5 unique CT summer camps for unique kids

Summer camp: just the phrase conjures up images of s’mores and friendship bracelets, French braids and bonfires, canoes and sunscreen.

But there’s more to camp than just singing “Kumbaya” around the campfire. Frankly, there are some kids who just don’t fit that mold. And why should they? There are plenty of camps out there for every kid, from the world traveler to the scientists to the gardener.

Here’s a list of five unique camps for the equally unique kids of Connecticut.

National Computer Camp

National Computer Camp has been around since 1977, and it has a virtual component for kids all over the country, along with an in-person option at Fairfield University. There are multiple courses for software applications and programming languages, including HTML, Python, web animation, Photoshop and Robot Battle. There are day camp and overnight options, and campers range in age from 6 to 18. So if you’ve got a kid obsessed with video game design, Android App programming and cryptograph, this might be the activity for them this summer.

For registration and information, visit nccamp.com.

Project Oceanology

Project Oceanology in Groton hosts day camps and overnight camps for the ocean-loving kid. Overnight camps include Ocean Camp and the Marine Science Research Experience, which both revolve around marine science with the research experience focusing in independent scientific studies. Day camps include Ocean Explorer Academy, for students entering grades 5 to 7 and Undersea Technology Camp for students entering grades 6 to 12. The Ocean Explorer Academy has three weekly themes: animal adaptations, eco engineers and hidden habitats.

For information and registration, visit oceanology.org/summercamp-2021.

Chinese Summer Camp

For the travel enthusiast, this camp takes place in New Haven at Southern Connecticut State University and focuses on building a “competency in Chinese language” and providing a “hands-on understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.” The camp includes field trips, workshops, arts and crafts, sports activities and more, all revolving around introducing campers to Chinese culture.

For information and reservation, visit ynhchineseschool.org or email summercamp@ynhchineseschool.org.

Candlewood Fishing Camp

This fishing camp is all about the water. Campers participate in canoe fishing, shore fishing, night fishing, swimming, tubing, hiking, lure making, team-building activities and week-long fishing tournaments. This is an overnight camp with accommodations in cabins by the lake. Campers cook their own lunches and dinners over a campfire. This is a coed camp for kids age 9 to 16.

For information and registration, visit candlewoodfishingcamp.com.

Cheshire Hollow Farm Camp

This farm camp has a maximum of six campers per session, all age 6 and up, with different themes every day: exploring pond life, understanding farm animals and their needs, exploring the woods, hiking on groomed trails, indoor barn animals and craft, and comfy movie day with baby animals. (Did you read that? Comfy movie day with baby animals. Comfy. Movie day. With. Baby. Animals. Can grownups come too? Asking for a friend.) Campers will also be provided a daily snack, such as berries, fruits and vegetables harvested at the farm, and will learn skills such as how to make an all-natural tick repellant, how to make a campfire and how to garden.

For registration and information, visit cheshirehollowfarm.webs.com/summer-camp.

Chris Preovolos / ST National Computer Camp has day camp and overnight options for campers ranging in age from 6 to 18.