SUMMER CAMPS

2026 SUMMER DAY CAMP EMPLOYMENT

We are not accepting applications at this time. 

INTERNSHIPS

Are you a cllege student looking for an internship in the recreation field?  We can work with you and your school to get an internship set up! Internships are available at any time of the year. Please call the office to discuss your options at (860) 537-7297.

JUNIOR COUNSELORS (AGES 14+)

Junior Counselors are volunteers who help with camper supervision, camp preparation/planning, and camp activities. Applicants must have successfully completed the 3-week C.I.T. Program through Colchester Parks and Recreation. Applications for Junior Counselor positions are available on our website at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by email to schedule an interview.

  • When: application deadline April 3, 2026
  • Interviews will be held the week of April 27
  • This is a volunteer position; there is no fee and no compensation for participation.
  • June 22-August 14, Monday- Friday, 8am-3:00pm
  • Volunteers will be required to choose the weeks they want to volunteer by June 1.
  • Volunteers will be required to attend some of our summer camp staff training prior to the start of camp.

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (C.I.T.) PROGRAM (AGES 14+)- APPLICATION CAN BE FOUND HERE

Counselor-in-Training is a three-week program for campers who want to learn about camp counseling and becoming staff members.  C.I.T.s practice leadership skills, such as communication, planning, and decision-making, and camper supervision. C.I.T. candidates must successfully complete an application and interview process and be accepted into the C.I.T. program. Applications are available on our website: www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department. Upon successful completion of the 3-week program, C.I.T.s may be invited back as Junior Counselors for the remaining weeks of summer camp.

  • When: application deadline: April 3, 2026
  • C.I.T. Interviews will be held in the week of April 27, 2026.  You will be notified by email to schedule an interview once your application is received.
  • Who: Ages 14+ before June 22, 2026
  • Cost: $125 per person for the 3-week program

LEADERS IN TRAINING (L.I.T.) PROGRAM (GRADES 6-8)

Leaders-in-Training is a one-week program for campers who want to develop leadership skills and become active leaders in their camp community. L.I.T.s participate in team-building activities, service projects, and camp activities. They also learn about cultural awareness, and responsible citizenship. Participation in this program is contingent upon continuous commitment to leading by example at camp and will be based on weekly recommendations by the camp staff and administrators.

  • When: Monday – Friday, 8am - 3pm
  • Where: June 22 - August 14
  • Cost: $170 per week

SUMMER DAY CAMP 2026

Summer just wouldn’t be the same without the excitement and adventure of Colchester Parks and Recreation’s Day Camp: Colchester’s ultimate summer program where every day we’re “making memories that last a lifetime.” We are excited to meet all our new friends and provide exceptional experiences.  This summer your kids will transform into amazing Campers! Returning campers, prepare to be amazed with all the new things we have planned!

Great News! For your convenience you may register for camp online at https://colchesterctrec.recdesk.com/Community/Home.  If you prefer personal assistance, please call our office at 860-537-7297 or visit us in the Recreation Office at Town Hall.

Prepare to be dazzled with fun and amazing new experiences along with a magical mix of unexpected adventures, and a splash of our traditional camp favorites.  Along with all the laughing, playing and new friendships we are proud to continue our focus on positive character values to enrich the beautiful children of our community and the next generation.

Your child’s experiences during their time at Colchester Parks and Recreation’s Day Camp will help them transition into the next stage of development with confidence. Our Day Camp provides physical, intellectual, social and emotional development for our Campers! Daily activities are specifically designed to enhance their connections, confidence and contribution to our community. Colchester Parks and Recreation Day Camp provide opportunities for campers to explore in a safe environment and to develop positive social values, engage in activities that promote friendships, self-understanding, self-worth, resilience and a sense of belonging.

As you turn the pages in this brochure, we hope you feel the level of energy and commitment we are committed to making every day- we want every day to be your camper’s best day of the summer!  Municipal camps are exempt from state licensing. Per Connecticut General Statute 19a-77 we are required to disclose that our programs are not licensed by the State Office of Early Childhood.  While we are not licensed, we do follow the licensing guidelines and standards.

COLCHESTER CAMP STAFF

Many of our camp staff return each summer – because they love the camp experience and want to be a part of the summer magic too. It’s the connections campers make with the camp community that enrich their lives. To provide that opportunity, the leadership team carefully interviews, trains and assigns each Specialist, Counselor, and CIT.  Our camp staff bring their best energy, knowledge and unique passion along with their goal to make a difference in the life of each camper- every day. For eight weeks, the Day Camp world creates the feeling of a camp family, and the development of this connection remains with campers all year long and throughout their lifetime.

Our Day Camp leadership team, staff and counselors are full-time teachers, paraprofessionals, musicians, sports enthusiasts, college students, book worms, actors, babysitters, mature high school students and so much more…. all with several years of training and experience. 

It is natural (and a nice complement) when parents ask their campers’ favorite counselor to babysit. Out of an abundance of caution for your child as well as our camp staff, camp counselors cannot work for camp families while working at camp. This includes transporting campers and working during non-camp hours. This is reviewed with staff during camp training, please do not request childcare from the camp staff. If there is a preexisting relationship, please reach out to the Recreation office to discuss options.

STAFF TRAINING

Our camp counselors are trained to highlight teachable moments and emphasize accomplishments and successes in every camper. All staff are required to attend training seminars, MERGE inclusion training, Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure Control (HEPb/HIV) training, First Aid, CPR, Epi-Pen, concussion awareness, safety and security, emergency response, splash pad and playground safety, record keeping, Town of Colchester and department policies and procedures, customer service, positive youth development, and character building.  In addition, there are guest speakers brought in to train staff in areas such as how to schedule activities, games and leadership, child development and behavior, mandated reporting, and lots of hands-on activities such as sports and games, arts and crafts, traditional camp games and songs.  We are committed to maintaining and developing all camp Staff. 

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (C.I.T.) PROGRAM (AGES 14+)

Counselor-in-Training is a three-week program for campers who want to learn about camp counseling and becoming staff members.  C.I.T.s practice leadership skills, such as communication, planning, and decision-making, and camper supervision. C.I.T. candidates must successfully complete an application and interview process and be accepted into the C.I.T. program. Applications are available on our website: www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department. Upon successful completion of the 3-week program, C.I.T.s may be invited back as Junior Counselors for the remaining weeks of summer camp.

  • When: application deadline: April 3, 2026
  • C.I.T. Interviews will be held in the week of April 27, 2026.  You will be notified by email to schedule an interview once your application is received.
  • Who: Ages 14+ before June 22, 2026
  • Cost: $125 per person for the 3-week program

JUNIOR COUNSELORS (AGES 14+)

Junior Counselors are volunteers who help with camper supervision, camp preparation/planning, and camp activities. Applicants must have successfully completed the 3-week C.I.T. Program through Colchester Parks and Recreation. Applications for Junior Counselor positions are available on our website at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by email to schedule an interview.

  • When: application deadline April 3, 2026
  • Interviews will be held the week of April 27
  • This is a volunteer position; there is no fee and no compensation for participation.
  • June 22-August 14, Monday- Friday, 8am-3:00pm
  • Volunteers will be required to choose the weeks they want to volunteer by June 1.
  • Volunteers will be required to attend some of our summer camp staff training prior to the start of camp.

LEADERS IN TRAINING (L.I.T.) PROGRAM (GRADES 6-8)

Leaders-in-Training is a weekly program for campers who want to develop leadership skills and become active leaders in their camp community. L.I.T.s participate in team-building activities, service projects, and camp activities. They also learn about cultural awareness, and responsible citizenship. Participation in this program is contingent upon the camper’s commitment to leading by example at camp.

  • When: Monday – Friday, 8am - 3pm
  • Where: June 22 - August 14
  • Cost: $170 per week

CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CAMP DATES

Camp will be held Monday-Friday, June 22 - August 14 from 8am - 3pm. There is no camp on Friday, July 3. We offer extended care hours from 3:00-5:00pm for an additional fee.

WEEKLY REGISTRATION

Day Camp registration is available for all children entering grades K – 5 in fall 2026. For your convenience, registration for Day Camp can be completed online beginning March 15 at 9:00 am.  Registration is accepted on a weekly basis- you may register for one week, several weeks, or all 8 weeks! We cannot accept registration for partial weeks. Camp weeks do fill up! When this happens, you can add yourself to the waitlist. We will notify you if a spot becomes available. 

CAMP ACCOMMODATIONS

We are happy to accommodate every child at camp.  Early planning will help us ensure that we have trained staff, and the resources needed to make sure camp is a fun experience for your child. Please call the Recreation Director to discuss your child’s needs before May 1st.

CAMP FORMS

When you register, you will be required to complete online forms for each child. This needs to be completed before your registration can be completed. If you need to update any information before camp starts, you can log back into your account or call the office.

All campers are required to have a copy of their health form on file at camp- a copy of their school health form is fine! The form needs to be signed by their doctor and dated within the past 3 years.

MEDICATION

If your child requires any medication (prescription or over the counter) during the camp day. The medication administration form is available on our website and must be signed by a doctor and submitted along with the medication prior to the start of camp. Medication must be delivered in the original packaging from the pharmacy and must have your child’s name on it. Medication cannot be held by campers (on their person, in their pockets or backpacks). All medication will be stored and administered per OEC regulations.

PAYING FOR CAMP

CAMP FEES Prices are based on 1-week sessions for campers in grades K-5:

Monday – Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm  $170 includes a camp t-shirt and field trip fee if applicable

Extended Care 3:00 - 5pm                    $40 per child, per week

Late Registration Fee                                $25 per child, per week

REGISTRATION DISCOUNT

Returning camp families will receive a 10% registration discount when they register between March 1 and March 14! You will receive an email with registration information in February.

CAMP PAYMENTS

Registration for Day Camp requires a 50% deposit. Payment plans are available with auto debit options, but these need to be set up early so the final payment is made by June 8, 2026. All payments must be made online or in our Town Hall office. **A reminder: All camp balances are due by JUNE 9, 2026. If payment is not finalized by June 9, your child may be removed from the roster and their spot offered to someone on the wait list. If you are having trouble meeting this deadline, you are responsible for calling the office to discuss your options.

REFUND POLICY

The Day Camp refund policy is as follows:

All refund requests must be made by writing to the Recreation Director.

Medical requests can be made with a doctor’s note.

We will do our best to trade camp weeks for you, if there are openings.

Prior to May 15 you will receive a full refund.

May 15 -June 1 you will receive a refund if we can fill your space at camp from the wait list. If there is no wait list, we will issue an account credit.

After June 1 there will be no refunds or account credits unless we can fill your space at camp from the wait list.

A $15 cancellation fee will be charged for all refunds and credits requested by a participant. 

This policy is necessary to ensure our staff:camper ratios, to cover our expenses in hiring and training staff and purchasing supplies based on an expected number of campers.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The grants that allowed us to offer a free week of camp are no longer available.  However, we have a limited number of scholarships available for campers with financial need. Scholarships may cover a full or partial week of camp, depending on your circumstances. Please complete a scholarship application that can be found on the website at: https://www.colchesterct.gov/summer-camps

NON-RESIDENT FEE

Campers from towns other than Colchester are welcome to register for camp.  There is an additional $5 fee, per-week, per-child.

LATE FEE

Registration must be received by MONDAY before the week you wish to attend. If we can accommodate a late registration (after Monday), a $25 late fee per child will apply

DAILY INFORMATION

LOCATION    

Day Camp is held at the Colchester Recreation Complex (RecPlex) located at 215 Old Hebron Road.  The facility offers a variety of amenities to support a general daily activity schedule which includes playscapes, picnic pavilion, tennis, basketball, pickleball courts, ball fields, inclusive playground, restrooms and the very fun water splash pad!

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL (SIGN IN/SIGN OUT)

When you bring your child to camp, please be sure to sign them in with their counselor at 8:00am.  Campers will be grouped by grade and the groups will be clearly marked around the pavilion area. We cannot accommodate early drop-off as this is our staff meeting time.

At pick up, please have your identification ready to ensure a quick and easy sign out.  A late fee will be charged if you are more than 5 minutes late to pick up your camper at 3:00. Extended Care is available from 3:00-5:00pm for an additional fee but pre-registration is required.

Communication is really important- our camp staff are happy to discuss your child’s camp experience. Your feedback is very important, and you are always welcome to meet with the camp directors, specialists, or your child’s counselor.

CAMP LUNCHES FROM THE CONCESSION STAND

Mel’s Downtown Creamery operates the concession stand at the RecPlex. She is working with us to provide camp lunches that are ordered and paid for ahead of time. More information will be available soon.

WHAT WE DO AT CAMP

We make memories that last a lifetime in a safe and nurturing environment all day, every day! Day Camp strives to expand imagination, creativity and friendships.  Team building activities, enriching games, and a variety of athletics provide a perfect vehicle for building self-confidence, self-esteem, and physical fitness for all our campers through a non-competitive positive environment.  Children are encouraged to reach individual goals and levels of success while having FUN! At the same time, they learn to feel wonderful about their individual abilities and talents while developing the values of teamwork, friendship and good sportsmanship. 

Each day at camp offers a variety of programs such as drama, nature, sports & games, arts & crafts, music, STEAM, and many other team building activities.   Our special events are designed around our weekly themes complete with costumes, activities, and special guest performers that are a memorable part of every camper’s summer.  It’s no wonder camp creates friendships that last a lifetime!

FIELD TRIPS/ENTERTAINERS

We take pride in scheduling fun and entertaining field trips throughout the summer. On the weeks that we don’t go on a field trip, we invite a guest entertainer to camp. All campers will have the opportunity to participate in both field trips and entertainment.  Both are a great way to add a little extra fun each week and make memories with new friends! Note: Trips and entertainers are subject to change without notice.  The calendar will be posted and updated as needed on the website at www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department

EXPLORATION ELECTIVES

Each Monday, campers will sign up for a special elective which they will participate in for one hour each day (excluding trips or entertainment days).  Electives will vary from week to week!  For example, our weekly Camp Newspaper is always a popular elective transforming Super Campers into Reporters.  Reporters choose their own topic, collect information, conduct interviews, create photography and/or artwork, and write and edit articles under the guidance of a camp counselor.

RED ZONE DAYS

Red Zone or Extreme Heat Days are WET & WILD at camp!  Many extra water activities are scheduled throughout the day.  The WATER SPLASH PAD is open and running and is always a favorite for all! If the heat becomes a hazard, we will move campers to one of the schools with air conditioning.  We will send an email to confirm our location if we need to change camp locations.   We reserve the right to transport/bus campers locally as needed (rainy days, special events, etc.).  

DISCIPLINE

Our camp staff adheres to a fair but strict discipline policy.  Campers whose behavior interferes with a positive camp experience, or the safety of other campers or staff, may be subject to dismissal. The policy will be included in your online registration forms for you and your child to review together.

WHAT TO PACK FOR CAMP

LABEL EVERYTHING!!  In addition to all clothing, please label lunch boxes, towels, water bottles, backpacks, sunscreen etc.  If your child loses something, check the LOST & FOUND located outside the Day Camp Office immediately. 

All campers should wear sneakers to camp.

Water shoes are required in the Splash Pad area. For their safety, if a child does not have water shoes, they will not be allowed to enter the splash pad that day.

Bathing suits, towels, lunch, sunscreen and a water bottle should be sent daily, all labeled.

Apply waterproof sunscreen to your child prior to their arrival at camp.  Please send sunscreen daily and teach your child how to re-apply sunscreen at camp to protect themselves from the sun. Hats are strongly encouraged! 

Campers are way too busy having fun to be using ANY electronic devices, cell phones etc. so please do not bring them. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.  If they become a distraction during camp, they may be held in the Camp Directors shed until a parent arrives to pick up the camper.

Valuables, personal toys/games/cards- please leave valuable items at home. This includes items that have sentimental value to you or your child. Camp is a very busy place, and we are heartbroken along with you and your child when something that means the world to you cannot be found.

LUNCH/SNACKS- Please send your camper with lunch and plenty of healthy snacks each day.  Do not send glass containers.  There is NO refrigerator available, so include an ice pack in their lunch box.  Please send your child a large, refillable, water bottle.  We will provide water to refill water bottles throughout the day. You will be notified prior to camp if you need to send a peanut free lunch/snack.

INSURANCE INFORMATION

We are unable to assume responsibility for injuries/accidents occurring at camp programs or at park facilities. 

PHOTO PERMISSION

Participants/parent/guardians permit the taking of photographs and videos of their children during camp activities for publication and use by the Parks and Recreation Department for promotional purposes, unless otherwise stated.