New Pond Farm 2023

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Summer Camp

SUMMER CAMP
2024

Registration is NOW OPEN!


Our 102-acre outdoor classroom, with its woodlands, wetlands, meadow, and barnyard, will be ours to explore! Each day will bring new hands-on, outdoor adventures. Favorite camp activities include exploring the stream for crayfish, hunting at the pond for tadpoles, visiting the cows in the barn, harvesting veggies in the garden, hiking the trails, creating nature art, and so much more!

All activities are designed to be held outside (rain or shine), however we will move inside in the event of extreme weather.

Summer SproutsNature TrekkersWayfinders
Frequently Asked Questions

NEW!!
SUMMER SPROUTS

Two, one-week sessions for children ages 4 and 5
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays

Session I: July 9 – 12
Session 2: August 6 – 9

New this year, Summer Sprouts is a program designed especially for children ages 4 and 5, who have not yet been to kindergarten. Designed to meet the developmental needs of preschoolers, Summer Sprouts will spend their days exploring the wonders of nature in a relaxed, supportive environment. Each week campers will embark on magical outdoor adventures that build confidence, spark creativity, and nourish their connection with nature.

This small group of campers will be led by experienced staff who have a passion for sharing their love of the outdoors with young learners.

Summer Sprouts will have lunch at the farm, but will not have use of the pool.

All activities are designed to be held outside (rain or shine), however we will move inside in the event of extreme weather.

Each Session is:
     $217 per member, $267 per non-member
(includes camp shirt, camper’s bring a bagged lunch)

NATURE TREKKERS

Six, one-week sessions for students entering Grades 1 through 5
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

(Except week of July 1)
June 24-28, July 1-3 (no camp 7/4 or 7/5), July 8-12,
July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-August 2

Get ready for another summer filled with fun and adventure at New Pond Farm! Our 102-acre outdoor classroom, with its woodlands, wetlands, meadow, and barnyard, will be ours to explore! Each day will bring new hands-on, outdoor adventures. Favorite camp activities include exploring in the stream, critter hunting at the pond, visiting the cows in the barn, harvesting veggies in the garden, hiking the trails, creating nature art and so much more!

This program includes swims in our pool under the supervision of a certified lifeguard.

All activities are designed to be held outside (rain or shine), however we will move inside in the event of extreme weather.

This program is:
     $465 per member, $515 per non-member
    ($279 per member, $329 per non-member for the week of July 4)
(includes a camp shirt, campers bring a bagged lunch)

NEW!!
WAYFINDERS

Three, one-week sessions for students entering
Grades 6 through 8
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

Session I: July 15 – 19 – Out in the Wilderness
Session 2: July 22 – July 26 – The Science of Nature
Session 3: July 29 – August 2 – Animals and the Arts

New this year, Wayfinders is a program specifically designed for young teens looking to continue to experience the fun and magic of summer camp at New Pond Farm.

Designed to meet the needs and interests of middle school students, Wayfinders will dive deeply into a weekly theme with projects, experiments, and activities that will challenge their minds, provoke their curiosity, and inspire their creativity.

Weekly activities will include timeless camp favorites such as live animal encounters, games, outdoor exploration, art, and swims in the pool, along with exciting, new experiences including an overnight campout!

Another unique component of the Wayfinders experience is the opportunity to work with younger campers as “counselors-in-training” during a part of each day. This crossover between groups gives the Wayfinders a safe and supportive work-like experience while providing our younger campers with fun and positive role models.

All activities are designed to be held outside (rain or shine), however we will move inside in the event of extreme weather.

This program is:
     $465 per member, $515 per non-member
(includes a camp shirt, campers bring a bagged lunch)

Out in the Wilderness – Are you ready to brave the wilderness? Join us as we journey deep into the woods to practice our survival skills including orienteering, map-making, fire-building, and outdoor cooking. We will focus on safety and strategies of living in the wilderness. Includes a campout where our survival skills will be put to the test!

The Science of Nature – Do you know what is living in our pond, marsh, meadow, and woodlands? Let’s find out! We will explore the natural environment from the perspective of a scientist using microscopes, waders, binoculars, and sweep nets. Come learn to identify critters, test water quality, and perform science experiments. Includes a night hike and campout where we will look and listen for the many nocturnal animals that make their home on the property.

Animals and the Arts – This week merges camper creativity with the many animals at New Pond Farm including our resident reptiles, farm animals, and even some native wildlife.  While learning to care for our animals, campers will also use their creativity and imagination to design enriching activities for both the animals and themselves.  We will explore multiple art forms including visual art, culinary art, fiber art, woodcraft, and more. Includes an overnight where we will visit the animals after dark to learn how they spend their nights.

 

Summer Sprouts FAQ’s

What is the age cut off?
Summer Sprouts must be 4 by June 24th, 2024, and have not yet attended kindergarten.
 
How many campers and counselors will be in the group?
There will be 6 Sprouts with two adult leaders.What does a typical day look like?
Summer Sprouts will spend most of their day outdoors, exploring the property at a gentle pace. We will visit with the farm animals, tend to the garden, scoop at the pond, play games in the woods, and watch the clouds from the pastures. We will make art, tell stories, bake snacks, and follow our curiosity.What should campers bring with them each day?
Each day Summer Sprouts should pack a full change of clothes, reusable water bottle, and nut-free lunch. We will provide a daily snack.

My child has separation anxiety, can I stay at camp with them?
Drop-off can be a difficult time for kids (and parents). We will help you both through the process by following a consistent drop-off routine, remaining in communication throughout the day, and providing lots of support and encouragement.

What forms will my child need?
Per Connecticut Youth Camp Licensing, all campers are required to submit an up-to-date health assessment, proof of immunization, and medication authorization (if applicable). New Pond Farm requires an additional three forms (camper information, medical authorization, media release). All forms will be available upon successful registration.

How do I register? What is the refund policy?
Summer Camp registration will open online at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 13th. Please visit www.newpondfarm.org. Refunds will be issued through June 7th.

The session is full. What should I do?
While there are limited spaces in Summer Sprouts, please don’t be discouraged. Add your child’s name to the waitlist. It is only February and family plans often change. A space may open up.

 

Wayfinders FAQ’s

What grades is the Wayfinder program for?
Wayfinders is for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

How many campers and counselors will be in the group?
There will be 8 Wayfinders with 2 counselors.

What does a typical day look like?
Depending on the theme, Wayfinders will dive deeply into projects, experiments, and activities that will challenge their minds and bodies. Daily activities include hikes, freshwater exploration, farm chores, nature art, cooking, and more. This program will help forge friendships, fuel imaginations, and build confidence.

Will Wayfinders have use of the pool?
Yes, there will be daily swims under the supervision of a certified lifeguard (as long as the weather allows).

Will there be an overnight component in all sessions?
Yes! This optional overnight will be a part of all three sessions. The goal is to camp outdoors (Mother Nature may have other plans).

How much of the day will be spent as counselors-in-training with the Nature Trekkers?
Wayfinders will spend 60-90 minutes each day alongside the Nature Trekkers assisting during activities such as outdoor games, science experiments, and art projects.

What should campers bring with them each day?
Each day Wayfinders should pack a bathing suit, towel, reusable water bottle, and a nut-free lunch. We will provide a daily snack.

What forms will my child need?
Per Connecticut Youth Camp Licensing, all campers are required to submit an up-to-date health assessment, proof of immunization, and medication authorization (if applicable). New Pond Farm requires an additional three forms (camper information, medical authorization, and media release). All forms will be available upon successful registration.

How do I register? What is the refund policy?
Summer Camp registration will open online at 9:30am on Tuesday, February 13th. Please visit www.newpondfarm.org. Refunds will be issued through June 7th.

The session is full. What should I do?
Please don’t be discouraged. Add your child’s name to the waitlist. It is only February and family plans often change. A space may open up.