Summer Camp at the Connecticut River Museum June – August 2026 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP IS NOW OPEN!
Give a special child in your life an unforgettable summer adventure at the Connecticut River Museum’s Summer Camp!
Specially crafted for children ages 6-11, these 6 weeks of camp offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Connecticut River through hands-on activities, exciting outdoor adventures, and educational programs. Campers will engage in wildlife observation, boat trips on the River in RiverQuest or Onrust, arts and crafts, and much more, all while building lasting memories and friendships. With expert educators guiding each activity, campers will gain a deeper understanding of local ecology, history, and environmental stewardship in a fun and safe environment. This is more than just a summer camp—it’s an immersive experience that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and a love for the River. Don’t miss the chance to discover the beauty of the Connecticut River while having an unforgettable summer!
Each week of camp is $400 and $360 for Museum members.
Discovery Days at the Museum is $80 daily and $72 for Museum members daily.
To hold your camper’s spot, you can make a $100 non-refundable deposit for a week of camp, or $20 for Discovery Days.
CRM also has limited scholarship funds available to defray the cost of summer camp for participants with a financial need. Inquiries will be reviewed on a rolling basis for as long as funding is available. If interested, please email Lauren for more information.
We also offer before (8-9 AM) and after-care (3-5 PM) at camp.
Our before-care and after-care camp programs at the Connecticut River Museum offer a relaxed, engaging environment for campers in the morning and afternoon. Each camper will have a designated space to play, read, or explore various activities. Before care starts at 8 a.m., and after care is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from July 6 to August 7. Beforecare is $50 a week for members and $55 for non-members. Aftercare is $100 a week for members and $110 a week for non-members. A nonrefundable deposit may be made to hold your camper’s spot. All camp balances are due 5/11/2026.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Email our Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne
lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org or call (860) 767-8269 x121
Please note that all Camp Paperwork is due 2 weeks before your camper’s first day of camp.
REGISTER FOR CAMP BELOW
PLEASE NOTE: For booking multiple items at once (like a week of camp and after-care), add your desired camp week to your cart, then return to the catalog to select and add after-care.
June 29, 30, July 1 & 2
Kick off the summer with a week of adventure and hands-on discovery at the Connecticut River Museum! Campers will experience a little bit of everything the Museum’s summer camp has to offer, including exploring the River’s wildlife, hunting for treasure, playing games, and exploring the Museum’s exhibits. We’re even planning a few special activities to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! The week will wrap up on Thursday with an unforgettable voyage aboard RiverQuest!
Can’t commit to a full week of summer camp? Then this week is for you! You can sign up for one day or all four!
Register for each day of Camp separately. Camp runs daily, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
There is no before- or after-care available this week of camp.
$80 for non-members | $72 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for Discovery Days at the Museum!
July 6-10, 2026
Don’t miss the Museum’s most popular week of camp! Have you ever wondered what life was like out on the open water? This week, we will learn about real pirates & sailors—what they did, what they looked like, and where they traveled. We will dress in pirate garb as we learn about the vessels they sailed, the flags they flew, and how they navigated. We’ll also set sail out on the open water of the Connecticut River aboard the Onrust. Arrrr you ready?
Due to this week’s popularity, we are running this camp twice this summer! Sign up for one or both!
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with before- and after-care available.
$400 for non-members | $360 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for Sailor Life & Pirates!
July 13-17, 2026
This is a week for outdoor discovery and survival skills! Join us as we explore the creatures of the Connecticut River using binoculars, microscopes, and dip-nets. Campers will set sail on the Onrust, a replica 17th-century Dutch yacht, and cruise on RiverQuest, our 64’ eco-friendly research vessel, in search of eagles, ospreys, plant life, and more. Plus, we will try our hand at crabbing! In addition to our River explorations, campers will dive into survival-themed activities, acquiring valuable skills specific to New England outdoor living. Get ready for a week of games, skills & exploration!
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with before- and after-care available.
$400 for non-members | $360 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for River Explorers!
July 20-24, 2026
Travel through time this summer! Campers will dive into the world of archaeology, unearthing the mysteries of the past while learning about the Connecticut River’s history. They’ll investigate the Museum’s artifacts, go on scavenger hunts, and sail on the Onrust, a replica 17th-century yacht, as well as cruise on the eco-friendly research vessel RiverQuest. Campers will also learn about life in Essex, from Indigenous peoples to early European settlers. At the end of the week, campers will create their own exhibit to showcase what they’ve learned. These exhibits will be displayed in the Museum for friends and family to experience and enjoy.
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with before- and after-care available.
$400 for non-members | $360 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for Historic Voyagers!
July 27-31, 2026
Join us for a magical week of arts, crafts, and storytelling along the Connecticut River! This immersive camp invites imaginative explorers to discover the rich history and natural beauty of the River while igniting their creativity and curiosity. Highlights include creating River-inspired paintings, embarking on nature walks, uncovering the myths and legends of the River, crafting original stories, and voyage out on the River boat rides on Onrust and RiverQuest. The grand finale of the week will be an original play, written, directed, and performed by the campers!
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with before- and after-care available.
$400 for non-members | $360 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for Tides & Tales!
August 3-7, 2026
Don’t miss the Museum’s most popular week of camp! Have you ever wondered what life was like out on the open water? This week, we will learn about real pirates & sailors—what they did, what they looked like, and where they traveled. We will dress in pirate garb as we learn about the vessels they sailed, the flags they flew, and how they navigated. We’ll also set sail out on the open water of the Connecticut River aboard the Onrust. Arrrr you ready?
Due to this week’s popularity, we are running this camp twice this summer! Sign up for one or both!
Camp runs daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with before- and after-care available.
$400 for non-members | $360 for members.
Camp is open to adventurers aged 6-11.
Click here to register for Sailor Life & Pirates II!
Payment and Refund Policy:
Deposits:
Deposits are non-refundable. All remaining camp tuition balances are due by May 11, 2026. Balances may be paid by calling the Camp Director at (860) 767-8269 ext. 121.
Cancellation:
$100 portion of camp fees are non-refundable.
Refunds for cancellations are given as follows: $260 for members & $300 for non-members who cancel up to 2 weeks prior to camp start date. There are no refunds to anyone who cancels less than 2 weeks prior to the camp start date.
There are no refunds for any days that your camper does not attend. This includes before and after-care programs.
All cancellation requests must be submitted to the Camp Director, Lauren Bennett-Dionne lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org
Contact
67 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
860.767.8269
crm@ctrivermuseum.org
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