285 Broad Street, Hartford, CT 06115 | 860-244-2835 | www.campcourant.org
Our Mission: Hartford’s Camp Courant is a youth development organization and the oldest and largest FREE summer day camp in the nation. Our mission is to provide Hartford children equal opportunity to participate in recreational and educational experiences that balance fun with enrichment, instill confidence, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and inspire big dreams for the future.
At Camp Courant, we believe summer camp can be a transformative experience that alters the trajectory of a child’s life. We believe every child, regardless of economic or social circumstances, deserves the opportunity to have fun, learn, make friends, and be mentored in a safe, happy environment that creates a sense of wellbeing and a sense of belonging. We believe active learning, fun activities, and being outdoors in nature promotes positive youth development and builds life skills.
We believe urban youth who have the opportunity to get out of their city environment and into a serene outdoor setting will experience a sense of wonder and also a sense of possibility that every child deserves. We believe that making active learning and fun activities during summer accessible to those who cannot afford camp is one way to level the playing field for Hartford children.
The older I get, the less I remember, but Camp Courant has always held the fondest memories in my heart. It gave me an escape from the city, and I believe instilled in me the love I have for nature and the forest. Although I’ve moved across the country, I can’t help but be proud that an organization in my hometown has managed to continue on and provide other less privileged children the same experiences I had many years ago. It’s for this reason that I’ll continue to support the camp in any way I can, no matter how far I go.
– RaShonne Darling, Southern California
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your organization? How have your organization’s fundraising efforts, giving opportunities and volunteer opportunities changed as a result?
COVID-19 impacted businesses and organizations throughout the world, and Hartford’s Camp Courant is no exception. During this pandemic, the staff, volunteers, and community supporters banded together to offer the children of Hartford a program, even if it was different than the past 125 summers. During a virtual camp, the children were able to take part in an array of activities and stay connected during a time of such uncertainty. The effects of this pandemic trickle through every aspect of the organization including, but not limited to, fundraising, events, and volunteers. It is through tireless dedication and community support that Hartford’s Camp Courant will have the possibility to open its doors to campers again in 2021.
How have the services you provide to the community changed in response to the COVID’s impact? Have you developed new and far-reaching services/support?
Hartford’s Camp Courant offers a free six-week summer program for Hartford’s youth. This year was no exception, even if that program was altered to be held virtually. It was because of this, the apparent need of our families was brought front and center and opened us up to the possibility of expanding some of those services through the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. The first item will be the “Home for the Holiday’s” drive coming up this December, and more to come as we welcome in the new year. Stay tuned!
