CT Camping Association

For residents of Connecticut, the call of the wild is never far. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a family looking to create lasting memories, or a parent seeking enriching experiences for your children, the world of camping in our beautiful state offers an abundance of opportunities. When embarking on such adventures, having a trusted resource is invaluable, and that's precisely where the Connecticut Camping Association (CCA) steps in. More than just a directory, the CCA is a cornerstone of the camping community in Connecticut, dedicated to promoting high-quality, safe, and engaging camping practices for everyone.

The Connecticut Camping Association is a non-profit organization that has been the voice of organized camping in Connecticut since 1965. Its core mission revolves around furthering the interests and welfare of children and adults through camping as an educational and recreational experience. This commitment translates into a vital role in ensuring that camping experiences across the state meet rigorous standards of safety and quality. They work in close partnership with key regulatory bodies and professional associations, providing peace of mind for anyone looking to connect with nature in Connecticut.

Unlike a single campground, the CCA serves as a comprehensive resource, connecting you to a vast network of diverse camping options. From rustic tent sites tucked away in serene forests to full-service campgrounds with a plethora of amenities, and even specialized youth camps designed for growth and development, the CCA helps you navigate the rich landscape of Connecticut's outdoor offerings. It’s an indispensable starting point for planning your next adventure, ensuring you have access to reputable and well-managed facilities that truly embody the spirit of Connecticut’s natural beauty.

The Connecticut Camping Association’s administrative hub is located at 565 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278, USA. While this address serves as their central point for operations and inquiries, it is crucial for locals to understand that the CCA itself is not a physical campground where you can set up a tent. Instead, it functions as an umbrella organization and a vital resource for the entire camping community throughout Connecticut.

Ashford, Connecticut, where the CCA is based, is a town situated in Windham County, in the northeastern part of the state. This location places the association centrally within a region known for its rural charm, natural beauty, and numerous state parks and forests, making it a fitting home for an organization dedicated to promoting outdoor experiences.

For Connecticut residents, accessing the information and resources provided by the CCA is primarily through their official website, phone contact, or by mail. While a physical visit to their administrative office might not be necessary for most inquiries, the central location in Ashford ensures good accessibility for those who might need to engage with the association directly for specific matters, such as board meetings or professional development events. Driving to Ashford from various parts of Connecticut is generally straightforward, with access via state routes. The intent of the CCA is to be a statewide resource, making its information readily available to all Connecticut residents, regardless of their proximity to Ashford. The accessibility of their information online is what truly serves the broad local community, allowing anyone with an internet connection to explore their extensive directory of member camps and resources from the comfort of their home.

• Camp Directory: The CCA maintains an extensive online directory of member camps across Connecticut, making it easy for individuals and families to find licensed and inspected camping options, including residential camps, day camps, and ACA-accredited facilities.
• Promotion of Good Camping Practices: The association actively promotes safe and responsible camping practices, working to ensure that all member camps uphold high standards for camper well-being and environmental stewardship.
• Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: The CCA works closely with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), whose licensed camps are inspected annually, and the American Camp Association (ACA), which provides a voluntary accreditation process based on hundreds of comprehensive standards for safety and quality.
• Professional Development: For camp professionals and staff, the CCA offers a vibrant peer community, fostering professional development through training opportunities, meetings, and shared experiences. This includes vital training on topics like medication administration, water safety, and mental health support.
• Advocacy for Camping: The CCA acts as an advocate for the camping industry in Connecticut, addressing legislative matters and ensuring that the interests and welfare of campers and camps are represented at the state level. They often provide testimony on bills related to youth safety and well-being in camping settings.
• Scholarship Programs: The association supports scholarships, such as the Allen Beavers Memorial Professional Development Scholarship and the Bernie Moore Scholarship, to aid in the professional growth of individuals within the camping community.
• Networking Opportunities: They facilitate networking among camp leaders and professionals, allowing for the exchange of best practices and collaborative efforts to enhance the overall camping experience in Connecticut.
• Resources for Camps: The CCA provides valuable resources for its member camps, including updates on industry standards, legal guidance, and best practices for operations and program delivery.

• Non-Profit Mission: As a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the CCA is driven by a commitment to the welfare of campers and the advancement of quality camping, rather than profit. This ensures their focus remains on beneficial outcomes for the community.
• Strong Partnerships: Their close collaboration with the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the American Camp Association (ACA) is a significant highlight. This demonstrates a dedication to meeting and often exceeding state licensing requirements and voluntary national accreditation standards, ensuring a high level of safety and quality at member camps.
• Comprehensive Safety Focus: The CCA actively advocates for and promotes comprehensive safety measures within member camps, including supporting appropriate background checks for staff and providing training on critical health and safety protocols like Epi-Pen administration and suicide prevention. This shows a proactive approach to camper well-being.
• Advocacy for Children's Mental Health: The association has been vocal in addressing the increasing mental health challenges faced by children and young camp staff, advocating for resources and support systems to be integrated into summer camp environments. This highlights a modern and compassionate approach to camping.
• Diverse Member Camps: The CCA represents a wide array of camping experiences, from traditional residential summer camps and day camps to specialized programs focusing on arts, nature, or specific skills. This diversity ensures options for every family's needs and interests.
• Professional Community for Camp Leaders: Beyond supporting campers, the CCA is a vital hub for camp professionals, offering a robust peer community that fosters professional growth, networking, and the sharing of best practices. This strengthens the quality of leadership within Connecticut's camps.
• Educational and Recreational Focus: The core purpose of the CCA is to promote camping as both an educational and recreational experience. This dual focus ensures that campers not only have fun but also gain valuable life skills, knowledge, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
• Historical Legacy: Active since 1965, the Connecticut Camping Association has a long-standing history and deep roots within the state's outdoor and youth development landscape, signifying a stable and reliable resource.

The Connecticut Camping Association (CCA) operates as a non-profit membership organization for camps and camping professionals, rather than a commercial campground offering direct camping stays to the public. As such, the CCA itself does not offer promotions, discounts, or special offers in the traditional sense of a retail business or a direct-to-consumer campground.

Instead, the "value" or "special offer" from the CCA comes in the form of the resources and services it provides. For local residents in Connecticut, the primary "promotion" is the assurance that when you search for a camp through the CCA's directory, you are accessing a curated list of facilities that are either licensed by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and regularly inspected, or also accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which involves meeting hundreds of voluntary standards for safety and quality. This acts as a significant value proposition, as it simplifies the process of finding reliable and reputable camping experiences for your family or group.

For its member camps and professionals, the CCA offers ongoing value through:

• Access to professional development opportunities, sometimes with associated fees for workshops or events, but often at member-exclusive rates.
• Networking events and conferences designed to share best practices and foster collaboration.
• Advocacy at the state level to support the camping industry and ensure favorable regulations.
• Eligibility for scholarships for professional growth within the camping field.

Any direct camping promotions (such as discounted stays, seasonal rates, or special packages) would be offered by individual campgrounds that are members of the CCA, not by the association itself. For specific deals on camping, residents should consult the websites of individual campgrounds listed within the CCA's directory or other general camping reservation platforms that feature Connecticut campgrounds. The CCA's role is to connect you with these quality options.

To connect with the Connecticut Camping Association for inquiries regarding member camps, professional development, or general information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 565 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278, USA

Phone: (203) 308-3821

Mobile Phone: +1 203-308-3821

For the most up-to-date information, including their comprehensive camp directory and details on events or specific programs, visiting their official website is highly recommended. The CCA's team is dedicated to assisting the Connecticut community in navigating the world of camping and ensuring enriching experiences for all.

For residents across Connecticut, the Connecticut Camping Association (CCA) is an indispensable resource, acting as a trusted guide and advocate for quality outdoor experiences right in our own state. It's not a single campground, but rather the central hub that ensures the integrity and excellence of countless camping opportunities available to us. This makes the CCA exceptionally suitable for locals for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, the CCA simplifies the often overwhelming task of finding a suitable camping destination. With Connecticut boasting a diverse range of state parks, forests, and private campgrounds, knowing where to start can be daunting. The CCA’s commitment to listing OEC-licensed and ACA-accredited camps provides an immediate filter, offering peace of mind that the facilities listed meet stringent safety and quality standards. For parents, this is particularly reassuring when selecting a summer camp for their children, knowing that a respected organization has vouched for the camp’s operational integrity and commitment to well-being.

Secondly, the CCA plays a crucial role in promoting responsible and enriching outdoor engagement. By advocating for "good camping practices," they encourage environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for Connecticut’s natural beauty. This aligns perfectly with the desires of many locals who cherish our state’s trails, forests, and waterways. Whether you're looking for a rustic tent site to truly immerse yourself in nature or a cabin with more amenities for a family gathering, the CCA points you towards places that are well-maintained and committed to preserving our natural heritage.

Finally, the CCA fosters a vibrant community around camping. Through their professional development programs for camp staff and their advocacy efforts, they continually work to elevate the standard of camping experiences available in Connecticut. This means that as locals, we benefit from a network of well-trained professionals and a camping industry that is constantly striving for improvement. Their focus on areas like mental health support for campers demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that directly benefits the well-being of our community's youth. In essence, the Connecticut Camping Association serves as our collective partner in outdoor adventure, ensuring that every camping trip, whether a day visit or an extended stay, is safe, rewarding, and truly representative of the best Connecticut has to offer.

CT Camping Association

565 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278, USA