SUMMER DAY CAMP GUIDE 2020 | New Canaan & Darien Moms

Summer camps have adapted their programs to adhere to COVID-19 safety requirements. Read more for updated schedules and how to get your children registered… 

CAMP PLAYLAND
New Canaan

DATES: June 29th-August 14th 2020 (3 week or 4 week session)
AGES: 3-14 years old

“A day camp with the away camp atmosphere.” 3 heated swimming pools, sports, arts, go-karts, ropes courses, archery and more! Since 1957, for three generations, the Bloom family has been dedicated to excellence in day camping. Providing every child with a safe, warm, nurturing, fun and instructional summer has always been their mission. Playland is an all-around day camp with a mature staff on a beautiful 18 acre campus in New Canaan.
Due to restrictions from CT, there will be no bus transportation or early drop off/late pick up. 
Lunch is provided!

CONTACT: 203-966-2937 or [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here

BLOG POST: Camp Playland New Canaan: The Ultimate Day Camp Experience

BEN YOUNG ALL-SPORTS CAMP
New Canaan

DATES: One Week Sessions between 6/22-6/26, 6/29-7/3, 7/6-7/10 and 7/13-7/17
AGES: Rising Grades K-8

In an attempt to simultaneously minimize the gathering size and yet maximize the quantity of families the camp can host, each session will be split into two slots.
There will be a maximum number of campers per slot, so please register soon.

This camp’s goal is to get children active in an inclusionary and positive environment where they can take part in fun sports and games. Activities will range from basketball, soccer, and baseball, to kid-favorites like kickball, capture the flag, and four-square. (Over fifteen different sports/games will be played each week!) Also, this camp features an incredible crew of high school and college counselors that are all highly charismatic, mature, nurturing, and responsible, and they each genuinely enjoy being with children. (We will have over 50 on staff this year!)

Background: Ben grew up in New Canaan, going through the public school system here, and graduated from Bucknell University, where he was a 2-year Co-Captain of their Division I tennis team. This is now Ben’s 12th year at Saxe, and he absolutely loves being a 7th grade language arts teacher and a member/advisor of numerous clubs and committees. Additionally, Ben is the proud Head Coach of the recent three-time defending state champion NCHS Boys Varsity Tennis Team.

CONTACT: [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here

BWK SOCCER
Darien 
 

DATES | TIMES: 
July 6 – 9; August 3 – 6; Aug 17 – 20
AGES: 3-15 years old for Players of All Levels

BWK Soccer is offering camps throughout the summer for children ages 3-15. Camp is directed by Jon Bradley, head coach of the DHS boys varsity soccer team, and 4 time FCIAC Coach of the Year. Our camps focus on various technical, tactical, physical, and psychological aspects of soccer and of course… FUN!
Our goals are simple:

Stimulate a love for the game by showing young athletes how to accelerate their own progress and success in soccer and;

Provide young athletes with the tools to improve and enjoy soccer for life 

All players receive a t-shirt and soccer ball. 

CONTACT: Jon Bradley [email protected] or 203.550.6589
WEBSITE: www.bwksoccer.com

CEDAR POINT SAILING SCHOOL
Westport
 

DATES: June 22nd – August 14th (1, 4 and 8 week sessions)
AGES: 6-18 years old (members and non-members)

UPDATE: Puddle Ducks and Basin Bandits (6-7 year olds) and Big Boat Program is unfortunately canceled for 2020.

Cedar Point Yacht Club Summer Sailing Camp in Westport is where your kids can learn how to be independent and responsible while sailing just off Compo Beach!!! Open to the general public (you do not need to be a club member). Kids and teens can enter the program at any age (6-18) and any skill level. Your child will be paired up with kids of similar skill/age/interest. If interested they can participate in local and regional racing or just enjoy the wind, water and summer sun.

CONTACT: [email protected] or call (203)219-5034
WEBSITE: Click Here
LOCATION: Westport near Compo Beach

CODEBUG
New Canaan
 

UPDATE: Virtual Courses!

DATES: July 6 – 17: Web Development (rising 5th-8th graders);
July 20 – 31: Build Your Personal Website (rising 9th-12th graders) 
AGES: Grades: 5-8th, 9-12th
 

Codebug’s courses are designed to ensure your child’s introduction to web development is enthusiastic and challenging, leaving them inspired to keep building. Our collaborative, project-based curriculum is designed by Sarah, a math teacher turned software engineer and taught by two professional software engineers (Sarah and McArthur). We create a comfortable and inclusive learning environment designed to foster student curiosities and build autonomous learners. 

CONTACT: Sarah Betack (203) 803-3319  |  [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here
LOCATION: St. Luke’s School  |  377 N Wilton Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840

SUMMER AT ST. LUKE’S 
New Canaan
DATES: Online experiences beginning June 15 and ending August 21
AGES: 8 – Adult
 
St. Luke’s faculty has redesigned many of our signature programs as stimulating—and fun!—online classes and camps so that you and your children can continue to learn and connect with one another this summer even as physical distancing measures remain in place. Essay Writing Workshops, Arts and STEM programs, and Academic classes are just a few of the activities available. Our Summer at St. Luke’s faculty and instructors are accomplished educators leading courses designed to engage and enrich. The majority of offerings are open to the public. Space is limited—register today!
 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN
CONTACT: Summer Program Director Hunter Martin at 
[email protected] 
or call 203-801-4903
WEBSITE: Click Here

HOLIDAY HILL DAY CAMP
Prospect, CT

DATES: June 29th-August 21st (1 to 8 week sessions)
AGES: 3-13 years old for Day Camp; 14-15 for CIT program
UPDATE FOR 2020: Holiday Hill Day Camp is OPEN! Click 
here for our guidelines

Get ready for the Ultimate Camp Experience! Holiday Hill Day Camp (HHDC) is not your traditional day camp. The wide variety of activities and experienced staff makes us the choice for kids who want the BEST summer ever. Activities include: Swimming, Water Activities, Cooking, American Ninja Warrior Course, Archery, Nature, Arts and Crafts, Boating, Fishing, Woodworking, Maker Space Cabin, Yoga, and High Ropes Course. In addition, HHDC provides attractive and nutritious meals to suit the needs of every camper. We are fully accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) that assures parents we are committed to program quality and adherence to high health and safety standards. Breakfast and Lunch are provided! We accommodate all dietary restrictions.

CONTACT: Michael at [email protected] | (203) 387-2267
WEBSITE: 
Click Here
LOCATION: 43 Candee Rd, Prospect, CT
COST: $525 per week, sibling discounts apply.
HOURS: 8am-9am is before care and 4pm to 5pm is after care at no additional cost.
Our regular camp hours are 9am-4pm Monday through Friday.
There are no observed holidays this camp season.

Harney Pender Keady Academy of Irish Dancing
Stamford

 
Ready to get out of the house and back to some summer fun? 

DATES:
July 13-16; July 27-30
August: Dates TBD
AGES: 4 and Up

Intro to Irish Dance Camp will be held in July and August:
– Please email [email protected] for details, as dates and times will be determined by numbers.
– Classes will have small numbers 
– All COVID protocols will be followed 

For more information, please email [email protected]

CONTACT: Call 203.316.8337
WEBSITE: Click
here

HIGH RISE BASKETBALL
Stamford

 DATES: June 29 – July 24

AGES: 8-14

High Rise Basketball is the #1 player development program in Fairfield County. Please join us the 10th annual summer camp in Stamford at High Rise Headquarters. Find protocol for Summer 2020 here

For more information, check the website, here!

LONGSHORE SAILING SCHOOL
Westport

DATES: June 29th – August 28th, 2020
AGES: 8-16 years old, Private instruction 5+

Longshore Sailing School is a community sailing program that is open to the public. We offer both one and two week programs for sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding for ages eight to sixteen.
Registration is now open

CONTACT: Longshore Sailing School, [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here
LOCATION: Longshore Club Park, 260 Compo Road South, Westport CT 

MUSIC TOGETHER
New Canaan & Rowayton
 

  
DATES: Various (Classes meet once a week, unlimited make-up & bonus classes)
AGES: 6 months – 8 years

At Music Together, explore the available Babies, Mixed Age, Rhythm Kids, and Canta y Baila Conmigo® classes! Tuition includes weekly classes with UNLIMITED BONUS AND MAKEUP CLASSES, professional recordings to take home and listen to on up to 5 mobile devices, an illustrated songbook, digital access to the exclusive Family Music Zone, and a family guide to understanding music development in children. 

 For more information call or text (203) 256-1656, email [email protected] or check the website, here!

 WEBSITE: Click Here

NEW CANAAN MOUNTED TROOP
HORSEMANSHIP SUMMER CAMP  

DATES: June 22nd – August 6th
AGES: Varies by program  

In order to provide safety for riders and staff, NCMT will not be able to accommodate any beginner riders in our summer programming at this point. (Riders must be able to walk, trot, and canter independently in a group setting, and adjust their own stirrups and girths while in the tack.) 

NEW THIS SUMMER: SUMMER HORSE SHARE
June, July and/or August
This opportunity gives our seasoned riders an opportunity to develop their riding skills and enjoy a 1:1 relationship with a special member of our equine herd. Unsure if your rider qualifies? Please contact Stephanie Cowser at NCMTOptions include: Advanced Full Share, Advanced Half Share, Intermediate Full Share, Intermediate Half Share 

RIDING LESSONS
*You may sign up for one or multiple lessons each week. 
*All lessons will be “full service,” meaning that your horse will be tacked and untacked for you to reduce contact points. Riders will arrive at their lesson time, and leave promptly after the lesson is completed. Further information about COVID-19 health and safety precautions are available on the website.
*Riders must bring their own helmet each lesson.
*Rates as of July 1st, Member children $95/group or private, Others $100/group private 

SUMMER CLINICS
IEA Clinic (7/6 – 7/9 from 8:30am-11:30am); rising 6th – 12th graders; $500*
Clinic geared toward rising 6th-12th graders currently riding on the IEA team, or interested in joining in the fall. It’s a great introduction to navigating the IEA show ring and show season. *Cost is reduced to $300 if the rider is participating in a horse share that month.
*Cost is $625 for Non NCMT Members.

Advanced Clinics (6/22 – 6/25 from 8am-1pm); or (8/3 – 8/6 from 8am-1pm); ages 14-17; $800 per clinic*
Advanced clinics are open to riders ages 14-17 who can walk, trot and canter in a group setting who have been consistently jumping full courses. Groups will be divided by riding levels and riders will have both ride time + proctor time. 
*Cost is reduced to $550 if the rider is participating in a horse share that month. Cost is $950 for non NCMT Members

CONTACT: Claudia King 203-966-0634
WEBSITE: 
Click here

**Ready to register for any of the above programs? Click the links below! All riders must have updated waivers and medical forms on file. Click HERE to download. Please submit via email to NCMT when completed.**

 Horse Share: https://forms.gle/cVxxtEtwaL6oN9CC6
Lessons: https://forms.gle/DSyMVqoekhKV9QcEA
Clinics: https://forms.gle/uta7EQ2dY9c437Lg9

The New Canaan Racquet Club

DATES: June 22 – June 26; June 29 – July 3; July 6 – July 10; 
July 13 – July 17; July 20 – July 24; July 27 – July 31
Morning: 8:30am – 11:30am; Afternoon: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
AGES:  6 – 12 

With Summer right around the corner, don’t miss out on the newest, most comprehensive sports experience of the summer for your children. The New Canaan Racquet Club will offer a premier program bringing you the best racquets, fitness and athletic instruction in Fairfield County. Regardless of experience, we have fun, engaging programs catered for all levels. We offer a morning session and afternoon session. Our tennis and fitness program is for players ages 6 – 12 who play with red, orange, green and yellow balls. Players will be divided into groups based on their age and ability. Training includes fundamentals of tennis, stroke and movement development, singles and doubles strategy, on-court games and prizes. The focus is on developing a love for the game as well as establishing a strong athletic foundation through our certified trainers at Halo fitness and Hustle Fitness and Athletics. Registration IS OPEN! 

CONTACT: John Sabia [email protected] 203-966-4558
WEBSITE: 
Click here

PACKER SOCCER CAMPS
Rowayton
 

DATES: New Camp dates TBD. Please check website for possible July or August sessions. 
AGES: Co-ed for kids ages 3 – 14

Celebrating our 42nd summer of “kicks for the fun of it!” A longtime favorite of countless area families.

Grasshoppers: Ages 3 & 4   1 Hour
Regular Program: Ages 5 – 11  3 Hours
Premier: Ages 12 – 14   3 Hours

CONTACT: Call the camp office at (203) 866-4830.
WEBSITE: Click here

THE PINK RHUBARB
Darien

UPDATE: Although camp has been canceled, The Pink Rhubarb will offer workshop kits. Please see below for more information. 

Although we aren’t together and sharing another amazing summer together, we still want to try and share what we love to do with you. We are planning weekly summer activities for you and your children in cooking, gardening and craft and would like to know if you would like to join us in a new and exciting way. We are designing pink rhubarb kits that are d.i.y. activity boxes delivered to your doorstep for you with many of the fun projects we would be doing during camp. Most projects require some guidance and supplies from your home but we will be there to help with a group zoom session every Friday so we can show and tell together. To receive more information, please fill out our brief survey that will help us create the best workshop possible. Click on blue button below for more details. 

The Pink Rhubarb teaches children all about the culinary arts, gardening and craft. We share ideas about where food comes from and discover being confident in the kitchen together. Our passion is being with kids and making healthy lifestyle choices, but we also bake a ton and have fun together!!!

CONTACT: [email protected] or call 203-979-7076
WEBSITE: Click here

*For information about tuition reimbursement and donating to The Pink Rhubarb Fund to help The Community Fund of Darien, Click here.*

 

PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY OF NEW CANAAN &
THE SUMMER THEATRE OF NEW
 CANAAN

DATES: June 29 – July 31
AGES: K – High School

UPDATE: Housed in the same location, the Summer Theatre of New Canaan & Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan offers a series of theatrical summer camps late June through July, both online and in-person! 

The Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan offers in-person one week musical performance camps. Students rehearse and perform the selected musical learning the songs, staging, and choreography ending in a costumed performance broadcast to family and friends. Camp classes are grouped appropriately by age to help ensure active participation, confidence building and skill learning so that each child will have an enjoyable performance experience. Strict protocols of social distancing will be followed. Productions include Annie, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and The Wizard of Ozhttps://performingartsconservatory.com/summer-camp/
 
Jr. Company Wizard of Oz:
Having consulted with industry experts the Summer Theatre of New Canaan has pulled together a team of professionals that have created a robust, fun, interactive online and offline experience. Their three-week production will lead to a broadcast performance of The Wizard of Oz dedicated and shown to our area’s first responders. Performers (capped at 20) will be working with a staff of ten including a professional director, choreographer, music director, film editor (who is also a professional musical director/vocal coach), broadcast executive, and professionally focused college interns including a costume designer, stage manager, and three acting coaches. Beyond developing each actor during the rehearsal and broadcast process they have created a series of enhancement workshops that will strengthen the participant’s skills.
For more information:
https://www.stonc.org/education-programs/jr-company-2020

Pre-College Theatre Lab with Exceptional Industry Pros!
Competitive college theatre departments are searching for applicants who are not only strong performers, but well-rounded individuals who are willing to take risks and work well collaborating with others. The Pre-College Theatre Lab goes beyond introductory performing arts workshops and offers select high school students a learning environment that will prepare and position participants for both college and professional opportunities.  

The Lab’s professional teaching artists span multiple theatre disciplines, are passionate about grooming the next generation of theater artists and will work with each student. Master Classes include: Acting, Voice, Auditioning, Shakespearean Verse, Choreography, Musical Theatre Performance, Directing, Devised Theatre, and Stage Combat

Industry Teaching Artists include: 
Megan Farley – Associate Director/Choreographer Six on Broadway
Brittany Brandford – Broadway Actor Berhardt/Hamlet
Conner Wilson – Resident Director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Allegra Libonati – Intl. Director of Theatre, Opera & Spectacle, Theatre instructor Harvard. 
Matthew Glasner – Casting Director – Broadway, TV & Film
Omen Sade – Co Founder of Bros do Prose (Program Coordinator)
Dan Renkin – Stage Combat Broadway, TV, Film 
Brian Silliman – NYC Shakespearian Actor and Writer
Nick Wilders – Music Director, National tour Jersey Boys & EmojiLand: The Musical
https://www.stonc.org/education-programs/high-school-theatre-intensive
 
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
CONTACT: 
[email protected] or 203.966.6177
70 Pine Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
WEBSITES:
Click here and Click here

Darien YMCA 

DATES: *New This Year – (8) One Week Sessions from June 22 – Aug. 14
AGES: 3-12 years old

The Darien YMCA offers 2 summer camp programs: School Age Camp at Hindley School and our Preschool Age Camp at the Darien YMCA. Beautifully located on Holly Pond near the Long Island Sound, many of the Darien YMCA Summer programs incorporate learning to sail and building self-confidence when trying something new. Children and parents alike love that Darien YMCA camps include swim lessons, sports, art, STEM and more!

CONTACT: Suzanne Richards at [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here  

Darien YMCA 

DATES: *New This Year – (8) One Week Sessions from June 22 – Aug. 14
AGES: 
Girls 5-12yrs (Must have completed Kindergarten)

The girls YMCA Gymnastics Summer Camp goal is to build self-confidence, knowledge, skill, and life-long memories. The campers have a chance to train in a 11,000 sq. ft. state of the art gymnastics facility. They learn a variety of gymnastics skills and techniques including movement, coordination, balance and strength! They will be inspired and motivated by their gymnastics experience and accomplishments. Campers will make new friends, participate in arts & crafts, along with a variety of special activities. The Staff is extremely knowledgeable in gymnastics and will assess each gymnast throughout their camp experience. A great combination of fun, learning and friendship building!

CONTACT: Nicole Kapitan at [email protected]
WEBSITE: Click Here  

DARIEN ARTS CENTER
Darien

DATES: Various dates, starting from June 22 – July 31
AGES: 3 years-old up to 8th grade

The Darien Arts Center is providing new virtual visual, dance and martial arts classes for all ages this summer that begin on June 22 and run for six weeks. Register at darienarts.org. Once you have signed up, you will receive a Zoom link via email on the morning of the class. 

Ballet
Ballet 1: Grades 1-2—Wednesdays, 10-10:45am | $90
Ballet 2: Grades 3-4
Wednesdays, 11-11:45am | $90
Ballet 3: Grades 4-5
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:45am | $180
Ballet 4: Grades 5-7
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11-11:45am | $180

Lyrical Class
Grades 6-Adult—Wednesdays, 5-5:45am | $90

Company Ballet
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm | $180
This class is an advanced class for DAC company members only.

Kids Open Martial Arts
All Levels—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-6:45pm | $180

Hip Hop Kids
Grades 3-5—Mondays, 4-4:45pm | $90

Middle/High School Hip Hop
Mondays, 5-5:45pm | $90

CONTACT: 203-655-8683 
WEBSITE: Click Here 

NEW CANAAN NATURE CENTER

DATES: Various sessions running from 6/29 – 8/14
AGES:  3 – 10 years old; 
Spaces are limited as each group will only have 10 children each.

These programs aim to get children and youth unplugged from indoor activities through exciting, hands-on explorations in the outdoors. This action-packed summer camp emphasizes fun experiences that give children an opportunity to simply “be a kid” while exploring the marvels of nature and making friends. Weekly themes inspire young adventurers at three age-appropriate levels as they learn and play amidst the 40 acres of ponds, fields and forest. 

CONTACT: Jane Piselli: [email protected] or 203-966-9577 x1041
WEBSITE: 
Click Here

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