In 1910, The Harrison B. Freeman family, in collaboration with the Union for Home Work in Hartford, began its tradition of providing a summer camping experience for city children at their summer home, the Almada Lodge. In 1920, the Hartford Times assumed full responsibility for the program. In 1931, the Freeman family and the Hartford Times deeded the camp over to a newly formed charitable corporation, The Almada Lodge - Times Farm Camp Corporation, with 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status.

 

In 1976 when the Hartford Times ceased publication, WFSB Channel 3, then located in downtown Hartford, stepped forward to serve as the media partner for the camp, renaming it the Channel 3 Country Camp. While Channel 3 has been a dedicated media partner for more than 40 years, we are not owned by the station, nor do they pay our expenses.

 

Now, Channel 3 Kids Camp is entering it's 109th year of serving children. During that time, we have consistently and successfully offered an inclusive camping experience for all children and youth throughout our region and from a variety of backgrounds. 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 3,000 children year-round on our 150 acre campus located in Andover and Coventry.

 

Channel 3 Kids Camp programming focuses on helping children develop personally and interpersonally. Our program focuses on fostering the skills necessary for personal, social, and career-related success. These skills include character development, interpersonal skills, life skills, health-related behaviors, conflict resolution skills, communication skills, leadership skills, and management skills. Activities related to service learning are used to encourage civic participation and cooperation as well as career-related skills such as leadership and management.  The Channel 3 Kids Camp’s programs are based on the latest research on the importance of recreational and educational opportunities for children from all walks of life throughout the year.