The Recreation Camp is a nonprofit summer day camp operating on the Housatonic River in Derby since 1917, open to children entering Pre-K through 7th grade. Campers rotate hourly through swimming, boating, sports and arts-and-crafts/academics, with Red Cross-certified kayaking, canoeing and sailing instruction and a free-choice period ending at 4:00pm. Multi-child discounts and financial assistance are available.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Recreation Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Erin CumminsOnly Camp that all 3 kids will agree on. Oldest is going into his last summer there at 14 and begged to be enrolled for the whole summer because: "This Camp IS my childhood". He wants to come back as a junior counselor next summer. The middle child loves the swim race and freedom this camp gives her to create dance performances or start a small business venture selling crafts etc. The youngest is ALL about the fishing. This is an old fashioned, come home smelling of river water and sunscreen with dirt in your hair, summer camp. It might not be for everyone but my kids love it.
★Yesenia AgostoVery unprofessional I have went two years ago there was this camp counselar that was dressing absolutely innapropriate in front of students and being unprofessional and cussing at students I do not recommend this place because the workers are unprofessional. If you pay for something then it is expected that it is professional this place was not making me and my friends feel unsafe unsatisfactory and unbelievable
★★★★★Nicole Childs JafferMy kids all love this place.
★★★★★Jeffrey FairThank you to all the Recreation camp staff for the Lobster dinner baby
★★★★★katie brownGreat summer and swimming