Milford Point: Grades K-1 and 2-3

Completed grades as of June 2026

Camp registration begins on Feb. 3, at 8:00 am.

The Coastal Center at Milford Point is situated next to the 840-acre Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area at the mouth of the Housatonic River. The Center’s grounds include the 8.4-acre Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. It is just steps away from Long Island Sound and its many habitats: salt marshes, beaches, tide pools, coastal dunes and woodlands.

Campers dive into different topics and activities each week, engaging in fun outdoor explorations of beach, marsh, woodlands, gardens, nature-based arts and crafts, hands-on experiments and games. Through outdoor explorations that foster a deeper connection to the natural world, campers learn how we can make a positive difference for our local ecosystem, including Long Island Sound.

Sessions (4-day weeks are marked with an asterisk)

*June 15-18: Living the Tide Life

Explore the shore at high and low tides. Sneak a peek into the lives of crabs, Osprey, Piping Plovers, turtles, fish, and more as we spend our days discovering the mysteries of marine life.

June 22-26: Buggin’ Out

Crabs, butterflies, and beetles are just a few of the many incredible creatures that live life without a backbone. Come find out what “bugs” do to survive!

*June 29-July 2: Motion in the Ocean

Enter the world of sea creatures! Which animals swim, float, fly, or dive? Investigate the different ways animals move through life in our habitats!

July 6-10: Beachcombers

What secrets can we find hidden in the sand? Campers will learn about shells, fossils, and geology as we study the coastline.

July 13-17: Ocean Oddballs

Search for odd and unusual marine creatures in oceans near and far. We’ll top off the week by creating our own odd creatures.

July 20-24: Grossology

Intrigued by the slimy, sticky, and smelly things found in nature? Discover how being “gross” helps animals survive in the wild.

July 27-31: Treasure Hunt

Pirates have hidden treasure at the Coastal Center! To decode their treasure map, we’ll need to gather information about the plants, animals, and habitats all around us.

August 3-7: Discovery Squad

Enjoy a week of experiments and seaside adventures. We will dive into the science of water, gravity, optical illusions, and more!

August 10-14: Watery World

What is big, blue, and wet? The ocean! This week is full of watery fun finding aquatic life and conducting water-based experiments.

Fees

5-day week

$395

4-day week (June 15-18 and June 29-July 2)

$316

A Typical Day at Camp

9:00 - 9:30

Camper check-in, morning meeting.

9:30 - 10:00

Morning Activity: Hands-on activities, science experiment, nature scavenger hunt, or nature-based arts and crafts - changes daily.

10:00 - 10:30

Snack: Enjoy a peanut-free snack on our front porch or in the observation tower with your group.

10:30 - 12:00

Nature Explorations: At low tide we will explore the beach or marsh. Other activities include crafts, games, a visit to the animal room, or team-building challenges.

12:00 - 12:30

Lunch: Enjoy a peanut-free lunch on our front porch or in the observation tower with your group.

12:30 - 1:00

Choice Time: Camper's choice of quiet free play activities.

1:00 - 1:30

Outdoor Games: Free play with the entire camp, including games like Sharks & Minnows, kickball, bubbles, or drawing with chalk.

1:30 - 3:00

Afternoon Activities: At low tide we will use this time to explore the beach or marsh. Otherwise, we will work together on crafts, games, a visit to the animal room, or team-building challenges.

3:00 - 3:30

Clean-up and Dismissal Games: Campers and counselors review the day and head outside to play games with each other until pick-up. Campers must be signed out daily. Counselors will be available to answer any questions about the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about the Connecticut Audubon Society summer camp experience?

Connecticut Audubon’s in-person summer day camp at the Coastal Center offers an inviting recipe for both fun and learning. Campers have many opportunities to explore and thrive in the natural environment. Key ingredients include interactive hands-on learning, up-close animal/wildlife encounters, chances to develop outdoor savvy, and knowledge and conservation skills to care for natural resources at home, school, and the Coastal Center at Milford Point.

The Coastal Center Summer Camp includes plenty of water habitat explorations but does not include swimming as an activity.

Different themes are planned each week. Each week is full of new adventures. It’s an excellent balance of fun and discovery through nature, science, and art activities that take advantage of the natural features and habitats right at our doorstep.

Do I have to be a member of the Connecticut Audubon Society?

You have to be a member at the time that your child attends camp. You must have a Chickadee ($58 family) or higher-level membership to register. If you’re not a qualifying member, you may renew or join at the time of registration or online by clicking here.

What is the background of the summer camp staff?

Our summer camp is staffed by experienced teacher-naturalists from our centers, and college-educated counselors who have subject-area knowledge and experience working with children. Low staff-to-camper ratios ensure all campers have a safe, fun and educational camp experience. Summer camp staff is first-aid, CPR and EpiPen trained.

What if our family plans change for the summer? Are there refunds if we need to cancel or change the number of sessions attending?

We recommend purchasing Registration Protection when you register your child(ren). You can purchase this protection at checkout and if you need to cancel, you will receive a full refund of the purchase price and processing fee should you be unable to attend your event due to a specified reason, such as:

  • Injury or illness
  • Vehicle breakdown or theft
  • Adverse weather resulting in travel warnings
  • Work relocation
  • And more

If you do not purchase Registration Protection, please note the following: All requests must be made by email. Requests for changes must be received at least two weeks prior to the program session for which the change is being requested. For cancellation requests before June 1, you will receive a refund minus a 20% fee per program cancelled. Membership fees will not be refunded. After June 1, there are no summer program refunds. If we cancel a program, you will receive a full refund.

Can my child be in the same camp as their friends?

We make every effort to accommodate requests for friends and siblings to be placed in the same class, but cannot guarantee such placement. Requests can be made on the registration form or sent in writing and received at least two weeks prior to the week attending.

For immediate questions, please click here to contact our summer camp.

Saltmarsh Sparrow