Today is the day.
Across Norwalk and Bridgeport, and even soon in Maine, children and teens are arriving for the first day of Carver Summer 2026, launching five weeks of learning, enrichment, adventure, and opportunity.
More than 1,000 young people will participate in Carver summer programs this year, making this one of the organization's largest and most impactful summers yet.
At the new Dr. Ruby Shaw Elementary School, hundreds of children ages 5-13 are beginning their summer camp experience, enjoying a full schedule of academics, recreation, arts, wellness activities, special events, and opportunities to make new friends. For many families, this marks the start of a summer tradition that creates memories lasting long after August arrives.
Students attending After the Bell Enrichment Camp at Jefferson Elementary School will engage in hands-on science, art, marine science, engineering, social-emotional learning, and weekly field trips that transform summer into an exciting learning adventure.
At Kendall Elementary School, approximately 150 students enrolled in After the Summer Bell will continue their day following Norwalk Public Schools Summer School, participating in enrichment activities and receiving quality care through the afternoon hours.
Across Norwalk, rising sixth graders are beginning Carver's Middle School Transition Program, building the academic, organizational, and social-emotional skills needed for a successful start to middle school this fall. Rising ninth graders are similarly preparing for high school through programs designed to strengthen confidence, readiness, and student success.
In Bridgeport, 90 young learners are participating in Kick-Off to Kindergarten across six sites, helping ensure they enter school this fall ready to learn and thrive.
One of Carver's most distinctive summer opportunities is its partnership with The Ecology School in Maine, a multi-year outdoor learning experience that gives students the chance to enjoy a traditional New England sleepaway camp while developing confidence, independence, and leadership skills. This year, the program has been rescheduled from June to August 7–14 due to the extended school year. Held at The Ecology School's River Bend Farm, a historic 105-acre campus situated on a scenic bend of the Saco River just twenty minutes from the Maine coast, the experience immerses students in hands-on environmental education and outdoor adventure. Participants explore forests, fields, rivers, and coastal ecosystems while canoeing, hiking, conducting scientific investigations, and building lasting friendships. Each summer, a new cohort of 25 rising sixth graders attends for the first time and is joined by returning cohorts from previous years, creating a unique progression in which students continue participating each summer through the summer before ninth grade. The result is a powerful four-year experience that combines outdoor exploration, personal growth, environmental stewardship, and youth leadership in a setting unlike anything most students have ever encountered.
The summer excitement will continue throughout the coming weeks. Students will participate in leadership and mentorship programs, enjoy field trips and special activities, and later this summer travel to Maine for an unforgettable outdoor learning experience at The Ecology School.
Behind every program is a dedicated team of educators, counselors, youth development professionals, and community partners committed to helping young people discover their strengths, build new skills, and realize their potential.
Today is more than the first day of camp.
It is the beginning of thousands of learning experiences, friendships, discoveries, and moments of growth that will shape the summer of 2026.
Welcome to Carver Summer 2026.