New to Camp? Start here!
What is Common Ground?
Common Ground i
s an urban farm and environmental education center, located in New Haven at the base of West Rock Ridge State Park. We are also home to Common Ground High School, a public charter school with a focus on the environment. We have been offering summer camp and children’s programs for almost 20 years.
The farm is home to chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep, as well as a children’s garden for tasting and exploring. The forest is full of trails, meadows, streams, and lakes that are home to abundant wildlife and the launching point for many adventures!
What happens at Common Ground Camp?
Our camps are based on a child-centered model where campers make daily choices about the things they are most excited to do. There is lots of time for free play and discovery as well as daily activity sessions on the farm and in the forest, led by our amazing team of caring and creative staff. Our days are spent almost 100% outside – this is the perfect camp for kids who want to play, get dirty, and have adventures. Summer should not be for sitting around! We do have indoor spaces and more restful activities available as-needed.
Which camp should I choose?
Details on each camp can be found on the individual camp pages. An important distinction is that ECOLOGY CAMP is only offered in a six-week block, while each of the other camps are offered for one or more weeks (choose the schedule that you need).
Ecology Campers are with the same group of 24 children and 5 staff for all six weeks. This consistent peer group allows campers to form deeper friendships and reduces time spent in orientation each week. Ecology Camp is our only camp to take bussed field trips and participate in some special on campus assemblies and workshops .
Each of our other camps is offered in one or two week sessions. Campers may attend for one or more weeks (ok to come for multiple weeks, as most activities do not repeat).
Check out all the details on the individual camp pages and please call if you want to talk about which option might be the best fit for your child.
Visit our campus!
Our campus is
open every Saturday for Open Farm Day (starting April 4, 2020) from 10 AM – 2 PM. Open Farm Day is free and self-guided – no RSVP necessary.
Stop by with your child(ren) anytime from 10 – 2 to explore the campus, visit the farm animals, or go for a walk in the woods. Staff are on campus to welcome you and are happy to answer questions, but they may not have all the answers to your camp-specific questions.
More camp information, including a schedule for a typical day at camp and a complete FAQ can be found HERE.