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Best YMCA Summer Camps in Connecticut for Kids

Take to the lake at the Camp Jewell YMCA camp. Photo courtesy of campjewell.org
Take to the lake at the Camp Jewell YMCA camp. Photo courtesy of campjewell.org
3/6/22 - By Ally Noel

YMCA summer camps in Connecticut have provided generations of families with a traditional day camp experience. Nationally, YMCA Camps have become the place to go for kids to unwind, make new friends, and learn new skills, all while spending time in nature. Luckily for Connecticut parents, there are likely some YMCA summer camps near you, but these options offer a little something extra. Pick from day camps, overnight camps, and specialty YMCA camps in Fairfield County, Hartford County, New Haven County, and beyond that will have your children counting down the days until school lets out. 

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for preschool summer camps in Fairfield County and the best summer sleepover camps around Connecticut, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

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Bond with friends at the YMCA Camp Woodstock. Photo courtesy of campwoodstock.org
Bond with friends at the YMCA Camp Woodstock. Photo courtesy of campwoodstock.org

The Best YMCA Summer Camps in Connecticut

Camp Jewell YMCA

Colebrook
Day Camp & Sleepaway Camp
The YMCA's Camp Jewell is a nationally known residential summer camp program that provides kids ages 7-16 with the chance to become part of a dynamic camp community that fosters independence, builds skills, and imparts the positive values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Campers can spend their days sailing, kayaking, playing the guitar, enjoying a variety of crafts, exploring the outdoors, and so much more. In addition to the residential program, Jewell also offers a Day Camp option for families.  READ MORE

Camp Hazen YMCA

Chester
Day Camp & Sleepaway Camp
This long-running camp—90+ years—ensures that its counselors focus on teaching life-long skills in a fun, enriching environment. For kids entering second through eighth grades there is a one-week "sampler" camp during the third week of August, featuring all the activities of traditional two-week programs. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Sloper

Southington
Day Camp
Camp Sloper provides a summer of fun to over 800 campers a day during the day camp season. The 143-acre campus is home to a 20-acre pond where campers can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. A series of specialty camps serve a variety of interests such as Art Camp, Adventure Camp, and Bookworm Camp.  READ MORE

YMCA Camp Woodstock

Woodstock
Day Camp & Sleepaway Camp
Woodstock Summer Camp provides a safe environment to try a seemingly endless amount of new activities. With a culture driven by CHoRR (pronounced “core”) values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, it is easy to see why kids keep coming back to Woodstock year after year. With both day and sleepaway options, Camp Woodstock has a program that is just right for your family.  READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls

Litchfield
Day Camp & Sleepaway Camp
Located at the base of Mohawk Mountain, Camp Mohawk provides a meaningful camping experience to girls ages 7-15 for the summer. Mohawk offers close to 40 activities weekly. From sports to knitting, Camp Mohawk covers it all in both overnight and day camp options. Girls can sign up for as little as one weekend as many as 8 weeks this summer.  READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mahackeno

Westport
Day Camp
YMCA Camp Mahackeno is a traditional summer day camp that provides an engaging and exciting set of activities each day. With weekly themes like Space is the Place and All Camp Carnival, campers are in for a summer filled with fun. With newly renovated and expanded facilities, Mahackeno provides outdoor swim instruction in a six-lane pool, archery, and canoeing.  READ MORE

Camp Y-Ki

New Canaan
Day Camp
At Camp Y-Ki, campers get to spend their summer doing traditional camp activities like swimming, archery, arts and crafts, sports, nature, camp songs, outdoor adventure, and so much more. Campers in grades K-5 will call New Canaan's Kiwanis Park home for the summer while building self-esteem, confidence, and independence.  READ MORE

Camp Gordyland

Wilton
Day Camp
Camp Gordyland is where summer memories are made! With six different camps to pick from, Gordyland is a perfect fit for just about any camper. Younger Campers can take advantage of the traditional day camp experience in Camp Free-To-Be, while older kids can enjoy some independence of Teen Camp.  All Camp options utilize the Riverbrook Y's spacious 22 acre campus that includes a 50 meter pool, 25 yard indoor pool, pond, mini-golf course, ropes course/climbing wall, 2 ball fields, fishing area, archery range and more.  READ MORE

Camp Mountain Laurel

Hamden
Day Camp
At Mountain Laurel, Campers will be in small groups in twenty acres of wooded space with an outdoor swimming pool, archery station, gaga pit, ropes course, and climbing wall. Weekly activities at camp include swim lessons & recreational swim, archery, STEAM activities, hiking, active games & sports, and arts & crafts. READ MORE

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About the Author

Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
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