to beginner and intermediate users with a few elements available for experts. Instruction and a camp are planned.

In Summer, the Club Smugglers’ vacation package includes lodging in a mountainside condominium with a fully equipped kitchen; Summer Fun University camp programs for ages 3-17, unlimited use of eight heated pools, four waterslides and hot tubs, Family Ties afternoon games, daily guided hiking treks and walking tours, evening entertainment for families and adults, and numerous daytime family events.

For a family of four, packages start at $1759 for seven days and nights in a one-bedroom condominium. Special June values include free child care at TREASURES, a free arrival gift from Vermont’s own Cabot Creamery, and additional bonuses for Dads and Granddads such as a Smugglers’ sport shop gift certificate and a Vermont-style dinner and breakfast for the entire family. Please call 1-800-451-8752 or log on to www.smuggs.com for information on lodging and reservations.