Is the IC Summer Camp Right for Your Child? Here’s What to Know

Key Takeaways

• All-in-One Experience: IC Summer Camp blends sports, swimming, arts, and themed activities in one vibrant program.
  
• Designed for Working Families: Flexible scheduling and before/after care options make planning easier for parents.
  
• A Safe, Trusted Environment: Small group sizes and experienced counselors ensure each child is supported and engaged.
  
• Decades of Community Trust: The IC has been a local favorite in Stamford for years, parents return year after year.
  
• It’s More Than Camp: Joining the IC opens doors to youth programs, fitness, swim lessons, and year-round family events.

Choosing the right summer camp is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child’s growth, development, and summertime happiness. If you’re a Stamford-area family looking for a summer camp that offers not only fun but also a strong sense of community, the IC might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re new to the IC or a returning family, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the IC Summer Camp to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your child.

1. Why Summer Camp Matters

Summer camps are more than a way to fill time between school years. They’re formative experiences that foster independence, teach teamwork, build friendships, and encourage kids to try new things in a safe, structured environment.

For working parents, summer camp also provides reliable daytime supervision with enriching activities that promote physical, social, and emotional development.

At the IC, summer camp is an extension of their mission: to bring people together through wellness, sports, education, and community. Their camp programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of children of all ages and abilities.

2. A Variety of Activities

One of the first things parents should look for in a summer camp is a well-rounded program that keeps kids engaged. At the IC Summer Camp, variety is the name of the game.

Each week is packed with different activities, including:

• Swimming in the outdoor pools
• Sports and games like soccer, basketball, and tennis
• Creative time for crafts, music, and performance
• Camp-wide events and themed weeks

This variety ensures that every child, whether athletic, artistic, or somewhere in between, finds something they enjoy. It also helps build well-rounded skill sets in a fun and supportive environment.

3. Age-Appropriate Grouping

Kids have different needs at different ages, and a great camp understands that. The IC Summer Camp is structured to provide age-appropriate programming, with separate groups and activities designed for different developmental stages.

This means your child won’t be lumped into a generic program. Instead, they’ll be surrounded by peers, led by counselors trained to work with their specific age group, and given activities that are just the right mix of fun and challenge.

4. Longstanding Reputation and Experience

When you send your child to camp, you want to know they’re in good hands. With decades of experience running youth programs and a strong track record in the community, the IC is a name Stamford families trust.

The IC Summer Camp has earned its reputation through years of consistent, high-quality programming, and many local families return year after year.

The benefit of this experience? A well-run program, reliable safety protocols, experienced staff, and a strong sense of community built over time.

5. Before and After Camp Options

Camp may start in the morning and end in the afternoon, but your schedule might not. That’s why before and after camp care can be a huge benefit to families.

The IC Summer Camp offers options that allow parents to drop off and pick up their kids outside of standard camp hours. This added flexibility makes it easier to balance work and life, knowing your child is safe and cared for.

Before care and after care programming isn’t just babysitting. It includes additional structured activities that keep kids engaged and supervised in a comfortable, friendly setting.

6. Staff and Counselor-to-Camper Ratios

A key question to ask about any camp: How many kids per counselor?

A lower camper-to-counselor ratio means more personalized attention, better supervision, and a stronger relationship between kids and staff.

The IC prioritizes a low camper-to-counselor ratio to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Their staff is well-trained, enthusiastic, and dedicated to making every camper feel seen, supported, and included.

Many counselors are returning staff members or have grown up through the IC’s own programs, which speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of the camp culture.

7. A Safe and Secure Environment

Safety is always top of mind for parents, and rightly so.

The IC Summer Camp is hosted on a private, secure property in Stamford, offering peace of mind for families. The campus includes well-maintained facilities, outdoor pools, athletic fields, and designated indoor spaces for inclement weather days.

In addition to physical safety, emotional safety is also prioritized. The staff is trained to support children with empathy and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

8. The Community Connection

Unlike some summer camps that are purely transactional, the IC is rooted in community. Campers aren’t just names on a roster—they’re part of a larger family.

This sense of connection can have a big impact, especially for younger children attending summer camp for the first time. Familiar faces, friendly staff, and returning campers help ease transitions and build confidence.

For parents, it also means being part of a supportive local network where your child can continue growing year-round through other IC programs like aquatics, racquet sports, and youth enrichment.

9. Camp Dates and Sessions

Another benefit of the IC Summer Camp is its flexible schedule.

The camp runs in weekly sessions from June 17 to August 9, 2025, allowing families to choose the weeks that work best for them. Whether you’re looking for a full summer of fun or just need coverage for a couple of weeks, the IC gives you options.

With 8 full weeks of programming, you can build a summer that fits your family’s plans and priorities.

10. What Sets the IC Apart

So what makes the IC Summer Camp stand out from the rest?

• Wide variety of engaging activities
• Beautiful, private facilities
• Supportive, experienced staff
• Options for before and after care
• Trusted name in the Stamford community
• Opportunities to stay involved year-round

This combination of fun, flexibility, and community support makes the IC a smart choice for families looking to enrich their child’s summer.

Is It Right for You?

Every child is different, and the best camp for your family will depend on your child’s needs, personality, and interests. But if you’re seeking a camp with a strong sense of community, diverse activities, flexible scheduling, and a stellar reputation, the IC Summer Camp checks all the boxes.

It offers everything you’d expect from a top-tier camp, with the added benefit of being connected to a family-oriented organization that continues to support your child throughout the year.

To learn more, view the full camp schedule, or schedule a tour, visit italiancenter.org/summer-camp or call 203-322-6941.

Give your child a summer they’ll never forget, right here in Stamford.

Camp Specials

We know that planning for summer can add up, so we’re proud to offer a few ways to make IC Summer Camp even more accessible for families:

• Early Bird Discount: Get 3% off when you pay in full by February 27 at 5:00 PM.
  
• Sibling Discount: Enjoy 5% off tuition for each additional sibling, applied to the lowest rate.
  

These offers are a great way to save while securing your spot early for a summer full of fun, learning, and connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can attend the IC Summer Camp?
Children of various ages can attend; check the website for age group eligibility.

Is the camp open to non-members?
Yes! Both members and non-members can register.

What activities are included?
Campers enjoy swimming, sports, arts & crafts, themed events, and more.

Do you offer extended day care?
Yes, before and after care options are available to support working families.

What’s the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Group sizes are kept small to ensure personal attention and safety.

How do I register?
Visit our website or call 203-322-6941.

Is lunch provided?
Campers bring their own lunch unless otherwise noted.

How long has the camp been running?
The IC Summer Camp has a long-standing history in Stamford and a reputation for excellence.

What makes this camp different?
Beyond the fun, it’s the caring staff and strong community atmosphere that make the IC camp special.