Traditional Day Camp (Ages 6-12) and includes:

Riding

Under the direct supervision of our licensed instructors, the riding program caters to the different levels of instruction based specifically on your child's ability. During daily one-on-one riding lessons, campers work with an individual riding instructor who provides not only personalized attention, but encouragement for first time riders and challenges those who have ridden before. While awaiting their lesson, the group works with a care and management instructor who teaches the children the importance and responsibility of caring for horses. At the completion of each two week session, every camper receives a signature, commemorative photo while on horseback. For riding, all Day Campers are required to supply long pants and hard soled leather boots with heels (ankle high is enough).

Work boots are ideal and worn by most children in lieu of actual riding apparel. ASTM/SEI certified helmets are supplied.

Project Soar

Project Soar is an adventure activity designed to challenge all age levels. A carefully planned obstacle course was created to encourage games of the mind. Highly qualified instructors assist the children on an individual basis as well as with group aptitude. Having been part of the camp curriculum since 1988, Project Soar was designed to reinforce important skills of team building, confidence, balance, and a challenge towards personal success.

The challenges the campers face at Project Soar are designed to strengthen each child's outlook of themselves. Each age group follow a different curriculum as campers return each summer, giving opportunity to advance climbing abilities and master new & familiar elements. Our course concludes of a 30 ft. climbing tower, super zip-line, multi-vine, and vertical pen to name a few. The ultimate goal is navigating a series of elements leading to the 875ft Field Zip Line. The camp is proud of its advanced facility, with the very best equipment: Petzel helmets of all sizes for every camper, stainless steel carabiners, harnesses, and belay devices that are known as the best in the world among climbers.

Swimming

Adhering to the guidelines set forth by the American Red Cross, each staff member is required to obtain certification to become part of the PFDC pool staff. When the camper groups arrive at swimming they are subdivided into smaller groups which enables each instructor to focus on the skill development of your child thus creating an atmosphere for individual attention and progress.

Campers attend morning swimming lessons which include all levels under Red Cross standards. Each child receives a certification card or progress chart at the completion of their session. We are also able to provide a second swim period where campers engage in organized games using noodles, kick boards, water balls, etc. Even though it is a non-instructional swim time, our Water Safety Instructor (WSI) staff are always available so children may use this time for additional help, practice strokes or even improve upon diving skills.

Art

Clever, experienced instructor inspire fascinating projects such as collage, print making, sculpture, painting, tye-dying, wood burning, masks, puppets, multi-media, and recycled materials projects. The art program is designed specifically for each session, so that children attending more than one session do not repeat projects. Special surprise projects are frequently presented by outside professionals featuring multi-day guidance, resulting in expert quality crafts. Art is a quiet time that encourages dexterity and creativity while socializing with staff, Jr. Leaders and peers. All supplies are provided and major art projects are distributed at the sessions closing ceremony.

Nature

This creative program includes outdoor environmental projects and games while encouraging and teaching ways to appreciate our habitat. The activities include but are not limited to: gardening, hiking, wilderness games, orienteering, animal/bird education identification, survival techniques, and environmental issues. Hands on projects result in inventive crafts using a combination of natural products, many of which are collected on the property, i.e. broom making, potpourri, herbed sun tea, and hand-made paper, to name a few.

The Nature Garden which is planted and tended by the campers has successfully produced an abundance of herbs and vegetables that are integrated into the Nature Program. Homemade Salsa and Vegetable Wraps are favorites from the vast assortment which have included: tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, celery, corn, lettuce, broccoli, eggplant, swiss chard, green beans, and even strawberries! To flavor all these campers can harvest oregano, mint, basil, dill, and parsley. A smorgasbord for all!

Archery

Archery provides a challenging and rewarding activity for all the Day campers, including our Barnyard Buddies! In 2021 the Archery program underwent a major upgrade and proved to be a favorite activity by all. Our program was revamped by our Professional director Jamie Lamoureaux, purchasing new equipment consisting of compound bows and changing our program to follow the instruction of USA Archery. Jamie certified our Staff and was actively involved in coaching our staff as well as maintaining the equipment.

Campers are properly outfitted with protective gear provided by the camp program. A popular sport that requires concentration, patience and thoughtful timing to successfully achieve goals. Another developmental skill taught at camp that our children benefit greatly from over the course of their session. This activity is part of the traditional day camp and no specialty program participates in this activity.

Game ON

Staff concentrate on involving campers of all ages to increase their exercise levels in fun and fulfilling ways. No more sitting on the bench; this is real life games that will have the group running and laughing while playing some of their favorite games in unconventional ways. Anyone for a game of Quidditch? How about Frisbee Bowling? Campers will be surprised by the variety of choices from which they can choose for this daily activity all under the guise of FUN. It’s never too hot when there is water cannon target practice! What freedom for creativity that everyone will be able to enjoy!!

Theater-Dance-Music

Our theater program consists of talented, versatile staff who design unique programs that will cater to the varied age groups and interests of the campers. These resourceful instructors incorporate fascinating dances, songs or skits into the daily schedule depending on the groups suggestions and interests.

Younger campers will concentrate on shorter, less involved skits whereas the older children may experience more in-depth programming. In addition to their daily theater games each group practices throughout the week. On the final Friday of each session, these routines are presented by all the camper groups on the TDM stage at the sessions closing ceremony. Parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to attend these creative performances concluding with the distribution of camper certificates, Jr. Leader, Jr. Wrangler recognitions and staff appreciation. A pleasant, constructive way for all to say goodbye to old and new camp friends.

Barnyard Buddies

The Barnyard Buddies program is for children 4-5 years old as of March 1. Buddies are involved in the same activities as the Day Camp; however, activities and scheduling may be modified to meet the needs of your camper. Each of our daily activities foster learning new skills, practicing co-ordination, exercise and fun without the stress of competition. Lead by our Barnyard Buddies Director versed in childhood development, these younger campers are afforded additional individual attention and assistance for them to successfully complete a full day of activities. The ultimate goal of this introduction to camp is the cultivation of a sense of accomplishment, increased independence and self-esteem.

Junior Leaders

Pompositticut Farm Day Camp offers 13 –15 yr. olds the Jr. Leader program for 8 weeks during the summer months. This mentoring program is designed for both previous campers and teens who have not attended camp, to learn more about the camp experience and to become informed caregivers, leaders, and potential future employees. Jr. Leader program are the same weeks of the camper sessions and are expected to be in attendance daily from 8:15am-3:15pm, Monday thru Friday. Each teen is also required to display self-motivation, independence and respectful behavior. Through the staff and director, we offer guidance and leadership advice to assist each teen to discover, improve upon, and acquire skills they may use in the future, whether it be in camp, in college or in their future employment. We offer a Scholarship for returning Jr. Leaders. We welcome all local teens and encourage friends to join as camp nurtures friendships.

Having been in operation since 1980, Pompositticut Farm Day Camp has mentored teens from numerous communities, many of whom began as young campers and progressed into the Jr. Leader program. Pomp has a high retention rate of our staff, we do have opportunities for our 16 & 17 year olds. Those older teen who have been involved in the Jr. Leader program for several years may continue their mentoring, with a focus on acquiring skills for a future position. A portion of these teens have subsequently been hired as full staff, continuing through their years in college and beyond. PFDC can boast of many past campers and Jr. Leaders having been recognized as “Future Leaders” nominated through the local schools and featured in area newspapers.