Volunteer Vitality – Opportunity knocks at Camp Courant

• Giving Back: Volunteer Ethos is Heartbeat of Camp Courant

Bruce William Deckert

Editor-in-Chief

Today Magazine Online

• Sam Tapper of Hartford’s Camp Courant has ​offered an exclusive interview to Today Magazine Online — this is the third feature in a series

The oldest and largest free-of-charge summer day camp in the United States resides in Greater Hartford. For more than a century-and-a-quarter, Hartford’s Camp Courant has offered a free camp adventure for the children of Hartford — to be precise, the camp's history encompasses 132 years, more than half of America's 250-year life span.

Maher's website – Click This Ad

During those 130-plus years, Camp Courant has served over 500,000 campers. A case can be made that Hartford's youth are the most valuable resource in Connecticut's capital.

"The future of our state starts with the future of our capital city," says Camp Courant spokesperson Sam Tapper, "and that begins with the kids growing up there."

The camp supports inner-city Hartford residents from the ages of 5-12 whose families typically face more challenging financial circumstances than wealthier suburban citizens. Given this fiscal reality, Hartford parents are less likely to be able to afford a summer-camp experience for their children — and that's where Camp Courant steps in and steps up.

The camp's staff and supporters stand in the socioeconomic gap to provide an equal-opportunity, free-of-charge camp that combines educational and entertainment options galore.

Volunteers, monetary donations and gifts-in-kind all make a constructive difference vis-à-vis supporting Camp Courant's mission.

Magna PT website – Click This Ad

"Every single penny counts," says executive director and CEO Corrianne Chipello via a recent Fox 61 News interview. "Some people think my little donation doesn't matter ... but your donation is directly sending kids to camp."

She notes that camp attendance can combat and reverse summer learning loss: "Every single aspect of what we do is educational, and the kids don't even realize they're doing that because everything they're doing is through play — they're having a good time."

Camp Courant embraces a volunteer ethos while espousing a time-honored philosophy: It takes a village. The camp welcomes 2,000-plus volunteers annually, according to Tapper, and opportunities to serve abound. Volunteers can choose from no less than a half-dozen specific ways to benefit the children who attend Camp Courant — see the list below.

"I have met so many people who have come to camp, and it has changed their life," says Chipello. "It's a pillar of their life ... and by donating to Camp Courant you are offering that to many children."

Located in Farmington, Camp Courant's inception dates back to 1894. While this noteworthy nonprofit lays claim to the distinction of being the nation's oldest free summer day camp, America has older residential camps, including at least two in Connecticut.

CB website — Click This Ad

Besides Camp Courant, here's a short list of residential camps in the Constitution State that are over 100 years old:

• Camp Bethel • Haddam – founded 1878 – Christian family camp

• Incarnation Camp • Ivoryton – founded 1886 – youth camp

• Camp Jewell YMCA • Colebrook – founded 1901 – residential/day camp

• Camp Claire • Lyme – founded 1916 – youth camp

• Camp Hazen YMCA • Chester – founded 1920 – residential/day camp

• Camp Workcoeman • New Hartford – founded 1924 – Boy Scout camp

Meanwhile, other free day camps exist in the United States — but none can rival Camp Courant's claim as the oldest free camp in the country. Regarding free U.S. day camps, the list includes: Alabama-based Sawyerville Summer Camp, Denver-based Summer Rec Kidz, New Orleans-based Urban Impact Ministries Summer Camp, and Horizon Day Camp for children impacted by cancer at various locations nationwide.

• Here's the exclusive Q&A from Sam Tapper, the mission engagement coordinator for Camp Courant:

Hartford’s Camp Courant

Batterson Park Road • Farmington • Connecticut

Phone — 860-677-2355

Website — www.campcourant.org • Staff contact info

Social Media: 

Facebook • LinkedIn — Hartford’s Camp Courant

Instagram • TikTok• X-Twitter — @CampCourant

• Year Established — 1894

• Mission

Hartford’s Camp Courant is a youth development organization and the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the nation. Camp Courant’s mission is to provide Hartford children equal opportunity to participate in recreational and educational experiences that balance fun with enrichment while expanding horizons, instilling confidence, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and inspiring big dreams for the future.

Planning & Investing To Reach Life's Most Important Goals

• 860-544-5729 •

Bergenn website – Click This Ad

• 2026 Slogan — Heroes Start Here — our slogan changes year to year, around our theme for the kids and fundraising gala

• Regarding Camp Courant’s status as the oldest and largest free day camp in the U.S. — has the camp received any specific recognition for this accomplishment?

Camp Courant has received many proclamations and citations from local, state and federal government officials in recognition of its mission. U.S. senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal and U.S. congressman John Larson are great friends of Camp Courant and its mission, with Sen. Blumenthal referring to camp as "a national treasure" on numerous occasions.

• The Camp Courant website refers to a $125 nonrefundable application fee, which seems to contradict the "free" statement — would you clarify and/or explain this apparent contradiction?

The application fee for Camp Courant is just that — a fee to apply to the program. Once the child is enrolled, the entirety of summer programming and offerings is free. We introduced this for a couple of reasons.

First, and this is the biggest reason: We needed our families to have some investment in the program. For years, we had families register campers with us but end up sending their child to another program, not telling us beforehand. So what ended up happening is we would staff for 750 registered campers but only 450 would attend — this is just a ballpark number. Therefore, significant money was lost due to unnecessary staffing, and our camper records were inaccurate.

Second, the application fee serves as a way for families to give back to the mission in a small capacity. However, we have a partnership with Care 4 Kids. This program ensures any families in need of financial relief for the $125 fee can have it covered, so there is still no cost to them.

Helping You Navigate Life’s Financial Uncertainties

• 860-325-0330 •

JQR website – Click This Ad

• Most fulfilling aspect of your work?

There is nothing quite like a bright summer day at Camp Courant, with hundreds of Hartford’s kids running around and getting the opportunity to just be kids. The fact that Camp Courant has been a mainstay in Hartford for over 130 years, and continues to provide for the city’s youth today, speaks to how special the camp is to the city and how much of a resource it remains to city families.

• Your biggest obstacle, and how you overcome it?

Funding resources have become leaner in the modern landscape, forcing nonprofits to get creative and develop an entrepreneurial eye. With this in mind, Camp Courant participated in the Social Enterprise Accelerator, thanks to the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, to develop a business plan and create a new stream of mission funding. As a result, Camp Courant is available to rent for any private gathering or event, with all proceeds directly supporting camp programs.

• Most satisfying accomplishment?

Some notable accomplishments in the past few years include: getting back to pre-COVID summer camp capacity — capping our daily attendance at 750 campers — winterizing our 36-acre campus to launch a specialized week of camp programming for when Hartford schools are on spring break — upgrading our on-site kitchen to serve hot breakfast and lunch each day — and launching a facility-rental entrepreneurial venture to develop new, sustainable streams of mission funding •

• Goals for the next 1-5 years?

Continue to maintain sustainability, cater to the needs of our city’s families, and offer enriching programming for Hartford’s kids to help combat summer learning loss and provide a safe, structured summer space.

Brookside Bagels website – Click This Ad

Simsbury • Hopmeadow Street • 860-651-1492

• Volunteers and opportunities to serve:

2,000-plus volunteers annually — we extend a warm welcome to companies of all sizes and capabilities from the region. Volunteering with Camp Courant not only provides invaluable support for our mission but also presents an excellent opportunity for team-building within your organization. It's a chance to step away from the office, breathe in the fresh air, and simultaneously make a meaningful impact in the Hartford community. Here are some inspiring ideas for how groups can contribute to camp:

• Trail Maintenance — Take on the responsibility of maintaining our nature trails, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for our campers.

• Gardening and Landscaping — Help beautify our surroundings by tending to gardens, planting flowers, and creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

• Building Projects — Contribute your team's skills to undertake construction or renovation projects, enhancing our facilities and infrastructure.

• Teaching Workshops — Share your expertise and mentor campers through workshops, allowing them to learn new skills or gain valuable insights.

• Event Assistance — Assist in organizing and executing camp events, adding your company's flair and support to our gatherings.

• Themed Fridays — Work the concession stands for the campers: face-painting, temporary tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, water slide, games and more.

The benefits are twofold: Your organization gains valuable team-building experiences, and together we foster a stronger and more vibrant Hartford community. Join us in making a difference, and let's embrace the great outdoors while leaving a positive mark on the world around us. Interested volunteers can contact Tricia Rowold at trowold@campcourant. org •

Fitzgerald’s Foods website – Click This Ad

Simsbury • Hopmeadow Street • 860-658-2271

• Anecdote that illustrates how you accomplish your mission:

Whether it be maintaining Camp Courant’s 36 acres, managing its 750 campers or anything in between, it truly takes a village to keep the mission of Camp Courant thriving — from our dedicated staff who work tirelessly and create enriching programs for campers, to our broad network of volunteers throughout the region, and of course our local community.

The support and emphatic buy-in from our Greater Hartford community allow Camp Courant to continue to be a resource for Hartford’s children after 130 years and counting. A beautiful thing about this organization is no matter where you go locally, chances are you’ll come across someone with ties to Camp Courant!

• How closely do you work with other agencies/nonprofits?

Camp Courant is proud to partner with many nonprofits throughout the region, including but not limited to: Connecticut Foodshare, for the eighth year of the weekend community grocery bag program — Interval House CT, for various age-specific workshops on the qualities of good friends and relationship-building — The First Tee of Connecticut — Girl Scouts of Connecticut — Leadership Greater Hartford — Healing Meals Community Project — and more •

Camp Courant is also participating in the Social Enterprise Accelerator program of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving with seven other area nonprofits.

• Interesting stats and numbers:

Oldest and largest free summer day camp in the United States — 130-plus years of service — 12 or more summertime educational and enriching programs daily — 36-acre campgrounds — 500,000-plus campers served since 1894 — about 1000 campers served in 2025 •

• Besides donations, how is your work funded?

Camp Courant relies on generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.

• What was your operating budget in your most recent fiscal year?

• 2025 — over $2 million

• 2024 — $1.87 million

• Number of employees:

• Full-Time — 6

Corrianne Chipello — executive director & CEO

Tricia Rowold — director of donor & volunteer experiences

Sam Tapper — mission engagement coordinator

Candice Colón — program director

Nicole Robinson — program manager

Samantha James — foundation services manager

• Part-Time: year-round — 4

• Part-Time: summer — about 150

• What do you appreciate most about the Farmington Valley … and the state of Connecticut?

While we do not serve any of the Farmington Valley's population, we are grateful to have enthusiastic support from our neighbors throughout our "backyard" — we could not be more grateful to have this support from our neighbors. … The same can be said about the entire state, as Camp Courant serves just one community in it, yet emphatic support comes from all across the state. The fact that our state seemingly comes together for our campers speaks to the history and impact rooted at Camp Courant.

• Today Magazine Online covers news of interest statewide, with a focus on CT's Farmington Valley — Avon • Canton • Farmington • Granby • Simsbury

• What constructive change would you like to see in the Valley and in CT?

Declined comment

• Further comment and/or info:

Camp Courant is an accredited member of the Connecticut Camping Association (CCA) that incorporates both nonprofit and for-profit summer camps across Connecticut. We have also worked with the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) on various initiatives in the past. +

• This feature is the third in a series — here are the first two articles:

  • Camp Courant – Nation's oldest free camp delivers for Hartford youth

• Campsite Kudos – Alumni of ​historic free ​camp ​voice thanks

SEO: Opportunity Knocks Camp Courant

The Hartford Courant is widely recognized as the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States — founded in 1764 as the weekly Connecticut Courant, the publication became a daily paper in 1837

• Camp Courant website

SEO: Opportunity Knocks Camp Courant

Featuring community news that matters nationwide, Today Magazine Online aims to record Connecticut’s underreported upside — covering the heart of the Farmington Valley and beyond

SEO: Opportunity Knocks Camp Courant

Today Publishing produces Today Magazine Online and Today Magazine

• 5 Farmington Valley Towns • 1 Aim — Exceptional Community Journalism

• Avon • Canton • Farmington • Granby • Simsbury • Connecticut • USA