Summer Camps

from Milford Living Spring 2023

eye on business Breakout of the Local Brands

Summertime for most children and teens today does not include lazy days on a sofa or a Milford beach with phone in hand. Instead, they get to explore their talents and interests in imaginative and creative ways by attending summer camps focused on whatever makes them happiest.

“Parents like the interaction with other kids, the full-day timeframe, and the activities that keep their children moving throughout the day,” says Mike Dooling, recreation supervisor for the City of Milford and coordinator of their Summer Playground programs. “They are not stuck inside all day,” he adds.

Tim Chaucer, director of the Milford Marine Institute, agrees. “So many kids are involved in their phones and electronics, but our summer camps are all hands on.

We’re on the beach with mollusks in our hands.”

Being inside is not necessarily a bad thing, though, if your child loves to sing, dance, or act. “The goal is fun, and kids are the focus,” says Bert Bernardi, co-producer for Pantochino Productions, which runs a theater camp for the Milford Arts Council.

Camps are available for children of all ages, abilities, and challenges. So which Milford summer camp best fits your child’s interests, talents, and imagination?

Archaeology And Native Culture Camp

Milford Marine Institute and Milford Recreation Department

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? For 40 years, this camp has provided kids aged 6-14 an opportunity to participate in several days of archaeological digs at sites rich in artifacts from the area’s Paugussett peoples. It takes place at the Gulf Pond Museum, 138 Shadyside Lane.

WHEN: Two 1-week half day sessions (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

July 10-14 and July 17-21.

COST: $175 per session, per child

INFORMATION: MilfordMarineInstitute.org, (203) 988-0918, or director Tim Chaucer at (203) 874-4000, tchaucer@msn.com

REGISTRATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info/

Bird Identification Camp

Milford Marine Institute and Milford Recreation Department

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? Milford is one of the premier towns in Connecticut for bird watching because of its coastal and riverside habitats. For 40 years, this camp has offered kids aged 6-14 an opportunity to observe and learn about bird life in each habitat. It takes place at the Gulf Pond Museum, 138 Shadyside Lane.

WHEN: A single 1-week half day session (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

July 3-7.

COST: $175 per session, per child

INFORMATION: MilfordMarineInstitute.org, (203) 988-0918, or director Tim Chaucer at (203) 874-4000, tchaucer@msn.com

REGISTRATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info/

CAMP HAPPINESS

Milford Recreation Department

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? Camp Happiness has been providing Milford residents with special needs summer camp activities for 58 years. Participants range in age from those entering kindergarten in the fall through 6th grade. Located at Foran High School, the camp is open to children who have an individual education plan (IEP) through the city of Milford.

WHEN: Six 1-week full-day sessions run from June 27 through August 3

COST: $125 per session, per child

INFORMATION: Marlene Sanchez, director, at (203) 783-3280, ext. 8, or masanchez@milforded.org

REGISTRATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info/

Camp Happiness has been providing summer camp activites for 58 years.

Marine Biology Science And Art Camp

Milford Marine Institute and Milford Recreation Department

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? For 40 years, this camp has offered kids 6-14 “hands-on science” where they hold actual items like whale baleen or mollusks from Long Island Sound. It takes place at the Tri-Beach Center, 170 Hillside Avenue and on Milford beaches.

WHEN: Two 1-week half day sessions (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Campers can have summer fun indoors or outdoors. Keeping busy, educated, and active is a great way to spend the summer months.

June 19-23 and June 26-30.

COST: $175 per session, per child

INFORMATION: MilfordMarineInstitute.org, (203) 988-0918, or

Tim Chaucer, director, at (203) 874-4000, tchaucer@msn.com

REGISTRATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info

Milford Playground Program

Milford Recreation Department WHAT DOES IT OFFER? Sessions feature sports and craft activities, theme days like “Olympic Day” or “Halloween Day,” special visitors like magicians or Milford First Responders, and more. The program takes place at four different locations in the city.

WHEN: Six 1-week, full-day sessions from June 26 through August 4.

COST: $150 per week, per child

INFORMATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info

REGISTRATION: https://milfordct. myrec.com/info

SUMMER THEATER CAMP Milford Arts Council through Pantochino Productions

WHAT DOES IT OFFER? Pantochino’s award-winning Summer Theatre Camp is presented by professional theatre artists working in the industry—actors, directors, composers, dancers, designers— who share their experiences with young people. Kids aged 8-12 learn, rehearse, and perform an original musical in five days.