Camp Courant in Farmington Getting $850k Grant

The state Bond Commission will fund several new upgrades to Camp Courant in Farmington.

The commission will meet Jan. 12 and will provide a $850,000 grant to finance the replacement of a swimming pool along with other replacements and additions.

“Camp Courant is one of those Connecticut institutions that has been doing so much good for so long, I’m happy we’re making this investment,” said state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) “For six weeks every summer, hundreds of kids get a bus ride, breakfast and lunch, exercise, instruction, friendship and fun – all for free. It’s a valuable, amazing tradition that must be allowed to continue and thrive.”

State Rep. Mike Demicco (D-Farmington) said the camp is near his house and it provides a great opportunity to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have it.

.“This funding creates a world of possibility for Hartford’s kids and will provide much- needed assistance to allow Camp Courant to continue to make a difference to thousands for the sustainable future,” said Josh Reese, executive director and CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant. “Hartford’s Camp Courant and the many who have been associated with the organization for more than a century have always been driven to provide a free summer experience that instills life lessons that will last a lifetime. We commend those leaders, decision makers and countless others who have made this opportunity a reality and who continue to make children the priority in their giving back to the capital city.”

Hartford’s Camp Courant began in 1894 with an editorial in the Hartford Daily Courant that invited contributions from the public to invest in outings for city children. The “Courant Free Excursion Fund” continued through 1910, providing fresh air and fun for Hartford children. In 1911, the Camp purchased property in West Hartford near the Trout Brook and children began to ride the trolley to the campsite. Hartford’s Camp Courant was relocated to property owned by the City of Hartford, across from Batterson Pond in Farmington, in 1963. Today, the Camp leases this 36-acre site from the City of Hartford and provides a range of recreational and educational programs for hundreds of Hartford’s children ages 5-12 each summer.