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December 13, 2024

West Hartford children’s nonprofit pays $3.5M for 138-acre former Channel 3 Kids Camp

CoStar A portion of the former Channel 3 Kids Camp in Coventry and Andover.
By Michael Puffer

The Channel 3 Kids Camp provided a camping experience for disadvantaged children from across Connecticut and beyond for more than a century before its closure in 2022 amid financial challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, that mantle will be taken up by the West Hartford-based nonprofit The Justice Education Center, which recently paid $3.5 million for the camp’s 138-acre property along the Skungamaug River in Coventry and Andover.

“The overwhelming goal is to make sure that every child in Connecticut who wants to have a camp experience is able to have one,” said Sherry Haller, executive director of The Justice Education Center.

Sherry Haller

The West Hartford nonprofit provides educational and intervention programs for children in crisis, at-risk youth and those involved with the juvenile justice system, as well as their families. Its roughly $15 million annual budget comes from federal and state government sources, foundations and charitable giving.

The new camp won’t be restricted solely to the nonprofit’s clientele, Haller said. The current plan is to open it broadly to any child who wants a camp experience, and to work with other nonprofits and agencies who will bring their own groups.

Haller said she also plans to rent the camp occasionally for corporate retreats, which will raise funds to help support operations. The Justice Education Center is working on developing a funding stream through grants, donations and partnerships with corporations.  

The purchase price was covered by a state grant, Haller said.

“We are so grateful to Gov. Lamont, the leadership in the Connecticut General Assembly and to the bond commission for providing funds to purchase this camp,” Haller said. “They recognize how important it is for every kid to have a camping experience. We are thrilled to be in a position to carry that forward.”

Mario Longobucco and James McCall, of Coldwell Banker Commercial Realty, were the listing brokers.

The property has cabins and recreation buildings, as well as a recently refurbished pool, zipline, climbing wall and ropes course. The Justice Education Center will repair and update much of this infrastructure. The group also plans to make many upgrades to the facilities.

The Justice Education Center will install a new pottery kiln, culinary arts kitchen and create an enlarged greenhouse and raised planting beds so children can learn about horticulture and sustainability. Haller is also hoping to add facilities for a therapeutic horseback riding program. The new "Inspire Camp," will also offer a full range of traditional camp activities, like swimming, sports, arts, crafts, theater and music. 

A 4.2-mile trail system will be upgraded to allow for access by mobility impaired children, including specialty access to fishing spots. Catering to children with disabilities will be a big focus.

A panel of camp and youth experts has begun working on an operations plan. Haller plans to fully reopen the camp for the summer of 2026. There will be some “soft opening” activities in the meantime, she said.

Haller said her group plans to make sure buildings are upgraded with heat and hot water systems to allow for year-round programming.

“Kids today are — partly due to COVID, partly due to social media and violence — facing a lot of trauma,” Haller said. “One of the reasons we want the camp to be year-round is to make sure we have opportunities for kids to recharge throughout the year.”

Companies interested in sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can reach Sherry Haller at (860) 922 3907. 

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