Hartford Business Journal Special Editions

www.HartfordBusiness.com November 26, 2012 • Hartford Business Journal 71 73 Times Farm Road, Andover, CT 06232 | 860-742-CAMP (2267) | www.channel3kidscamp.org C amp is an experience every child deserves, regardless of a family's ability to pay. Realizing that there were hundreds of children in the Hartford area that would never be able to experience a country vacation with all its benefits to their health and well-being, the Harrison B. Freeman family, in collaboration with the Union for Home Work in Hartford, in 1910 began its tradition of providing a sum- mer camping experience for city children at their Andover, Conn., summer home, the Almada Lodge, in 1910. In 1920, The Hartford Times newspaper assumed full responsibility for the pro- gram. In 1931, the Freeman family deeded the property, and the Hartford Times deeded the buildings, equipment and land, to a newly-formed 501(c)(3) charitable corporation: The Almada Lodge — Times Farm Camp Corporation. Since 1976, WFSB Channel 3 has assist- ed the camp as a media sponsor, raising awareness and providing advertising for fundraising events. 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 3,500 annually. Each year, chil- dren ages 6-16 from every county in Connecticut and throughout New England attend the Channel 3 Kids Camp. This unique, year-round program welcomes boys and girls from all walks of life, making it possible for all children to attend camp despite financial limitations. Channel 3 Kids Camp's mission is to provide year-round opportunities to children, families, and communities through recreational and educational programs that pro- mote friendship, learning and growth. Our positive programming promotes hands-on learning and encourages values for a successful life beyond camp. We promote leadership, diversity and integrity with activities that broaden self-esteem, communication and respect for others. Year-round programs include: • Traditional Overnight Summer Camp for children ages 8-12 • Summer Day Camp for children ages 6-12 • Camp Ventures afterschool enrichment program • Hosts Nature's Classroom, a residential environmental program promoting an academic experience, with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and critical thinking • Partners with Camp Abilities, to provide camping experiences to children who are visually impaired, blind or deaf blind • Year-round teen leadership program focusing on social, academic, career and cultural development for 'graduated' campers; • Sibling Connections, which reunites separated siblings in foster care through a therapeutic camp experience • Military family camp sessions designed to foster camaraderie, community and support for children of parents serving in the military or who may be dealing with the stress of a deployed parent • On weekends, the camp hosts a variety of educational programs including local church youth programs, university students, scouting organizations and foreign exchange students. Over the past 102 years, the Channel 3 Kids Camp has improved the lives of more than 100,000 children through multiple, year-round programs on its 350 acres along the Skungamaug River. The Kids Camp is expanding facilities in anticipation of opening as a "Camp for all Kids" in 2013. The new, state-of-the-art cabin, named Ashley's Place, will accommo- date children of varying abilities with a 24-hours nurse and health area. The Channel 3 Kids Camp is a sanctuary for children all year long regardless of economic, physical or developmental ability to come play, learn and grow without barriers. As programs expand and transform to meet the changing needs of campers, some things will never change. The Channel 3 Kids Camp will always be the one place in Connecticut everyone can count on to provide great adventures for our children. For more than 100 years, the Almada Lodge Times Farm Camp has consis- tently and successfully offered an accessible, inclusive camping experience for youth from a variety of backgrounds throughout the region. The overnight experience of living together provides opportunities to broaden important social skills, promote independence and build community. Children who attend camp participate in a comprehensive program and self- selected activities throughout the week. These opportunities are designed to boost confidence, encourage cooperation and extend learning past the school year. Channel 3 Kids Camp R e t R o s p e C t i v e Special advertiSing Section 20th Anniversary Issue Camp is more than just recreation, it teaches our children about life and how to live it well. ' e Channel 3 Kids Camp mission is to provide year-round opportunities to children, families, and communities through recreational and educational programs that promote friendship, learning and growth. '

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