Update Regarding Summer Camp 2023

Dear Campers and Camper Families,

We appreciate your patience while we have been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming camp season. The planning we do this time of year is critical to the success of our summer programs. One of our biggest focuses is recruiting dedicated and passionate staff necessary to offer high-quality programs with the appropriate support which ensures a fun and safe experience for all.

The immense struggle with staffing continues to be a disappointing reality. After exhausting all potential possibilities to host residential camp at Oak Hill’s two camp locations this summer, we regret to share Camp Harkness and Camp Hemlocks will not run residential camp for the summer of 2023. It is our hope and intention to resume traditional residential camping for the summer of 2024, however, we will also be exploring all ways we can meet your needs through services offered by Oak Hill Camps and Recreation.

In an effort to provide accessible, family friendly activities to our campers, camper families and the community THIS SUMMER, we will be offering alternative recreational opportunities at both camp facilities and on the road! If you or a friend may be interested in:

  • Family/group swim days
  • Camp for the day
  • Overnight camp outs
  • Mobile camp activities brought to group homes, classrooms, and other locations across the state (such as Camp to You)

Contact our Director of Camps and Recreation, Jillian McCarthy at Jillian.McCarthy@OakHillCT.Org or 860-769-3855 for more information!

Please know it is still our focus to create programming that empowers and enhances the lives of our campers. We love camp just as much as you do, and we look forward to seeing you soon. As always, thank you for your continued support!

 Easterseals of Oak Hill Camp Hemlocks:

two friends fishing at the lakeEasterseals of Oak Hill Camp Hemlocks is an accessible, residential summer camp for youth and adults with physical, sensory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in the scenic woods of Central Connecticut. Camp Hemlocks offers a traditional camping experience for campers as young as eight and there is no aging out, allowing campers to attend into adulthood. Activities include swimming in our indoor heated pool, boating and fishing on our 22-acre pond, arts and crafts, nature, archery, health and fitness, and climbing our challenge tower. Camp Hemlocks programming is individually adapted to the needs of each camper to provide them the most enjoyable and successful camp experience possible.

The benefits of summer camp extend beyond the exhilarating activities, campfires, and friendship bracelets. Camp is a place to develop confidence and where social skills flourish. Camp promotes independence. Most importantly, camp is fun! Campers often say that they feel as if they are a part of a family while they are with us. They feel accepted and wanted with people who understand them. Camp Hemlocks is a place where each camper has the opportunity to socialize with old friends and make new ones.

Camper climbing the climbing wall wearing helmet and harnessAt Camp Hemlocks we support the use of assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and creativity to support the needs of each individual camper. We offer the appropriate assistance needed for all campers around mobility, participation in the program, and activities of daily living. New activities and customized support encourages campers to try new things and allows even the most seasoned camper an exciting challenge!

Philosophy and Goals:

People with disabilities have a right to the same opportunities offered to others- to have fun, to try new activities, and to make new friends- in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.

Easterseals of Oak Hill Camp Hemlocks provides opportunities for people with disabilities to develop their potential, expand their abilities, and explore their interests.

If you are interested in a tour and meeting with a member of the camp team to learn more about whether Camp Hemlocks is a good fit for you, please call or email the Camp Director to schedule an appointment!

We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Us:

Jillian McCarthy, Camp Director
Email: Jillian.McCarthy@oakhillct.org
Phone: 860-228-0393 Ext. 4068
85 Jones Street
Amston, CT 06231

If you’d like to be part of making our camper's dreams come true, click here to check out our wish list!

Proud Affiliate:

Easterseals Logo

We are the proud affiliate of Easterseals. For 100 years, Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families. Easterseals affiliates in communities nationwide serve 1.5M people through high-quality programs including autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care and more.