Where kids can be kids - explore nature and enjoy outdoor adventures
Camp Starkweather was developed and is supervised by Todd Miller, with a group of teen volunteers to assist in engaging children in fun activities. Todd has a B.S. in physical education, M.S. in special education, and is certified by High5 adventure education. The camp utilizes the entire property from the NIA playground and fields to the frog pond and trails leading to it. Camp activities begin and end at each groups designated area. Each week features a different theme, appealing to children of all ages, abilities and interests. Children are engaged in small groups and individual activities.
At the center of it all is the belief that kids should be kids.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Governor Lamont has set a date of June 29th for day camps to open. This will provide us with 6 weeks of camp.
The stated guidance for camps is 10 campers max per group and no more than 50 campers per session. We will have 40am and 40pm slots available per week. Historically, Camp Starkweather runs at or slightly below these numbers so this will not have a big impact on our structure. When you factor in that our program is held outdoors, we feel that you can easily adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State.
We are currently evaluating the guidelines released by the Governor, and have proactively started creating camp policies to address for COVID 19. Our prophylactic strategies include:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Physicians sign off of child health prior to camp.
Families to ensure hand washing/good hygiene prior to arriving to camp.
Temperature monitoring before entry into the camp.
SANITATION
All materials & surfaces will be sanitized daily.
Hand sanitation stations will be available for campers use.
PPE will be worn by counselors when within 6 feet of campers.
Campers are welcome to wear PPE, but it is not required by the state.
Each group will have a designated porta-john so as not to share one toilet.
To eliminate another layer of contact,
campers will have the option to bring their own supplies.
GROUP SIZE
No more than 40 children per session, with low group numbers of 6-8 campers.
1 counselor per group. No interchange between groups or counselors.
Camper groups will be involved in activities contained to one area of the
property each day to limit interaction with other groups.
Activities will be geared towards distancing, though, children
naturally will play in close proximity.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
During inclement weather we normally remain outdoors. If the weather would require campers to be under a tent
an email will be sent the night prior advising of the situation. If extreme weather is in the forecast
we may choose cancel by 7:30 am the day of.
In order to eliminate close contact, the Starkweather House will not be used for programming.
We are encouraging families and friends to sign up as groups to help reduce the number of households within one group.
We will not be accepting drop-ins but will continue to take campers for extended morning and afternoon.
If you have any questions regarding Camp Starkweather's COVID-19 procedures please feel free to contact Camp Director, Todd Miller at kidconnections@gmail.com
HALF DAY SESSIONS:
Mornings (9am - 12pm) or Afternoons (12:30-3:30pm)
NIA Members: $135 per session / Non Members: $175 per session
FULL DAY SESSIONS
9am - 3:30pm
NIA Members: $250 / Non Members: $290
SIBLING DISCOUNT
A credit of $10 (per weekly session) will be issued at the end of camp for each additional sibling registration. In order to receive the discount siblings must be registered/attend the same session(s).
REFUND POLICY
At least 4 weeks prior to camp session = full refund
3 Weeks prior to camp session = 75% refund & 25% credit
2 Weeks or less from camp session = 50% refund & 50% credit
If withdrawing due to a medical reason, a signed doctor’s note must be presented at time of request and a full refund will be issued. The credit will be good for up to 1 year and valid for NIA membership, event fees or future camp sessions.
Per State of Connecticut COVID-19 policy, camp size is extremely limited this year. Inventory will be updated each morning to reflect availability. In the event a session sells out before the inventory is updated, priority will be given on a first-come first-served basis and a wait-list will be created.
LAST UPDATED: 07.22.20 @ 2:30pm
Due to state guidelines we have modified our program to feature 1 theme per week. Campers will engage in theme specific activities as well as free play making use of the entire property.
Week 1 June 29-July 3: Science Magic - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Campers will get their hands dirty exploring our 40+ acre property going on a fossil digs, searching the trails for signs of animals. They will also learn magic tricks and how to perform science experiments like creating elephant toothpaste and slime.
Week 2 July 6-10: Treasure Hunters- REGISTRATION CLOSED
Campers will hike the trails searching for hidden clues, solving riddles in a week long quest to find buried treasure located somewhere on the NIA property.
Week 3 July 13-17: Lego Engineers Extreme Builders- REGISTRATION CLOSED
With over 10,000 legos the sky's the limit, children will attempt to build skyscrapers and castles as tall as themselves in one week. NOTE: To remove cross-contact campers will be supplied their own lego materials.
REMAINING INVENTORY (0 morning / 0 afternoon)
To be added to WK 3 waitlist, email WEBMASTER@NIATRUMBULL.ORG
Week 4 July 20-24: The Amazing Race - SOLD OUT
Like the tv show, campers will race around the property competing in games from around the world. Campers will have only their map and passport to get to the next check point. But watch out for detours. The goal is to get your passport stamped at each country while collecting as many points (souvenirs) as possible by the end of the race. Challenges will feature activities from extreme sports activities to those that involve out of the box skills.
REMAINING INVENTORY (0 morning / 0 afternoon)
To be added to WK 4 waitlist, email WEBMASTER@NIATRUMBULL.ORG
Week 5 July 27-31: Holidays in July
Each day will feature a different holiday. Think Gifts, Egg Hunts, Costumes, etc. Campers will play games and make crafts that go along each holiday.
email WEBMASTER@NIATRUMBULL.ORG to be added to afternoon waitlist.
Week 6 August 3-7: Big Splash - SOLD OUT
Each day the children will have fun with a different water activity. Children will use squirt guns, sprinklers, water balloons to stay cool! Each activity has the potential for slipping. Camp staff will review the safety rules with the campers and supervise activities. NOTE: Campers must have their own squirt gun with their name on it. To eliminate cross-contact, sharing of squirt guns will not be allowed or provided as has in the past.
REMAINING INVENTORY (0 morning / 0 afternoon)
To be added to WK 6 waitlist, email WEBMASTER@NIATRUMBULL.ORG
VOLUNTEERS & CITs
In order to improve our volunteer service program we will no longer be taking last minute sign ups. Volunteers need to apply by June 1st and must be at least 15 or a sophomore. Due to the change in programming, CIT programming will not be offered this year.