2026 Summer Day Camp Information
DAY CAMP INFORMATION
Our main goal for Summer Day Camp is that our campers have the Best Summer Ever! Daily activities are designed to enhance each camper’s competence, connections, character, confidence and in the long term, their individual contribution to our community. One of the ways in which we achieve these goals is by providing challenging activities in both small and large group settings. In addition to swimming, sports and other traditional outdoor camp activities, we provide experiences that connect campers to the natural environment of our town parks.
Camp staff is chosen carefully and trained to provide campers with a fun and supportive atmosphere with priority of children safety and emotional well being. Our staff members facilitate an environment where campers can learn new skills, make friends, and most importantly develop self-confidence. Newtown Parks and Recreation’s Summer Day Camps provide the opportunity for your child to feel safe, run, sing, laugh and grow.
THE FACILITIES
Camp is held at Treadwell Park, 47 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook, CT and at Dickinson Park, 50 Elm Drive, Newtown, CT. The facilities offer a variety of amenities, which include playground areas, a picnic pavilion, tennis & basketball courts, ball fields, nature trails, skate park (Dickinson Park only), Pool (Treadwell Park only), and restrooms.
THE STAFF
Camp directors and counselors consist of teachers, college students, and high school students who have been camp participants themselves. We invest in advanced skill training for all of our staff, making them even more child-centered and skilled so as to positively impact the campers. We have returning staff each year, which is a wonderful indication of how much our team loves working at camp and with your children.
Our main goal for Summer Day Camp is that our campers have the Best Summer Ever! Daily activities are designed to enhance each camper’s competence, connections, character, confidence and in the long term, their individual contribution to our community. One of the ways in which we achieve these goals is by providing challenging activities in both small and large group settings. In addition to swimming, sports and other traditional outdoor camp activities, we provide experiences that connect campers to the natural environment of our town parks.
Camp staff is chosen carefully and trained to provide campers with a fun and supportive atmosphere with priority of children safety and emotional well being. Our staff members facilitate an environment where campers can learn new skills, make friends, and most importantly develop self-confidence. Newtown Parks and Recreation’s Summer Day Camps provide the opportunity for your child to feel safe, run, sing, laugh and grow.
THE FACILITIES
Camp is held at Treadwell Park, 47 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook, CT and at Dickinson Park, 50 Elm Drive, Newtown, CT. The facilities offer a variety of amenities, which include playground areas, a picnic pavilion, tennis & basketball courts, ball fields, nature trails, skate park (Dickinson Park only), Pool (Treadwell Park only), and restrooms.
THE STAFF
Camp directors and counselors consist of teachers, college students, and high school students who have been camp participants themselves. We invest in advanced skill training for all of our staff, making them even more child-centered and skilled so as to positively impact the campers. We have returning staff each year, which is a wonderful indication of how much our team loves working at camp and with your children.
Social Worker
Our social worker on staff helps address behavioral and emotional needs of campers. He also supports our counselors to develop skills and activities for all campers to feel safe an socially connected.
Our social worker on staff helps address behavioral and emotional needs of campers. He also supports our counselors to develop skills and activities for all campers to feel safe an socially connected.
DAY CAMP HOURS
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with drop off time beginning at 8:50 AM and pick up promptly at 3:00 PM. Please respect the camp hours and make every effort to drop off and pick up your child on time.
EXTENDED WEEK (NEW EXTENDED PER DAY OPTION)
Early Drop Off is available starting at 8:00 am and Extended Stay until 6:00 pm sharp! If a parent/guardian is extremely late picking up their child, they will be charged a late fee of $15.00 per day. This fee must be paid in the office the next day. If a parent/guardian is consistently late picking up their child, they will be asked not to bring their child/children back to camp. NO refunds are given for Early Drop Off or Extended Stay, therefore it is requested that careful consideration be given prior to registering. If you are registering for Extended Day, please register online before the Monday on which camp starts. If you are picking your child up early, it is extremely important to send a note to the counselor. A child must have a note from a parent/guardian to be allowed to walk or bike home.
A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP
Every morning all counselors and campers come together for “opening circle” which starts the positive energy flowing. During opening circle, our camp director welcomes everyone and shares plans for the exciting day to come. Camp ends with “closing circle” which is presented by either the camp director or a counselor and is a review of the fun day that campers experienced.
Throughout the day, campers will participate in a variety of activities. Activities include the following:
· Sports
· Arts and Crafts, Music
· Skateboard Lessons (Dickinson only)
· Swimming (Treadwell only)
· Water Inflatable (Dickinson only)
· Tuesday Tunes Live Summer Concerts on select weeks (Dickinson only)
· General games
· Camp-wide activities
· Fun theme days such as Tie Dye Day, Hawaiian Day, Pirate day, Halloween day and more.
· As part of our innovative curriculum, we have special guests and presentations which are included in select event activities.
· Camp special guests/trips will be posted on March 3rd, 2026.
Scroll Down for Day Camp Trips & Special Guests!
SWIMMING AT TREADWELL POOL
Campers at Treadwell Day Camp will swim from 1-2pm, Monday-Friday. Every Monday, a swim evaluation will be performed by our lifeguards. If a camper does not pass the evaluation, he/she must wear a life vest which will be provided by Newtown Parks and Recreation. You can send your own Coast Guard approved life vest with your child, if you wish.
Campers should bring a swimsuit and towel daily.
RAIN POLICY
Camp will be held under the pavilion in the event of rain. The counselors have rainy day activities planned to keep their groups active and fun. If there is a thunder and lightning storm, the lightning detection system will sound at Treadwell Park. Dickinson Day Camp communicates with Treadwell Day Camp. (The lightning detection system at Dickinson Park is not yet operational). If lightning continues longer than 30 minutes, camp will be canceled and you will have to pick up your child immediately.
SIGN UP FOR CANCELLATION NOTICES WITH E-ALERTS
Camp will be held under the pavilion in the event of rain. The counselors have rainy day activities planned to keep their groups active and fun. If there is a thunder and lightning storm, the lightning detection system will sound at Treadwell Park. Dickinson Day Camp communicates with Treadwell Day Camp. (The lightning detection system at Dickinson Park is not yet operational). If lightning continues longer than 30 minutes, camp will be canceled and you will have to pick up your child immediately.
SIGN UP FOR CANCELLATION NOTICES WITH E-ALERTS
For cancellations, sign up for E-Alerts on the Town of Newtown website at www.newtown-ct.gov. Go to the bottom of the page, click on “Sign Up for E-Alerts,” go to “Urgent Alert” and check boxes for both Recreation Cancellation Alerts & Urgent News or Announcements.
PLEASE NOTE: E-Mail blasts are sent out via the E-Alert notification system. Phone calls will not be made regarding weather related changes or cancellations.
WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER BRING TO CAMP?
Each day throughout the summer, campers should bring the following in a backpack: lunch, swim suit, towel, water, drink, sunscreen, hat, fruit and a snack. Campers should wear sneakers every day for safety reasons as our outdoor camp involves plenty of walking and running.
Please be sure to clearly label all of your campers’ personal belongings with first and last name, including towels, lunch bags, water bottles, etc. Labeling will ensure that any misplaced items are returned to you. If by chance your camper loses something, there will be a Lost & Found located in the camp shed that you can check all summer long for lost items. Please note that Lost & Found is removed and donated to a local charity every two weeks.
THINGS NOT TO BRING TO CAMP
Campers are encouraged to keep personal items and valuables at home. NO cell phones, trading cards or anything that is valuable. We cannot be responsible for these items, and it is easier if they are kept home. Additional items that are not permitted at camp are water guns, any sharp objects or weapons, gum or glass bottles.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are now included in day camp fees. For those not participating in field trips, a special activity or treat will be provided to keep the camp day exciting! For those not interested in participating in the field trip, please provide a hand-written note stating that your child will not be attending.
MEDICATION
Please notify the Parks and Recreation Office, Site Directors and Counselors in writing if your child takes medication or has any allergies (i.e. food, bees, nuts, etc.). All Head Counselors have been trained in First Aid, CPR, AED, & Epi Pen administration. Our Site Directors, Head Counselors and the Camper Support Counselor have been certified in Medical Administration. Please note that Counselors are not permitted to remove ticks. You will be contacted if a tick is found on your child during camp.
BEHAVIOR
If a counselor is experiencing a consistent behavior problem with a child the parent will be notified. We will provide support with our on-site Day Camp Social Worker and do all we can to resolve any issues. If the problem continues, as a last resort, the parents will be asked to remove the child from camp without a refund.
Each day throughout the summer, campers should bring the following in a backpack: lunch, swim suit, towel, water, drink, sunscreen, hat, fruit and a snack. Campers should wear sneakers every day for safety reasons as our outdoor camp involves plenty of walking and running.
Please be sure to clearly label all of your campers’ personal belongings with first and last name, including towels, lunch bags, water bottles, etc. Labeling will ensure that any misplaced items are returned to you. If by chance your camper loses something, there will be a Lost & Found located in the camp shed that you can check all summer long for lost items. Please note that Lost & Found is removed and donated to a local charity every two weeks.
THINGS NOT TO BRING TO CAMP
Campers are encouraged to keep personal items and valuables at home. NO cell phones, trading cards or anything that is valuable. We cannot be responsible for these items, and it is easier if they are kept home. Additional items that are not permitted at camp are water guns, any sharp objects or weapons, gum or glass bottles.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are now included in day camp fees. For those not participating in field trips, a special activity or treat will be provided to keep the camp day exciting! For those not interested in participating in the field trip, please provide a hand-written note stating that your child will not be attending.
MEDICATION
Please notify the Parks and Recreation Office, Site Directors and Counselors in writing if your child takes medication or has any allergies (i.e. food, bees, nuts, etc.). All Head Counselors have been trained in First Aid, CPR, AED, & Epi Pen administration. Our Site Directors, Head Counselors and the Camper Support Counselor have been certified in Medical Administration. Please note that Counselors are not permitted to remove ticks. You will be contacted if a tick is found on your child during camp.
BEHAVIOR
If a counselor is experiencing a consistent behavior problem with a child the parent will be notified. We will provide support with our on-site Day Camp Social Worker and do all we can to resolve any issues. If the problem continues, as a last resort, the parents will be asked to remove the child from camp without a refund.
SUNSCREEN POLICY
We ask that you apply the appropriate SPF sunscreen protection to your child/children before they head off to camp. Please include sunscreen protection in your camper’s backpack. We recommend that your child/children apply their sunscreen throughout the day. We will remind all campers to reapply their sunscreen.
If your child needs assistance applying sunscreen or bug spray during the day, please download and complete the form at the bottom of this page and submit to the camp director on the first day of camp.
LUNCH AND SNACKS
We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your child hydrated throughout the hot summer days. Please send your camper with plenty of liquids (especially water).
Campers must bring their own lunch every day labeled with their first and last name. We have refrigeration on site to store lunches - please let the counselor know if your camper’s lunch needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Otherwise, please pack with ice-packs. Campers should also pack plenty of snacks (labeled with first and last name), especially if they are in the PM extended day program. If your child needs assistance in consuming lunch/snacks please let the counselor know.
We cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your child hydrated throughout the hot summer days. Please send your camper with plenty of liquids (especially water).
Campers must bring their own lunch every day labeled with their first and last name. We have refrigeration on site to store lunches - please let the counselor know if your camper’s lunch needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Otherwise, please pack with ice-packs. Campers should also pack plenty of snacks (labeled with first and last name), especially if they are in the PM extended day program. If your child needs assistance in consuming lunch/snacks please let the counselor know.
DROP OFF & PICK UP PROCEDURES
Transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parents (including summer school campers).
Dickinson Day Camp Drop-Off
Use the Elm Drive entrance near the tennis courts. Once you pass the tennis courts, you will see camp staff awaiting you.
Exit via Brushy Hill.
Treadwell Day Camp Drop-Off
Use the main park entrance. Please park and walk your child over to the Pavilion where you will be directed to the correct counselor for drop off.
PLEASE NOTE: If you need to speak to a counselor or exit your vehicle, please park your car in a designated parking space and walk over with your child.
DAILY SIGN IN & SIGN OUT SAFETY POLICY
Each day during the summer parents/guardians will be required to sign their child/children in and out of the camp program. The counselors in your child’s group will be required to have you sign in and out each day. If someone other than you picks up your child, you are required to provide a written note to the Site Director or counselor on the same day with the name and cell phone number of the person picking up your child. Our staff will not permit your child to go home with anyone other than yourself unless you provide the required note and information. Please note that we will ask for photo ID before releasing your child/children to anyone other than the parent/guardian.The safety and privacy of every child is our top priority. Children will only be questioned or released with parent or guardian authorization. Our staff do not collect or share information related to a child or family’s background or status and cannot provide information about children, their families, or records, or allow access to children without proper authorization.
CAMP RULES
We ask that all children treat fellow campers and counselors with respect. Campers must listen to their counselor at all times and keep hands to oneself. Kicking, biting, hitting, throwing objects will not be accepted. Campers must stay with their group at all times. Swearing and other inappropriate language is not allowed at camp.
RESPECT is required for other people’s property, i.e. no touching or taking other items or food that does not belong to oneself. Fighting/bullying is not allowed at camp and is grounds for suspension from the program (no refunds will be given).
Each child is expected to clean up after him/herself including clearing and disposing of any lunch-time or snack trash.
Campers should report any problems to their counselors immediately.
CAMP T-SHIRTS
Each child will receive a camper T-shirt, which must be worn on all field trips. Children enrolled in more than one session will receive two shirts. Camp t-shirts must be worn on all trips attended by campers.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
(PLEASE READ THE BELOW AS OUR CANCELLATION POLICY HAS CHANGED FOR 2026.)
2026 Cancellation Policy for All Summer Camps
Please review this policy carefully before registering. Cancellations and schedule changes significantly impact staffing and administrative operations.
1. Cancellations 11+ days before the session start
A $50 cancellation fee will be applied. The remaining balance may be refunded or credited to your household account.
2. Cancellations 10 days or fewer before the session start
No refunds or credits will be issued.
3. Session Transfers (within the same program type)
Transfers between sessions of Summer Day Camps or Teen Travel Adventure Camp will incur a $10 change fee.
4. Transfers between different program types
If transferring between Summer Day Camps/Teen Travel Adventure Camp and any Special Interest Camp, the cancellation policy outlined in Items 1 and 2 applies.
5. Medical Exceptions
If a cancellation is required due to a medical condition, refunds will be issued for unused days.
· Notification to Parks and Recreation must occur at the onset of the condition.
· A physician’s note is required at the time of the incident and will not be accepted after the program has ended.
We at Newtown Parks and Recreation would like all campers to have the best summer experience. If at any time you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 203-270-4340.
DAY CAMP TRIPS
All participants are automatically registered for all trips. If you do not wish for your child attend a particular field trip, please send a written note with your child to camp indicating that your child will not attend the field trip. The following field trips are offered at both Dickinson & Treadwell Day Camps:
The following field trips are offered at both Dickinson & Treadwell Day Camps:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK, 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT
Bus pick up is at 9:30am, and we will leave Quassy at approximately 4pm.
Includes an All-Day pass for rides and saturation station. Children will have a fun-filled day! Lunch will be provided from 12-1pm under the Field-side Pavilion, with one hour of unlimited hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries and beverages.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
URBAN AIR ORANGE, 260 Bull Hill Ln, Orange, CT 06477
Bus pick up is at 9am, and we will leave Urban Air Orange at approximately 1pm.
This magical day includes two hours of bounce time (10am – Noon) at the incredible inflatable park. Bounce socks are included. Lunch is provided from 12-1pm and consists of two slices of pizza and a small drink. A completed waiver will be required for each camper – this document will be emailed to you on Friday of the previous week and will need to be sent in with your camper on the day of the trip.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK, 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT.
Bus pick up is at 9:30am, and we will leave Quassy at approximately 4pm.
Includes an All-Day pass for rides and saturation station. Children will have a fun-filled day! Lunch will be provided from 12-1pm under the Field-side Pavilion, with one hour of unlimited hamburgers, hotdogs, French fries and beverages.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
SPLASHDOWN BEACH, 16 Old Route 9 W, Fishkill, NY
Bus pick up is at 8:30 am and departs the beach at 5pm.
The entire waterpark will be available for a full day of fun in the sun. The trip includes lunch consisting of a slice of pizza, a bag of chips, a Grandma’s chocolate chip cookie and a bottle of water. Please pack swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes.
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DAY CAMP - SPECIAL GUESTS
MINI-GOLF
Thursday, July 2
Treadwell Day Camp, 9:00am-11:30pm
Dickinson Day Camp, 12:30-3pm
Campers will love this award winning program where an entire mini-golf course is set up for our kids –
rain or shine!
LASER TAG ON THE GO
Tuesday, July 7: Treadwell Day Camp at 9am and at Dickinson Day Camp at 1 pm
Tuesday, July 28 at Treadwell Day Camp at 9am and at Dickinson Day Camp at 1pm
Laser Tag is a revolutionary new hi-tech adrenaline-pumping, team-based, live game where players star in their own real, live action packed outdoor game. Pros will bring safe, inflatable bunkers and music while campers enjoy daytime laser tag.
MAGIC BY GEORGE
Thursday, July 9
Treadwell Day Camp at 10am; Dickinson Day Camp at 1pm
Magic by George has been thrilling audiences large and small, young and old, with fun-filled shows. George provides the perfect blend of exciting magic, comedy, and audience participation that will have campers on the edge of their seats.
WESTCHESTER CIRCUS ARTS
Wednesday, July 15 at Dickinson Day Camp at 10am
Thursday, July 16 at Treadwell Day Camp at 10am
Westchester Circus Arts provides a free-flowing, skill-based carnival experience where kids can explore juggling, stilts, hoops, balance boards, and more under a striking circus-themed inflatable arch. Complete with festive music and high-energy, this experience brings big-top excitement to camp.
DAY ROCK
Thursday, July 23 at Dickinson Day Camp at 9am
Friday, July 24 at Treadwell Day Camp at 9am
Day Rock enables campers to learn to play popular songs on a variety of instruments. Each camper has the opportunity to play four different instruments and sing. This is a fast paced, hands-on, educational and full day of FUN!
ROBERT CLARKE, MAGICIAN & JUGGLER
Tuesday, August 4th
Treadwell Day Camp at 10am & Dickinson Day Camp at 12:30pm
Superb, sophisticated and stylish! Boston magician and juggler, Robert Clarke, will entertain, mystify and keep campers wanting more. Providing total variety Magic Shows that includes awesome magic, cool juggling skills, hilarious comedy routines and tons of audience interaction.
OBSTACLE COURSE & BOUNCE HOUSE
Friday, August 7: 9am-3pm at Treadwell Day Camp
Friday, August 14: 9am-3pm at Dickinson Day Camp
This exciting visit to camp includes an XL Fun house, a vertical run obstacle courses and a double trouble obstacle course!
AMERICAN SWIRL ICE CREAM TRUCK
Thursday, August 13 at Dickinson Day Camp
Campers will have the opportunity to choose an ice cream from a traveling ice cream truck. American Swirl is serves up soft serve ice cream with any topping imaginable.
TUESDAY TUNES
Dickinson Day Camp only
All concerts are sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library. Tuesday Tunes feature popular kids’ musicians performing interactive songs which kids love to sing and dance along to. Concerts take place at 11am at the Bandshell in Dickinson Park
July 7: Ryan SanAngelo
July 14: BenAnna Band
July 21: Joy Blooms
July 28: Michele Urban
August 4: Judy Pancoast
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