All four of my children went to Camp Hillcroft for years. The Buttinger family know their business…read moreand how to make each child's experience individualized and awesome. There is a huge range of activities offered. Certified swim instruction is included in the programming, which was really important for my family. My children made friendships that will last a life time. 5 stars isn't even enough!

Great all around day camp for campers of all ages. What I…read morefind fantastic is that the counselors for each group are hand selected, and are from countries from all around the world , and is a fantastic way to show kids that no matter where you come from, you can get along and have fun with people that you might not ordinarily have interactions with. In addition, Greg and Sally do a great job every year of showing all the campers about what it's like for kids and families all around the world who are not as lucky as they are. From an activities perspective, I don't think you'll find another camp with such diverse things for the kids to do, from zip lines and wall climbs, to archery and helping out with the animals.

As a former camper, and now an adult who has dropped off my nephew & picked him up over the past 2…read moreyears, I can say Hi-Rock is a special place. Is it perfect? No. It's a rustic camp in the middle of the woods with bugs, and most cabins don't have plumbing inside them (it's a short walk to communal bathrooms in every unit except the youngest, which does have indoor plumbing). But you know this going in! I don't think anyone comes here expecting a 5-star resort. We dropped off my nephew this past Sunday and found check in to be a well-oiled machine. We waited a little bit (and the line was longer later in the day), but I think that's to be expected for an overnight camp! I'd rather they do their due diligence, than just have us drop off and leave. We were able to explore the camp, have a nice, buffet lunch, watch my nephew take his swim test, and even show my son his potential cabin for next year. RedHawk bunks are 3 and a half walls, so they're open and somewhat exposed to the elements. They've been this way for 30+ years and the boys seem to really enjoy it (apparently they're getting renovated though!). The bathrooms could maybe use non-clear shower curtains. ;) If you've gone to Hi-Rock, you know how magical it is, even if every second isn't perfect.

I was a camper at Hi-Rock, and now my child attends (as well as many of my other former bunk mates…read moreand their children) and it continues to be a special place. The camp builds confidence and establishes a great connection to nature. I like what another fellow commenter said - it's not "perfect" in terms of standards that are unattainable by most camps - it's rustic, but I see that as a positive. I've also observed my child's social emotional benefit of being off screens from her time at camp, and that alone makes it an enriching time. The counselors and staff are all kind and patient. All of that, and it is a beautiful setting for camp.

I can't believe how fortunate I am to have gone to this camp as a child and to continue to be…read moreinvolved today. It was and continues to be my second home. My son will be going to WA WA this summer for his 5th year!! His favorite activities have been archery and sports and playing Magic the Gathering during free time on the side porch of the beautiful lodge that overlooks our private lake. I love that he gets to participate in the same activities as I did (and new ones too!). 30 years later, the only songs I know all the words to are camp songs I sang around the camp fire all throughout my childhood summers.

This camp is the real deal. Classic summer camp activities include daily swimming and boating, arts…read moreand crafts, archery, hikes, etc. Gorgeous setting right on the pond, with no other properties in sight! Great way to get your kids to unplug and remember that there's a whole world out there to explore, and a world of people out there to befriend. This is a relatively small camp and the community is tight knit. My son has been attending for a couple of years, and his little brother can't wait until he's old enough! The director Lily is incredible, and spends a lot of time training her staff so they can provide the a fun and SAFE experience for the campers. Very high retention rate for counselors! Very comforting for kids to be able to return and see the same familiar faces. Funnily enough, with all of the fun things going on there, one of my son's favorite parts is the food. Meals are mostly from scratch, and they can accommodate allergies easily. Lots of choices at every meal including a salad bar. Way better than what gets served up at schools or other camps! There are usually at least a couple open houses in the spring - I highly recommend attending so you can check out this beautiful place and meet the director.

The best summer camp out there, especially for sports. There have always been a few constants --…read morethe sports facilities are great, the coaching is first class, the counselors are well-trained, etc -- but the place has an extra shine to it with all the renovations that Mike and Hillary have done since they took over. The bunks look brand new, the place is super clean, and (I really never thought I'd say this) the food is kind of incredible. I really can't compliment the new management team enough -- they've done an amazing job, the place looks great, and the kids had a fantastic summer.

Wonderful staff ,clean well run camp. Always something happening. Lake activities r awsome. The…read morekids love it. 4 years of them going. Next year's a given. My friends kids attend the day camp. They also love it n have made lots of friends. I highly recommend this camp for both sleep a way n day.

You can clearly see how they are blinded by the money and care more about that than your kids &…read moretheir health. In the health center, when a kid feels bad, most of the times they give them candy from canteen or gatorade cans, because they think the kid is just homesick. For staff members, the pay is ridiculously low. Working from 7.30am until 10pm or later everyday for 3 months, you'll get $2000, some staff only got $1600 or less. That includes every 4 days the same food which is not very nutritious and humid bunks in poor condition, especially for your kids. As a staff member you get 1 rest hour during your day, and 2 hours in the evening before curfew. However, on activity days you sometimes have no rest hour and no free time in the evening as well, for sometimes 2 or 3 days.Imagine treating your staff members like this! As an international staff member, this didn't allow me to talk to my family for 3 days, and if you try and they find out, they will confiscate your phone for 24 hours, 3 days or give it back "when they feel like". The director, Hylton Wener tries to be very very intimidating to staff members and you have to applaud for everything he says or I bet he's in a bad mood after and will close the shower house for 2 days again. When you want to report something as a staff member that bothers you, they don't care or don't do anything about it. Eventhough they comfort you in the orientation week to report things that make you feel bad, uncomfortable or anything you're not sure about.We had campers making bombs from bug-spray and throwing it at staff members and other campers, when we reported this, the management and directors didn't even say something to the campers and they just kept doing this. But if a staff member is one minute past curfew signing in to go to bed, his/her photo will be taken by the nightwatch and get a warning or get fired. They take advantage of you as a staff member being in the weaker position. When the 2nd session of kids arrived, there was poor communication about a lot of things. Our division Alex Cochrane leader didn't speak to 2 of 5 counselors because he didn't like them, and every step wrong was reported because they're not his favorites. When the kids leave as 2-weekers and no more kids are coming, watch your back for staff who will get fired for absolutely no reason, because this is their time to save money. If Hylton or management does not like you, they will find a reason to fire you, their way of treating staff and counselors wouldn't even be legal in third world countries. In a better management, they would know the ratio of staff:campers upfront and make the contract for staff members around this ratio, and not giving them a contract until september to fire them in august when there is too many staff. Sometimes a camper gets kicked out of camp as well, fighting with other kids is a reason. This year, the son of the director hit another kid a black eye and yet he still got chosen to be boy of the bunk and stayed in camp, where other campers did get kicked out. Before you send your kids here and pay between $7000 and $10000 or think about going here as a international staff/ counselor. Think about it real good. You're better off somewhere else.

I love Kenmont & Kenwood Camp!!! Had a great summer, hoping to return for many more!!read more

Well, you know what they say... it's fun to stay at the YMCA! There are many ways to have a good…read moretime and they have many things to enjoy, you can even hang out with all the boys (and girls because this is 2018 and we're talking about a campsite people). Already getting off track. Anyway, Camp Jewell is a great location for retreats and gatherings that caters to kids, adults, and students all over CT and the northeast. They have excellent meeting facilities, solid bunk bed sleeping acomodations, and always serve some sort of chicken patty during your stay. This is truly a camp through and through so if you're running a retreat but want to glamp instead of rough it, or if you're looking to escape the wild city life for a weekend, book a group here and have a blast (we sure did).

Quick Update - Child # 3 started attending Summer sleep away camp between 6th and 7th grade - he…read morenow is planning to become a CIT this year at camp - great place to have children 3rd grade to HS to spend a little time away from home

I came here with my school for a 3 day, 2 night trip. When we got here after a 2-3 hour bus ride…read morethey did not allow us to unpack and make us go to the lunch room, the problem with this is that every time we went to eat a meal someone had to set the table and then we had to wait 10-20 minutes listening to them talk about nonsense, after every meal it was the same thing as well. This outdoor classroom programs problem is that they do not think about what the student would think is more appealing. The rooms were dirty and mice were found in many when we go there, some room were also very much nicer than the others which is odd because we all spend the same amount of money ( 400$ ). The showers were cold and the cleaning supplies they used was expired, plates and silverware were not cleaned properly either. The staff was nice for the most part other than the unnecessary talking about rules but some staff was rude and unfriendly, there is much more as well but if you are considering to send your school here for a trip think twice because the price was not worth it.

My experience working at camp Eisner camp for a few months. I quit because they have horrible…read morecommunication about your pay. Multiple times my pay was not right. And they put my money in direct deposit in the wrong account. Now to positive working there. My head chef was amazing and his girlfriend is amazing. Two awesome people to work under. But they do not handle your pay so for that be very careful. I would not recommend anybody to work there, but I only can give you my experience.

Wonderful Camp for our 8 to 12 yr old granddaughters!…read more Highly recommend for a outdoor CT summer experience!

From the owner: Located in coastal Connecticut, on 740 wooded acres surrounding a mile long private lake, we are…read morethe country's oldest co-ed camp. Since 1886, we have provided a fun-filled, traditional summer camp with hands-on learning and fun in the great outdoors. Campers participate in well-rounded and adventurous programs that develop an appreciation for nature and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Activities include: swimming, sailing, ropes course, archery, arts & crafts, outdoor cooking, gardening, farming, sports, games, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature, wilderness skills, ceramics, woodworking, culinary arts, theater, gaga and more! The best thing about our camp is that you get to make your own schedule and pick the activities that you want to do!

Spent four years as a camper and one as a member of their AIDES program. Excellent place for boys…read moreto develop their character, make lifelong friends, and create incredible memories.

tldr: great views of nature, friendly staff, and good accommodations…read more Came here with a group of peers for a bonding overnight stay in late fall. Food was good and accommodated dietary restrictions, and sleeping accommodation provided a bathroom and mattress but no sheets (we brought sleeping bags and pillows). Everyone really enjoyed the big swing and Alpine tower activity. Our group was large enough that they split us up to do each activity - my group enjoyed the firestarting/survival shelter activity but not as much as the swing/tower. The swing is doable for anyone, and you can decide how high you are pulled up before swinging. The tower is challenging and only one or two of our 15-person mini-group was able to reach the top. Plan to wear clothes that you can move around a lot, and walk in the woods in. They did not have a large indoor meeting to sit 30-40 people, but we were able to fit in a room off the main cafeteria, with some people sitting on tables/the floor. The campfire at night was set up ahead of time for us, and they included materials for s'mores. The guide was sure we'd have enough supplies but we ended up running out of some parts (they're called s'mores for a reason!). The staff there ran a cultural sensitivity activity for us, which we enjoyed with everyone in our large group.