Inaugural Summer Camp + Programs Fair for the K-5 Set

Fair offers central venue for parents and children to explore area summer camps and programs and register onsite 

Looking to get a jump-start on the kids’ summer plans? Parents and students in Kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to attend the Summer Camp + Programs Fair, sponsored by the Miller-Driscoll PTA, to explore the numerous local summer options available. 

At least 20 Fairfield County summer camps will be represented at the inaugural event, to be held in Miller-Driscoll’s North Gym—a single, central location—on Wednesday evening, March 27th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Representatives, directors and former campers from a wide range of camps and programs across the region will be on-hand to speak with prospective campers and parents who wish to gather information, compare and contrast prospects, and have any questions or issues addressed by those who are in-the-know. Admission is free to the event and campers are welcome to sign-up onsite to secure their preferred weeks for the summer. 

To provide attendees with a better idea of the variety of options available, participating camps will be running videos and slideshows, displaying photos, and offering brochures and catalogs. Several camps will provide hands-on examples of activities available during the summer months to keep children active and entertained. To keep the evening lively, incentives, giveaways and prizes will be awarded throughout the event. 

Parents will find activities to suit any child’s interests, including sports, nature, science and technology, adventure, fine and performing arts, and academics to help determine which camp is "the perfect fit." Attendees are encouraged to ask questions to become better informed on the area’s numerous summer possibilities. 

To date, camps that have already committed to attend include Ambler Farm Camp, Be a Good Sport Camp, Camp Playland New Canaan, Camp Playland Redding, Conservatory of Dance, Cub Scouts of America, Extreme Soccer, 4 Seasons Tennis, Girl Scouts of America, Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy, Long Ridge Camp, Mary Ann Hall’s Music for Children, New Canaan Nature Center, Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, SoundWaters, Wilton Continuing Ed, Wilton Dance Studio, Wilton Library, Wire Mill Academy and Woodcock Nature Center.

When asked what motivated Camp Playland to register for the fair, brothers and co-owners Gary and Richard Bloom said, “As camp owners, we’re always on the lookout for opportunities to grow our reach and promote ‘the day camp with the away camp atmosphere’ appeal of our two facilities to families who are entering the camp years or looking to try something new.” They added, “Wilton is particularly relevant to us, because it’s located directly between Camp Playland New Canaan and Camp Playland Redding. Since we offer central bus pick-up in three Wilton locations, it makes either campus a natural choice for many busy Wilton families.” 

For camps wishing to participate in the fair, the registration fee is $10. All participants must be registered by March 25th to be guaranteed a spot. For more information or to register your camp or program, contact Mike Whitman, PTA Treasurer and Summer Camp Fair coordinator, at mswhitman1us@gmail.com.

Please note that the Board of Finance’s Public Hearing on the Board of Education Budget takes place the same night at 7:30 p.m. at Middlebrook School. Families are encouraged to visit the Camp Fair first and then attend the hearing, should they wish to discuss the school budget.