the heart of what we do

Summer Day Camp

Three generations of central and eastern Connecticut families have come to trust us – to mentor their children, to ensure both physical and emotional safety, and to impart valuable life skills – all while kids are having the summer time of their lives.

  • We group campers into co-ed groups according to the grade they are entering in the fall.
  • We honor grouping requests whenever possible.
  • There are two counselors in each group of 10-16 children–a mature, responsible Group Leader (college age or older), and a capable Counselor (high school junior or older).
  • These counselors are their campers’ primary adult friends at camp and participate with them at every level.
  • When groups visit program areas they encounter the Specialists and Counselors assigned to lead activities in those areas.
  • The overall camper to staff ratio is 5:1.
  • Each Division of the camp is supervised by an adult Division Coordinator who actively participates throughout the program.

Younger Division

Kindercamp through grade 3

Sparrows – Campers entering pre-school or kindergarten in the fall
Bluebirds – Campers entering 1st grade
Larks  – Campers entering 1st or 2nd grade (mostly 2nd graders)
Cardinals – Campers entering 2nd or 3rd grade (mostly 3rd graders)
Orioles – Campers entering 3rd grade 

Each group visits our pools twice daily for morning swim lessons and afternoon free-swim time. During the course of a two-week session, the group visits 2-3 specialty area each day. These areas include archery (grades 1-3), arts and crafts, sports, nature and creative dramatics. Group counselors also conduct warm-up, acquaintance, and team-building activities.

Middle Division

Grades 4-5

Bluejays, Osprey , and Owls – Mixed groups of fourth and fifth graders.

Each group visits our pools twice daily for morning swim lessons and afternoon free-swim time. During the course of a two-week session, the group visits two to three specialty area each day. These areas include archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, sports, nature, creative dramatics, challenge and high ropes.

Each afternoon the MD campers participate in “Happy Hour” where they may select from among a variety of activities being offered, sometimes including high ropes and mountain biking. The groups also have time each day for their counselors to conduct warm-up, acquaintance, and team-building activities, including traditional camp games and fun.

Older Division

Grades 6-9

Ravens – Campers entering 6th grade
Falcons – Campers entering 7th grade
Haw ks – Campers entering 8th grade
Eagles (also known as NEST) – Campers entering 9th (sometimes 10th) grade – Learn more about our Counselor Training/Leadership program.

Each group visits our pools twice daily for morning swim lessons and afternoon free-swim time. During the course of a two-week session, the group visits one or two specialty areas each morning. These include archery, challenge, high ropes course, arts and crafts, canoeing, sports, nature and creative dramatics. 

Each afternoon the OD campers have two blocks of “choice” where they may select from among several activities being offered, The groups also have time each day for their counselors to conduct warm-up, acquaintance, and team-building activities, including traditional camp games and fun.

The N.E.S.T Teen Leadership Program

Campers entering 9th & 10th grade enter our “Nurturing Experience for Staff Trainees” program. In 9th grade they spend half the day participating in good ‘ol camp activities and half the day learning leadership, facilitation, and youth instruction skills. Entering 10th grade they become a “Junior Counselor”.

learn to lead

The Finches Individualized Needs Experience

A Special Needs program that combines a great camp experience with expert support.

more details