Welcome to the new website for the Camp Harkness Foundation. Please be aware that certain areas of this website are under construction or may not have the most up-to-date information while we work to understand this new system. This site is intended to be an easily accessible and navigable hub of information for the Camp Harkness community. In the case that you find an error or have any technical difficulites, please send us a message by emailing campharknessfoundation@gmail.com so that we can assist in the improvement of our website.
CAMP HARKNESS
FOUNDATION
Waterford, CT
Gardens
Always Growing
The gardens at Camp Harkness are spread throughout the 102-acre property. While they may have more vibrant seasons, they are open for exploration and relaxation year-round. This page will be updated as we work to improve the grounds.
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The Sensory Garden at Camp Harkness is a specialized, accessible garden designed to engage the senses of visitors, campers and individuals. The Sensory Garden was created in 2012 with the help of The New Haven Team at Merrick Pharmaceuticals and is maintained by DDS Horticulture staff, campers, Camp Harkness Foundation and volunteers. This garden includes a variety of plants selected for their unique textures, scents, and visual appeal. Activities in the Sensory Garden include plant-based therapy and interactive experiences that promote relaxation, encourage sensory exploration, enhance cognitive development, boost physical and motor skills, and foster social interactions and inclusion. Overall, sensory gardens provide a therapeutic and inclusive environment where individuals of varying abilities can experience the joy and healing effects of nature.
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In addition to programs run by DDS staff and fundraisers established by the Camp Harkness Foundation, volunteers from the UConn Extension's Master Gardeners lend a hand. ​The Master Gardener program at Camp Harkness is an outreach initiative that combines gardening with therapeutic practices offered as part of our summer camp programs. The Master Gardeners help to maintain the greenhouse and the Brown Cabin garden and raised beds throughout the year. To learn more about the CT Master Gardener program please visit: https://mastergardener.uconn.edu/
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Programs in the Gardens
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Butterfly Education
Literacy in the Garden
Literacy in the Garden is an educational initiative that combines the enjoyment of reading with the benefits of outdoor learning. This program encourages individuals to read in a natural,
open-air setting, such as a garden, while also exploring nature-themed books and engaging with the environment.
Therapeutic Gardening
Our Therapy Gardening Practices are structured initiatives that use the process of gardening to improve and promote physical health, enhance mental well being, build social connections, increase cognitive function, foster emotional & creative expression, and connect with nature.
Faerie Doors
There's a little magic hidden in our gardens! Keen eyes may spot faerie doors tucked in among the flowers thanks to the artists of the Wee Faerie Village at the Florence Griswold Museum. Join us to celebrate the arrival of new doors each July.
Painted Rock Garden
Our Painted Rock Garden is a wonderful, low-maintenance, and inclusive alternative to a traditional garden. It provides an accessible, creative outlet for individuals with disabilities, while offering cognitive, physical, and emotional benefits. By using rocks as a medium, it removes many of the barriers that might prevent individuals with disabilities from enjoying or maintaining
a traditional garden, while still providing many of the positive effects associated with nature and artistic expression.
Virtual Garden Games
Virtual Gardening Games can offer a variety of benefits for individuals with disabilities, providing a therapeutic and enjoyable way to engage with nature. These games also promote cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. They offer a creative and accessible way for people to engage with gardening without the physical limitations of real-world gardening, all while providing relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
Fundraising
Throughout the year, Camp Harkness hosts several events that celebrate and raise money for the improvement of the grounds and gardens. Want to support? Keep an eye out for news on our Magic of the Faeries and Camp O'Lantern events!
Summer Camp Programs
The Summer Gardening Program is designed to help individuals connect with nature while reinforcing important academic concepts. Through planting, cultivating, and harvesting, campers
engage in experiential learning that promotes creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and an understanding of science, math, and sustainability.
Work-Study Programs
An educational opportunity that
combines hands-on experience in horticultural practices with academic learning. These
programs are designed to provide students with practical skills, professional development, and a
deeper understanding of the theory behind horticulture and therapeutic gardening practices.
- classes offered youth through adult -
Interested in helping out around the gardens?
Volunteer with CT DDS
Volunteers in the garden play a crucial role in helping maintain and enhance garden spaces at Camp Harkness. Their involvement not only supports the garden’s growth but also promotes a
sense of community, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning. Volunteers in the garden are vital to the success of any gardening project. They help build, sustain, and enrich gardens through their labor, time, and passion. In return, they benefit from the joy of learning, physical activity, and social connection, all while making a positive impact on the environment and the community. Whether planting, maintaining, or educating others, volunteers bring life and energy to the garden and contribute to its continued growth and success. To learn more about
how you can volunteer at Camp Harkness please contact us at 860-443-7818 or email campharknessfoundation@gmail.com.
We would love to hear from you!