What are the best summer camps in Connecticut for kids and teens. How to choose the right camp for your child. Which camps offer unique experiences and specialized programs. Where can you find affordable summer camp options in CT.
Diverse Summer Camp Options in Connecticut
Connecticut offers a wide array of summer camp experiences for children and teenagers. From traditional outdoor adventures to specialized programs focusing on sports, arts, or STEM, there’s something for every interest and age group. Let’s explore some of the top summer camps in the state, their unique offerings, and how to choose the best fit for your child.
Traditional Outdoor Camps
For those seeking a classic summer camp experience, Connecticut has several excellent options:
- Winding Trails in Farmington
- Camp Cody (located in New Hampshire but popular among Connecticut families)
- Two Coyotes Wilderness School in Newtown
These camps offer activities such as hiking, swimming, canoeing, and archery, providing children with opportunities to connect with nature and develop outdoor skills.
Specialized Sports Camps
For young athletes looking to hone their skills, Connecticut offers several sports-focused camps:
- Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford
- Ben Young Sports Camp in New Canaan
- Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury (for climbing enthusiasts)
These camps provide expert coaching and state-of-the-art facilities for various sports, including gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and rock climbing.
STEM and Educational Summer Programs
As the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continues to grow, many Connecticut camps now offer specialized programs in these areas.
Empow Studios
With locations in Stamford and West Hartford, Empow Studios offers STEM-focused summer camps for children ages 7-15. Their programs include:
- Roblox game design and coding
- Minecraft engineering
- 3D printing
- Scratch coding
- Robotics
- Video creation
These camps provide hands-on learning experiences in small group settings, helping children develop valuable skills for the future.
Maritime and Aquatic Science Camps
Connecticut’s coastal location makes it an ideal place for marine science camps:
- The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk
- Mystic Aquarium in Mystic
- Project Oceanology in Groton
These camps offer unique opportunities for children to learn about marine life, conservation, and coastal ecosystems through hands-on experiences and interactive programs.
Arts and Performance Camps in Connecticut
For children with a passion for the arts, Connecticut offers several camps focused on nurturing creativity and performance skills:
New Haven Academy of Performing Arts
Located in East Haven, this camp offers programs in:
- Theater
- Dance
- Music
- Visual arts
Children can explore various artistic disciplines and develop their talents under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Mystic Seaport Museum
While known for its maritime history, Mystic Seaport Museum also offers art-focused summer programs that combine historical themes with creative expression.
Girl-Focused Summer Camps in Connecticut
Some camps in Connecticut cater specifically to girls, providing empowering environments for young women to grow and develop:
Camp Chinqueka
Operating under the motto “where girls can be girls,” Camp Chinqueka offers a supportive and nurturing environment for female campers. The camp focuses on building self-confidence, leadership skills, and lasting friendships among girls.
Activities at Camp Chinqueka include:
- Sports and outdoor adventures
- Arts and crafts
- Performing arts
- Water activities
- Team-building exercises
The camp’s all-female environment allows girls to explore new interests and challenge themselves without societal pressures or gender stereotypes.
Nature and Environmental Education Camps
Connecticut’s diverse natural landscapes provide excellent opportunities for environmental education and outdoor exploration:
New Canaan Nature Center
This nature center offers summer programs that focus on:
- Wildlife education
- Nature exploration
- Environmental conservation
- Outdoor skills
Children can learn about local ecosystems, native plants and animals, and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Stamford Nature Center
Similar to New Canaan Nature Center, Stamford Nature Center provides summer camp programs that immerse children in nature and teach them about local flora and fauna.
Choosing the Right Summer Camp in Connecticut
With so many options available, how can parents choose the best summer camp for their child? Consider the following factors:
Interests and Passions
Does your child have a particular interest or hobby they’d like to pursue? Look for camps that align with their passions, whether it’s sports, arts, science, or outdoor activities.
Age Appropriateness
Ensure the camp you choose offers programs suitable for your child’s age group. Many camps, like Camp Cody, offer different programs for various age ranges, from young children to teenagers.
Duration and Schedule
Consider whether a day camp or overnight camp would be more suitable for your family. Also, look at the camp’s schedule and session dates to ensure they fit with your summer plans.
Location and Transportation
Factor in the camp’s location and whether transportation is provided or if you’ll need to arrange drop-offs and pick-ups.
Cost and Financial Aid
Summer camps can vary widely in price. Consider your budget and look into whether the camp offers financial aid or scholarships if needed.
Camp Philosophy and Values
Research the camp’s mission statement and overall philosophy to ensure it aligns with your family’s values and expectations.
Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp
Once you’ve chosen a summer camp, how can you help your child prepare for the experience?
Involve Your Child in the Decision
Include your child in the camp selection process. Discuss the different options and consider their preferences and concerns.
Address Any Concerns
If your child is nervous about attending camp, especially overnight camps, address their concerns openly and honestly. Discuss homesickness strategies and ways to make new friends.
Pack Appropriately
Review the camp’s packing list carefully and ensure your child has all the necessary items. Label everything with your child’s name to prevent loss.
Discuss Camp Rules and Expectations
Go over the camp’s rules and expectations with your child before they attend. This can help them feel more prepared and confident.
Encourage Independence
Use the weeks leading up to camp to foster independence in your child. Encourage them to take on more responsibilities at home to prepare them for the camp environment.
Benefits of Summer Camp Experiences
Summer camps offer numerous benefits for children and teenagers. What are some of the key advantages of attending summer camp?
Social Skills Development
Camps provide opportunities for children to meet new friends from diverse backgrounds and improve their social skills. They learn to communicate effectively, work in teams, and resolve conflicts.
Independence and Self-Reliance
Being away from home, especially in overnight camps, helps children develop independence and self-reliance. They learn to make decisions, solve problems, and take care of themselves.
New Experiences and Skills
Summer camps expose children to new activities and challenges, allowing them to discover new interests and develop new skills. This can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Physical Activity and Outdoor Time
Many camps emphasize physical activity and outdoor experiences, which are crucial for children’s health and well-being, especially in an era of increased screen time.
Leadership Opportunities
Camps often provide leadership opportunities through group activities, mentoring programs, or counselor-in-training positions for older campers.
Unplugged Time
Most camps have limited or no access to electronic devices, giving children a much-needed break from screens and social media.
By choosing the right summer camp in Connecticut, parents can provide their children with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and valuable life skills that will benefit them long after the summer ends.
Best Summer Camps for Teens and Tweens in Connecticut
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
317-886-8243
One Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 06902
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
203-989-1100
1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 06902
Two Coyotes Wilderness School
203-843-3112
201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown, CT 06470
The Maritime Aquarium
203-852-0700
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
New Canaan Nature Center
144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840
Stamford Nature Center
39 Scofield Road, Stamford, CT 06903
Ben Young Sports Camp
, New Canaan, CT
Central Rock Gym
860-659-8260
259 Eastern Boulevard, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Flamig Farm
860-658-5070
7 Shingle Mill Rd. , West Simsbury, CT 06092
860-872-4742
130 Sandy Beach Road, Ellington, CT 06029
Winding Trails
860-674-4227
50 Winding Trails Drive, Farmington, CT 06032
860-767-2148
253 Bushy Hill Rd, Ivoryton, CT 06442
Mystic Seaport Museum
860-572-0711
75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355
New Haven Academy of Performing Arts
475-238-8119
597 Main Street , East Haven, CT 06512
Mystic Aquarium
860.
572.5955
55 Coogan Boulevard , tent located in front of the aquarium, Mystic, CT 06355
Project Oceanology
860.445.9007
1084 Shennecosset Road, Groton, CT 06340
Best Connecticut Summer Camps In 2023
Summer camps are a fantastic way for children to meet new friends, learn essential life skills, participate in fun camp themes and feel like they belong to something bigger. The trouble is finding the best or right type of camp for the summer with all the summer camps in Connecticut.
At these summer camps, you’re child can enjoy a season full of fun traditional camp activities and learning experiences. We included summer programs for different age groups, varying session dates and different camp locations, so you can find the Connecticut summer camp that suits your child the most.
1. Camp Cody
Camp Cody is an overnight summer camp located in Freedom, New Hampshire, only three and a half hours away from Hartford, Connecticut.
It’s located right on Ossipee Lake and is surrounded by beautiful forest areas with gorgeous landscapes all around.
They have top-notch facilities and sports fields like soccer fields and baseball fields. They also have basketball courts and tennis courts. With so many camp facilities, campers can participate in all types of activities like canoeing, archery, woodworking, horseback riding, scuba diving, and much more! The summer camps are perfect for kids ages 7-17.
They are separated by different age groups and activities offered just for them. Whether you have a young child or a teenager, you can find the right program at Camp Cody. Their camp philosophy is to maintain a welcoming and safe environment where kids can achieve personal development while having fun.
2. Empow Studios
Empow Studio has locations in cities like Stamford and West Hartford. They offer STEM summer camps and after-school programs for students ages 7-15.
Your child can learn about Roblox game design and coding, Minecraft engineering, 3D Printing, Scratch coding, robotics, and even video creation.
The small group classes and experienced instructors can make learning fun for your kids.
Their fun way of teaching can also keep students hooked and motivated for a future education in STEM. Most of their classes last around a week and are hosted at different schools in the area. Its project-based way of learning can help students build their teamwork skills and make new friends.
There are breaks in between lessons each day, including a fun outdoor activity after lunch to keep your kids energized. They also have a counselor-in-training program and holiday camps between school breaks.
3. Chinqueka
Chinqueka operates under an excellent motto — “where girls can be girls.” It emphasizes individual care and attention to each child by educated, approachable, certified staff members. The idea is to empower, promote kindness in, grow, and encourage sisterhood in the girls who attend.
If your little (or not so little) one is looking for a place to be herself, this may well be it.
It receives girls ages 6 to 16 throughout the entire summer. The vibe is informal, and the staff’s primary focus is to maintain a respectful and safe environment. Chinqueka accepts up to 150 campers each time and offers over 30 camp activities. Some notable pursuits are horseback riding, yoga, go-karts, waterskiing, kayaking, and a lot more.
Camp Chinqueka is located in Washington, Connecticut and offers 2, 3, 6 and 8-week long sessions. With camp facilities that offer plenty of fun in-land and water activities, girls can enjoy a super fun summer making lifelong memories.
4. Camp Playland of New Canaan
Camp Playland is a day camp that promotes the atmosphere of an overnight camp. It is set in a staggering 18 acres of forest and grassland to provide a truly magical experience. The camp accepts boys and girls ages 3 to 14 and even includes transport so your kids can arrive and depart safely. Regardless of the time of year, children can enjoy over 40 activities, including golf, kayaking, paddleboarding, tennis, basketball, cooking, theater, ninja warrior, and fishing.
It is a family-owned business, and they’re super hands-on. You can expect a genuinely fun-filled adventure for your camper. They even offer a developmental program that allows children to learn and grow at their own pace — something you often don’t find at school!
The day camp is located in Stamford, Connecticut and provides parents with early drop off and late pickup options. There are full day and half day camps for convenience.
5. Awosting
Camp Awosting operates on this core phrase — “boys learn by doing.” They have been running one of the best overnight summer camps in Connecticut for over 100 years now, spreading joy, love, and growth to every child who visits. The camp has 16 cabins along Bantam Lake, where boys ages 6-15 live with their age group. A couple of counselors are always present to ensure everything runs smoothly and to intervene if necessary.
Each staff member at Camp Awosting promotes brotherhood, independence, experience, and confidence in each camper by allowing them to take part in several activities.
The summer program include pursuits like motocross, wakeboarding, laser tag, archery, zip-lining, and ceramics, to name just a few. They also offer team sports like football and soccer.
Children can also participate in the leadership development program, where essential life skills are taught and promoted.
6. National Computer Camps
Kids ages 6-18 can attend one of the many types of STEM camps provided by National Computer Camps. There are various options to choose from, ranging from game design, coding, Minecraft modding, 3D Printing, and more. With virtual, residential and day camp options, you can choose the one most convenient for your family situation.
Students can do everything from creating their own video game, designing a website, modifying Minecraft to their liking, and much more. To keep kids engaged and entertained, they also take breaks and partake in fun outdoor games each day.
Beginner to advanced level campers are welcome, with curriculums based around each skill level.
Participants work with the latest technologies and software to ensure everything their learning is up to date and valuable in the future. They also prepare high school students for the AP computer science test.
The week-long camps start near the end of June until early August. Kids can enroll in multiple week-long sessions without repeating any of their previous classes so that they can make the most out of their summer. The child to instructor ratio is 5 to 1, allowing them to accommodate the needs of all the participants.
Scholarships are available to kids. Just visit their website to learn more about their mission, curriculum and parent testimonials.
7. Camp Claire
Camp Claire is an old-style summer camp that sits over the stunning Hamburg Cove located in Lyme, Connecticut. It has managed to retain its outstanding reputation for over 100 years.
For ages 8 to 14, they offer campers a chance to stay for two weeks in July. For ages 6 to 14, they offer children an opportunity to attend a camp session for a couple of weekdays (returning home after each one).
For the older ones aged 15 to 16, the camp offers a four-week program. This is solely for those who wish to become counselors during the following summer. This camp offers an overwhelming choice of opportunities and activities that your children are bound to remember for a lifetime.
8. Channel 3 Kids Camp
Channel 3 Kids Camp provides traditional camping experiences to children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With over 100 years of positive reputation, there is no debating that C3KC is one of the top Connecticut camps.
The camp location spans 150 acres across the shores of the Skungamaug River. They have a whopping 25 buildings for sleeping, dining, arts, and even swimming. They offer several different programs for kids of certain ages and interests.
The summer overnight camps are for coed campers ages 8 to 13. Camp activities include swimming, nature exploration in the numerous hiking trails, athletics, archery, dancing, painting, crafts, digital art, performing arts, and much more.
The summer day camp is also for boys and girls ages 8 to 13 and has similar activities as the residential camp.
There are also school vacation camps for younger campers and include crafts, cooking, group projects, outdoor exploration, camp games and much more.
Martin Soto
Martin has been in the summer camp industry for 7 years now. He has worked in different roles for camps, including as a marketing director for summer camps in the United States. Martin enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities but likes hiking and kayaking the most. He’s also a huge fan of traveling.
Football in the Moscow region and dancing in Rosa Khutor: 10 best summer camps for children
- Forbes Life
org/Person”>Ekaterina Chuvashova
Author
Young&Active Children’s camp is not only songs around the fire and fun starts. Here you can learn how to compose music, play football and even build robots. We have collected for you the best camps to which you can still send your child this summer
Tagsport football camp near Moscow
In the Tagsport camp near Odintsovo, the main focus is on football. Every day there are two trainings in the camp – serious and not very serious. In the classroom, young athletes practice their technique and learn how to play as a team, including in friendly matches. The business is not limited to football: children here go to the pool and to educational seminars. They live on the territory of the Horizon park hotel in the Odintsovo urban district, and each shift lasts 6 days.
Website: tagsport
Next shift: June 26 – July 1
Cost: 39,000 rubles.
Marabou International Education Camp in Hungary
Initially conceived as a math camp, the Marabou international project organizes children’s themed holidays every summer. This summer, teenagers from 10 to 14 years old will be able to go to the Hungarian city of Noshvay, where for two weeks they will attend lectures and master classes by famous teachers on a variety of topics. For example, the course “History and Future of Hip-Hop” is taught by music journalist Denis Boyarinov, and literature – by the head of the Book Institute Alexander Gavrilov. A separate block here is still a mathematical course under the guidance of graduates and teachers of the Higher School of Economics and Moscow State University.
Website: camp.marabou
Next shift: July 2 – 15
Cost: € 2500
Children’s art residence “Kavardak” in the Vladimir region
Before the camp change ” Kavardak” were held in the Nikola-Lenivets art park, and recently it has been based not far from Vladimir, but the move had no effect on the atmosphere and format.
Each summer camp program is built around one creative theme. For example, the next session, which will begin on June 20, will be entirely devoted to photos and videos – they promise to teach children and teenagers the basics of creating visual content. Among the mentors are professional directors and photographers. Topics for the next summer camps: “Music and Theatre”, “Contemporary Art” and “Festival”
Website: kvrdk
Next shift: June 20 – July 3
Cost: 87,000 rubles.
Sciencely City Summer Laboratories in DK Zil
City camp is a convenient option for parents who are not yet ready to leave their children for a long time. The Sciencely educational project at the ZIL cultural center provides an opportunity to keep the child busy during the day, and in the evening the children go home.
Five-day shifts are devoted to the study of natural sciences – and in a playful way. All programs – from “physics” to “medicine” – are designed for children of different ages. Young specialists and scientists from Moscow State University and medical universities act as leaders and counselors in the City Laboratories. In the classroom, children are expected from 8:30 in the morning, and they are ready to return to their parents no later than 19:00.
Website: https://sciencely.ru/summerlaboratory
Next shift: June 20 – 24
Cost: 24,900 rubles.
Young&Active summer trips for teenagers on the bank of the Vazuza reservoir
The Young&Active camp team takes only teenagers from 13 to 17 years old with them on summer trips.
There are 48 wards in each shift. There is no usual division into groups by age in the camp, and the program is built on three pillars – live communication, creativity and sports. All three formats of the day alternate in the schedule. Among other things, Young&Active will teach teenagers how to speak to the public like at TED Talks, shoot videos, play football, basketball, flagball and rugby. There are no more places for shifts this summer, but you can sign up for a waiting list.
Website: youngandactive
Next shift: June 13 – 24
Cost: 58,000 rubles.
Equestrian camp “Savvy holidays” in Bashkiria
Children’s camp “Savvy holidays” offers to go on a horse trip in Bashkiria to teenagers aged 12 to 17 years.
The first few days the children spend at the training base, then eight days to climb to the top of Shatak. In the evenings, children take care of the animals on their own – the mentors will teach you how to properly handle horses in advance. You should not worry about the level of training – for experienced riders, the camp organizes separate trips, so the main condition is the absence of allergies to horses.
Website: bezpodkov
Next shift: July 11 – 27
Cost: 76,500 rubles.
Let’s play music camp in the Moscow region
Let’s Play is organized for those who are passionate about music in the Moscow region – a music camp, separate shifts of which are dedicated to a certain genre or phenomenon of musical culture.
For example, the next July shift will be held under the sign of the Woodstock festival, which means that the cross-cutting theme of the race will be hippie culture and rock and roll. Participants will be offered to unite in musical groups to play real evening concerts, they will be taught to compose and perform music and work with it, as adult professionals do. The emphasis in the next shift, apparently, will be on the work of The Beatles, Doors, Janis Joplin and other cult musicians of the 60s and 70s.
Website: letsplaymusic
Next shift: July 13 – 26
Cost: 58 900 rubles.
Dance camp Prodance in Rosa Khutor
Strictly speaking, the Prodance camp is not exactly for children – dancers of all ages are invited to participate in the ten-day intensive.
Dancers aged 6-10 and 11-18 years old are allocated to a special category – four master classes lasting an hour will be available for them every day. Children are also allowed to evening events, but not to night events. As part of the intensive, all possible dance genres are taught – from hip-hop to freestyle. The camp is organized by Miguel, familiar to the audience of the show “Dancing on TNT”
Website: https://camp.tancy.pro
Next shift: July 15 – 24
Cost: 38900 rubles.
Superheroes English camp in Moscow
Another city camp, this time for those who want to improve their English with a guarantee. It is – and only – in English in Superheroes from the Magic Castle School that they talk to children throughout the day.
At the very beginning, each ward is tested in order to assemble teams of children with the same level. For the age category of 7-11 years old, the program is built in a playful way – the language is improved by studying history, participating in quests and theatrical performances. And teenagers from 12 to 16 years old are offered a career-oriented program with the opportunity to try themselves as an IT specialist or a stand-up artist. The shifts here last only four days, and each of them is thematic – you can learn how to write stories in the spirit of J.K. Rowling or construct robots.
Website: magiccastle school
Next shift: June 14 – 17
Cost: 32500 rubles.
Coddy city computer camp in Skolkovo
Coddy city camp is aimed at children from 7 to 16 who are passionate about programming.
