For Parents – Connecticut Youth Directory

Finding an affordable summer program that meets your needs can be a challenge. This website lists a variety of camp, tutorial, and other summer programs that are available throughout Hartford and the surrounding area.

This resource also provides information on city parks and pools, free lunch programs, library and family center activities, job training opportunities for adults, and much more. Youth programs offer a combination of activities to promote learning and youth development, as well as opportunities for parents to participate. Options for both youth and adults with disabilities, as well as for senior citizens, are also included.

Browse the directory and decide which programs are best for your children, teens, elderly or other family members. A number of programs are offered free, or at reduced fees based on income. Be sure to register as early as possible and indicate whether financial aid is needed in your search.

Refer to the Q&A below for any questions you may have regarding our programs.

FAQs

Questions & Answers

Are there other summer programs available for children and youth in Greater Hartford?

Yes. For information about summer programs not listed in this directory, dial 2-1-1. Also be sure to review the Hartford Department of Families, Children, Youth & Recreation programs. The Agency Phone Index on our Resources page can also be helpful in finding additional programs.

2-1-1 can help families find other services, including free summer food programs for kids, food cooperatives and food pantries, housing information, benefits assistance, health care options, child care programs, services for children with special needs, and more. Dial 2-1-1 anytime, day or night, to talk to a 2-1-1 specialist or search the online database at www.211ct.org. Click on 2-1-1: Search for Services in Connecticut. You may also reach 2-1-1 Child Care by dialing by 1-800-505-1000 or simply dial 2-1-1 and select the prompt for child care, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or search the online database at search.211childcare.org.

How do I enroll my child in one of these programs?

Contact the program directly as soon as possible. Use the contact information listed in the program listings. If one program is full, call another. There are many options available for children and youth living in the Greater Hartford area.

What types of programs are there?

This directory contains summer programs that support building academic, social and emotional skills and youth development. These programs are divided into three sections:

Camp Programs

These summer programs offer a variety of fun learning activities, including sports, arts, crafts, theater, swimming, computers, science, as well as reading and other enrichment activities, and much, much more. Both residential and day programs are offered. Pick a program that best suits your child’s interests.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Programs

These programs offer older youth who are too young to work a regular job the chance to earn a little money and receive training as assistants at camps or other summer programs. Many of the programs offer a small stipend while helping teens gain important leadership and employment skills. You’ll want to sign up quickly for these programs as CIT internships go fast!

Tutorial Programs

These programs encourage your child’s love of learning and academic success — with an emphasis on fun. Each program is different. Review the program descriptions, talk with program staff, and select the program that will best meet your child’s needs and interests.

What’s in each summer program listing?

Program Location

Activities Offered

Area and Ages Served

Start and End Date and Length of Each Session

Note: A summer program may be open for six weeks or more, but campers normally attend for one- or two-weeks or sometimes longer sessions. Some programs allow participants to attend multiple sessions. Other programs may restrict the number of sessions each participant may attend. Several of the CIT and tutorial programs require youth to participate for a longer period so they can get the full benefit of the program. Contact the program that interests you for more information.

Fees and Financial Aid

Some programs have fees. If you are unable to pay the program fee, please contact the program anyway. Many programs offer “camperships,” which are similar to scholarships. Your child may qualify for a campership or reduced fee based on family income. Be sure to contact the program that interests you as soon as possible to find out, and note that each program listing in this directory specifies when it is free or offers reduced fees to qualified applicants.

Transportation

Some programs provide transportation. This is noted in the listing.

Registration Deadline/Program Contacts

The registration deadline and program staff contact information are listed, but don’t wait until the deadline to call. Call as soon as possible to help ensure that your child and other family members can participate in the program of their choice. If the registration deadline has passed, call the program to see if space is available.

Can my child attend both the Hartford Public Schools Early Start or other HPS programs, and a summer camp or other community program?

Yes. The Hartford Public Schools Early Start or other program sessions are held either in the morning or afternoon and a number of the summer camps and other community programs offer half-day sessions. So, if your child is attending Early Start or other HPS programs, he or she can attend a camp or other community program either for a half-day or participate in a full-day program during June or early July before summer school begins. Many of the Hartford school-based programs are designed to provide enrichment activities around the summer school sessions. A few programs also continue after summer school ends in August.

Youth not required to attend HPS Early Start summer school may enroll in a full-day summer program. For details on the Hartford Public Schools Early Start and other programs, please visit the HPS website.

What should I know before I get started?

Begin by exploring with your children their interests in activities offered in the summer program listings. Also, be sure to talk with their teachers about their academic needs and whether your child may be required to attend summer school. You will need to be sure that the programs you choose won’t conflict with summer school dates and times, and to identify times during the summer your children will be able to participate in additional summer programs.

If your child is required to attend summer school, find out in which school the sessions will take place, and check the program listings (or ask school staff) for summer programs operating in or near the school that your child will be attending, so that they can participate in programs after summer school ends each day.

A number of the day programs are located in Hartford area schools. Be sure to check with staff to confirm locations and schedules.