Common Ground Summer Camp

For families in the Greater New Haven area and across Connecticut, Common Ground Summer Camp represents more than just a seasonal program; it is a gateway to the natural world tucked within an urban environment. Situated on a 20-acre site that includes a working demonstration farm and forest, this camp is part of the New Haven Ecology Project. It provides a unique educational ecosystem where children can trade screens for streams and pavement for pastures. As one of the longest-running community farms and environmental centers in the state, Common Ground invites young explorers to connect with their surroundings through hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and adventurous play.

The camp experience at Common Ground is defined by its integration with the surrounding landscape. By utilizing the forested ridges of West Rock Ridge State Park and the meticulously managed urban farm, the program fosters a deep sense of stewardship and curiosity in its participants. Whether children are tending to farm animals, harvesting vegetables, or building forts in the woods, the focus is always on fostering a just and sustainable world. The professional staff and environmental educators work to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, feels welcome and empowered to explore the wonders of the Connecticut outdoors.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for this New Haven treasure. Located at 358 Springside Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, the camp is conveniently positioned at the base of West Rock, making it easily accessible for local residents and those commuting from nearby towns like Hamden, Woodbridge, and Orange. The site is designed to be inclusive, offering features that cater to a wide range of needs. Visitors and parents will find the following accessibility and parking amenities on-site:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance to the main educational buildings and classrooms.
• Dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces to ensure ease of entry for all families.
• Wheelchair accessible restrooms available within the main facility.
• On-site parking provided for drop-off and pick-up, though parents should be prepared for a busy environment during peak transition times.
• Proximity to major New Haven thoroughfares, allowing for a quick transition from city life to the forest edge.

Services offered at Common Ground are diverse and tailored to various age groups and interests. The camp operates primarily in two-week sessions, providing a consistent and immersive environment where children can build lasting friendships and skills. The following services are core to the Common Ground experience:

• Age-specific summer camp programs ranging from early childhood "Sprouts" to teen leadership initiatives.
• Extended day options available from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM to accommodate working schedules.
• Financial aid and scholarship programs to ensure that nature-based education is accessible to all income levels.
• Environmental education field trips and "NatureYear" school-year enrichment programs.
• Professional environmental educators and counselors who lead both structured lessons and child-led play.
• Nutritional education through the urban farm, where children learn the origins of their food.
• Safety-first approach with staff trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency medication administration.

The features and highlights of the camp are designed to engage a child's imagination and physical energy. The 20-acre campus serves as a living laboratory where every day brings a new discovery. Some of the most beloved features of the Common Ground experience include:

• The Urban Farm, featuring chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, and goats that campers help care for.
• The Woodshop and Mud Kitchen, providing tactile creative spaces for building and imaginative play.
• The Wetland and Stream areas, perfect for catching salamanders and exploring aquatic ecosystems.
• Direct trail access to West Rock Ridge State Park for guided hikes and "fort building" adventures.
• The Children’s Garden and blueberry patch, where kids can taste the literal fruits of their labor.
• A mix of air-conditioned classrooms for cool-down breaks and outdoor shelters for rain-day adventures.
• Unstructured "free play" time that allows children to follow their own interests and develop leadership skills.
• Specialized "Treehouse Camp" and "Nature Playdates" that emphasize forest immersion.

For those looking to enroll their children or learn more about the various community programs, contact information is readily available. You can reach the Common Ground administrative team at (203) 389-4333 or via their mobile line at +1 203-389-4333. The campus is located at 358 Springside Ave, New Haven, CT 06515. For specific inquiries regarding summer camp registration or financial aid, the community and children’s programs department is the primary point of contact.

What is worth choosing about Common Ground is the rare opportunity it provides for "urban wilderness" exploration. For many children living in Connecticut's cities, finding a safe and expansive place to climb trees, wade in mud, and interact with farm animals can be a challenge. Common Ground bridges this gap perfectly. It is an ideal choice for parents who value social-emotional growth alongside environmental science. The camp's philosophy of letting "kids be kids" ensures that participants return home with more than just knowledge—they return with confidence, resilience, and a dirty pair of boots that signify a day well spent.

While some parents have noted that the pick-up and drop-off process requires a bit of patience due to the popularity of the site and the nature of the parking lot, the "five-star experience" of the actual programming makes the effort worthwhile. Choosing Common Ground means choosing a community that values diversity, equity, and the health of our planet. It is a place where a toddler can experience their first hike and a teenager can begin a pathway toward a career in environmental leadership. For a summer of growth, mud, and memory-making, this New Haven institution remains a top-tier recommendation for any Connecticut family.