Providing the very best opportunities for
our most important resource,
OUR KIDS, since 1910!
Donate Now!
About Channel 3 Kids Camp
In our 2nd century, Channel 3 Kids Camp continues to offer an accessible and inclusive camping experience for youth, which includes helping children from every county in Connecticut and throughout New England The core program at the Channel 3 Kids Camp is our Overnight & Day Summer Camping Program. We are unique in that we are the only camp in Connecticut that provides accessible and affordable overnight camping experiences for all children. To make that happen we offer camperships so camp is affordable as possible for all families and every child can come and enjoy the wonders of the Andover and Coventry wilderness!
With over 4,000 children, ages 6 - 16 participating in programs year round, and a wide variety of activities offered, we are proud to say that the opportunities provided here are unmatched anywhere in the State. During the fall and winter months, many more children are able to experience this vast 350 acres along the Skungamaug River as they participate in Natures Classroom, where science and nature are brought to life in a way that no text book possibly can. For those who are unable to attend Natures Classroom, Camp Ventures visits local schools where science and nature are brought to life in an after school program format.
For many children the opportunity to experience the thrill of sleeping under the stars, frolicking in the river, being part of a summer play, or receiving Red Cross certified swimming lessons in a sparkling clean pool, has only been a dream of things that other children are able to do not them. Our generous supporters and sponsors enable us to ensure that those campers who might otherwise be unable to afford a week in the country are given the opportunity to enrich their lives through one of our multiple programs, including video and movie productions, golf, gardening , archery, high-low ropes, or arts and crafts. We could not do this work without the kindness of individuals, foundations, grants, corporate contributors and public support; we are most grateful for this generosity.
The mission of Channel 3 Kids Camp is to provide year round opportunities to children, families, & communities through recreational and educational programs that promote friendships, learning, & growth.
• Expand and update our facilities to maximize our abilities to best serve our
diverse and growing constituent groups.
• Continue to seek and actively pursue collaboration with the community,
organizations, and individuals to provide greater opportunities for our current
and future participants.
• Be recognized as an independent non-profit organization whose sound fiscal
management and use of best practices promotes maximum growth for the future.
• Recruit and retain committed Board Members, staff, and
volunteers to govern and manage our organization and
programs.
• Be recognized as the leader in providing the highest quality recreational and
educational programs for children who would otherwise not have the opportunity
as we have for the past 100 years.
Reputation
We value our long and historical legacy of providing services that greatly impact and enhance the lives of all those we touch. We operate our organization with a commitment to accountability, integrity, and honesty.
Community
We commit to developing and maintaining long-term relationships with funders, volunteers, and participants for the benefit of the entire (camp) community. We embrace diversity in every way. We promote leadership and tolerance at camp and within our communities. We hold ourselves as responsible members of the community, as demonstrated through partnerships, opportunities, and active involvement.
Excellence
We provide the best possible activities and programs for our participants. We empower our staff, board, and volunteers to achieve this through continuing education and accreditation at the highest standard.
Respect
We respect every individual and their unique qualities. We recognize our dependence on a healthy environment for subsistence, recreation, jobs, and peace of mind. As we grow, we will do so in harmony with our natural environment. We honor our legacy by upholding the vision of our founders.
Perhaps our greatest accomplishment is reflected in our rich history. The Harrison B. Freeman family, in collaboration with the Union for Home Work in Hartford, began its tradition of providing a summer camping experience for city children at their summer home, the Almada Lodge in 1910. In 1920, the Hartford Times assumed full responsibility for the program. In 1931, the Freeman family and the Hartford Times deeded the camp over to a newly formed charitable corporation, The Almada Lodge - Times Farm Camp Corporation.
In 1976 when the Hartford Times ceased publication, Channel 3, then located in downtown Hartford, stepped forward to serve as the Media Partner for the camp. And while WFSB Channel 3 has been a dedicated media partner for more than 30 years, we are not owned by the station, nor do they pay our bills. In fact, the Almada Lodge Times Farm Camp Corporation, a separate 501(c) 3 corporation, has been in existence for 99 years. During that time, we have consistently and successfully offered an accessible and inclusive camping experience for all children and youth throughout our region and from a variety of backgrounds. Through the remarkable generosity of the public and other funding sources, the camp has grown from serving 20 campers in 1910 to serving more than 4,000 children year-round on our 350 acre campus located in Andover and Coventry.
In 2010, we will be celebrating our centennial anniversary! This milestone marks 100 years as the only camp in Connecticut that provides an accessible and affordable overnight camping experiences reasonable and possible to all families. We are very excited in anticipation of our Centennial Celebration; please join us for the numerous celebratory events to take place throughout 2010.
With over 4000 children, ages 6 - 16 participating in programs year round, and a wide variety of activities offered, we are proud to say that the opportunities provided here are unmatched anywhere in the State. Each year, children from all over Connecticut and New England come together under the blue skies and in the open fields; making new friends, and experiencing adventures they will cherish throughout their lives.
Connecticut Department of Children & families
Channel 3 Kids camp is pleased to partner with DCF to provide the Siblings Connections program. This is a State endorsed program that provides week long camp experiences focused on reconnecting siblings placed in out of home care. We're dedicated to reuniting siblings separated when placed in foster care - together we work to build positive interactions between brothers and sisters in a safe environment at the Channel 3 Kids Camp.
Wheeler Clinic
During the Sibling Connections camp program, Wheeler Clinic provides support to campers in need of therapeutic intervention. Wheeler Clinic, founded in 1968, is a unique provider of behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families that include mental health treatment, substance abuse recovery, special education, early childhood development, prevention, an employee assistance program (EAP) and community education.
Foodshare
Foodshare is the liaison between the food industry and local community kitchens, emergency shelters, and food pantries across the region. As Foodshare receives food donations from wholesalers and private individuals, Channel 3 Kids Camp is a "partner agency" and receives food from Foodshare. With their help, our campers never go hungry and receive well balanced meals throughout the summer!
Summer Food Service Program
During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. What happens when school lets out? Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need.
National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple® Summer Camp
When you hear "Operation Purple® camp" you should think: Kids Serve Too! The National Military Family Association's Operation Purple® camps are a time for having fun, making friends, and reminding military kids that they are the Nation's youngest heroes.Operation Purple® camps offer a free week of summer fun for military kids with parents who have been, are currently, or will be deployed. These free week-long camps are provided through the generous support of the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club Foundation. The goal of the Operation Purple® camp program is to give military children tools to help deal with the stresses that result from a parent’s deployment, through a memorable camp experience in a “purple” environment.
Channel 3 Kids Camp was chosen to host their popular Operation Purple® summer camp in 2010. We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this extraordinary experience, giving homage to military families who make sacrifices for us each day.
American Camping Association
ACA accreditation is the best evidence parents have of a camp's commitment to a safe and nurturing environment for their children. This voluntary accreditation assures parents that camp practices have been measured against national standards and go a step beyond a state's basic licensing requirements. Accreditation is based on a commitment by the camp to best practices.
The ACA collaborates with experts from The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth service agencies to assure that current practices at your child's camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
• Site/Food Service: Fire protection, maintenance, sleeping areas, bathing/toilet facilities, food service areas and practices
• Transportation: Driver and vehicle requirements, traffic control, transportation safety
• Health Care: Staff and facility requirements, medication management, required health information and recordkeeping
• Management: Safety and security regulations, staff emergency training, crisis communications, insurance, planning
• Staffing: Staff qualifications, training, ratios, supervision and behavior management guidelines
• Program: Goals for camper development, orientation and safety policies for general and specialized programs, including aquatics,
challenge courses, trips and horseback riding
Heart Healthy Establishment
This program is offered to all class 3 & 4 restaurants (including school cafeterias) in the 10-town District. Establishments are certified if they agree that they are currently participating in 5 or more, out of 26, heart healthy practices or if they agree to make changes to do so. Restaurants receive a certificate for display signed by the Health Director, stickers for use on menus and free promotion through the Health District’s media contacts and publications. Currently 58 restaurants and 7 schools are certified.
Channel 3 Kids Camp offers many different types of meals, snacks, and beverages in a variety of settings. Typically campers eat family style in our dining hall, but cook outs, picnic lunches, and campfire cooking area normal part of camp life. Meals are prepared fresh here at camp, and our menu is approved by a certified dietician. We proudly participate in the Connecticut Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program, providing wholesome meals to youth and are a proud Healthy Dining Establishment through the eastern Highlands Health District. Channel 3 Kids camp is a peanut free facility and also provides vegetarian food options to campers, staff, and participants.
Licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health
The Community Based Regulation Section (CBRS) is responsible for the administration of the youth camp licensing program at the Department of Public Health. Licensing assures that those programs that are licensed have achieved at least the minimum standards required by law to meet the health, safety and comfort needs of campers and staff.
Department staff are dedicated to assuring that all youth camp programs operate at or above the required standards established by state statutes and regulations. This is accomplished by providing technical assistance, application processing, facility monitoring, complaint investigation and enforcement activities. They are committed to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of Connecticut's children in licensed programs. To protect and improve the health and safety of the people of Connecticut by: Assuring the conditions in which people can be healthy;Promoting physical and mental health, and preventing disease, injury, and disability.
FROM HARTFORD:
I-84 (east) to exit 59. Take I-384 (east) to end. Stay to right onto Route 6 (toward Willimantic/Providence). Go 3.4 miles to HENDEE Road (camp sign on left); make left turn. Proceed 50 yards and take first left onto Hutchinson Road. Go 100 yards and take first right onto Times Farm Road. This road dead ends in our camp. Park in area on left, or ahead on right.
FROM SPRINGFIELD:
I-91 (south) to exit 35. I-84 (west) to exit 59 Take I-384 (east) to end. Stay to right onto Route 6 (toward Willimantic/Providence). Go 3.4 miles to HENDEE Road (camp sign on left); make left turn. Proceed 50 yards and take first left onto Hutchinson Road. Go 100 yards and take first right onto Times Farm Road. This road dead ends in our camp. Park in area on left, or ahead on right.
FROM BOSTON:
Take I-291 (east) to follow signs to I-384 (east) I-384 (east), and follow as above. Take I-384 (east) to end. Stay to right onto Route 6 (toward Willimantic/Providence). Go 3.4 miles to HENDEE Road (camp sign on left); make left turn. Proceed 50 yards and take first left onto Hutchinson Road. Go 100 yards and take first right onto Times Farm Road. This road dead ends in our camp. Park in area on left, or ahead on right.
FROM NEW HAVEN:
I-91 (north), to I-84. Follow directions from Hartford. I-84 (east) to exit 59. Take I-384 (east) to end. Stay to right onto Route 6 (toward Willimantic/Providence). Go 3.4 miles to HENDEE Road (camp sign on left); make left turn. Proceed 50 yards and take first left onto Hutchinson Road. Go 100 yards and take first right onto Times Farm Road. This road dead ends in our camp. Park in area on left, or ahead on right.
FROM PROVIDENCE, NEW LONDON, WILLIMANTIC:
Follow Route 6 (west) through the stop light in Andover. After passing the Andover Plaza (small shopping area on left), take first right turn (HENDEE Road). Proceed 50 yards and take first left (HUTCHINSON Road). Go 100 yards and take first right (TIMES FARM Road). This road dead ends in our camp. Park in area on left, or ahead on right.
We're here year round.
For us, the camping season never ends!
Channel 3 Kids camp
73 Times Farm Road
Andover, CT 06232
Please mail Camper Letters, Staff Applications, Donations, Accounts Payable, and other Inquiries to this mailing address.
