Busy Parents' Guide to Summer Camp

Update, May 31, 2011:

The still has openings in its summer "Sound Scientists" program. The one-day programs for children ages 6 to 9 start on June 28, and week-long programs (for children in varying age ranges, either from 6 to 10 or 9 to 12 years old) on July 11. For more information, see their Web site.

Original article, March 5, 2011:

Norwalkers are fortunate to have access to a wide array of summer camps. However, sifting through all of the options can be overwhelming. Use this guide to help narrow down the choices. We hope it simplifies an otherwise daunting task!

It's important to consider your child's age and interests when selecting a camp, so we've organized this guide first by age and then by category. The age groups are "Preschoolers" (up to age 5), "Elementary Schoolers" (ages 5-10), and "Teens & Tweens" (ages 11+). We’ve also included a few options in neighboring towns.

Once you’ve selected the programs that are most appopriate for your family, contact the program sponsors to register or obtain more details. If more than one option appeals to you, most programs offer weekly options, so you can mix and match. To help you out even more, we’ve included a link to each program’s Web site.

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know if the guide is helpful, or let us know if it isn’t. Is there an option we’ve left out? Are you looking for more information? Let us know and we’ll be glad to research it for you. Simply add your feedback to the comments section below.

(Editor's note: This is a list of offerings in and close to Norwalk. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement of a program.)

General:

• The is holding preschool summer camp, but information and registration will not be available until the end of March. In the past they’ve held week-long sessions at Cranberry Park, and activities have included arts and crafts, creative free play, gym times, music, story times, and water activities. Click here for last year’s info, and keep checking in for the latest. 
• Rowayton’s Five Mile River Preschool is offering weekly sessions for preschoolers during the months of June and July. Activities include arts and crafts and games.  Each week will feature a different theme, and different specialists will be brought in to provide enrichment activities like music, Dino Rocks, etc. More information will be posted on their Web site in April.
• has a program for every child – no matter his or her interests. They provide a number of week-long sessions, each centered on a different theme. Themes include Magic, Space, Music/Dance, Animal, Arts/Crafts, Nature, Cooking, Sports, and Winter. So, whatever your child’s interests, they will find a session worth attending at Tutor Time. If Tutor Time camps interest you, click here.

Gym:

• is planning to hold camp for kids ages 3-9 but has not yet released specific details. For now they are indicating that “Summer Camp Programs 2011 will begin the week of June 6th and run until just before Labor Day. We'll offer morning and afternoon sessions of our Kids U Camp as well as a couple of weeks of our popular dance and Lego camps. Check here in March for more details!”
• The Little Gym's Darien and Westport locations offer an "Anytime Summertime Kids Camp," meaning that this is a flexible program that allows you to sign up for one day, a few days, or a full week at a time.  This is great for parents who do not want to commit to a full week. Visit their Web site for more details. Check here for Darien.  Check here for Westport.  

Sports:

• USA Sports Group is hosting a number of sessions for the preschool set, including golf at Roosevelt School, where they will emphasize basic techniques using “unique and fun training methods.” They are also featuring Sports Squirts, which will take place at Shady Beach. Sports Squirts provides an introduction to a variety of sports, with an emphasis on “fun, fun, fun.” They list even more options, including soccer, here. 
• Whiteman Sports Camp takes place at Rowayton’s Bayley Beach. Participants will “rotate through mini sessions of tennis, baseball, soccer and basketball.” Whiteman’s programs “are designed to promote safety and fun while learning.” See their Web site here for more details.
• ITS () is holding a number of baseball camps in Westport and Wilton. Toddlers and preschoolers can participate in their “Tots & Player Pre-K Summer Camp” to be held at Burying Hill Beach in Westport. If this sounds right for your child, see the ITS Web site here for contact information.
• Young tennis players would benefit from the Oak Hills Tennis Club’s Pee Wee program, geared toward children ages 4 and 5. This is a 45 minute clinic that meets once a week and helps children “to develop motor, racquet and playing skills through fun filled activities and games.” See their Web site for more details. 
• Packer Soccer Camp is holding their Grasshoppers Program at Rowayton Elementary School.  This soccer camp is geared toward  children ages 3 and 4.  See their Web site for more information.
• Blueline Sports is holding a Hockey Academy at the Darien Ice Rink.  For children ages 3 and up, they offer a "New Player" program.  Click here for more information.

Art:

• Budding artists will enjoy the sessions being offered by in Rowayton. These workshops are provided for two days each week and are geared toward children ages 18 months through 5 years, so it's a nice option for families who do not want to commit to a full week. Visit their Web site to register or for more information. 

Dance & Music:

• The “Enchanted Princess Party Camp” and “A Wish Come True Disney Camp” really are a dream come true for any young girl. These dreamy options are being offered by to children entering kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade. “Dancers will enjoy being princesses four days in a row! In addition to learning delightful princess dances, these dancers will also get to create their own magical wands and princess tiaras, dress up, draw mystical pictures and play fun, creative dances games. An all time favorite that you will not want to miss!” Click here for more information. 

• is also offering Summer Dance Camp for children ages 4-5. This program will include musical theatre, ballet, singing, and theatre games. You can find more information here.
• Music for Children’s “Camp Get Enough Music” allows young music lovers to “explore different styles of music, compose and record your own songs, make your own instrument, jam session daily including improvisation,” and more. It takes place indoors and outdoors and includes water play. Each session consists of 4 days, and the program is geared toward children ages 4 ½ to 10. Click here for more details or to register.  

Science:

• For children ages 3-5, the Darien Nature Center is offering a “Living Planet” program “specifically designed for the young child, with weekly themes inspired by nature’s wonders. Indoor and outdoor activities include nature hikes, games, stories, songs, water day, beach day, Friday concerts, and more!” For more information, click here. 
• Earthplace, Westport’s Nature Discovery Center, is providing programs for children from age 3 through grade 4. Each week will focus a different theme including dinosaurs, locomotion, nature photography, and more. Most weeks will also feature field trips to locations like Sherwood Island and Jones Family Farm, among others. For more information, click here. 
• The New Canaan Nature Center offers a summer camp for nature lovers ages 3-10. This program advertises “fun, hands-on experiences that give children an opportunity to simply ‘be a kid’ while exploring and learning about the marvels of nature…Budding scientists uncover the mysteries of the natural world while adventure-seekers learn wilderness skills and experience the exhilaration of the great outdoors!”  Intrigued?  Click here to read more. 
• Wilton’s Ambler Farm provides “an opportunity for children to experience farm life by spending time with our animals and exploring and harvesting the educational gardens.” For children entering kindergarten, each week-long session includes “feeding the animals, checking nesting boxes for eggs, hayrides, story time, singing, bunnies and baby chicks, planting, crafts, cooking and more.” You can find more information about this program here. 

Parent Participation:

• is holding parent/child classes for the early childhood set. Options include “Art Smarts,” “Science Says,” “Movers and Shakers,” and “Stepping into Senses.” These classes take place once per week over a 4 or 8 week period.  See their Web site in March for more information.
• Music for Children’s “Imaginary Musical Adventures” program is perfect for mixed age families. It is offered to children ages 10 weeks to 10 years, and it give children and caregivers the opportunity to “travel with the music” to such exotic locations as Italy, the Wild West, and Octopus Garden. Participants can attend once or twice per week. For more information or to register, click here: 
• The New Canaan Nature Center’s “Mommy, Me & Nature” is perfect for little nature lovers who are too young to attend camp on their own. “This program introduces children ages 18-36 months to the delights of nature at a hands-on level. We will share walks, crafts, visits with live animals, songs and stories, all in an unhurried atmosphere.” Click here to learn more. 

General:

• The Norwalk Recreation Department is holding their 2011 “Summer Play and Learn Program” for children ages 6-13. This program offers sessions at schools all over town. According to the Web site, activities will focus on “History, Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts, Sports Clinic, Dino Man Show and Workshops, and Reading.” Participants will also take field trips such as a visit to My Three Sons and bowling. Click here for more information.
• Norwalk’s YMCA is planning to feature Camp Sunrise 2011, but they have not posted specific details yet. Check here for the latest updates.

Gym:

• The Little Gym of Darien and Westport is offering flexible day-by-day options for children ages 3-10. This is great for parents who do not want to commit to a full week. Click here here for more on the program in Darien. Click here if Westport is more convenient for you.  
• Kids U is offering morning and afternoon sessions at their facility.  Sessions provide time on the indoor play quad, gym work, and more. They are also planning to hold a couple of weeks of dance and Lego camps. Check here in March for more details.

Sports:

• The Norwalk Recreation Department is featuring a “Youth Fitness Summer Camp.” This camp is run by Jeff Fuller, who has a wide array of coaching experience. It is a week-long program that takes place at the Roosevelt Program Center (The Senior Center). According to the Web site, it is for “children between the ages of 9 and 14 who want to get into shape while having fun.  Every day will be filled with games for kids at all levels, including basketball, capture the flag,…” and more. Details can be found here.
• USA Sports Groups is providing different sports camps all over town. They all have one thing in common: “Coaches undergo a rigorous selection process to ensure that not only do they know their sport; they also know how to get the best out of each participant and create a positive, safe, fun and friendly learning environment.” Options include golf basics at Roosevelt School, field hockey at NHS, multi-sports camp at Calf Pasture, and more. There is a program for just about every age child. Click here for more information. 
• The Oak Hills Tennis Club is offering a number of week-long tennis sessions for tennis lovers of any age or ability level. See their Web site for more details.  
• The is holding a number of week-long sports sessions, with options for children of almost every age or ability. Sports being featured include field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. See their Web site for contact information.  
• Whiteman Sports Camp is being held at Rowayton’s Bayley Beach. This program is geared toward children ages 3 ½ through 14. Participants will “rotate through mini sessions of tennis, baseball, soccer and basketball,” and programs are “designed to promote safety and fun while learning!” See their camp information here. 
• ITS (Integrated Sports Training) is holding a number of baseball camps in Westport and Wilton. Children in grades K-5 can participate in the “Elite Baseball Summer Camp” at Westport’s Burr Farms Complex or the Wilton Varsity Complex. If this sounds right for your child, see the ITS Web site here.  
• Packer Soccer Camp is holding soccer camp at Rowayton Elementary School and in Darien at Middlesex Middle School.  According to their Web site, participants "learn in an atmosphere of fun and friends."  This program is geared toward  children ages 5-11. Click here for more information.
• Blueline Sports is holding a Hockey Academy at the Darien Ice Rink.  They offer a "New Player" program for children age 3 and up, a ""Mites" program for children ages 5-9, and a "Squirts" program for children ages 9-10.  Click here for more information.
• Moe Tarrant's Cutting Edge Hockey Camp will take place at the Darien Ice Rink. Girl hockey players of all levels will benefit from this opportunity to develop their skills and confidence under the guidance of Moe Tarrant, head varsity coach at Greenwich Academy. Click here for more details.

Sailing

• Water lovers will appreciate The Sound Sailing Center’s Dory’s program, which teaches children ages 6-13 how to sail. “The goal at the end of the class is to have the students navigate and sail themselves to Sheffield Island, get off, and have a contest to see who can identify the most species.”  Contact Lisa at sscsailing@gmail or see their Web site for more information or to register for these week-long sessions.
• The Norwalk Yacht Club is also offering four-week sessions for children ages 8-17 interested in sailing. There are options for sailors of all levels, and non-members are welcome.  See their Web site and click on the "Jr. Sailing" tab for more information.  

Horseback Riding

• In addition to providing daily lessons, Getner Barn offers week-long camp sessions for horse lovers ages 7+. The program is “designed to instill safety, knowledge and enjoyment of horses. During your child's week at our farm, he/she will work closely with our horses in a “hands on” environment. Other activities include demonstrations, reading/ writing activities, crafts, videos, and games all based on increasing your child's knowledge of good horsemanship” Contact Michelle at shelhamm@yahoo.com or see the Barn’s Web site for more information regarding previous years' programs. 

Music, Dance, & Theater

• Music for Children’s “Camp Get Enough Music” gives young music lovers the chance to “explore different styles of music, compose and record your own songs, make your own instrument, jam session daily including improvisation,” and more. It takes place indoors and outdoors and includes water play. Each session consists of 4 days, and the program is geared toward children ages 4 ½ to 10.  Click here for more details or to register.
• Ballet Etudes is offering week-long sessions for dancers of all ages.  Summer Dance Camp, for ages 4-6, will provide “Musical theatre, ballet, singing…theatre games!!!” Summer Dance Camp for ages 7-11 will include “daily stretch, ballet, modern, jazz, singing and acting classes as well as creative choreography.” See their program info here for more details. 
• Music for Children is also spotlighting young performers through their Sound of Music production. Preparations begin July 5 at their Westport location and culminate in a performance on July 27. According to the Web site, participants will “learn everything that is Music Theater:  Sing! Act! Dance! Create costumes! Design sets! Make props! Make up your own character.” They are willing to work with families who need to be away for part of the 4-week session. To register or for more information, click here. 
•   is showcasing three week-long camps at their Ben Franklin location. Sessions include Snow Queen for students in grades 5-10, Mother Goose Retires for children in grades 1-4, and Broadway Blockbusters, a musical revue for performers in grades 5-10. They will also host two sessions of “Arts in the Park,” at Cranberry Park, for students in grades 1-8. Activities take place inside and outside and will include “watercolors, arts and crafts, scene study, contemporary dance, theatre improvisation, outdoor games & musical theatre.” Click here for more information. 
• Young dancers will appreciate the six 4-day camps options being offered by Norwalk Dance Academy. Programs include “Enchanted Princess Party Camp," “Selena Gomez’s Dancing Divas Camp”, “A Wish Come True Disney Camp,” and “Taylor Swift Fun-filled Frenzy.” For more information, click here.

Arts & Crafts

• Young artists ages 5-13 will benefit from the Westport Arts Center’s summer camp. Each program provides “fun, exploration and learning in and through the arts; an introduction to the work and life of a well known artist or art movement; art-making activities inspired by the work of the artist or artists under study; and exposure to a wide variety of arts media and techniques."  Themes include Lego art camp, art from around the world, and photography camp, among others.  If you’re interested, click here for more details.  
• Sew Create & Celebrate is hosting 1 ½ hour classes for children ages 7 +. “Come for as many days of the week that work into your schedule…Learn to sew. Create beautiful things in fabric & build your skills.” Projects include pillows, bags, vests, and skirts. Creativity is encouraged! Click here to learn more.  

Science

• The is holding both one day and one week “Sound Scientist Summer Programs” for children ages 6-10. Their Web site encourages parents to “Inspire your child when science comes to life in The Maritime Aquarium’s summer programs, which are firmly grounded in National Education Standards for life-science learning. A summer’s day or week at the Aquarium will help your children aspire to achieve in school next fall. We’ll take your children beyond the books on an exciting, hands-on adventure with fun activities in our private classrooms, at our engaging exhibits and through our bigger-than-life IMAX® movies. We’ll show them the fun side of scientific inquiry. Imagine your children doing experiments, holding a real whale bone, safely handling live crabs and much more! Specific activities depend upon the particular theme of the session.”  You can find specifics here. 
• Stepping Stones is featuring an array of drop-off options, including “Rockets” where participants will build different types of rockets, launch them, and learn about science, as well as a joint program with the Aquarium, among others. Look for registration at their Web site in the month of March.  
• The Darien Nature Center is offering “Planet Patrol” for children ages 6-8. “Each day the Planet Patrol campers journey to a wonderful natural site, focusing on a particular habitat. Activities include fishing, hiking, experiments, ponding, kite flying, exploring, and games.” Click here for more details. 
• Earthplace, Westport’s Nature Discovery Center, is providing programs for children from age 3 through grade 4. Each week will focus a different theme, including options such as dinosaurs, locomotion, nature photography, and more. Most weeks also feature field trips to locations like Sherwood Island and Jones Family Farm, among others. For more information, click here. 
• The New Canaan Nature Center offers a summer camp for nature lovers ages 3-10. This program advertises “fun, hands-on experiences that give children an opportunity to simply ‘be a kid’ while exploring and learning about the marvels of nature…Budding scientists uncover the mysteries of the natural world while adventure-seekers learn wilderness skills and experience the exhilaration of the great outdoors!” Intrigued?  Click here to read more. 
• Wilton’s Ambler Farm is holding week-long sessions for campers in grades 1-7. Each week will “include woodworking, hayrides, planting, harvesting, hands on projects, animals, cooking and more.” You can find more information here. 

General:

• The Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department is holding their 2011 “Summer Play and Learn Program” for children ages 6-13. This program offers sessions at schools all over town. According to the Web site, activities will focus on “History, Music, Dance, Arts and Crafts, Sports Clinic, Dino Man Show and Workshops, and Reading.” Participants will also take field trips such as a visit to My Three Sons and bowling. Click here for more information.

 Sports:

• The Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department is also featuring a “Youth Fitness Summer Camp.” This camp is run by Jeff Fuller, who has a wide array of coaching experience. It is a week-long program that takes place at the Roosevelt Program Center (The Senior Center). According to the Web site, it is for “children between the ages of 9 and 14 who want to get into shape while having fun.  Every day will be filled with games for kids at all levels, including basketball, capture the flag,…” and more. For more details, click here.
• Whiteman Sports Camp is being held at Rowayton’s Bayley Beach. This camp is geared toward children up to age 14. Participants will “rotate through mini sessions of tennis, baseball, soccer and basketball,” and programs are “designed to promote safety and fun while learning!” See their camp information here.
• USA Sports Groups is planning a number of sessions for participants up to age 13/14. Available options for this age group are field hockey at NHS multi, sports camp at Calf Pasture, and more. Click here for more details.
• For teens and tweens, the Oak Hills Tennis Club is offering a “Junior Development” and “High Performance” tennis camps. See their Web site for more details.  
• The Sono Field House is holding a number of week-long sports sessions, with options for children of almost every age or ability. Sports being featured include field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. For high schoolers, the Sono Field House offers “High School Camps” which are being coached by various university head and assistant coaches. This is a great opportunity for college-bound teenagers preparing for university-level sports programs.  See their Web site for contact information. 
• ITS (Integrated Sports Training) is featuring a number of baseball camps in Westport and Wilton.  Children in grades 6-10 can participate in the “Elite Baseball & Advanced Skills Summer Camp” at Westport’s Double Day Baseball Complex or the Wilton Varsity Complex.  If this sounds right for your child, see the ITS Web site.  
• Blueline Sports is holding a Hockey Academy at the Darien Ice Rink.  The "Pee Wee" option is for players age 11-12.  Click here for more information.
• Moe Tarrant's Cutting Edge Hockey Camp will take place at the Darien Ice Rink. Girl hockey players of all levels will benefit from this opportunity to develop their skills and confidence under the guidance of Moe Tarrant, head varsity coach at Greenwich Academy. Click here for more details.

Sailing

• Water lovers will appreciate The Sound Sailing Center’s Dory’s program, which teaches children ages 6-13 how to sail. “The goal at the end of the class is to have the students navigate and sail themselves to Sheffield Island, get off, and have a contest to see who can identify the most species. Contact Lisa at sscsailing@gmail.com or see their Web site for more information or to register for these week-long sessions.
• The Norwalk Yacht Club is also offering four-week sessions for children ages 8-17 interested in sailing. There are options for sailors of all levels, and non-members are welcome. See their Web site and click on the "Jr. Sailing" tab for more information.  

Horseback Riding

• In addition to providing daily lessons, Getner Barn offers week-long camp sessions for horse lover’s ages 7+. The program is “designed to instill safety, knowledge and enjoyment of horses. During your child's week at our farm, he/she will work closely with our horses in a “hands on” environment. Other activities include demonstrations, reading/ writing activities, crafts, videos, and games all based on increasing your child's knowledge of good horsemanship” Contact Michelle at shelhamm@yahoo.com or see the Barn’s Web site for more information.  

Music, Dance, & Theater

• Crystal Theatre is offering a few options appropriate to the teen/teen set. These include Snow Queen for students in grades 5-10, and Broadway Blockbusters, a Musical Revue for performers in grades 5-10.  They will also host two sessions of “Arts in the Park,” which will take place at Cranberry Park and is geared toward students through 8th grade.  For more information, click here. 

• Ballet Etudes is offering week-long sessions for dancers of all ages.  Summer Dance Camp, for ages 7-11, will provide “daily stretch, ballet, modern, jazz, singing and acting classes as well as creative choreography” Also for this age group, they are offering Intermediate Intensive which will include ”technique, pointe, strength class, jazz, modern, flamenco, and a character and choreography workshop.” See their program info here for more details. 
• Music for Children is also spotlighting young performers through their Sound of Music production. Preparations begin July 5 at their Westport location and culminate in a performance on July 27. According to the Web site, participants will “learn everything that is Music Theater:  Sing! Act! Dance! Create costumes! Design sets! Make props! Make up your own character.” They are willing to work with families who need to be away for part of the 4-week session. To register or for more information, click here.
•  Young dancers will appreciate the trendy six 4-day camps options being offered by Norwalk Dance Academy. Programs include “Justin Bieber Dancin’ Fever Camp” and  “GLEE Dance Extravaganza Camp.” For more information, click here.

Arts & Crafts:

• Young artists ages 5-13 will benefit from the Westport Arts Center’s summer camp. Each program provides “fun, exploration and learning in and through the arts; an introduction to the work and life of a well known artist or art movement; art-making activities inspirted by the work of the artist or artists under study; and exposure to a wide variety of arts media and techniques.  Themes include Lego art camp, art from around the world, and photography camp, among others. If you’re interested, click here for more details. 
• is hosting 1 ½ hour classes for children ages 7 +. “Come for as many days of the week that work into your schedule…Learn to sew. Create beautiful things in fabric & build your skills.” Projects include pillows, bags, vests, and skirts. Creativity is encouraged! Click here to learn more. 
• Hands On Pottery of Darien is offering sessions for children ages 7+. Each session will last 3 days and will focus on a particular project such as a table, mosaic, lazy Susan, and more. Information hasn’t been posted yet, but if you’re interested, check in with their Web site regularly for more details. 

Science:

• The Darien Nature Center is offering “Science Trek” to tweens ages 9-12. Themes include “Blast Off,” “Off to the Races,” and “Up, Up, and Away.” Click here for additional details
• Young naturalists will appreciate the New Canaan Nature Center’s “Adventure Camp.” This program is for participants ages 10-14 and will “give campers an opportunity to experience the best of the outdoors:  they’ll learn the basic skills needed to be naturalists and participate in high adventure outdoor recreation.” Want to learn more? Click here. 

Counselor Training

• For teens who want to become counselors themselves, the Norwalk YMCA is offering a “Counselor in Training Program” for 14-15 year old campers. “This program will pair a CIT with our veteran Senior and Junior Camp Counselors to learn the job skills needed to be a part of the YMCA of Norwalk Camp Counselor Team. Those who successfully complete the CIT Program may be offered a camp counselor position in the future.” You can find more information here. 
• Another option for teens who want to become counselors is the New Canaan Nature Center’s “Teacher Naturalist in Training/Junior Counselor” program for ages 14-17. Participants will “gain valuable leadership and environmental education experience while assisting our camp counselors with summer camp activities. If this interests you, click here for more information.