Lakeside, CT
Our Lakeside site at Camp Washington boasts 300 acres of woodlands in the Litchfield Hills of western Connecticut, filled with hidden gems for students to explore—between its low-lying woodlands, new-growth forests, streams, beaver pond, and vernal pools, this site is a wonderful backdrop for outdoor education.
About the Facility
This 300-acre property has ample opportunities for students to observe how the environment can be altered by those inhabiting it. A trip to the Waterfront Pond allows students to see a human-made dam, while a trip to the beaver pond shows how animals can change the landscape. Students can also visit an old rock quarry to discuss mining operations and see how removing rocks from the land can cause erosion. On the way to the quarry, students can stop by The Snake Pit and see how humans can create habitats for animals with our snake boxes.
Accommodations
We have 10 separate cabins that each house 14 people along with a private room, and a semi-private room for chaperones with one single bed. There is a bathroom inside each cabin which has two toilet stalls, two showers, and a private changing room. This site can host a maximum of 140 people overnight.
Recreation
Kenyon Hall provides a large open space for activities and free time during the day. Students can enjoy our large field in front of the cabins which is ideal for football, soccer, Frisbee, or just running around and playing. We also have a basketball court, volleyball court, foursquare court, and a gaga pit for the students to use.
Mealtime
Our hour-long mealtimes are a wonderful time for students to enjoy some delicious food and get to know their peers, instructors, and teachers. We’re lucky enough to have awesome chefs at all of our sites who have a lot of experience cooking for children. All of our food is kid-friendly and each kitchen can accommodate a variety of allergies/diets including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Additional accommodations for other allergies/diets can be made upon request. Please reach out to us ASAP if you or your student needs additional accommodations!
Health & Wellness
Each of our sites has a fully stocked medical center in case of any emergencies, staffed by a trained medical professional. Additionally, all Nature’s Classroom instructors are trained in First Aid and CPR. They participate in extensive training designed to prepare our staff to execute a program that meets students’ educational, social, emotional, and physical needs. All of our sites are easily accessible by ambulance. We work closely with local and regional officials to ensure we are fully prepared for any emergency situation and we train our staff to effectively execute risk management and emergency plans.
Evening Time
Evenings with Nature’s Classroom are times to reflect and unwind from the day. Teachers and chaperones will determine an appropriate bedtime for students, but we ask that all cabins are quiet by 10:00 p.m., giving folks about an hour and a half after programming ends to relax, take showers, and get ready for bed.
Travel Times
The Lakeside site is fairly remote in west-central Connecticut. About an hour west of Hartford, this site is at least an hour’s drive from other major cities, including Springfield, Massachusetts, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
- Springfield, MA – 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Pittsfield, MA – 1 hour
- Hartford, CT – 1 hour
- New Haven, CT – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Still curious as to what students get up to for five fun-filled days? Here’s a sample schedule! Please note that some activities and times may differ slightly based on the site, but this sample schedule gives you a good idea of what our week looks like.